Friends

I have been blessed with wonderful friends.  I have friends from my toddler days who are very dear to me.  I have friends from elementary, middle, and high school I still visit as often as I can.  I have friends from Utah State and Texas A&M days with whom I love to reminisce.  I have made some lasting friendships working all over the country with the National Park Service.

 

I am blessed.

 

After finishing my season in Death Valley, I met up with old roommates from Utah State days in Salt Lake.  We had lunch at a very lovely place in downtown.  Melissa, her two girls, Tarrin, and Kristen.

We walked a bit around Temple Square and enjoyed the spring flowers. 

 In Houston, I met with friends I have known longer than I can remember: Kathryn, Jenn, and Amber.

Thanks to Kristen and Amber for sharing their pictures with me!

I realize these pictures represent only a fraction of the individuals who are so dear to me but those not pictured are no less important.

"Yes'm, old friends is always best, 'less you can catch a new one that's fit to make an old one out of."
--Sarah Orne Jewett

The Cub Reporter and Engineer's Daughter

I thought it high time to post some pictures of me in my Scotty's Castle togs, especially with the new hair cut.

 

I've worn this green dress for three winters now.  It's my favorite.  I don't know if it will hold up one more season.  This is my cub reporter look.  "As a reporter, I can only give you the facts of this story.  Opinions, conclusions...you're on your own."

My dear friend Jeanette.  We started at the Castle the same time.  I have really enjoyed working these last three winters with her. 

 I love this outfit too.  The underground tour through the basement and tunnels can get rather chilly during the winter and it's rare that I don't have on a heavy coat or sweater.  I love these overalls and my maroon hat!

 We demonstrate historic power generation at the end of our underground tours by running the original Pelton waterwheel.  There are times when I wonder if I'm strong enough to turn the valve to let the water flow to the wheel.

Ah, Scotty's Castle. 

Corkscrew Victory

The top of Corkscrew Peak in Death Valley National Park has eluded me for two seasons.  Attempts have been made in the past, all with unsuccessful results.  I had one last open weekend and decided I was going to conquer this peak.  For this attempt, however, I had numbers on my side.  I went with one of my coworkers and his visiting daughter and son-in-law.

It was a beautiful day.  Clear skies, light breeze, not too hot, not too cold.

Part way up the trail, looking at the goal.  If it looks straight up, it is.  I think this is the steepest trail I have ever hiked.

We've had a lovely wildflower season here in Death Valley.  On the hike, I saw my first desert five spot.  I've seen pictures of this lovely wildflower but have never seen it in person.  There was a beautiful patch of these desert beauties along the trail.

The view from the top was pretty spectacular.  Looking south to Badwater Basin.

We got up high enough to see the Sierra and snow-capped Mount Whitney.

Looking north-northeast into Titus canyon.  I love the colors and the geology of this place.

Crazy geology.  In Death Valley you can have horizontal and vertical lines, ridges, and layers within feet of each other.  How?!  How does that happen?

The conquering party.

My season in Death Valley is fast drawing to a close.  I will be returning to Yosemite National Park for the summer where new and exciting hikes await.  Fellow hikers always welcome!