Saturday, December 26, 2009

Rush of madness over

Now that everyone can sigh in reliefe the best and worst of all holidays is past: Christmas. It amazes me every year how we become so stressed over our expectations in others and ourselves; when it's a time to celebrate the beauty of life.

Did you see the sunrise on Christmas morning? If you didn't here it is for you. My gift.



Destination Phantom Ranch - Made it!



Our Cabin, isn't it pretty?



From outside our cabin. It's like fall the the cottonwoods yellow.

This is the next day; when my left hand was swollen like a blown up glove. I figured I'll go the ranger station and get a cortosone shot. Well, I was surprised by the action.





Last view from the ground as the doctor ordered them to fly me out. I was really surprised - the blisters on my feet, and my calve muscles were sighing in relief.

But I will have to go back down (the Bright Angel Trail!) and do it right by hiking out.

I look forward to the pictures Zac got as he was able to stay on the 2nd night and hiked back up the Bright Angel Trail. Our things were duffled out on the mules.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Adventures begins...

Started at the Kaibab Trail head about 6:30 - it was actually darker when we started this was after a bit.













Oh My! More $%^&*#$ stairs!!!! If I ever get a house there won't be a freaking STAIR in it!



Finally flatter ground; with the patron saint of patience: Zac. Once we got to the ranger station it was such a relieve to have only 200 yards to go and it was uphill!




On the last leg which is all stairs; it is relieved by the beauty of the inner gorge. Amazing.



Our tour guide to Phantom Ranch

Happy Christmas Eve



my first snowman made on my first day of vacation

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Vacation

It's been years since I've taken more then just 2 or 3 days off. Overdue.

The itinerary has changed a little but the basics remain the same;

meet Zak at Las Vegas and spend the night
drive home
do what we can on a limited budget for two days
Hike down to Phantom Ranch
Hike back up (Wish me good luck)
Recuperate
Go to the managers party
Spend one more night at Las Vegas
Come home

Pictures will be forthcoming, in the meanwhile I'll re-arrange, clean the apartment and enjoy just being.

Well my flight out to Las Vegas got cancelled so Zac drove in
We walked and explored, had breakfast at ET and signed up for two nights at Phantom in a cabin
Hiked down - Yeah I made it
Zac hiked up - I got a flight out
Definately recuperated
Enjoyed the managers party - won a toaster oven
Got some great pics at Las Vegas - but I wasn't impressed
It felt good to get home

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Being watched from afar 11/28



Sparring

Morning entertainment - two large beautiful bucks sparring.









I switched to my 300mm lens



















I felt like I was part of a filimg crew on "Wild Kingdom" in my own backyard

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Happy December, I think

Well it is December. Maybe it's because I don't have a tree that I'm just not in the 'spirit'? Dunno. Baby it's cold outside - it really is.

I am looking forward to Vacation with Zak. I've never been to Las Vegas and am a bit unsure as everyone but one person I know has said "you'll love it". I'm certain I'll enjoy the food, escaping canyon food is always a GOOD thing. I'm hoping to get us tickets for a good show and take lots of photos. I'm sure I'll look around goggle-eyed like a true tourist I might as well wear socks with my sandles. The hardest part I'm having is picking out a hotel to stay at; a little more research is called for.

Other things are planned, including hiking, Flagstaff, Sedona and possibly Prescott. There are many things to see and do here in Arizona as there really is anywhere one goes. The main event is of course my back yard; the Grand Canyon; so that's the main thing.

Well this month begins on a busy note and looks to be continuously so throughout the month with various parties and such I will seek comfort, rest and beauty in between when ever I take a concious breath. I hope yours is filled with comfort, rest and beauty with every breath.