THE TRANSPLANTS

STEWARD OBSERVATORY MIRROR LAB AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

2012-02-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

This facility had its beginning in the backyard of
its founder, Dr. Roger Angel. After much experimenting, and funding from the Air Force, U of A and the National Science Foundation, the facility was set up under the stadium at the U of A. It is the only place in the world where these giant mirrors for telescopes are made.
Darrell & I have had this on our list of things to do since we moved here....sometimes these things take a while to get around to!

2012-02-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

These are examples of the glass chunks used to form the mirrors made here. All the glass used in these mirrors is made in Japan.

2012-02-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Inside this contraption is the second mirror to be used in

the Giant Magellan Telescope. Put simply, chunks of glass like the ones in the above picture are strategically placed over a mold; the lid is put on, the heat is turned up to 1160 degrees, and away it goes, spinning in a circle so the mirror will form a parabolic shape.

2012-02-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

This mirror is in position to have the discs that were attached in order to raise it up, removed.

2012-02-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

This mirror is in the final stages of being polished. Lots of complicated machinery is involved.

2012-02-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

This is an operator of the polishing device, pictured here. The polishing process is complex; the mirror is measure with lasers and computers, and I could barely understand the explanation. You had to be there.

2012-02-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

Here is an artist's rendition of the Giant Magellan Telescope being assembled in Chile, for which the GMT mirrors are being made. There will be 6 on the outside, one in the middle, and a spare.

DAY TRIP TO HAPPY JACK

2012-01-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

We had a long day of driving, I think our total mileage
was over 400 miles. But it was fun, and we saw
some beautiful scenery. The sunset was pink and
blue, not to be captured fully on film....but I tried.

Discovery Channel Telescope

2012-01-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

Our destination was the above-mentioned telescope; however, we couldn't get a good picture of it, as the road up to it was closed, and it is hidden by a hill and some pines. So, I got the sign. If you are coming from the north, it is difficult to see as well.....I just happened to see something white, and we investigated. We first saw this last year, and it has piqued our curiosity. According to internet info, it is opening in May of this year, with a t.v. special about it airing in June.

2012-01-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Luna enjoyed the trip with us...she's getting big, weights 62 pounds now.

TONTO NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK

2012-01-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

We saw this sign, and decided to check it out. This
state park is tucked away in a tiny valley surrounded
by pine trees. In 1877, a prospector named David
Gowan stumbled across the bridge as he was being
chased by Apaches. He hid for 2 nights in a cave
inside the bridge. On the third day, he explored the
area and claimed squatter's rights. His nephew
and family came over from Scotland and settled
the land. A lodge was built here in the 20's, allowing
the well-heeled to come and enjoy the peace
and quiet of the area.

2012-01-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400 foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point.

Sublime K9

2012-01-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

Every Thursday morning, Darrell, Luna and I go to dog obedience class. Darrell & I trade off now and then, but he is the main "training dude".

2011-10-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

We got snowed out in Lassen, they closed the road through the park, so we hit the road again. We drove past Mt. Shasta on the way to our next campsite.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

2011-10-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

We camped at Three Rivers, just outside the entrance to the park. The rain was letting up, but it had snowed at the higher elevation in the park, creating dense fog. We enjoyed the different perspective the fog gave....

2011-10-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

I stand in front of a cross section of a giant sequoia, and another looms in the fog.

2011-10-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

As we drove on, we saw a bear meandering
into the woods.

2011-10-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

These trees are big!

2011-10-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Another first for Luna....she loved the snow!

2011-10-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

We came around the bend, and hit a clear
spot in the clouds.

2011-10-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

We pose in a bright patch of sun.

2011-10-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

We drove up to Hume Lake to see if it was still
there....yes! Some 30 years ago, when we
lived in Southern California, every summer
found us at this campground. It holds a lot of
great memories of when the kids were little
and times were simple.

HART PRAIRIE, FLAGSTAFF

2011-10-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our final stop before heading home was
Flagstaff. We took a few days to take a breath
before we head down into the desert heat.

2011-10-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Luna is getting bigger by the day.

MORE OREGON COAST

2011-10-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

MT ST HELENS

2011-10-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

While we were camped at Fort Stevens, we
decided we were too close to Mt St Helens not
to go see it. It was a 3 hour drive, but worth
every minute. The clouds around the crater
are ashes blowing, not clouds. The upper 3,000
feet of the peak blew off when the volcano
erupted.

