Sunday, January 9, 2022

Bryce Canyon Again

I never tire of heading back to Bryce Canyon. There are many miles of trails; I don't think I'll ever hike all of them. I wanted to add pictures from another trip I took to Bryce. The area definitely looks the best when there's cloud cover. The shadows from the clouds passing overhead make the canyon look wonderful.

Enjoy the pics. Feel free to download and print for personal use if you wish. Please do not sell or distribute. These pictures are not free for commercial use.

Click each picture to view the full size.






























Monday, December 27, 2021

Spring Mountain Waterfalls in Las Vegas

Did you happen to visit the Spring Mountains in Las Vegas during the rain just before Christmas in December of 2021? Did you see the waterfalls in Oak Creek Canyon? Unless you hiked in, or don't know where they exist then you likely missed them. The following pictures will give you an idea of where to look next time it rains. The waterfall shots are all taken from Blue Diamond Road.

First, take a look at this nice rainbow on the way to the Spring Mountains, it was very nice.


In this next pic you'll see I encircled the falls. The one on the bottom you can just make out and the other two are a little tough to see. I was not able to hike to the falls because of the amount of water running in the wash. Also, these pics were taken with my cell phone.  Click on the images to open a full-sized view.


This next shot is on the mountain to the left. Again I have encircled it because it's a little difficult to see.




This next shot is also at the entrance to Oak Creek looking over to First Creek. There is one waterfall that breaks apart into what looks like three falls. The water falls into two crevasses on the way down and becomes visible in its different stages on the way down.

The next time there's rain in the forecast, plan on hiking in a little way at Oak Creek, not First Creek.  Bring a pair of binoculars for the best views - you will be amazed.

Happy hiking, photographing and viewing everyone


Saturday, July 24, 2021

Lake Tahoe 2021

 Made a trip to Lake Tahoe last month. It was a great getaway. 


If you've never been, you should make the trip. The water is crystal clear. I went out on a paddleboard on this lake for the first time. By the way, if you want to swim or use other light craft be sure to go in the morning - the waves really grow when the wind picks up.

While I was traveling along the coast I paused for a few moments and within a minute there was a school of thousands of little fish swimming around me. I could have used a net and caught hundreds, it was literally fish in a barrel. It was so interesting, I stayed in the spot for about fifteen minutes. They were all popping up to the surface, presumably to much on very tiny items which I could not see.

The fish were about an inch in length, a shiny silver in color, and seemed to have little-to-no fear of my presence. It was quite the moment.



I certainly understand why people want to make Tahoe their home. Strict codes help to keep the area as natural and rural as possible with esthetics to keep the natural theme alive.

The following two pics are from a natural habitat for waterfowl. During the spring and early summer animals such as dogs are not allowed on the paths for fear they will disrupt the natural cycle of life - good for them.



I went on a few hikes in the mountains while in Tahoe. The next couple of shots show where I sighted a few climbers. From my vantage point, there is a gorge with a rushing stream (unseen) below. By looking at the people in the second picture you obtain a sense of the size of the climb.


Something I am very interested in is all the different plant life in the mountains. There's plenty of old and new growth. I did not see any major die-off of trees which is great.








I also took a hike up to Eagle Falls. If you have the chance it's well worth the effort. The rushing water is amazing and the lake at the end is gorgeous. The area is quiet. At the time there were not a lot of people. The hike is not very strenuous.






I also rented an eBike and went on a ride up to Marlette Lake. let me tell you, there's no better way to go mountain biking on steep roads and trails than with a pedal-assist bike, wow. I gracefully passed by people who were huffing and puffing pushing their bikes up the hill. Now I like to reasonably exercise so I used the low power mode until it was absolutely necessary to beef it up. Let me tell you - the bikes are amazing! The bike senses when you're pushing on the pedals and gives you an assist when you don't have the energy yourself.






A view of the e-bike I used. There's hardly any difference between a regular trail bike. The battery pack is not visible.



If you ever have the chance to visit the Tahoe marshlands, by all means, do. It's quite a serene spot. There's plenty of wildlife and fauna. 






In closing, enjoy the sunset and have a great trip.