“What we have been pleased to call “solid Earth” is not as solid as we thought. It is energetic, dynamic, and fundamentally restless.”(Jonathan Weiner)

Let’s take a glimpse today at our restless earth that seems to be ever changing. Imagine going back over two hundred million years ago to an early formed Earth when violent geologic forces caused the formation of our continents and oceans that we recognize today. As this dynamic process of tectonic rock movement activity continued over time, massive earthquakes and volcanos, generated from fault rift fissures in the the earth’s core would wrack physical havoc on the earth’s physical landscape.Layer upon layer of rock would pile up on land amid a vast ocean of hot rock explosions in this ever shifting physical world. Inevitably, mountains and valleys would spring up and erode unevenly by wind and water to further sculpt our planet’s livable surface.

In this this regard, then, observe the geological photos of interest below. For they were taken amid a widespread blackened ooze of volcanic ash along Central Idaho’s Snake River Plain at Craters of the Moon National Monument. Along this latest leg our road trip going east along Idaho Highway 20 into NW Wyoming, also notice the spectacular aura we felt from discovering prehistoric formed volcanic buttes and cinder cones to enliven this otherwise monotonous- looking drive.

Or imagine Ruth and I making this latest three night road stopover amid the snow covered region of Jackson Hole along Highway 89 as a living testament to the spectacular Grand Teton Range and snow dotted, environs of Jenny/Jackson Lake so uniquely formed over eons of time. Consider that my interest in taking “shots” of the iconic Antler Arch on Jackson Town Square, as well, stems from a spiritual need to understand the evolution of life amid the “primordial soup” during those earth formative times. I look forward to writing my next entries during our upcoming six night stay in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Enjoy the photos.

“Oregon is an inspiration. Whether you come to it, or are born to it, you become entranced by our state’s beauty, the opportunity she affords, and the independent spirit of her citizens.” ( Tom McCall)

Ruth and I continue to make our rounds to visit friends as we exit California with two day stopovers in the Portland, Oregon and Boise, Idaho vicinity. As we traversed those long distances along the I-5 and I-84 corridors, I seemed fixated on those seemingly impenetrable natural barriers which dominates one’s life here. Make no mistake about it then. For it has not been an easy task to travel in this rugged northwest corridor of the country, where we have faced unfamiliar challenges of wild running rivers, densely unoccupied forests, and steep mountainous climbs/descents wherever we go. Nonetheless, as we picked  our chances for sightseeing with full understanding that it would be a slower go than usual, new and exciting discoveries arose unexpectedly for us along the way.

So on Friday we began this Northwest leg of our road trip approaching the California/Oregon border with our first encounter with the formidable Cascade Mountain region. Here we took an awestruck look at the massive presence of Mount Shasta from our car. Stopping for a one night stop in the tiny town of Yreka we then came across an inviting local casino overlooking the town. After consideration of the topographic challenges we would arduously face during our limited time schedule in Oregon, it made sense to take the safer and more direct route along I-5 to Portland the next day. Finding out our friends would be occupied with other matters much of the time during our visit, we thus took advantage of this Saturday opening to wander freely around Portland downtown. Several interesting sites we discovered then included  busy Pioneer Square, intricately designed Chinatown Gate, picturesque Willamette River Waterfront Park, historic  South Park Greenbelt, massive Powell’s City of Books, and Portland State University’s eclectic Farmer’s Market.

After a brief but warm visit with our friends that night, we took off on Easter Sunday along the I-84 Oregon corridor eastward along the Columbia River for our day drive to Boise. Diverting off the Interstate Highway along old Columbia River Parkway for a brief time, we discovered a short loop hike to take for excellent river views near Bridal Veil Falls. Continuing our day life drive to Boise through the arid plateau region of Central/Eastern Oregon, we retraced the path in reverse of the Oregon Trail, where so many Americans in the mid 19th Century risked their lives to find new lands in settling westward during the mid 19th century. My next blog will take place amid the magnificent vistas of Grand Teton/Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy the photos.

“You wouldn’t think such a place as San Francisco could exist. The wonderful sunlight here, the hills, the great bridges, the Pacific at your shoes. Beautiful Chinatown.” (Dylan Thomas)

Spring’s arrival in the San Francisco Bay Area provided a welcoming backdrop for Ruth and me during our three day, road trip visit in the Bay Area region over the last three days of March. Because the weather felt unseasonably warm and sunny, we discarded our expected jackets and rain gear on each day tour in the city and surrounding North Bay vicinity. Basing our stay at a familiar San Rafael motel, The Marin Lodge, we excitedly discovered a new way to access SF city proper. For the #1 highlight on day two of this spring visit would become our decision to access downtown by way of the thirty minute, Golden Gate Ferry ride from nearby Larkspur Terminal across the bay to the important city hub of Embarcadero Plaza. Along this relaxing route, we witnessed stunning views of San Quentin Prison, Angel/Alcatraz Islands as well as the famed Golden Gate and Bay Bridges

From this busy SF terminal, we ascended steeply uphill on foot for a mile along along Clay Street past the Transamerica Pyramid Complex and an adjoining park to Chinatown for lunch. As we returned to the terminal for our ferry ride return to our Marin County lodging, we relived some fond memories of spending our honeymoon many years ago in the Hyatt Regency San Francisco at this location. I would also like to point out a fantastic Irish pub we ate dinner at twice in San Rafael called “The Mayflower.” Enjoying the unseasonably warm weather spurt to eat outdoors there, I enjoyed tasty fish and chips on the first night and a most filling Bangers and Mash on the second.

