Prickly Pear Cactus Blossoms — Images by kenne
Most people, when asked to identify a yellow spring flower would probably identify daffodils.
But, in the sunny Tucson area, most people would say the prickly pear cactus blossom,
or the palo verde blossoms.
Yellow is a warm and friendly color and most associated with is the sun. During spring,
it almost seems like the sun changes its light from a cold white to a warm and glowy yellow.
I’ve taken many roadrunner photos in the almost 12 years we have lived in Tucson. This photo essay is representative of the images.
Last October, Hugh Poland and I spent some time photographing wildlife in southern Arizona, and he was most disappointed in not seeing any Greater Roadrunners. However, he’s planning an August trip to attend a Tucson Audubon Society event here in southeast Arizona.
So maybe he will see and photograph some roadrunners. (Click on any image to view it in a slideshow format.)
— kenne
Greater Roadrunner — Southeast Arizona Images by kenne
Yacca Blossoms — Springtime In The Sonoran Desert — B&W Images by kenne
— Sayings
The Sandhill Cranes Have Headed North — Images by kenne
Cranes flying north
To their northern breeding grounds
White-winged doves return.
— kenne
White-winged Dove — Image by kenne
Yesterday, I spent an afternoon with my friend Tom at the Sweetwater Wetlands, photographing
waterfowl.
We were hoping to see some dragonflies, but it’s still too early with overnight temperatures near
freezing here in the desert.
— kenne
The Images include Mallards, American Coots, and American Wigeons — Images by kenne
Last week James, Jill, and Hugh visited us for six days from Houston. In addition to taking in sites around Tucson,
we went north to Sedona, Flagstaff, and The Grand Canyon. Here are a few images from the Sedona area.
— kenne
Images by kenne (August 13-14, 2021)
(Click on any of the images for a larger view in a slideshow format.)
We arrived in Short Pump in the late afternoon on August 13th, where we would spend the next three days with Jason and family.
Short Pump is a suburb of Richmond, Virginia. The population was 24,729 at the 2010 census.
This posting is the second of three that will be shared of our stay in Short Pump.
Here’s a link to the first posting — https://kenneturner.com/2021/09/09/time-with-grandchildren-at-swimming-pool-a-photo-essay/
The older grandchildren will be part of the third in this series of three postings on our visit to Short Pump.
— kenne
Sullivan’s Island Life-Saving Station (August 12, 2021) — Images by kenne
The United States Life Saving Service, USLSS, was conceived out of a dire need for a lifesaving network.
Until 1878, the only source for those in trouble at sea were lighthouse keepers, volunteers,
and private vessels that happened to be nearby.
Images by kenne (August 14, 2021) — Click On Any Image To See In Slideshow Format.
After spending time driving and sightseeing in the southeast (as COVID-19 was spiking through the area)
we made it to Richmond, VA, where we spent time with family (Jason, April, Cayden, Cayla, Audrey, and Robin).
This was our first opportunity to spend time with our new grandchildren Cayla and Cayden.
— kenne
Entrance To The National Voting Rights Museum & Institute in Salma, ALabama (August 10, 2021)– Image by kenne
Located in the Historic District of Selma, Alabama at the foot of the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge,
the scene of “Bloody Sunday,” the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute is the cornerstone of the
contemporary struggle for voting rights and human dignity.
This was a special stop on our August Road Trip.
Images by kenne
(Click On Any Gallery Photo for Larger View.)
Our second night on the road was spent in Ft. Worth. Before going to our hotel, we spent some time in Sundance Square,
located downtown Ft. Worth.
Sundance Square (August 8, 2021) — Photo Essay by kenne
One of our stops in Texas after leaving Pecos was the the Texas Sandhills State Park. Here are a few images from our brief stay in the park.
— Images by kenne
Texas Sandhills State Park
Texas Sandhills State Park
Texas Sandhills State Park
Texas Sandhills State Park
Texas Sandhills State Park
The Telegraph Fire is a wildfire in the Tonto National Forest that started west of Globe, Arizona
on June 4, 2021. The fire burned 180,757 acres and was fully contained on July 4, 2021.
It is the largest wildfire in the United States of the 2021 wildfire season so far.
State Highway 77 was closed several times during the life of the Telegraph Fire.
These images were taken July 2nd as we drove back to Tucson after spending
a few days in Pinetop, Arizona.
— kenne
Telegraph Fire Images by kenne (July 2,2021)
Turkey Run Gallery by kenne
I was originally scheduled to lead the SCVN Turkey Run Trail hike tomorrow. However, because of some nagging leg problems,
I had to bow out. Instead, I did hike Turkey Run with two friends (Tom and John) last Friday. Usually, by this time of year,
there are plenty of wildflowers, but not this year. The gallery contains cow parsnip, New Mexico Locust, and silverpuff.
— kenne
Marshall Gulch Parking Area
Aspen Trail (June 15, 2015)
Last year’s fires were followed by the driest year
On record, delaying the reclamation process
And trail clearing to provide for safe hiking
On the grayest powder covering the trails.
Images by kenne
Becoming is Superior to Being 