Tag: Travel

Ingrid's Corner, Photo challenge, Photography

Mother’s Day Reflections

by Ingrid29 Comments on Mother’s Day Reflections

On this Mother’s Day, let us celebrate the women who shape(d) our lives. Whether celebrating our own mother, a maternal figure, or the collective spirit of motherhood, this occasion invites us to express gratitude and celebrate a special bond.

Even when they depart, mothers linger. Their laughter echoes in our minds, and their advice whispers in our ears.

Sometimes, words fail. Yet, a mother understands. She deciphers silence and interprets sighs. Her touch says, “I’m here.” In her embrace, answers are found without questions.

Mothers sacrifice sleep, dreams, and personal aspirations for the well-being of her children. They navigate sleepless nights and juggle responsibilities.

Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my mother. I am who I am because of her.

She taught me that I was capable of doing and being anything I wanted. She taught me not to allow fear to hold me back yet to always use my head; common sense and logic should always rule.

Her advice and lessons continue to resonate with me long after her passing.

She and I shared a love for travel, an interest in birds, plus so much more. I’m truly blessed to have had such a strong and worldly mother.

A mother’s love is a special bond that transcends time.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today’s Sunday Stills photo challenge prompt is “cobalt blue“. Wishing you all a wonderful day, and thank you for stopping by for a visit. 🙂

Arizona, Photo challenge, Photography

On a Mission!

by Ingrid81 Comments on On a Mission!

In an attempt to circumvent rush hour traffic, I jumped in the truck around 5:30 a.m. on a Monday morning. My camera gear and picnic lunch sat securely in the passenger seat next to me. Today’s destination would have me driving nearly 100 miles to the far other side of the Phoenix Valley near the little mining town of Superior, Arizona.

A friend was suppose to join me but at the last minute had to cancel. I thought about canceling my plans as well which surprised me. A few years ago, that thought would never have crossed my mind, but somewhere along the way, I had lost some of my confidence. I’ve been venturing solo for years and had never been as hesitant as I was this morning.

“A ship in a harbor is safe but that’s not what ships are built for.” This quote suggests that although it may be tempting to stay in one’s comfort zone, true success lies in taking risks and venturing outside of that zone.

I’m so glad I didn’t allow fear to hold me back. (Fear of what? I don’t know.🤷🏻‍♀️) The Boyce Thompson Arboretum had been on my to see list for at least ten years, and as many times as Al and I had driven by the arboretum during our RV travels, we never made it a priority to stop and visit. Well by golly, this was the day!

“We’re 106 miles to Chicago. We’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses … Hit it.” — Blues Brothers 🤣😉🤭

The drive

It was still dark when I navigated onto the highway … leaving my sunglasses perched on the top of my head . Traffic was already heavy but moving at a good speed … as in everyone, including me, was speeding😮. That’s how we roll here in Phoenix. Fortunately, my plan to beat the worst of rush hour traffic worked out.

As I started heading east bound, the sun was beginning to rise and was trying to peak out between the clouds. I was grateful for the overcast sky considering I was driving east into the sun. The morning light was amazing and I witnessed sky rays … the kind of rays that Arizona is known for and actually featured on the state flag. What a great start to the day!

I arrived to a closed gate at the arboretum. I was early. I had nearly an hour to kill. No problem. I headed back down the road a mile and turned down the dirt road for the Picketpost Trailhead. My little red truck and I were back in our element exploring roads less traveled.

Scouting

The overcast sky was breaking up allowing the sun to create long shadows. I struggled to find a photo composition, but I didn’t care. I was enjoying the morning away from the city. The air was crisp and clean with a temperature hovering in the 55 degree F range. However, I knew it wouldn’t take long for the day to heat up. That’s life in the desert!

Eventually, I made my way back to an open arboretum. I parked the truck and paid the entrance fee. As I was perusing the map, I realized how big this place is. I needed to come up with a plan because I intended to explore the garden in its entirety … or at least try.

I was on a mission today. I wanted to find a photo composition that I might find worthy of printing and hanging above my couch.

Let the exploring commence.

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona encompassing 372 acres with miles worth of trails.

After walking for nearly four straight hours with the exception of quick photo-op stops here and there, I returned to my truck for that picnic lunch. The moment I sat down, I could feel the mornings activity in my legs. I thought about carrying my lunch over to a picnic table, but my body told me to stay put. The truck was fine.

As I sat quietly in my truck munching on my sandwich, I contemplated my next move. Had I captured the landscape image I was searching for? Had I accomplished my goal? Was there anything I missed? I scoured the map again.

The garden had become very busy which was understandable on this beautiful spring day. The early morning solitude that I’d experienced earlier had spoiled me. The wind had also picked up. Considering the wind was blowing the poppies sideways, any thought of focusing on flower photography was short lived.

I took the short stroll over to a garbage can and that’s when I knew exactly what I needed to do. This old body of mine was running out of fuel. Thus, it was time to head home and think about my next adventure because today’s adventure was over.