2011-10-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

A view of the lava flow from the volcano

BEVERLY BEACH STATE PARK

2011-10-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

We spent 3 days at this lovely park by the ocean....a short walk from our campsite brought us to the beach. The Halls were just across the road, and from here we drove up and down the coast, taking in the sights without having to pull our 5th wheels behind us.

2011-10-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Luna and Melinda take in Beverly Beach and the waves. She is definitely a water dog.

2011-10-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

The day we went to Cape Meares lighthouse, the winds were blowing about 40mph, and it was raining sideways. It brought home the fact that back in the day, lighthouses were pretty important to sailors, and still are!

2011-10-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

The homes on the Oregon coast have a pretty nice view.

2011-10-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Waves surge through holes in the rock, and we observe people being people at Boiler Bay, near DePoe.

2011-10-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

In DePoe Bay, we stop at the whale watching center. We did see several " spouts" as we traveled down the coast.

2011-10-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Mo's.....an institution on the Oregon Coast, famous for their clam chowder. We stopped at this one, and found out the rumor is true!

2011-10-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

Devil's Punchbowl

YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

2011-10-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

Many varieties of seabirds live on the rocks around the lighthouse.

2011-10-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

The view from the top, and a look back at 90 feet worth of stairs.

SEASIDE, OREGON

2011-09-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

We drove about 10 miles south of Fort Stevens to check out the little town of Seaside. It's a small resort community, lots of homes situated right on the beach.

2011-09-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Darrell and Luna assess the waves

2011-09-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Eerie clouds roll in from the ocean.

2011-09-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

I saw this ginormous slug while walking around the fort grounds. They make 'em big in Oregon!

2011-09-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

I have discovered how to dig...gotta love me!

FORT STEVENS STATE PARK, ASTORIA

2011-09-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Fort Stevens was established during the Civil War, to defend against potential attack from the British. It was one of 3 harbor defense stations at the mouth of the Columbia River. It was also utilized during WWI and WWII. Here you see one of the batteries where guns were mounted, and munitions were stored.
The campground is large, and there are bike trails and walking paths everywhere. You can hear the constant roar of the waves nearby, and fog is a frequent visitor.

2011-09-23T19:58:00.001-07:00

As we tour the grounds, a freighter heads
down the Columbia and into the sea for parts
unknown.

2011-09-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

The wreck of the Peter Iredale. This was a 3-
masted sailing vessel built in 1890, and wrecked
in 1906. While waiting at the mouth of the
Columbia River to unload its cargo, a furious wind blew it onto the beach, and unable to recover, it remains. The crew and captain were rescued, plus 2 stowaways.

THE TRIP WEST TAKES US THROUGH IDAHO, INTO OREGON

2011-09-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Luna is a good traveler!

2011-09-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

As we head west down the Columbia River, the train runs right along the river, parallel to the highway.

BONNEVILLE DAM AND LOCKS

2011-09-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

As we made our way west through the Columbia River Gorge, we stopped to see the dam and locks.

2011-09-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here at the dam and lock, they have built a fish ladder for the salmon and other fish to "climb" to their spawning grounds. They instinctively swim against the current to get there, and these ladders are built so the fish have a safe way to pass around the dam and continue upstream.

2011-09-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

We couldn't believe the size of the fish going up the fish ladder. Some of the salmon and sturgeon were at least 60 lbs, if not more!!

2011-09-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

The nearby fish hatchery is a nursery for sturgeon and salmon.

Mt Hood Loop, plus waterfalls

2011-09-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

From our campground, we made a loop up and around Mt Hood, then back down to the Columbia River to also view the waterfalls along the way. The faraway mountain is Mt Rainier, in Washington.

2011-09-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

Where the Hood River joins the Columbia, sailboarders of all kinds take advantage of the high winds.

2011-09-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

This is the second highest year round waterfall in the U,S,

LUNA'S HOMECOMING

2011-09-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

We had a combination coming out and goodbye party the
night before we hit the road. Kent, Amber, Gail and Darrell.
Luna had a BIG day!

2011-09-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

Amber, Gail and Darrell pose with Luna

BOWMAN LAKE WITH GAIL AND DARRELL

2011-09-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

The Halls have arrived in Montana! Our friends of 41 years just retired, bought a new truck and 5th wheel, and have met us up here to begin their travels.
We showed them a few sights nearby; Polebridge, Bowman Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and lots more. So much to share! As we started our hike at Bowman, this butterfly latched onto Darrell's hat and hitchhiked for about 1/2 a mile.

2011-09-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

These Common Mergansers are all taking a group break.

