Sunday Sunlight

The setting sun illuminates jet contrails over our campsite across from "The Tabernacle" rock formation on the San Juan River on September 19.

 

Three-4-Thursday

Four Corners Monument

Mike Scudday, Zoltan Mraz, and Michael Portman are amused by a tourist's elegant pose.  In a new version of the Twister game, each of her four appendages is touching a different state:  Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

There was no shortage of parking spaces.

Zoltan studies the Navajo crafts.  He ended up purchasing a pottery vase with a nice Navajo design.  Lovely, just ... lovely.

OK, I know I've limited myself to three photos for these Thursday posts.  But, since this is about Four Corners, I think adding one more just this once is appropriate.  Besides, Joline's only helpful advice for our trip was to be sure to try the Indian fried bread.  Unfortunately, this concession stand wasn't open during our visit.

 

Wednesday Wildlife

From its perch at the top of the Honaker Trail, a long-nosed leopard lizard seems to enjoy the view of the San Juan River over 1,200 feet below. 

This omnivorous species (Gambelia wislizenii) is well-known for its hunting prowess.  A fast ambush predator, its diet includes small snakes and lizards almost as big as itself, including those of its own species.  I can't be sure that this one wasn't sizing me up.

 

Two-4-Tuesday

San Juan River Campsites

After six nights sleeping in my tent, I decided to go minimalist at our campsite at Slickhorn Canyon.  Even without the tent, the sleeping bag liner by itself was sufficient, and the sleeping bag stayed in its red sack.

Our last night was spent at Oljeto Wash.  We had our first significant clouds of the trip, so out came the rainfly for the first time.  A good thing, too, since there were a few spatters of rain that night.  This view is looking upstream at the San Juan River, with Oljeto Wash entering the river from the right.  The tributary is sometimes referred to as Moonlight Creek ("Oljeto" is Navajo for "moonlight"). Oljeto Wash originates in Arizona, and some claim that my hike the next day may have taken me that far.

 

Sunday Sunlight

 

The setting sun lights up a bluff at Ghost Ranch.  This is Zoltan's and my view as we head home after four nights on the Rio Chama in August of this year. The photo was taken at the intersection of Forest Road 151 and U. S. Highway 84, about five miles from where our river trip concluded at Big Eddy Takeout.

Note:  Click on image to enlarge.

  

Three-4-Thursday

What Happens on the San Juan River ...

Chinle Wash

 

 

 

 

An unexpected sighting on top of the ridge high above Chinle Creek, in an area above the top-most cliff dwelling.

We can only speculate as to what happened to the ancient peoples who once inhabited this area.  They left only a few clues behind.  

Slickhorn Gulch 

 

What were you expecting to see in the plunge pools of Slickhorn Gulch?  Water nymphs?  I found no bathing beauties -- only Zoltan, Michael, and Mike attempting to rinse off some of the river sand, mud, and dust accumulated over the prior seven days.

   

Wednesday Wildlife

 

A caracara strikes a regal pose during a presentation by the "eagle lady" at Guadalupe River State Park on January 11, 2009.

Susan, on the other hand ...