Excavated section of the ruins at Aztec, New Mexico, 2010.

Shot of the active dig at Aztec Ruins in Aztec, New Mexico. 6/21/2010

A remarkably intact portion of the Aztec Ruins in Aztec, New Mexico.  6/21/2010.

Shot of an intact wall from one of the buildings at Aztec Ruins, New Mexico, showing construction.  Notice the end of a large support log on the left size of the wall.  6/21/2010.

A shot of part of the community buildings at Aztec Ruins, New Mexico.  6/21/2010.

View of another section of the community at Aztec Ruins, New Mexico.  6/21/2010.  Given the age of the abandoned community, the walls are relatively intact.

The community Kiva's foundation at Aztec Ruins, New Mexico.  6/21/2010.

You begin to see just how large this ancient Native American village was.  Aztec Ruins, New Mexico.  6/21/2010.

Remnants of one of the larger buildings at Aztec Ruins, New Mexico.  6/21/2010.

Another section of the ancient Native American village at Aztec Ruins, New Mexico.  6/21/2010.

This section of the Native American village at Aztec Ruins, New Mexico, shows that some of the homes were more than a single room.  6/21/2010.

Another section of wall showing placement of large beams all at the same elevation.  Aztec Ruins, New Mexico 6/21/2010.

Bryce Canyon, Utah, 5/16/2011

Bryce Canyon, Utah, 5/16/2011

Farview Point within Bryce Canyon, Utah, 5/16/2011.

View of the Natural Bridge within Bryce Canyon, Utah, 5/16/2011

Fairyland Canyon within Bryce Canyon, Utah, 5/16/2011

Black Birch Canyon within Bryce Canyon, Utah, 5/16/2011

Ponderosa Point within Bryce Canyon, Utah, 5/16/2011

Cedar Swamp west of Charleston, South Carolina, 1999

Cedar Swamp west of Charleston, South Carolina, 1999

Centry Plant near the Gila Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico, 6/19/2010

Looking up at the face of the Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, 6/19/2010.  You can see how steep the cliff face is, making it a very defensible place indeed!  The black you see is from the wood fires built by the inhabitants for cooking and heat.

Scaling one side of the mountain, you can see some of the dwelling openings.  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, 6/19/2010.

Here you can see the paths & walkways within the cliff dwellings.  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico 6/19/2010.

Inside the cliff dwellings, the Native American inhabitants build masonry walls to divide the spaces into rooms for cooking, sleeping, etc.  Walls were made from local stone naturally!  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico 6/19/2010.

An external wall made my the inhabitants, as seen from another point along the cliff.  An entire community lived, worked and shared in these dwellings.  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, 6/19/2010.

A view from one room looking across two adjacent rooms.  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, 6/19/2010.

A view out from the cliff dwellings.  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, 6/19/2010.

Another interior wall and steps up - using natural rock "steps" as well as carved steps at the top (lower right in photo).  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, 6/19/2010.

Inside the cliff dwellings, the Native American inhabitants use wood ladders like the one shown here to scale areas where necessary.  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, 6/19/2010.

One of the larger sections of the cliff dwellings, showing rooms on both left and right sides.  Walls were kept relatively low to utilize natural light as much as possible.  Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico, 6/19/2010.

View from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, 2011

View from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, 2011

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  Beautiful show of the striations in rock .

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  Truly amazing to see how the tops of all of these peaks are at the same level - the ground meets the sky in a straight line!

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  Another spectacular view.

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  One of the trails that runs along the top of the south rim.

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  Toward the western limits of the National Park, the elongated shadows indicate this photo was taken late in the day.

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  One of the lookout points on the western edge of the National park.  A beautiful location to watch sunsets!

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  This photo gives you an idea of the vastness of the canyon and just how deep the canyons are!

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  Taken very late in the day, some of the haze that was present earlier in the day seems to have vanished.

Grand Canyon AZ, South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village, 4/20/2012.  As a plant ecologist, I always find it amazing at the number of plants that can make their home in such harsh environments, such as these cliffs.

Winsor Castle at Pipe Springs UT was erected by the direction of Brigham Young in 1869-70 by Anson P. Winsor as the church tithing herds and as a frontier refuge from indians.

