A Few Friendlies

While out wondering I ran into a few of the locals. They were friendly enough but yet skittish. I was able to slowly meander to within about 20 to 30 feet of these guys, but I'm sure Rangers make sure they're fearful of people. There are also fines for feeding the locals, so don't feed them!

The little one in the center of this picture actually walked up to my outstretched hand and it let me touch its face.

This one appears much larger than the others, likely she's pregnant with a new one.

It was nice to see these well-looking donkeys in the wild thriving and healthy.

5 Mile Hike Today

Went out for a nice little five-mile hike today. The air was crisp and clean, it was still in the morning hours so the heat is not yet too hot, it made for a nice way to start the day.

Starting out I noticed the cactus flowers are beginning their annual Spring tradition and opening up right away. They're so fresh, the pollen is sprinkled over the bottom of the petals as the bees and other insects feverishly sprint to capture what they can of this fresh new harvest.

As I walked I couldn't help but take notice of the new freshly sprouted green leaves on most all the trees. The leaves are so fresh and young, they haven't yet had time to thicken and toughen-up as the light shines through them so brilliantly.

Everywhere you look the flowers are coming out quickly to soak up the cooler part of the Spring sun before the heat becomes unbearable. In another month or so they will lose their flowers in order to conserve their moisture because of the heat onslaught.

Now is the best time to go out hiking in the desert to get a glimpse of the plants as they come to life. Many desert flowering trees are also beginning to show the first signs of flowering so they will be in their full glory.








It was interesting to see this old tree had fallen, must have been in the last week because this particular trail is one which I frequent and the tree fell directly across. I glimpsed inside and the tree, I presume, was either dead or close to, because the inside at the base is hollowed through.

Another wonderful ever so changing day in the Nevada desert.

Red Rocks and Spring Mountains Las Vegas

Each time I go hiking out into the Spring Mountains near Las Vegas I like to take photos, some trips are more photogenic than others, and so I wanted to post some photos from a few hikes I took recently. The clouds really looked great as a backdrop against many of the rocky hills and mountains. All shot from my phone so they're not terrific looking, but they sure get the point across.

It's just amazing how colorful the desert can be, especially just as Spring approaches. The air is still crisp and one can tell the plants are just ready to burst with life.

Hope you get as much enjoyment out of these as I do.

These are all from the canyon areas of Red Rock and the Spring Mountains. The place is like Disneyland, you can't possibly get it all in within a day, or even two.

A Little Ohio

Took a small trip to Ohio. Did some hiking and viewing the countryside. It's terrific to get into some of the outlying areas, to get away from the cities, there's so much beautiful, open, colorful land, it's truly a peaceful place.

A few farms dot the landscape with great, open, green pastures and, at the time, many cut crop fields. The most prevalent cut crop at the time were corn fields.

Driving was quiet and very few cars passed as I admired the full landscape.

Off and on there were rains, but for the most part, the weather was pleasant, the temperature easy-going and the air was clean. I presume more people don't live out in the country like this is because of the lack of conveniences; there were few, if any, stores close at hand. One would be better off if they raised their own chickens for eggs, cows for fresh milk, and grew their own vegetables - the distant trips to stores would then be more worthwhile, one can simply stock-up with necessities.

In addition to the countryside, there are many great places to see and hike.

I presume these folks like showing this barn aged back to the 1890's.

I went by this old school along the way, the "Walnut Grove School #10". You can read the plack information in the first picture.

I also visited the "Bridge of Dreams", presumably the longest covered bridge in U.S. East of the Mississippi. It was an interesting site although the grounds and waters surrounding were dirty and murky, it was a shame.

Center pillar, on the left, holding up Bridge of Dreams

Pilings under one side holding the Earth up beneath

Shot after Bridge of Dreams

Bridge of Dreams Span

The area has many nice hiking trails and scenery along the way.

Overall I'd say it's worth the quiet trip to see this area. While here you will also be driving through Amish country, so be respectful of their property, animals, and buggies.

Here's a Google Map of the area, the link to the Google map is below.

Bridge of Dreams