2011-09-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

As we hiked along Bowman Lake, a creature started hiking along the shore parallel to us. We thought it was an otter, but a ranger came over and said it was a mink. He walked over to a couple sitting on the shore within about 6 feet, then went into the water and made a big u-turn.

2011-09-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier. They knew the value of skylights even back in the early 1900's.

2011-09-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

We stopped on our way to Two Medicine to hike to Running Eagle Falls. It was named after a Native American woman who was able to go on quests and did a lot of things only men could do.

2011-09-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

Trying out my close-up function.

2011-09-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

We saw this at Two Medicine and Glacier Lodge. Someone spent a lot of time building this cairn, and must have an engineering degree!

2011-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

As we drove back from East Glacier, smoke from a new fire clouded the sun. This one was south of Hwy 2, and was started by a lightning strike. No rain in the past week and a half....sometimes the strike smolders for a long time, then ignites later on.

2011-09-12T17:07:00.001-07:00

We stopped at Two Medicine Lake to check out the general store, and the lovely setting.

MEET LUNA

2011-08-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

We went to the breeder again to take a look at the pups
and try to make a #1 and #2 choice. Well, this one came
bounding out to meet us, tail up, and as much as told us she was coming home with us. It was like SHE chose us.
So, when we leave in a couple of weeks we'll pick her up on our way down the road. Too many strange dogs here at the park to bring a puppy around. (parvo is a big danger to pups at this age).

AFTERNOON TRIP TO LOGAN PASS

2011-08-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

We had a warm, sunny afternoon and decided to visit Logan Pass. This is the transit center,
opened 4 yrs ago. It provides shuttles leaving about every
20 minutes to take people to different areas of the park.
Because of the limited parking at the pass/visitor center, plus the narrow road leading up to it, we opted to take the shuttle. It took 1hr 45 min to get to the top....which it would have taken us anyway, had we driven ourselves.
We were told there are star parties at the pass, which made our eyes light up. What a view that would be! On second thought, it didn't start til 9pm, and we would have to drive ourselves up and back in the dark. Maybe someday they'll have night shuttles. We hope!!

2011-08-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of views from the boardwalk that meanders up the trail to Hidden Lake.

2011-08-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Even the panorama function on my camera can't
do justice to the beauty up here.

2011-08-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Head in bushes...no good. Turning to leave.....no good. Posing for everyone who was standing there trying to get a picture....priceless!

Logan Pass

2011-08-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

JEWEL BASIN

2011-08-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

Misery? Depends on how your feet are feeling.
This ranger station and trailhead is called
Camp Misery, and is the beginning of several
trails that connect 27 lakes in Jewel Basin. This designated hiker only area covers 15,349 acres and has 50 miles of trails. There are remote campsites at a few selected lakes, and horses and motor vehicles are prohibited. It is aptly named, as it is truly a jewel in the Rockies.
Locals say Camp Misery was named for a place that an indian tribe spent a terrible winter.
Not hard to imagine, as the snow levels here are measured in feet, not inches.

2011-08-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

I spent about 15 minutes taking multiple pictures of this Pine Grouse on the trail. It was very unafraid, and posed in many ways. Amber told us later that they are rather curious, and this one might have been trying to draw us away from her babies who may have been hidden nearby. It's a good thing, cause I am still trying to master this camera, and I must have taken 10 shots. lol

2011-08-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

If we look to the left, we have a view of the Flathead Valley. Look up, and the wildflowers are still blooming like crazy!

2011-08-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

August 16, and we still came across big patches of snow across the trail.

2011-08-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

We reach Twin Lake

2011-08-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Time to relax after lunch.

2011-08-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

I got this butterfly to sit still for a moment.

WE'RE GETTING ONE OF THESE!!!

2011-08-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, we finally decided to get off the fence about
making the plunge into dog ownership again. Up here at the park in Montana, we have seen so many dogs come to enjoy the beach. One, in particular, is owned by a fellow named Jim.
He brings Bella down almost every evening for
a swim, and we got to know him AND his dog. she is 2 yrs old, talks to you with her eyes, and is generally the light of Jim's life.
He gave us the name of her breeder, and we have a puppy of unknown choice reserved!
Pictured here is the puppies' mother, Gracie.
We will pick up our new "kid" sometime around mid-September. Can't wait!

2011-08-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is the stuffed lamb puppy nanny. Linda,
the breeder, puts it in with the pups when she
wants to give mom a break. It was so cute to
watch them cuddle with this thing.

