Morning walk~~Nature Notes 051310

I took these pics on my early morning walk. I try to walk for 20 minutes before school at least 3 mornings a week. Mondays aren't good...I'm too frazzled and rushed to even think clearly! But, Tuesday and yesterday I was able to do my morning walk. It clears my head before a busy day with third graders! Nature Notes for May 13, 2010

More Las Vegas pics~Outdoor Wednesday 051210

More pics from Red Rock Canyon, which is right outside of Summerlin, in Las Vegas. When we visit LV, we always stay in Summerlin. We went a couple of weekends ago so that I could attend a mustang training clinic in Sandy Valley. I see why it is called Sandy Valley! There is a huge sand dune or dry lake there. On our way home, after we left Red Rock Canyon, we both glanced over toward Sandy Valley (it was windy that day) and saw sand swirling up into the sky! Outdoor Wednesday for May 12, 2010.

Palm Desert Visitor Center ~ That's My World 051110

I always love strolling through the Palm Desert Visitor Center's garden. It is interesting to watch it through the seasons. Right now the ocotillos are in full bloom and the prickly pear has also blossomed. May in the desert is a great time for many plants and I'm heading out to the Living Desert Reserve one afternoon to see what is blooming there! We have been fortunate (**knock on wood**) to have a fairly cool May. I remember last May...temperatures were in the 100's and we were (shudder) running our air conditioner almost daily! ACK! This May, we haven't even turned it on! YEAH! My aunt and uncle just moved here to Sun City from San Diego and they enjoy opening their windows and letting the cool morning air in every morning. That's My World for Tuesday, May 11, 2010. But, alas...SUMMER'S COMING!

Bobcat~Sunday stills Challenge 051010

This bobcat is one of the ones at the Living Desert Reserve in Palm Desert, CA. I have actually seen two in the wild in our local mountains. The first time was when I was driving down the mountain and I glanced out the window into a wash. Yup. There was a bobcat right there! Another time, I was up in Garner Valley visiting my cousin and as I turned the corner to go to her house, I glanced down into a little wash with a culvert (I'm always glancing down)...and yup, there was a beautiful one! I quietly stopped my car, grabbed my camera, tiptoed over to the wash, and got one photo before he quietly and quickly went through the culvert. I knew he would come out the other side, so I waited and there he was! Once he glanced up and saw me, however, he took off!!! Unfortunately, I don't remember now which folder those pics are, but these are so much closer and better! Aren't they a beautiful animal? Nice kitty, kitty! Sunday Stills Challenge for May 10, 2010.

Late afternoon at Lake Mead, NV~SkyWatch Friday 050910

The afternoon that hubby and I drove from Las Vegas out to the Valley of Fire, I wanted to also drive down and see Lake Mead. One boat landing was closed because the lake was so low. But, there was a beautiful sunset that evening and I liked looking out past the lake to the desert beyond. Skywatch Friday for May 7, 2010.

Valley of Fire~Outdoor Wednesday 050510

Valley of Fire is such an incredible place! We will be returning there in June, after school is out. We're taking our daughter and son-in-law with us so they can view it. Here are some views of the valley. Outdoor Wednesday for May 5, 2010.

Busy night in the desert!!! Valley of Fire state park, Nevada

Hubby and I took the weekend off to drive to Las Vegas, NV. There was a horse clinic there which I audited Saturday morning, so that afternoon we decided to drive out to the Valley of Fire state park. We had never been through the park before and what a treat for our eyes! WOW! Anyway, at one point, we were ready to drive through the Rainbow Valley area and we stopped at a rest area. A wedding party was having their pictures taken, so we wandered down across the road to admire the view of the colorful valley below. I couldn't help but notice all the little animal tracks in the soft sand. Aren't they interesting? If anyone could help me identify them, please let me know what/who they are! It must have been a busy night up there the night before last!