Jetboat ride, Moab, Utah

When we checked into our campground, our hosts gave us a $5 off coupon for a jetboat ride on the Colorado, so off we went to the company.  We were really excited about the ride.  We got up Wed morning and arrived for our trip at 7:30.  Our trip was supposed to be 34 miles down the river, however, about 19 miles down the river, the boat broke down so a bus had to come and pick us up.  The company gave us our money back.  Really sad, cause our guide was really great.  So the pictures I have are of the first 19 miles.  Would do it again.

Our guide working on the motor.

great shadows.

poison spider arch

jug handle arch

petroglyphs

Durango Silverton Train 2012

We thought about taking the train to Silverton the first time we visited Durango, but ran out of time.  I’m really glad that we waited to ride the train until this year as we were able to take advantage of the new historical train.  This ride includes a character from the early days of Durango, Silverton.  We were provided with a wonderful narrative on the way up and back.  I highly recommend this tour if they continue it.  Just before we arrived back into Durango, we were mooned by 5 teen-agers.

 

our guide on the way up was Mrs. Pinkerton.  Her family provided butter, cream, and milk to the town of Silverton.  Sold butter for $1 a pound.

Our guide on the way back was Mrs. Cotton.  Her husband was an engineer.  This lady is the great-grand-daughter of the real Mrs. Cotton.  Lots of great stories.

rainbow caused when the engineer does a blow-out.  Mrs. Pinkerton let us know that this was going to happen so we could have our cameras ready.

Missionary Ridge  named by the Civil War Veterans who fought in the battle of Missionary Ridge.

Durango Silverton Train Museum

While waiting to catch our train to Silverton, we were able to tour the small museum near the station.  Not very large, but enjoyable and free.

Bar D Dinner, Durango, Co

We always enjoy going to cowboy shows.  The Bar D show in Durango was lots of fun.  Good music and good food.

This gentleman began the Bar D show many years ago.

Beaver’s Bend, Ok 2012

Gary and I were the only ones who made it to Beaver’s Bend this year.  We had a great time, but really missed our friends who usually camp with us.  Gary caught 102 fish in the week that we were there.  Too hot for us though.  Need to make this trip earlier in the year.

Gary caught this albino trout.

camp visitor

Birding Feb-March 2012

One of my favorite hobbies is birding.  I spent lots of time birding in Feb and March with 2 of the best birding friends a person can have.  Most of the birding spots were near Aransas Pass, Texas.  When watching birds I always marvel at one of God’s most wonderful creations.  Watching birds has only reinforced my belief in the fact that God created all and that we, animals, fish, or  birds, did not evolve from one creature which began in the sea, grew legs, and eventually lived on dry land.  Each bird’s bill fits the habit of that bird in what it eats.  Just compare the beak of a pelican to the beak of a hummingbird.  Hope you enjoy the pictures.  I sure had lots of fun taking them.  Click on the blue link for more photos

great blue heron on the beach at Port Aransas

This was the first time I saw a black skimmer

Rosette spoonbill and snowy egret.  Looks like they are having a conversation.

blue winged teal

northern harrier (marsh hawk) in flight

Laughing gull survivor

Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi, Texas

Our first visit to the Texas State Aquarium and we were not disappointed.  We enjoyed the fish exhibits and the dolphin and flight show.  Our friend Jan, was chosen to help with the dolphin show, she even got to kiss a dolphin.  Our friend, Sandy, was chosen to help with the flight  show.  Had lunch at the snack bar downstairs.

sea horses

lion fish

International Wildlife Museum, Tucson, Arizona 2012

This was our second visit to the International Wildlife Museum.  We enjoyed it again.  They have lots of wildlife movies and I know I could spend my day just watching the movies.  Love the butterfly collection.

rhino shot by Roosevelt.