Upper floor balcony of Winsor Castle, a fortified outpost of the Mormon Church in Pipe Springs UT.

View of the enclosed courtyard of Winsor Castle from a 2nd floor balcony.

Kitchen Dining Room in Winsor Castle, Pipe Springs UT.  

Sitting Room in Winsor Castle, Pipe Springs UT.

View of the Hoover Dam, Nevada, from the New Bridge, 5/10/2011  The NPS offers two tours inside the dam itself.  The longer tour takes you down to the turbines, as well as to a lookout part way down the damn.

View of the back side of Hoover Dam, 5/10/2011

View of Lake Mead behind the Hoover Dam, 5/10/2011.  The "bath tub ring" (white band) shows just how far below normal the water level was.

This is a photo of something most people will never see when they visit Hoover Dam - a security bunker atop an adjacent mountain.

View of rock formations west of Lake Powell, Arizona, 5/13/2011

Scenery along road to Lake Powell, Arizona, 5/13/2011.

Dam at Lake Powell, AZ, 5/13/2011

View of the dam at Lake Powell, Arizona, 5/13/2011.  Lake Powell is one of the most beautiful lakes in the USA, and cruises are available to experience some of the most unique and beautiful coves.

Fossilized dinosaur footprint from the Lake Powell area.  5/13/2011.

Lake Havasu, AZ, 5/20/2011

Parker Dam at Lake Havasu is the deepest dam in the world!

On our drive to Lake Havasu, we fell upon this rare California Condor sunning itself beneath a bridge.  This particular condor is #42, and has the numbered bands on both wings.

Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, 2008.  One of the most beautiful natural formations in North America.

Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, 2008.  With snow on the ground, you can see the steam arising from the hot springs on a beautiful June morning.

One of the more picturesque formations within the Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, 2008.

One of countless Petroglyphs within the Petroglyphs National Monument, New Mexico, 2010.

Traveling from Las Vegas NV to Zion National Park in UT, we passed the beautiful, serene Quail Creek Lake in Utah, 2019.

Red Canyon in the Dixie National Park, UT, 5/15/2011.

Roadway through Red Canyon in the Dixie National Park, UT, 5/15/2011.

Interesting formation in Red Canyon in the Dixie National Park, UT, 5/15/2011.

Scenic view in the Dixie National Park on the way to Bryce Canyon UT. 5/15/2011.

Some interesting natural rock formations in Red Canyon in the Dixie National Park, UT, 5/15/2011.

"Road" through the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, 2010.

Folks enjoy "sleighing" down the white sand dunes at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.  6/18/2010.  These folks are using round snow saucers.

Along the edges of the dunes, there are signs of plant life encroaching.  White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, 6/18/2010.

Its suprising to find flowers making it in the sands of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.  6/18/2010.

View of the Sandia Peak Tram - the longest tram in the world!  Hellava ride with gorgeous views.

Sandia Peak, New Mexico, 2010.  Sandia Peak is just north of Salt Lake City, and this is a view from 10,200 feet above sea level.

View from the top of Sandia Peak looking out toward Albequerque, New Mexico.  6/14/2010.

Another view of Albequerque, New Mexico, from atop Sandia Peak - 10,200 feet above sea level.  Albequerque is in the upper right of the photo.

View taken from the tram on the way up Sandia Peak showing some interesting rock outcrops.  6/14/2010.

View of the walkway atop Sandia Peak at 10,200 feet above sea level.  6/14/2010.

Southeast of Las Vegas NV, the Valley of Fire is one of the most spectacular sites in the Western US.  The name comes from the red rock formations that are beautiful beyond words!

You can spend hours driving through the Valley of Fire, stopping at points of interest and reading the placards placed by the Park Service with interesting educational bits about the history and geology of the Valley.

If you enjoy natural rock formations, Valley of Fire is for you!  There are so many interesting, photogenic scenes to take in.

Some of the interesting aspects of the Valley of Fire Canyon is the abrupt changes in rock composition both in color and formation.

This view shows the dark red rock contrasting with the white rock in the foreground.

