Thursday, April 4, 2013
Desert Beauty
The desert makes me feel small. After "A Canyon to Remember", we moved onto a more open spot, in a plateau with cliffs on three sides.
Our normally big Labmobile became a speck on the desert floor.
I rode my bike on a ridge above the campsite with Shyla while the R's ran in a nearby canyon that wasn't open to bikes. The trail along the ridge had intricate rock formations lining its sides.
Shyla was a ball of energy, prancing through the rocks to explore as I pedaled. The two of us never saw another person on our riding route.
We stopped for photos, enjoying the warm sun and gorgeous views.
Shyla was so excited to keep moving that she could barely keep her eyes on me.
So, we explored, without time constraints or worries.
And, after our rides, Shyla wallowed in the red desert dust. I loved how she looked when covered in it!
In the evenings, we watched the full moon rise over the cliffs to our east. You can see the shadow of the cliffs on the red mesa illuminated by the moon in the next photo. You can barely see the stars twinkling through the clouds. The scene looks so bright due to the full moon and a long exposure of a half a minute.
I love the simplicity of life when we are camping and I've come to adore the stark beauty of the desert. I'm lucky that everyone else in our pack loves those same things!
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The dust does suit her so well! Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteThat place is so beautiful! I have a question which may be a bit dumb (I'm a Florida girl, and have never been to the desert), but don't you worry about either you or the pups getting bit by a snake? That's why I can only let Nola off leash at the beach here, too many snakes and gators!
ReplyDeleteNola's Mom
No matter what part of the country she has as a backdrop, she is beautiful....
ReplyDeleteDusty dog = happy dog. Simplicity is always so beautiful to me and MOM. Hey does R like to roll in the dust too?
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
Its wonderful to see Shyla having such a grand time in this new place for her.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how much I would like to be there in person but I do love to be there en photo!
Cheers,
Jo
Timeless...the desert...and love!
ReplyDeleteOh my! What gorgeous pictures!! We are starting out on our trip and I simply cannot wait!! As you said...it's just plain fun being out and about with the "pack"!! Hope you are all enjoying yourselves. Your pictures are spectacular!! Those red rocks are gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a huge playground! It's just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
Geez, I nevers realized exactly how huge da rocks be. Your car certainly put it in perspective.
ReplyDeleteI loves when ya'll go campin' cuz da area is just magnificent.
Puddles
Me too - I wonder about snakes? Have there been any incidents?
ReplyDeleteBut, BEAUTIFUL terrain!! Wow.
Marilyn
I've always wanted to visit desert with the dogs and seeing those pictures is why! I love the vast open spaces to explore. Thanks for sharing a bit of your adventures.
ReplyDeleteTo us it looks like an entirely different world. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking! We sure enjoy going camping with you bcuz these are places we'll never see in real life.
ReplyDeleteShyla is so at home there. You can just see it in her face.
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
A bit of double entendre in that title:) Yes, the desert is beautiful but so is that sweet Shyla.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun camping trip with your dog. She sure looks in her element there!
ReplyDeleteLove it - I SO want to be there! I also wonder about snakes.
ReplyDeleteIt really is breathtaking. Looks like a postcard
ReplyDeleteSnuggles,
Benny & Lily
Amazing pictures! I love that part of the country.
ReplyDeleteYou find the most breathtaking places to camp! And I know just how wonderful it must be to be completely alone out there, just your little family. Aloneness can be a wonderful thing!
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps I have an excessively fertile imagination, but the moment I saw that incredible rock formation, my first thought was that it looks JUST like a gryphon about to take flight. Rocks can create such magical imaginary images. And your photos are just stunning, as always.
One thing that always amazes me about that desert terrain is the seemingly unlikely places that plants are able to grow. Truly one of the wonders of nature.
ReplyDeleteSusan and Wrigs
An immense area I can only imagine, and see for real with your stunning photos. Glad the girl enjoyed the dust and rocks, and you had some healing time . Cheers from Jean
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful pictures (as usual)... LOVE the stars AND the canyon colors!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNow not only am I jealous of your communing in the desert, but you're getting really good at those night shots and star trails, too. Keep up the good work! Don't get rusty like me!
ReplyDelete