2011-08-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

We got to visit our prospective pup....8 in the litter altogether, 3 females, 5 males. We are going for a female. There is one person ahead of us, so that gives us second choice of the litter. We spent more time than we thought we would, a couple of hours...but they're so cute!

2011-08-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

I can't decide which one we should choose! In a couple of weeks, we'll come back to see what their little
personalities are like.

GETAWAY AT BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND

2011-08-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

Located only about 17 miles north of Columbia Falls,
Big Creek has campsites that are located right
on the north fork of the Flathead River. We
spent a couple of days away from the busy-ness of
the park, no worries about out of staters not
paying, dogs on the swim beach, etc.

2011-08-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

Darrell gives our campground a thumbs up. Canada Geese take a break on the river.

2011-08-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

3 amigos....we met our campground hosts, and they own these 3 Golden Retrievers....they look so red and big to me, I thought they were Irish Setters. They were so friendly, and they each had their own personal camp chair.

2011-08-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

The North fork of the Flathead River meanders along the valley between our road and GNP.

2011-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

First stop of the day is Polebridge. The bakery is to die for...things like homemade jalapeno cheddar bread, mocha white chocolate cookies, hot chicken and cheddar cheese baked into homemade bread. I'm getting hungry!

2011-08-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

We decided to do a little exploring on the back roads. We wanted to see what the road was like heading over to Upper Whitefish Lake.

2011-08-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Red Meadow Lake is a pretty little lake, set in the beautiful scenery of the Rockies. I must say, there were tons of flies and mosquitoes. We met a fisherman there and he showed us a book describing a lot of lakes in Northwest Montana. When we looked at a picture of the author on the back, it turned out to be him! Well, he also had a supply of books in the back of his truck, and we had to have the one that describes lakes in Jewel Basin, one of our favorite hiking places. We meet the most interesting people up here!

2011-08-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

We finished our day with dinner at Northern Lights Cafe, located right next to the merc. Food was great!

AROUND THE HOUSE

2011-08-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

We have rounded the bend, and are headed for the home stretch! Darrell is replacing Amber's laundry tub faucet. No leaks, yay!

2011-08-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Amber has put in a couple of raised beds, and this year she is trying out a potato tower. As the plants grow, you add more soil and another slat all around. When you're ready to harvest, you can just remove the bottom panels, pick a potato, and let them keep growing.

COWBOY CONCERT IN THE ROCKIES

2011-08-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is Gentry River Ranch, a Montana guest ranch just outside Columbia Falls, with cabins on the Flathead River, a main lodge, and lots of activities.
Last February, when Darrell & I went to the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Sierra Vista, AZ, we found a new favorite entertainer. Dave Stamey is a singer/songwriter, comedian, and cowboy. His music is written to tell the story of the west from the southern border to northwest Montana, and places in between. When I got to looking at his website to see if he was playing anywhere nearby, I discovered that he was coming to Columbia Falls, only minutes from our hosting site in Whitefish.
We would have paid the $20 per person just to see him, but included in the price were great food, beer and wine.
One of the highlights of our summer, we hope he's coming back next year.

2011-08-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

We explored a little inside the main lodge while we waited for the concert to begin.

2011-08-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

If you look carefully, you can see a double rainbow framing the entrance to Glacier National Park. Doesn't get prettier than this.

2011-08-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

A passing thunderstorm didn't phase Dave...the show must go on!

EVENTS AT LES MASON

2011-08-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

This was one of our first events of the year; a wedding rehearsal dinner. About 50 people attended, and they seemed to have a great time. Famous Dave's catered the event, and the weather was beautiful.

FLOWERS ARE BIG IN WHITEFISH

2011-07-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

We stopped at the Third Street Market, a local health
food store, and I couldn't resist capturing the
colorful flower baskets here. They are enormous.
With summers being so brief and cherished
here, people really enjoy their flowers.

MORE PROJECTS

2011-07-23T07:59:00.001-07:00

Amber's fence progresses, as Kent works here. He really has put in a lot of time and skilled effort, as has Amber. Darrell and I will stain boards and screw them in. Our picnic table needed a coat of paint, so sanding, priming and painting was done while on duty at the park.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, AND PUT ON YOUR HELMET!

2011-07-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Every spring before Going to the Sun Road opens for the season, the park lets hikers and bikers have access from Avalanche to the Loop. Every time we went to make the ride, the road was closed only 3 miles up, due to construction. The day before the road officially opened, it was open clear to the Loop, so we spent our anniversary cycling.
It was a nice day, and after several trips through the parking lot, we found a parking place at the start point.