We head north tomorrow for a short visit with friends near Portland, Oregon. I look forward to finding some time to share some blog insights from the Columbia River basin. Enjoy the photos.

“One person’s weed is another person’s wildflower”(Susan Wittig Albert)

Have you ever felt like you could hold an exciting conversation with a flower or tree? For as humans, the natural landscapes that we encounter every day can provide numerous opportunities to make deep emotional connections in our lives. Consider this brief example that follows. Let’s say Julie, a newlywed mom was experiencing one of those days when so many of her new adult challenges seemed to go wrong. As she pondered a way out of her latest funk, her afternoon walk led her to unexpectedly wander into a public botanical garden. After paying keen attention to the colorful flowers, unusual shrubs and overgrown weeds in the wild there, she would later recollect how much happier she had felt at the time of this stroll. You might then understand Julie’s follow up desire to pursue a new hobby of adding new kinds of exotic greenery within the confines of her own home.

I now call your attention to our road trip visit to the University of California Arboretum in Santa Cruz this past Sunday afternoon. Accompanied by our close friends Bobbie and John, we conducted a one hour walking tour amid this extraordinary 5.5 acres of plant life diversity found throughout the world. In retrospect, I can report how exhilarating it felt to share my emotions with them about so many plant species from South Africa, Australia, and American Southwest environs that I had never seen before.

So take a look at the photographs collection from this recent botanical garden walk below. I’d be curious to know of any specific emotions you felt in browsing through these pictures. Feel free as well to share your thoughts about any particular kinds of  natural vegetation that would enhance your current home/work environment. My next road trip blog will take place amid the stunning setting of San Francisco by the Bay.

“I love driving; Driving along the California coastline is the best drive in the world.”( Al Jardine)

It’s cold and very windy today in Morro Bay along the California Central coast. That’s not very inviting weather for these two, east coast “roadtrippers” to get out and hike today. So a Plan B scenario surfaced in my mind to just take a lazy drive to experience the spectacular scenery of the Pacific Coast Highway. (PCH) Sadly, a major road closure before Big Sur Village would prevent us from traversing the entire ninety mile stretch north to Monterey  today. Yet strong vestiges of such Pacific cliffside heaven would be similarly experienced as we meandered around for one hour along the small southerly segment of this celebrated highway. I must compliment Ruth for her keen photographic eye in capturing the quiet solitude we experienced in “killing time along PCH today. For I seemed preoccupied with keeping two hands on the steering wheel for extra safety around those steep curves on this blustery Thursday afternoon.

“Some men fish all their lives without knowing it is not really the fish they are after. (Henry David Thoreau)

Ruth and I have now reached the point in this road trip where each passing day settles into a lifestyle of self-contentment. Don’t get me wrong for my restless wandering nature cannot be easily satisfied. Yet a casual glance at those pristinely beautiful shorelines along the Central California coast speaks loudly of being freed from my accustomed “urban mayhem” to lead a simpler and less busier life amid “mother nature” in retirement.

Witness then our four night stay along the cool waters of Morro Bay as a most pleasing location to “get out and about” with inner peace this week. For there’s those spectacular sunsets and quiet harbor views as we leisurely walk after dinner. Of course the giant presence of Morro Rock can also fulfill our Zen intentions to sit quietly for indefinite periods while we watch hordes of seabirds beg for food or sea otters playfully float by in the bay. A few miles south of Morro lies Los Osos, where a serene hike follows closely along the steep coastline of the Bluff Trail at Montana de Oro State Park. As a result of becoming more emotionally “in tune” to my surroundings there as I slow my pace, I pause frequently to embrace smaller images of detail like a springtime flower in first bloom, an unusual sea shell, or a sun loving lizard. Enjoy the photos below. My next blog will cover the Pacific Coast Highway seashore environs north of Morro Bay.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ( Anatole France)

Ruth and I rolled into Southern California on I-10 a few days ago to start our coastal road trip tour of the Golden State for the next two weeks. We then began this leg of our vacation with a three day slowdown in the greater Simi Valley region with close friends Tommy and Jenny plus their little grand-dog Schnauzer, Archie. It’s very important to mention that Archie, this bearded wonder, celebrated his birthday that weekend and we felt honored to be invited to share in his special day of fun. Ahhh! Those delicious dog cupcakes that I almost mistook for a human dessert at dinner time. Or what could top a competitive game of “Find the Ball” where Archie managed on every occasion to ably retrieve his prized ball no matter where I threw it. Meanwhile, what an exciting thrill ensued when I risked inciting Archie’s growls at me as we engaged in those heated tug of war battles for possession of his squeaky ball in the backyard. Such fine table manners did Archie also possess as he patiently waited for his tasty birthday treats at the dinner table. What a privilege it meant for me as well to share half of our bed at night so our “birthday boy” could settle into some dog dreaming slumber. Happy Birthday Archie and thank you Jenny and Tommy for making this past weekend feel like home. We head north along State Road 101 for Central Coast California next on our road trip. Shifting then to  the Pacific Coast Highway near San Luis Obispo, we hope to to find four more quiet days in beautiful Morro Bay.

