Temperatures were well over 100 as a heat wave overtook the southwest.  It was July of 2007, zig-zagging through Utah, I wanted to tour Arches National Park, where I snapped these pics.  I had underestimated the heat and did not bring enough water for this hike and self-imposed a limit on what I was to see that day.  This geologic wonder of a park offers almost no shade other than that provided by the arches themselves.  As I approached one of these natural wonders I overheard an elderly couple, often called “pensioners,” in England.  Resting in the shade of the arch, flushed from the heat, she proclaimed to her mate in heavy English accent, “I will never complain about another British summer again!”  (London’s July temperature average is 66 – compared to Utah’s average of 90.)

Ten years later, another heat-wave.  Two “pensioners,” Sherry (my mate) and I plan to travel through Utah on the first leg of our trip this summer – and bring lots of water.

 Sierra snow pack, flooding fears and mules.  We’re back in Bishop for the Annual Mule Days celebration and Art in the Park.  We have been exploring, rock hounding and relaxing in this beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.  Yes, we have seen the Owens river, a trickle last year, rising higher each day and fisherman catching trout. 

We had a good first day at the show and hope your Memorial Day weekend is blessed.

Less than 100 days away.  For many of us, a once-in-a-lifetime event:  a total eclipse of the sun.  Its coming this summer in August.  We have dropped our usual summer schedule of shows and are heading out across the “bread basket” of America to see it.  There is still time to plan your summer vacation travels to see this North American spectacular.  

Sherry and I chose Nebraska as our viewing site.  We have family nearby, want to see some more of our nations wonders, and added some unique summer shows, as well.