Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Stages of a Sunset
The rain finally came to an end, so I thought I’d try to catch tonight’s sunset in the park at the end of the street. When I arrived, I found blue patches of sky hidden under billowy clouds.
It wasn’t long before pale peach colors seeped into the clouds and sky,
before finally giving way to purple and lavender hues.
~ Susanne
Rainy Day Cats
It’s a typical fall day in the Pacific Northwest, with gray skies, steady rain and two cats unable to decide whether to be in or out.
Benji strikes a handsome pose through the screened glass door, apparently waiting patiently.
Tiger has chosen a different spot to make his appeal and looks a bit more desperate.
And so I will let them back in for the third time today. It’s my job.
~ Susanne
Serene Sedona
Last week we visited beautiful Sedona, Arizona, where Oak Creek runs through majestic red rock in the midst of trees ablaze in yellow and gold. All was peaceful and serene.
And so for this week’s Photo Challenge I thought it only fitting to give you these shots of Sedona!
The Grand Canyon
First of all, my apologies to the Grand Canyon. When I did a story a year ago on Favorite National Parks it didn’t even make my list! (See that story here )
Boy was I wrong! Honestly I’d only been to the Grand Canyon once before, some 20 years earlier and it was mostly a drive-by affair. (I don’t think I’m alone in this.) Yes, it was beautiful. But after spending three days at the Canyon last week, I realize you need adequate time to be properly impressed by its splendor. You need to see it from all vantage points and at different times of day. After doing so, I have a greater appreciation of that Grandest of Canyons and it will now find its way near the top of my list of favorite National Parks. Here’s why.
Sunrise
We woke up and watched the sun breaking over the Canyon at Mather Point. It was wonderful.
The South Rim Trail
We spent time walking on the Rim Trail, stopping at overlooks to gaze and ponder; reading the signs and touching the rocks that are over a billion years old. We watched for birds and wildlife, while respecting the canyon and minding our step on the trail. This is nature and it’s wild. (And mostly no guard rails in case you wondered.)
We were fortunate to see a group of Desert Bighorn Sheep hanging out on the cliffs below the rim, nimble-footed, and not afraid of the edge like we were.
We stopped by the Bright Angel Trail, where the really brave folks can ride a mule to the bottom of the canyon. Not us.
Historic Structures and Museums
And we visited many beautiful structures blending into the desert surroundings and reflecting native culture. At the Hopi House you can shop for authentic Native American art and jewelry. A National Historic Landmark, it was designed by architect Mary Colter in 1905, and modeled after buildings at an ancient Hopi Indian village.
And we visited the Lookout Studio, also designed by Mary Colter to resemble the stone dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan tribes of the Southwest.
To the east of the Canyon Village at Desert View, we entered the 70 ft. Watchtower, another Colter design that re-creates the towers built by native peoples. Here were the best views of the Colorado River flowing through the Canyon.
And don’t forget Sunset!
Our first night in the Canyon, we watched the rock begin to glow as the sun went down at Mather Point.
The next night we headed to Yaki Point where we watched as the colors radiated and deepened until they were out of this world!
The Grand Canyon. One of earth’s most inspiring landscapes, displaying billions of years of history in its layered rocks, 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. Grand indeed. Why not go see for yourself?
~ Susanne
All Grown Up
“Wow Benji,” I said. “How you’ve grown! You’re an adult cat now. And so handsome!”
“Aw thanks Sue,” he said.
“But now that I’m here, I don’t really want to be grown up after all! It’s a bit scary you know.”
“Yes I know Benji. Go ahead and stay young. I feel the same way too.”
~ Susanne and Benji
Transformation by a River
Having just returned from the Grand Canyon, it seemed fitting to present this rugged landscape, transformed by the river flowing through it, for this week’s photo challenge.
More stories and pictures to come from the Land of the Sun, the beautiful state of Arizona and its Red Rock Country, after I sort through them all.
Stay Tuned.
~ Susanne
Postcard from Sedona
Spending Thanksgiving week in Arizona and will have much to say upon my return. But until then, I hope you enjoy this postcard from Sedona where all is red and orange and gold.
Susanne
Can I Come?
“Please can I come, Sue?”
“I won’t take up much room, see?!”
~ Benji
Seattle’s Seward Park, Rain or Shine
Perhaps we should have waited for dry weather before visiting this beautiful Seattle Park but after a few stormy days we needed to get out of the house. And so, armed with rain gear and resolve we headed out to the west side of Lake Washington and found Seward Park almost deserted, save for a few brave joggers and dog walkers.
Seward Park sits on the Bailey Peninsula which extends into Lake Washington, and includes 300 acres of old growth forest, miles of hiking trails, shoreline and beaches and picnic areas. We took the 2.4 mile paved loop trail around the perimeter of the park which gave us views of the lake and Mercer Island, and many varieties of trees including douglas fir, madrona, oak, maple, and weeping willow.
Bob and I grew up in Seattle and have childhood memories of picnicking and swimming at Seward Park, and visiting the fish hatchery, which has long since closed down. Neither of us had been here much recently and we were reminded what a special place it is, thanks to our city forefathers.
Seward Park was established by the City of Seattle in 1911, under the comprehensive plan created by the Olmsted Brothers in 1903. The firm was notable for many high-profile projects including the roadways in the Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia National Park, and Yosemite Valley. John Charles Olmsted, the firm’s senior partner was the stepson of Frederick Law Olmsted, considered to be America’s first landscape architect and who designed many notable urban parks including Central Park in New York and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
We’re still enjoying the benefits of the comprehensive plan that not only included Seward Park, but also other gems such as Lake Washington Boulevard, Washington Park and Arboretum, Volunteer Park, Green Lake, Woodland Park and Discovery Park.
We decided to return a few weeks later to explore more of Seward Park, without the rain. Visibility was much better and we were treated to views of Mt. Rainier.
This time we took one of the trails through the center of the park and enjoyed the old growth forest in solitude.
When we emerged from the forest the lake was calm and reflective and we caught a glimpse of the Seattle skyline. It wasn’t so long ago when I spent everyday in one of those skyscrapers, not traipsing around Seattle’s parks. Time for us to reflect too.
~ Susanne
Experimental Tree in Color
I have a favorite tree that I love to photograph during the winter when it is barren and craggy. For this week’s photo challenge I decided to experiment with color and so present this tree to you in two shades.
Aqua
Arctic
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