CA Condors

A thrilling moment for us occurred last Saturday when we visited the Lees Ferry area of AZ. The campground host had told us that we should look for the huge California Condors before we left and to look under the bridge at Navajo Bridge. Before leaving the area, we did just that and discovered 3 birds sitting on a rock ledge. They were birds 70, 73 and a juvenile which couldn't be identified but was tagged. The 3 birds were simply enjoying the sun and we'd have been thrilled to see them fly over the Colorado, but they weren't having any of that. I didn't have the heart to throw something at them. It was still a thrill to see this rare bird. The scene at right is the view of the Colorado from the "old" Navajo Bridge which is now a walkway.

Best of America #4: Roads

I'm always amazed at how much better the US roads are than those we have in Canada. We just spent 1.5 days travelling the I-15 which really ought to be a toll highway so that the Canadians who use it at least pay for some of it! There's construction near Salt Lake City which is a bit of a nightmare - they do ask everyone to slow down to 65 mph through it - but the rest of the road is in great shape. The traffic almost disappears after the junction with the I-84 north of Salt Lake and stays that way until the junction with the I-90 at Butte. Snow and ice did cover one lane of the I-90 on Tuesday so we opted for state highway 200 to get us to Sandpoint. Other than some ice in the shady spots, it was in really good shape. I do think that permitting 70 mph on a two-lane highway with no shoulder is excessive, however. MT was cold with brilliant blue skies as we came north. I'm finding that I can even sleep in the rest areas now on the interstates - had one of my best sleeps "south" just off the I-10 near Las Cruces, NM. All that traffic simply becomes more white noise to lull one to sleep.

America's Best #3: Breakfast

I love to go out for breakfast, especially in the U.S. It's not something that I treat myself to very often, but I did go on Tuesday in Missoula, MT. I chose the Perkins chain because I'd had a pretty good experience in previous years. For the first time ever (likely because it's been my first opportunity), I ordered off the 55 plus menu. I was delighted to be delivered a small omlette with real spinach and real mushrooms that were very lightly and freshly cooked. I also received two smallish pancakes with it and a selection of 3 delicious syrups. It was served on a small plate and was a perfect amount for my appetite. I love the large coffee cups and the fact that a coffee carafe arrives at the table - and it can fill that coffee cup 4 times! My companion for breakfast was Des Kennedy's The Passionate Gardener which I am thoroughly enjoying. The staff were all friendly and polite and my only small complaint would be the lowering of the blinds to keep out that beautiful MT sunshine! Cost of this experience: $7.50 plus tip. Yankee doodle!

Rio Grande

Have finally made it to the Big Bend of the Rio Grande - it's such a small river compared to our raging torrent in the Kootenays. It is lovely, though, and the mountains are most impressive. Last night we had a nearly full moon coming up over the Sierra del Carmen while the sun was setting over the Chisos Mountains. Temperatures are mid-70's and ever so comfortable. All you friends suffering in Canada, I need to tell you that there are mosquitoes! Saw a vermilion flycatcher this a.m. on our walk - so startlingly beautiful.

More of America's Best

Had a lovely walk this a.m. near Moab, UT. We hiked to Corona and Bowtie Arches. The trail was mostly snowfree and the slickrock wasn't in the least bit slick. We had chains to climb up a short steep section and even one ladder. (Sorry, no pictures - Dave forgot the photo cable!) These red rock canyons really are America at its best, in my opinion. The brilliant sun and blue skies are making up for the cold. I also love the fact that I experience about 90 more minutes of daylight than north of 49!

America's Best

There's something about simply crossing the border that can bring a smile to me and that is the ancient art of rural mail delivery. We came across south of Creston and the first thing I noticed stateside was a fellow driving along delivering the mail - it's so wonderfully quaint! I think Canada has done its citizens a disservice by cutting it out, but in SK it hadn't been happening for decades. The rural mailbox at the end of lane has such charm; a superbox on the side of the road near Kootenay Lake has none of it!

Simplicity

I've been out on the back country skis a couple of times this season, but most of the time it's a matter of putting on the cross-country gear or wearing snowshoes. I've got to say that I love the simplicity of the "light" skis and the snowshoes. There's a couple of things to load into the car, about 2 minutes of equipment attire to put on, and you're off. On Dec. 29th, we skied with the "heavy" skis and not using the skidoo did make the procedure pretty simple. I was afraid to ski the cutblock because there wasn't a ton of snow on it, but Andrea and Demitri sure make it look easy! I chose to keep walking up the FS road and enjoyed the ski down in deep enough powder to keep easy control. Every time I go out with only a small amount of equipment, I reflect on how much I enjoy the simpler experience without a lot of extra gear. The snow here is pretty good because the colder weather has made it light and fluffy. The walks through the woods are wintery and exquisite.