Mountain wildflowers~Today's Flowers 061310

There are acres and acres of these beautiful purple flowers in our local mountains right now. While the desert is moving into summer mode, the mountains are still having spring. I drive past these flowers every time I go to visit my horses. I choose to board them up in the mountains, rather than down here in the desert. First of all, it is much cheaper! Second, during the winter months, as they grow out their long hair, they seem to adapt to the weather much easier than our 120 degree summer temperatures! Besides, I enjoy driving by such beauty! Today's Flowers for June 13, 2010.

Mustang eyes~Sunday Stills Challenge 061310

The eyes of my two mustangs, Scout and Cali. Cali is the palomino. Scout is the roan. Both mustangs are from Salt Wells Creek, Wyoming. My husband found them during an online adoption. He knew that I'd always wanted a palomino. Both were halter trained at a prison facility. They are both short and stocky and VERY intelligent. Scout is an alpha mare and extremely witty! Sometimes I think she is smarter than me! ACK! I love to look at their eyes. Sunday Stills Challenge for June 13, 2010.

Seagull~SkyWatch Friday 061110

This is NOT a RAV4 road, but the road to the south tufa at Mono Lake is a dirt road. It is located about 1/4 mile off the paved road. There is a parking lot, bathrooms, and shade structures as well as a ranger booth. The tufa there are very tall and much more photographic than those near the Yosemite/Mono Lake visitor center. And, this little fellow was keeping an eye on us as we returned to our car after an afternoon of taking photos. SkyWatch Friday for June 11, 2010. LAST DAY OF SCHOOL~~~Whoopie!

"U" is for under...ABC Wednesday 060910

I looked up and saw these swallow nests at the Yosemite/Mono Lake visitor center. The swallows were flying around the visitor center and I went looking for their nests. There they were, "UNDER" the roof overhang! ABC Wednesday for June 9, 2010.

Bristlecone Forest~Scenic Sunday 060610

Hubby and I visited the Bristlecone Forest over the Memorial Day weekend. While you don't need a 4 wheel drive to get to the visitor's center, one was required to go any further up the road due to the snow and poor road conditions. So, hubby and I walked around the temporary visitor center (the previous one burned in a fire in 2008). Unfortunately, at 10,500 feet, the elevation got to me and I had to get down off the mountain! So, I'm glad I was able to get there at least once! Scenic Sunday for June 6, 2010.

Tufa and visitors~SkyWatch Friday 060410

When we stopped at Mono Lake last weekend, other people also had the same idea! Here they are! SkyWatch Friday for June 4, 2010.

"T" is for tree~~ABC Wednesday 060210

Hubby and I headed for the Sierras over Memorial Day weekend and we stayed two nights in Lone Pine. We drove out to the Alabama Hills early Monday morning before returning to the desert. I saw this TREE among the rocks there and walked further to take some pics of it. It is a cottonwood tree, nestled among the boulders of the Alabama Hills. It almost appears as if the big rock on the right is ready to tumble down! We love this area of the Sierras and stop by every time we visit them. ABC Wednesday for June 2, 2010..."T" is for tree.