Walking in a Geologic Wonderland

Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is a favorite, west of Las Vegas. It’s been a ghost town with the government shutdown this past weekend. Having arrived, prior to, we could stay.  Found this shell fossil on my walk today amidst other marine life fossils scattered around – all evidence of a land once under water.  The desert is an amazing place.

Mom has been in the hospital for almost two weeks now, but is improving. Prayers are appreciated.

Ever get that phone call?

Mom & Dad. Dad passed seven years ago, after 55 years of marriage.

This would have been our fifth year at the Pow Wow Gem & Mineral Show in Quartzsite Arizona.  Projects at home were up to date.  The RV was getting loaded and it and our tow vehicle tuned up and safety checked.  The plan was to arrive a few days early to ease the work of setting up and have some time to look for last minute rock deals.

Then the phone rang during dinner.  You know that call.  I have received many of those phone calls that report bad news and I am sure that you have as well.  My brother called to report that our octogenarian mother was not well.  She is in the hospital now, in another state.  Family and illness should not disrupt our lives, they are just part of it.  While Sherry and I will miss our annual fun in Arizona, we are pleased that we can do what is needed for Mom.  

Prayers are appreciated.  Honoring your mother and father is one of God’s commandments.  For us, this is an easy one.  Thank you, Jesus.

2017: Millions of Miles and Centuries Through Time

2017 eclipse photo, as seen from Nebraska

When the sky became night in the middle of the day,  an orange glow of twilight in all directions and even the insects stopped to take notice.  The eclipse, as we witnessed it in Nebraska was awesome. 

Cliff Dwelling, Mesa Verde, Colorado

Stepping back in time to the ancient cliff dwellings of Southern Colorado was spectacular.  Even the antique steam engine that blew a seal ending our Durango-to-Silverton train ride just outside of town resulted in a fun field trip to collect rhodanite.

Rhodanite we collected near Silverton, Colorado

 

What was the purpose?  Graffiti, worship, record keeping?  The plethora of petroglyphs was stimulating as we stood where these ancient artists worked the images into the stone.

We do not plan to travel in 2018 as much as we did in 2017, but are looking forward to more adventures.  May your 2018 be blessed!