Abandoned stone houses within Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, 2010.

Many people think this formation looks like a person.

On this particular visit to the canyon, we were lucky to spot this pair of longhorns!

The Valley of Fire has an interesting history.  This area was a favorite hideout for criminals during the 1800s, with the many crevices and caves providing ample hiding spots from posses.

Another longhorn spotted in Valley of Fire.

There are many crevices and mini-caves that may be tempting, but I strongly suggest you do not put your hand in to find out if there's anything there.  Chances are, there are and they are not things you want to handle!

A small herd of longhorns grazing on a valley within Valley of Fire,

Another view of the contrasting colors of rock formations in Valley of Fire.

Red Fox, Charlottesville VA, 2004

Gray Fox, Charlottesville VA, 2004.

Indian Pipes fungi, Charlottesville VA, 2004.

Elk in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 2008.

Garter Snake in a patch of Pachysandra, Charlottesville VA, 2005.

Butterfly in Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010.

Black Bear raiding a bird feeder in our back yard, Charlottesville VA 2010.

Our hounds used to find box turtles in the forest ground foliage that I would usually walk past without seeing.  Charlottesville VA 2004.

A rare view of a Barred Owl in the daytime taken in the woods behind our home in Charlottesville, VA, 2004.

Just one of the beautiful flowers spotted in a public park in downtown Salt Lake City, Ut. 2010.

Chola Cactus blooming.  Arizona, 2019.

Elk in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Parki.  2008.

Turtle sunning itself on log snag in a beaver pond, northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, 2010.

Dragonfly at the pond within the Botanical Gardens, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009.

Just a pretty sunset from our home in Charlottesville VA. 2000.

Flowers from our garden in Charlottesville VA, 1999.

Flowers from our garden in Charlottesville VA, 1999.

Flowers from our garden in Charlottesville VA, 1999.

A beautiful sunset taken from the balcony of our home in Simi Valley CA.  [This was taken with a very early digital camera so the resolution is poor.]

The Stage Depot at the town square in Jackson Hole WY.  Note the arch on the left - made entirely of horns.

Trumpeter Swan at Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons outside Jackson Hole WY.

If you look carefully, you will see a black bear in the center of the photo between two evergreens.  Photo taken through binoculars at Tower Roosevelt, Yellowstone National Park,  6/6/2008

Tower Falls, Yellowstone NP. 6/15/2008

Sulfur Caldron, Yellowstone NP.  6/5/2008

Early morning view of Roaring Mountain north of Twin Lakes, Yellowstone NP.  6/9/2008

The hot spring Nymph Lake in Yellowstone NP.  6/7/2008

View of a rainbow over Gardiner MT, Yellowstone NP.  6/6/2008

Mountain Goat at the northern entrance to Yellowstone NP 6/8/2008 taken through binoculars.

Another mountain goat west of Monmoth Park, Yellowstone NP, 6/8/2008, taken through binoculars.

View of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP 6/5/2008.

Upper Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP 6/5/2008.

Hot Spring near Nymph Lake, Yellowstone NP 6/9/2008.

Upper Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP 6/5/2008.

Hayden Valley in Yellowstone NP, 6/5/2008.

Gardiner MT main street at north entrance of Yellowstone NP 6/5/2008.

Fountain Paint Pot hot spring in Yellowstone NP 6/5/2008.

Fountain Flat hot spring area with dead tree snags still standing.  These snags provide valuable habitat for birds.  Yellowstone NP 6/7/2008

Firehole Falls in Yellowstone NP, 6/5/2008.

Beautiful Artist's Point near Canyon Village within Yellowstone NP, 6/5/2008.  Name given to this area comes from the fact that this is a very popular point with artists.

While driving through the Swan Lake Flat, we saw a bear scaling the rockface adjacent to the road.  Bear is in center of photo.  This is a brown Black Bear.  6/9/2008.

Emerald Hot Spring in Yellowstone NP, 6/5/2008.  You can clearly see the steam arising from the spring.

We came across a Bald Eagle perched on a snag within Yellowstone NP, 6/9/2008.

