Lyon Pride!

Last sunday Leila graduated from beginner puppy training. She was one of 6 dogs in our class (Two of which did not graduate.) and obviously the best looking. She stood proud and serious in her cap as if to say "Bring it on!".

Next on the list, intermediate training. The class will focus on accomplishing tasks with distraction.

We meet at Redrock Canyon

The parents made a quick trip to Las Vegas for a conference so we decided to make the 3+ hour trip northeast for some hiking. We discovered Redrock Canyon just outside of the city.
Inside the visitors center, a window with a view that looked like a panoramic photo.

Where's Waldo? Can you find Cheryl in the photo below?
Dad discovered this squeeze.


We took the Calico Tanks trail; an out and back that was a challenging two miles.

There was a dusting or what was the remnants of snowfall that was surviving thanks to the suns lack of height during the day.

The end of the trail was well worth it. A frozen watering hole and the temptation to throw watermelon size rocks to break the ice. Beyond the trail just a bit further was this nice view of the city.









Our second hike of the day was cut short. Daylight was running thin and the drive home was in the back of our minds.
The trail winded back into this canyon but we only made it to the base and turned back.
I smelled a sweet smell. The kind of smell that brings back old good memories. My mind went to cool nights in Spokane. Cool breezes in Leavenworth hiking the icicle creek trail. I attributed it to the few juniper trees but it was something else- water. I forgot the smell of water. There is something special about the smell of cold, pine, dust and water all rolled into one. A smell only the great West can deliver.

The exit of the park gave us a good farewell and revealed all it's colors.
I am reminded of our great country. There is always more to explore.

Visitors from the North...

A nice visit from family is always welcome. With Christmas vacation amongst us and families enjoying the exchange of gifts and dinners together Katie and I got to celebrate with family this year. School breaks are nice but way too long. I become bored and eager to get going again. So bring on the visitors.Above, Katie, Kevin and Isaac and I stand in line for "Soarin' over California" at California Adventure Park. Below, Katie braved the front seat of Splash Mountain where the front always gets the most water. We went two days. The first, sun and warm temperatures brought the park to full capacity. It made for long lines and frustrated people. We ventured again Wednesday. Rain and wind but short lines made for a fuller day.
Our days were full and included a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. If you haven't already guessed based on previous posts, I take everyone here. It is becoming one of my favorite places to visit in Southern California.
Every time I visit it looks different. I know, it's the desert but wind, water and the elements make it an ever changing place. Below, Kevin snapped a shot of the many windmills just west of Palm Springs on our way to the park.
Kevin's panoramic stitch of Barker Dam.
It was chilly; four layers, a hat and hood.
I told Isaac he would love this place. He has an unbelievable imagination and he turned the rocks into a giant jungle gym and helped me discover new places in the park.
I love looking for different photographic shots. I would almost prefer having a close up lens than a panoramic lens when shooting here.

Aunt Teresa and the others enjoying the endless rocks on the Barker Dam hike.


Above, Kevin waves as he returns from his tight rope walk across the dam.
Sunsets make for nice pics and with the addition of clouds even better. Some think the Joshua Tree is ugly. I still can't quite figure them out myself.
Below, snow and clouds mix as the winds picked up on the mountain tops at sundown.

Tomorrow I start my second affiliation. I have mixed emotions and can't wait till March...the end of our season here in California!