I may not have captured the image I pictured in my head, but my day was nonetheless successful. I finally visited this beautiful arboretum. I enjoyed a gorgeous day in nature, and above all else, my confidence had been renewed. Mission accomplished!

Today’s Sunday Still’s photo challenge is Earth Day. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day than by visiting an arboretum.

Arizona, Photography

Not Lost, Just Turned Around

by Ingrid91 Comments on Not Lost, Just Turned Around
Not Lost, Just Turned Around

After selling the RV and moving into a house two and a half years ago, I found myself more housebound than adventure bound.

I’ve always been a restless type of person with a need to explore, a need to travel, a need to see what’s around the corner, a need to venture beyond my comfort zone and challenge myself.

Perhaps that’s why I was feeling lost and out of sorts. I make a terrible homebody.

Life is lived forward but only understood backward.

After spending the better part of a month this past winter living on my couch suffering from cold and flu symptoms, I had plenty of time to reflect on my lackluster mood. Obviously, being sick didn’t help, but it was more than just that. It was time for me to dig deep and analyze my mood!

What was it about the RV lifestyle that made me feel so alive? Could I replicate some of that in my new stationary life? Was I subconsciously mourning my past?

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” — Buddha

Snap out of it!

First on my addenda was dusting off my camera and reconnecting with my local camera club.

March was the perfect time to do just that. Venturing around the Phoenix valley with a talented photo buddy was energizing and helped put me back on track. I realized I needed to embrace the things that make me happy.

I needed to explore and capture the beauty around me. I needed to jump back into photography. I needed to hop in my little red truck and explore. I needed to start living and not merely existing.

I may not be traveling around immersing myself in a variety of landscapes like I once did, and I’m more than okay with that. That was then, this is now. I’m content living in the lovely state of Arizona amongst family and friends and diving into the surrounding landscape that I call home.

Turns out, I was never lost, just turned around.

“A flower does not use words to announce its arrival to the world; it simply blooms.” For this week’s Sunday Stills Photo Challenge, Terri asks us to share images of flowers. The desert is at its finest in Spring when the landscape is dotted with an array of color from wildflowers. There’s nothing like a beautiful field of wildflowers that’ll brighten any melancholy mood.

Arizona, Photo challenge, Photography

Lens-Artists Challenge – Water in Motion

by Ingrid63 Comments on Lens-Artists Challenge – Water in Motion
Verde River

Water is a precious commodity in the desert southwest. There’s an old saying around here that is rumored to have been said by Mark Twain.

“Whiskey’s for drinking and water is for fighting over.”

Horseshoe Lake Dam

During one of my recent adventures, I took the hour plus drive out to Horseshoe Lake.

Spring, particularly March and April, is when snow melt feeds our rivers and reservoirs. It’s a unique system of water management.

I timed my visit to Horseshoe Dam perfectly as millions of gallons of water were being released to flow downstream in an effort to fill up Bartlett Reservoir.

There are seven managed reservoirs that provide water to greater Phoenix, Arizona.

Horseshoe Lake

Much of the water supply is surface water that originates as snow in the mountains north and east of Phoenix. As the snow melts, it flows into reservoirs via the Verde, Salt, and Colorado Rivers.

The first dam was built in 1906 creating Roosevelt Lake (reservoir). Over time, a system of lakes, rivers, dams, and canals were built to deliver water to the millions of residents throughout the Phoenix Valley.

Not only do these reservoirs serve an important role in providing a water supply, they also offer a source of recreation.

This was definitely an interesting excursion that was worth the ten mile plus dirt/gravel road to get out to the dam.

I’m not only grateful for the water, but also grateful for the recreation and scenery not far from home.

Hmm, where to next?

For this week’s Lens-Artists photo challenge #293, Sofia asks us to share images of Water in Motion. Living in the desert, I thought this prompt might find me digging through my photo archives, but fortunately, on my quest to photograph wildflowers, I ventured out to Horseshoe and Bartlett Lakes. What great timing!

Verde River
Arizona, Photography

Glorious Wildflowers

by Ingrid78 Comments on Glorious Wildflowers
Glorious Wildflowers

Spring has definitely sprung here in the desert southwest. This past week, I enjoyed a couple of photography outings in hopes of capturing some of Arizona’s wildflowers.

And my ventures were indeed successful!

Flowers are meant to be photographed.

Flowers make me happy. They make me smile and inspire me. When I’m amongst a group of wildflowers, I’m in my happy place.

“A flower’s appeal is in its contradictions – so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect.” — Terri Guillemets

“A flower blooming in the desert proves to the world that adversity, no matter how great, can be overcome.” — Matshona Dhliwayo

Flowers are like friends; they bring color to our world.

Spring is a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.

Arizona, Photography

The Desert Turns Green

by Ingrid92 Comments on The Desert Turns Green
The Desert Turns Green

Since moving to the desert southwest, the month of March has become a favorite time of year for me. I grew up in the Midwest and used to dread March. When March rolled around, I was ready for winter to be over, but Mother Nature still had lots more inclement weather to share. There would always be another snowstorm, gray skies, and a whipsaw of temperatures.

