Arch of Phipp

Last year on this day, EDO and I made it to the arch in Phipp's Wash (and out again) before dark.  I was thinking about that today because the arch itself is so remarkable.  It is not at all delicate or soaring.  Instead, it is a dense and solid mass, with a low roof.

Antone Flat

We logged 13 miles on Thursday and Friday.  Unfortunately, most of it without VSO.  Between the rigors of physical therapy and a touch of the cold/flu, she was low on energy.  She took Thursday off, and turned around at the two-mile-mark on Friday.

It was the same today.  VSO went back to the trailhead after two miles (four round trip) while the rest of us went five (ten round trip).  The rest of us included EDO and me.  Even after five miles it was a disappointment to turn around.  The views were just getting good, and we'd not even reached Mamie Creek.

Smoke and Digital Mirrors

Prior to the arrival of a small dose of rain and snow, noted in my last post, we had not accumulated any moisture in southern Utah for at least two months.  The woods were dry, and it was an opportunity to try a little burning.  We spent a couple of days working at it last week, with mixed results.

One thing about mid-November burning is that the daily window is short.  The sun is never very high in the sky and, if you are working on an east facing slope, it sets by 3p.  While these low light conditions may not be great for burners, they are a boon for picture makers.  The slanting rays of the sun and the surreal—almost eerie—effect of smoke rising from the shadows provides for some interesting results.  (Please note, however, that this doesn't mean I'm not working:  drip torch in one hand, camera in the other.)

First Rain; First Snow

On September 14th 2017, the Homestead received enough rain to create a puddle.  On two occasions since then we've had a slight drizzle, but not enough to settle the dust and certainly not enough to make a puddle.  This afternoon, when EDO and I were headed out for a few minutes in the foothills, a steady downpour was filling puddles in the street.  By the time we got half a mile up the trail, we were in the snow.  The first measurable moisture in 64 days.

Riding the Range

EDO has been dealing with a foot injury that has slowed her hiking and stopped her running.  Instead, we've spent a lot of time on the bike.  Yesterday we were on a developed trail in Cedar City, but we also frequent a few gravel roads closer to home.  One thing about going out for an afternoon ride in the middle of November is that the sun is setting by 4p.  It makes for a soft twilight glow.