Merrily, merrily, merrily!

Fish that got caught

Beautiful reflections of changing leaves, fall is in the air

Red Canyon Overlook is up there - you can see the pointed roof of the visitor's center (it helps to click on this one)

Bridge before the dam

Life is but a dream.

For posts of other dreamy places around the world, check out My World Tuesday.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

We are so lucky to have good friends! They took us for a boat ride yesterday on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. And what synchronicity. I posted on My World Tuesday about the Red Canyon Overlook and guess what? This is the reservoir we were viewing only now we were on the water looking up. There are so many fascinating rock formations, birds' nests and watery shots. I took too many pictures to post all at once so I'll begin at the beginning. These shots were taken from the boat launch as we headed into their favorite cove.....enjoy the ride!

To enjoy viewing other beautiful places from around the world, check out Scenic Sunday.

Before the rains

"Faith is not a delicate flower which would wither away under the slightest stormy weather." Mahatma Ghandi

Maybe you can find some sunny skies at Sky Watch Friday.

Waiting

Check out other silent posts at Wordless Wednesday.

Red Canyon Overlook

These pictures are from a few years ago in the spring when my friend Brenda and I took a birthday walk and had lunch afterwards. Flaming Gorge Reservoir is famous for its fishing. You can put a raft in at the dam and float down to Little Hole in Dutch John. It's a fun ride without white water so it's safe for kids. It needs to be a hot day though for water fights which are common. We just admired the view that day from the overlook. Quite spectacular and only an hour's drive north!

Here's part of the blurb from the Red Canyon Lodge website:

"Halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonland National Parks, the lake, river and surrounding area in southern Wyoming and Northeastern Utah are designated National Recreation Areas. A rewarding stop along your tour of the natural wonders of the West, it provides the contrast in scenery for which the West is famous, from the rugged Uinta Mountains to the expansive Wyoming deserts. This spectacular combination serves as home to a variety of big-game animals, including moose, Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep.

Rich in Western lore, Flaming Gorge Country was home to mountain men, pioneers, outlaws and Native Americans. John C. Fremont and John Wesley Powell were early visitors during their scientific explorations of the West. In his 1869 journey down the Green River, Powell named many local landmarks: Flaming Gorge, Horseshoe Canyon, Red Canyon, the Gates of Lodore – names that attest to the dramatic scenery that still impresses visitors today. The legends of Butch Cassidy, Jim Bridger and Queen Anne Bassett were forged in this country. Historic Swett Ranch, Brown's Park, Fort Bridger, and the Oregon Trail all offer carefully preserved glimpses of the early days of the Western frontier.

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Flaming Gorge Country may have no equal. From an exciting raft trip to a leisurely scenic drive - the choices are endless. Boating, rafting and fishing are only some of the ways to enjoy our Flaming Gorge Country. Hiking, biking and camping reward visitors with an intimate encounter with the splendid backcountry."

There are other places in the world to admire too at My World Tuesday.

An invitation

""Will you walk into my parlor?" said the Spider to the Fly;

"Tis the prettiest little parlor you ever did spy.""--Mary Howitt

View other interesting close up shots at Macro Monday.

Oregon Blueberry

Not yet ripe, obviously, but soon they will be!

Admire other lovely flower shots at Today's Flowers.

Abandoned

Visit more scenery at Scenic Sunday!

Skipper

This little dog is quite the character. He is definitely a lap dog and loves watching movies. When a family member comes home he lets us know how happy he is to see us. If we are going for a walk or a ride he is beside himself with joy. There are times I wish I had as much enthusiasm for life as Skipper does but when I don't he sets an excellent example for me.

To see more animal pictures, check out Camera Critters.

Summer skies

Click above to see the raindrops glowing in the sun!

Different days, different skies, different moods. My mood tonight is bittersweet. I took my youngest daughter to college and left her there. I am proud of her but I miss her already. And as Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that." (If I say any more I'll just start crying again.)

Check out more summer skies at Skywatch Friday.

Losing focus

The other morning when I woke up the sky was a brilliant orange. I thought, "Oh, I should get a picture of that." This is it! Apparently when I first wake up is not a good time for me to take pictures since I can't focus. Anyone who knows me knows not to even talk to me until after my first cup of coffee. Apparently the proof is in the pudding, or the photo as the case may be.

For photos that are in better focus, check out My World Tuesday.

Rain and clouds

We've been getting storms the last few days, more of the oddball weather patterns this summer, so it was quite chilly this morning. Sawtooth Mountain (named after the blades on a saw) lies to the northeast of us. I'm so lucky to see it every day!

For scenic shots from around the world, check out Scenic Sunday.

Flowers after the rain

All shiny and wet, so beautiful.

If you want to admire a variety of beautiful flowers, visit Today's Flowers.

Ebony and Ivory

Jack and Arlo on the lawn

Brogan and Skipper poised for action

We found two duck friends for Dina, but one disappeared. I think the local coyotes had duck dinner one night, but since then these two have become thick as thieves.

Check out other animal shots at Camera Critters.

Fiery sun

On Janie's blog today she posted a picture of fireweed growing out the ashes of the Neola fire. Two years ago we were worried that the fire could move our way, so much so that we evacuated our llamas. I loaded scrapbooks and some other important things into our camper just in case we had to leave. Fortunately it came nowhere close to our house, but most unfortunately, a friend of mine lost her dad in the fire. This is a picture of the sun setting through a smoky haze. Sometimes there is beauty even in the midst of tragedy.

For other Skywatch Friday posts, check here.

Like a duck to water

About an hour's drive north of Vernal there is a place called Red Canyon. It overlooks Flaming Gorge and is quite spectacular. Before you arrive at the canyon, there is a lodge with a small lake that is home to lots of well fed ducks. We went up there over the weekend for lunch and enjoyed a brief watery interlude.

For more aquatic adventures check out Watery Wednesday.