One of the more beautiful & serene areas of Yellowstone NP is Nympt Lake.  6/7/2008.

One of the most impressive features at Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP 6/8/2008.

My favorite formation in Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP 6/7/2008.

Shot taken in the western section of Yellowstone NP.  While traveling back from the western entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs village, we encountered a blizzard which brought visibility down to a few feet in front of our car, and made the mountain almost impassable.

A closeup of an American Bison (aka Buffalo) taken near the western entrance to Yellowstone NP. 6/9/2008.

Another view of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP, 6/8/2008.

We vacationed in Jackson Hole and Yellowstone for the first two weeks in June 2008.  This was at the southern entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

View of the southern portion of Yellowstone Lake taken in early morning, 6/5/2008.

This momma ref fox & her three young were seen at Colter Bay Village, 6/4/2008.

The Kepler Cascades on 6/4/2008.

This is one of the "hot pots" surrounding the Old Faithful geyser.  6/4/2008

This is a close-up view of one of the "hot pots" with water boiling.  6/4/2008

No gallery of Yellowstone photos would be complete without a shot of Old Faithful erupting!  As you can see, the day was extremely dark and dreary, with raining falling at times throughout the day.  One this particular day, Old Faithful was running about 90 minutes late.

Craters of the Moon in Idaho is a stark environment where Apollo astronauts trained in advance of the geology mission to the moon.  As you can see in this photo in which the sky was colored to replicate the darkness of the moon sky,  this stark environment was indeed a good training ground for the astronauts!  6/11/2008

An example of some rock formations at Craters of the Moon, Idaho.  6/11/2008

Another example of the types of surface at Craters of the Moon, Idaho.  6/11/2008.

The starkness of this area does indeed look like the surface of our moon.  Craters of the Moon, Idaho 6/11/2008

Another view of Craters of the Moon, Idaho.  6/11/2008.

As you can see in the next photograph, the buffalo do not obey signs at the Great Salt Lake, Utah.  6/14/2008

As you can see, the bison do not obey signs as they are far from the road.  Great Salt Lake, Utah 6/14/2008.

The antelope at Great Sale Lake, Utah, DO stay on the roads (sometimes!).  We were able to get close to this one who didn't seem to mind us as long as we didn't make any fast moves.  6/14/2008

View of the Great Salt Lake, Utah, from the island.  6/14/2008.

Another view of the Great Salt Lake from the island.  Water level was extremely low, and the stench from brine shrimp baking in the sun was almost unbearable.  6/14/2008.

Another view of the Great Salt Lake from the island.  You can see how low the water level was.

A view of the waterfalls at Idaho Falls, Idaho.  There is a beautiful city park that runs along one bank of the river for quite a distance, and folks take full advantage of the beauty!  6/10/2008.

Another view of part of the waterfalls of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

This view was taken from the city park that runs along the river and features the Mormon temple in the background.  The weather was perfect, the people were out having fun, children were playing with the ducks and geese, and a good time was had by all!

The beautiful Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.  This is a wonderful place to spend a sunny day enjoying the beautiful park!  6/1/2008.

Another view of Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.

There were birds galore at the Botanical Garden in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.  This is a wood duck and the pattern of water & surface algae was beautiful!

A nice picture of some of the various birds that make the Botanical Garden at Liberty Park in SLC, Utah their home.

Albuquerque Botanical Gardens, Albuquerque New Mexico.  A wonderful place to spend a day! 6/15/2010

If you're like me, water lillies hold a special place in my heart!  The pond at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens was loaded with water lillies, reds & pinks and whites.

A closer look at the water lillies at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Here's a close-up of another section of white water lillies at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  6/15/2010.

I was able to get this close up shot of a nice dragonfly in the vegetation along the edge of the pond at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/15/2010.

This closeup of a butterfly was taken on our walk around the pond at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  6/15/2010.

These beautiful Indian Pokers were growing just several feet away from the water's edge at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens. Albuquerque, New Mexico.  6/15/2010.

We came across orange/red birds in the park of the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  6/15/2010.

The relative new (at the time) Visitor's Center of Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico.  Note that visitors can take an elevator down to the caverns from within the Visitor's Center.  6/17/2010

Entrance to the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor's Center, New Mexico.  6/17/2010.

