Deep Canyon~That's My World 083110

I stopped at Vista Point last weekend to take these photos of Deep Canyon. Yes, it IS a deep canyon. And, below it, it's an alluvial fan. There are no roads up through Deep Canyon, except one road to the UC Riverside/Boyd bighorn sheep institute, which is on private property and even that road doesn't extend up through the canyon. That's Highway 74 that you see twisting and turning above the canyon. There aren't many turnoffs from which one can take photos of the canyon either! So, it remains elusive and it keeps its secrets. Vista Point is the only overlook above it and sometimes you can see bighorn sheep from it!

Cahuilla woman statute~Sunday stills Challenge 082910

Off aways, from the end of Deep Canyon here in Palm Desert, is a shopping center. There used to be a Mervyn's there, but it closed a couple of winters ago. The center is pretty much vacant now, except for a few small shops. Right outside the entrance to the old Mervyn's, is this statue of a Cahuilla woman. I've always admired it and one morning, early, I stopped by to take a few photos. She is so calm and confident that she gives me inspiration. She's just quietly doing what she's doing. She isn't talking to anyone, she isn't distracted. She's just doing her work. Hmmm...something for us all to think about, eh?

Sunday Stills Challenge for August 29, 2010.

Palm tree and clouds~Looking at the Sky on Friday 082710

I took this photo Tuesday afternoon this week. This was the first day that monsoon clouds entered the Coachella Valley. The entire valley was enclosed by clouds Wednesday and it rained up in the mountains, by Deep Canyon. I hear that they got a good soaking! Today the thunderheads were back and there was hail in Warner Springs, which is behind Deep Canyon. Unfortunately, several lightning fires were started also, including one in Joshua Tree National Park, which I spotted burning on my way home from school this afternoon. I stopped at our son's house for dinner and when I left at dusk, that fire was burning so quickly that the flames could be seen coming over the ridges. This is monsoon month here in the desert and more thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow afternoon. I do not know what they will bring, but I'm taking my camera with me to school tomorrow.

"F" is for finches~ABC Wednesday 082510

These little FINCHES were gathered at the FINCH FEEDERS at the Living Desert Reserve one morning when I was there. The garden center is FILLED with these sock feeders and they were all being devoured! ABC Wednesday for August 25, 2010.

"Metal"~Sunday Stills Challenge 082210 and SOOC

I went out yesterday afternoon to photograph some of the metal art sculptures which are around town. There are quite a few of them and these certainly are not all that there are in Palm Desert, but they are a good sample. I, of course, especially like the horse ones (since I have 5 horses myself!). The dragonfly is an interesting one and its wings and body are made of metal. I tapped its head and it seemed to be some kind of durable plastic. Finally, this crop dusting helicopter was up near where I board my horses yesterday and he was zipping back and forth along a field with his pesticides. Unfortunately, when he zigged one time, I got a mouthful of the stuff! YUCK! I'll have to be more mindful of the wind patterns next time! So, enjoy these samplings from Palm Desert and our local mountains! Sunday Stills Challenge ~~"metal"~~ for August 22, 2010. All photos were taken yesterday and are "straight out of the camera". SOOC for August 22, 2010. To view other SSC participants, please visit: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Flowers~Living Desert~Today's Flowers

These delightful flowers were blooming at the Living Desert Reserve when I visited it a couple of weeks ago. I have the yellow variety at home and I believe these are Tacoma Stans, but an orange variety. Many of them are blooming right now as they love the desert heat! Today's Flowers for August 22, 2010. For other participants, please visit: http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Yucca and blossoms~SkyWatch Friday 082010

Yucca blossoms against a clear, blue sky here in Deep Canyon. SkyWatch Friday for August 20, 2010.