“No one thinks Las Vegas is real: it is illusion, but visitors willingly suspend disbelief and pretend.” (Hal Rothman)

One constant form of sensory excitement that typically intensifies as Ruth and I visit Las Vegas comes to light in our imagination as we simply walk around aimlessly at our leisure. More recently, the changing image of Vegas to clean up its sinful reputation now seems to evoke more family fun moments for us like a Disney Park experience. Don’t get me wrong though. If we desired to indulge in any personal fetish to dress, speak, or act with no semblance of guilt, Vegas could still deliver.

I can only say, however, that for my birthday celebration, it felt right for me to just “chill”, save money , and find more “low key” inspirations on our stopover in Las Vegas this year. After all, we have more than five weeks on the road to indulge freely if we wish after we leave here. Consider first of all our morning look around “Old Vegas” along the indoor mall of the Fremont Experience to admire its imaginative ceilings of creative abstract expression. Returning to the strip after lunch, a second excursion would take place for us at the Bellagio Hotel Botanical Gardens as our senses heightened to the amazing sights and smells of its most recent floral displays. Crossing over the indoor tunnel for a dinner search along the  Caesar’s Palace Forum corridor, its mystical sky ceiling along our path set the stage for some impressive art and window shop viewing. A night stroll along Las Vegas Boulevard back to our hotel to observe the inspiring “neon sunshine” along the strip would provide a most satisfying end to this memorable day. Tomorrow we finally reach Southern California via a five hour drive along I-15. Enjoy the photos.

“And while I stood there, I saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a shared manner the shapes of things in the spirit and the shape of all shapes as they must live together as one being.” ( Black Elk- American Indian)

I’m enchanted by the presence of hoodoos. Yes, those twisted piles of rocks with a grotesque looking appearance stood out prominently in our visit to Valley of Fire State Park during this morning’s road trip visit. I must say I’m a bit surprised by this conclusion as my mind seemed preoccupied today. with our upcoming three day stay along the Las Vegas strip again while my knee aches barked loudly from our recent hikes in Zion National Park.

What then could possibly excite me in visiting some rocky piles as began our latest nature tour in the middle of the South Nevada desert? Yet then my imagination began to work on me as I stared hard at these ancient red rocks along the scenic loop road of the park. What a nice refuge I thought for a bird, bat, or other wild animal hoping to find safe shelter in one of the dark holes that penetrated the exterior of each boulder. How equally comforting might the cave strewn appearance of so many of these rocks have been to Anastazi Indians who once sought shelter under cover to cool off from the extreme desert heat. Would such a private sanctuary offer them as well an inviting home? Giving further thought to Indian leisure time amid this hoodoo landscape, it became clear to me that creating petroglyphs and other rock art seemed to have made their lives more entertaining inside these comforting rock homes.

How enlightening to me as well that I seemed to find hope in the human condition in these fragile rock designs that so stubbornly adapt to this extreme desert environment. For current lessons of natural science now offer hope that our human species can similarly fight for our species sustainable future as we unite to combat global warming and the associated earth climate change crisis. Hmm… A St. Patrick’s day celebration in Vegas takes place tomorrow. That sounds like a nice topic for my next blog. Enjoy the photos.

“A National Park is not a playground. It’s a sanctuary for nature and for humans to accept nature on nature’s own terms. (Michael Frome)

It’s amazing how Grand Canyon and Zion National Park seem so exhilarating in landscape appearance yet by way of different ways. At Grand Canyon , you gaze downward in awe at a cavernous chasm below hoping for a mere glimpse of the raging Colorado River below. Whereas at Zion, the opposite effect occurs along the end of its famed “Scenic Canyon Drive” as one’s eyes extend mystically upward along that massive cliffs that narrowly encloses the slow moving Virgin River below. To stand amid such canyon magic in both cases invited me to contemplate spiritual meaning in life beyond oneself for sure.

No doubt, the mountain Gods provided an excellent welcoming show for us on our two day visit to Zion this past weekend. Accessing the park though the west entrance via our motel in nearby Springdale, we conveniently parked our car in the Zion Visitor Center parking lot each morning. From there, we just hopped on the free park shuttle bus for convenient access to the easy Riverside and Grotto Walks along the canyon route corridor. I particularly enjoyed then those moments of silent meditation along the rock shrouded river as well as the occasional sightings of feeding deer in meadow areas along the way. Keep in mind that several tram stops remain closed due to COVID concerns and popular trails like Angel Falls and the Narrows passageway congest regularly with hiker traffic.