For those who want the real experience, you can descend into the Carlsbad Caverns just as the original explorers did.  This hike down is fairly long but not overly strenuous but not available to handicapped individuals.  

If you think the inside of a cave is all the same, you're in for a delightful treat!  This photo shows a close-up on the roof in one section of the cave.  The formations vary with each step you take as the following photos will show.  6/17/2010

Of course there is no natural light deep within the cave, and its something to experience total darkness!  This shot was taken with a flash on my camera, of course.

Brownish-orange Stalactites.  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

White Stalactites in Carlsbad Cavers, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

These stalactites resemble a jellyfish!  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

An example of stalactites and stalamites joining to form columns.  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico 6/17/2010.

A pool of crystal clear water inside Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

Stalactites form from the minerals in dripping water.  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

The beauty of a cave is in the different patterns and colors you find.  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico 6/17/2010.

The light seen here is not natural light but rather artificial light from the room next to this one.  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

There are so many different crevices to explore than one can get easily disoriented and lost.  The original explorers layed rope as they traveled in order to find their way back.  Absolutely critical in the pitch black darkness of a natural cave!  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

When exploring a cave, it is critical to always be aware of what is above you as well as below you and around you!  You do not want to crack your skull on such pointed rock!  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico 6/17/2010.

This area is an intermitant pond during rains.  Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

Imagine being one of the original explorers using nothing but an oil lamp to light the way through pitch darkness!  Carolsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 6/17/2010.

A view of the beautiful Rio Grande Gorge in northern New Mexico, 6/22/2010.

This is the span over the Rio Grande Gorge, New Mexico 6/22/2010.  We arrived at the bridge relatively late in the afternoon to find that on the far side, there was an area where locals set up tables and sold their jewelry.  My wife and I found several beautiful, hand-made pieces that we used for gifts for the family.

Cactus flowering in Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque< new Mexico, 6/25/2010.

Mexican Hat flowering in Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/25/2010.

Chola Cactus flowering in Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/25/2010.

This is the dry stem of a Chola cactus in Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/25/2010.  Sometimes, appears as a snake on first look!

Unknown species with ref flower.  Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/25/2010.

Closeup of a photogenic lizard!  Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/25/2010.

Unknown species of white flowering plant at the Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/25/2010.

Unknown species with purple flowers.  Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/25/2010.

Pretty orange wildflower of unknown species.  Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico 6/25/2010.

Closeup of a beautiful wildflower of unknown species.  Nature Preserve East of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6/25/2010.

Red Rock Canyon is just west of Las Vegas and makes a great day-trip after you've lost all your money in the casinos & still have time remaining on your trip! 

Red Rock Canyon is great for those who love geology!  Of course, the name comes from the red rock outcroppings.

Another view of the red rock outcropping, which is a favorite site for rock climbers.  This day was in early March - cold and cloudy - so we didn't see the scores of rock climbers we had seen on other visits.

The color contrasts in Red Rock Canyon is spectacular!

Red Rock Canyon has a one-way road that is about 12 miles in length, and it courses through varous areas of the park.  Here you can see vegetation making a hold on some pretty rocky substrate.

Distant view of another portion of Red Rock Canyon park.  The flatlands in the foreground sometimes have wild mules, which are too friendly.  It is strictly against park policy to feed the wild mules, who will often times come right up to you!

The weather at Red Rock Canyon can change dramatically within short periods of time.  This day, we had rain in the mid-morning and by noon, the sun was shinning brightly through the clouds!

View of the entrance to Red Rock Canyon.  The one-way road through the canyon runs about 12 miles.

Just another spectacular view of colors along the scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, west of Las Vegas NV,   4/26/2012

Just some pretty wildflowers in bloom at Red Rock Canyon, NV, 4/26/2012.  Notice the red, yellow & white flowers mixed together!

Red Rock Canyon is very popular with rock climbers, and you can find them most times of the year.  4/26/2012

Just another spectacular scene from Red Rock Canyon, showing both color and textures.

