Rather Random

This post is a collection of recent unrelated, random shots.

These ultra-high-top shoes are securely tied to the legs of one of my Lovely Lassies.

Bizarre fashion statement, don't you think?

(The young lassies came to my place yesterday and learned about careers from three savvy women:
a lawyer, a nurse and a business owner.)

This was bizarre, too.

I came across a unicyclist on the canyon trail. Quite unexpected.

Then, there was this decorated Christmas tree - just above the trail on US Forest Service property.

I know. The holidays are soooo over.

But the wild pine loaded with ornaments is still there, encouraging people like me to ask questions:

Who did this? Was young love involved?

Here's Duane, my son-in-law, with his younger sister on his shoulders . . .
experiencing the sensuous texture of the canyon moss.


Finally, a decent show of snow.

Shockingly late, but we didn't complain.

Still, no rules against GRILLING during the snow season.

Barbequed these yummies for some friends who gathered last weekend.

Fireside chats mixed with healthy vittles = the BEST.

Is that RANDOM enough?

asks my granddaughter, Ms. Rella, with a purple plastic necklace hanging out of her mouth.

I Love My Honda Element

It looks funky. Some say it looks downright ugly.

I don't care what people think.

It handles mountain roads where conventional vehicles dare not travel.

I can get an eagle eye view of my hometown in under 30 minutes flat.

And that's just what I did this week . . .

with my 15 year-old niece, along for the buggy ride.

Did I mention that a PICNIC DINNER was thrown into the deal?

And do you notice this teenager wearing a Jacket in July?

You see, it's generally about 20 degrees cooler up there.
Grace didn't believe me when I suggested a jacket.
(Good thing I brought two.)

* * *

Take a look at the SCENERY in the shot below.
It's the canyon I hike every single day with my puppy dog.
Looks entirely different from above.

BTW, I removed my fleece for this shot.
The brown shirt provided a nice backdrop for those BONNIE BLUE wildflowers.

(I was shivering.)

* * *

We headed home just as the sun was setting.

We passed through three luscious meadows as we descended.

As we arrived at the third one,
my niece gazed BEYOND the grassy carpet and exclaimed,
"There really ARE
purple mountains!"

And they really ARE majestic!

The New Seattle

We talk about Seattle a LOT these days.
Because June brought us RAIN, RAIN, RAIN.
And Utah has become extraordinarily green
like our neighbors in the Northwest.

The mountain carpet at the entrance of the canyon
is simply LUSCIOUS.

There's been joyful singing
from the river as it cascades over quartzite boulders.

And choirs of wildflowers!

This year, Rock Canyon is a visual candy store.

The flora below reminds me of dear Dr. Seuss.


These petite flowers range from deep blue to deep purple,
and every color in between.

Wild roses line the trail near the base of the canyon.
Their fragrance carries me up the trail
and there's absolutely no effort in hiking when they're in bloom.

Bring on the rain!

FINAL SHOT:
Taken from my front porch with a telescopic lens.
(I dwell in the shadows of the mountains.)