One of my personal favorite shots from Red Rock Canyon.  4/26/2012

The beauty of nature - be it clouds, rocks, foliage or fauna, is always astounding!  Red Rock Canyon, NV, 4/26/2012

An inhabitant spotted during our excursion through Red Rock Canyon, NV, 4/26/2012.

Some Petroglyphs, Red Rock Canyon, NV, 4/26/2012.

The entrance to Tuscon Mountain Park, which is also home to the Desert Museum.  Both are outstanding sites for families.  The Desert Museum has an aviary, as well as zoo and desert foliage in a living museum format!

You can see Saguaro Cactus in its natural habitat. Saguaro are a protected species, and provide valuable habitat for many birds and lizards.

Chola Cactus flowering in the Saguaro forest.

One of my favorite images of Saguaro Cactus against a clear blue sky!

One of many critters that make their home in the Saguaro Forests of the southwest.

Most people think deserts are barren sand dunes, but the deserts of the US southwest are anything but!  Here is one example of a colorful wildflower blooming in the Saguaro Forest.

Cactus blooming in April 2012 in the Saguaro Forest of Arizona.

This is the Century Plant, so named because it flowers once every 100 years!

Closeup of a beautiful wildflower in bloom, April 2012.

Another wildflower in bloom in April 2012.

"One man's weed is another man's wildflower."  Nothing but the truth!

In the spring, the deserts of the southwest burst with color as cacti and other wildflower bloom, carpeting areas with a plethora of color!

Courthouse on Main Street, Tombstone AZ., 4/17/2012

Main Street. Tombstone AZ, 4/17/2012  The OK Coral, site of the famous gunfight, is on the left.

Main Street, Tombstone AZ, 4/17/2012

Superstition Sue Gifts on Main Street, Tombstone AZ., 4/17/2012

Tombstone AZ Main Street Boardwalk in front of The Tombstone Gambler.  Note the ladies in period dress sitting on the left.

Big Nose Kate's Saloon on Main Street, Tombstone AZ 4/17/2012

Big Nose Kate's Saloon on Main Street, Tombstone AZ 4/17/2012

The Silver Nugget Bed & Breakfast on Main Street, Tombstone AZ 4/17/2012

The Bird Cage Theater on Main Street, Tombstone AZ 4/17/2012

The Wells Fargo Office on Main Street, Tombstone AZ 4/17/2012

The Stagecoach arriving, Main STreet, Tombstone AZ 4/17/2012

"Politicians" signage at entrance of a saloon on Main Street, Tombstone AZ 4/17/2012

Big Nose Kate's Saloon on Main Street, Tombstone AZ 4/17/2012

Patagonia Lake, AZ, features an easy birding & hiking trail.

To find such an open body of water in the desert southwest is rare, and Patagonia Lake is an excellent place for bird watching!

The marshes in Patagonia Lake provide an outstanding habitat for waterfowl and reptiles & lizards.

The flat, easy hiking trail around Patagonia Lake provides an excellent place to enjoy the outdoors in a relatively cool, shady environment.

View of Main Street in Springdale, UT, which is where the east entrance to Zion National Park is.

This was the view from our hotel room in Springdale UT.

One of the more spectacular scenes in Zion National Park East is this waterfall!

Beautiful scene while traveling through Zion National Park, UT.

Gorgeous scenery in Zion National Park East.

Idyllic & peaceful!

Kolob Canyon within Zion National Park East.

Arboreal Rats aka Squirrels posing for visitors outside the Visitor's Center in Zion National Park East.

We were totally amazed at how clear dark blue the sky was on this day as we travelled to the Zion National Park West.

Everyone who visits Zion NP visit the East portion of the park.  Almost no one knows about or visits the West portion of the park.

As you drive up through Zion National Park West, the environment begins to take on a different look from the East park.

Unlike the vertical faces of the rock formations found in Zion East, Zion West has a more hill-like appearance with forested slopes.

Here, you can see an unusual geology - the striations here are vertical bands, not the typical horizontal bands seen elsewhere, indicative of extensive upheavals.

The town of Kolob UT is little more than a few houses atop the mountain.  You know your town is tiny when your community center and cemetery share the same facility!