Not so in Phoenix, Arizona. March is awesome!

The Color Green

March is when our desert starts to come alive. As her plants come out of hibernation, the color green can be seen in all directions. There’s a feeling of rebirth and renewal. It’s a special time of year to experience the desert.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

As a combination of yellow’s optimism and blue’s calmness, green is considered to be a positive color. It can even evoke feelings of balance, serenity, and joy.

“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.” Pedro Calderon de la Barca

It’s considered the most balanced color, most likely due to its association with nature. Green can improve mood and surrounding oneself with green elements aids in relaxation and depression. It can even bring about a feeling of peacefulness.

Green Heron spotted at a local pond
plant seen near the pond with the green heron

Feelings of Vitality and Peace

Spring has sprung here in Arizona and I couldn’t be happier. Is it the green landscape that has me feeling more energized? Could it be the wildflowers that are beginning to dot our landscape? It doesn’t really matter. What does matter is I’m in a good mood, and I intend to soak up every minute of our glorious spring weather and beautiful landscape because I know the extreme desert heat is just around the corner.

Now please excuse me while I grab my camera and head out in search of desert wildflowers ….

What does March look like in your neck of the woods?

For this week’s Sunday Stills photo challenge, Terri asks us to showcase the color Green. March is the perfect month for this prompt. Green signifies new life, new growth, and new beginnings. Spring is upon us!

Photo challenge, Photography

Photo Composition

by Ingrid111 Comments on Photo Composition
Photo Composition

Spring in the desert southwest is glorious. It’s a time to grab the camera and head out into nature. This past week, I was quick to join other members of our local camera club for a photography outing.

It felt great to be back out and about with camera in hand, and although, I didn’t capture any compelling images, it was just the impetus I needed to get the brain into a creative mode. This recent outing along with John’s photo challenge prompt sent the creative juices flowing, and me scouring my computer for photographs that might fit John’s challenge.

Tools of Composition – Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #289

Today’s challenge focuses on Shape, Form, Texture, and Light. The desert southwest is abundant with photo opportunities and perfect for today’s photo challenge.

Texture

The texture of petrified wood along with the thought of wood turning into stone had me scratching my head in wonder. For anyone traveling through northern Arizona, I highly recommend a stop at Petrified Forest National Park.

Me, perplexed by petrified wood – Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Us camped near the Arizona-Utah border

Light

Throughout my life, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel. I have traveled extensively, and during all these travels, I have never encountered more amazing skies than that found in the desert southwest.

Sunrise along the shores of Lake Powell at the Arizona/Utah border.

The light seen in this part of the country is more than just a photographers dream … it’s an experience and a joy to witness.

Shape

You’ll find some of the most remarkable scenery in this part of the United States along with all kinds of shapes and textures. The landscape is diverse, extraordinary, and stunning.

As many times as I have been exposed to Mother Nature’s unique creations, I continue to be awed by her artistry.

Form

Of course, I can’t forget about wildlife and plants; two of my favorite photographic subjects.

In my opinion, this flower image seems to hit all the elements of the composition challenge; shape, form, texture, and light.

This flower reminds me that it’s the beginning of March and spring is in the air. It’s my favorite time of year, and I can’t wait for the desert to come alive. She has already started.

It’s a time for bird’s to mate and flower’s to bloom. New life and new beginnings!

Finding inspiration… After a rough four months physically, I am finally feeling better, better than I have in quite some time and am inspired to continue capturing the beauty found around me in my home state of Arizona.

I am currently on wildflower watch which is nearing with each new day, and therefore, I am keeping the camera batteries charged. 🌵 Who else is doing a happy dance? 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

Till next time,

Photo challenge, Photography

A Birder in the Making

by Ingrid79 Comments on A Birder in the Making
A Birder in the Making

Hobbies are wonderful considering they can provide entertainment, knowledge, social engagement, physical activity, or merely serve as a diversion. We may intentionally set out to engage in a given hobby or perhaps we’re accidentally introduced to a hobby. Such is the case with me and bird photography.

An accidental birder?

I never set out to be a birder, and quite frankly, I don’t consider myself a birder. I’m merely a gal with a camera who became fascinated with photographing shorebirds during her Texas Gulf Coast travels.

A birdwatcher, also known as a birder, observes or identifies birds in their natural habitat.

The more time I spent exploring the Gulf Coast, the more shorebirds I encountered. The more birds I encountered, the more photographs I took. The more photographs I took, the more I wanted to learn about these birds.

I stop for pink.

The first time I glimpsed the stunning pink hue of the Roseate Spoonbill had me yelling at Al to stop the truck. We were driving along Fulton Beach Road along the Gulf Coast in Texas when a shimmer of pink in shallow pond water caught my attention.

I had never seen such a beautiful, yet weird, bird in my entire life or such a beautiful shade of pink. That was just the beginning of my journey into photographing birds …. the beginning of my interest in birds as a photographic subject.

The makings of a Craniac

And then there were the cranes I stumbled upon; particularly the endangered whooping crane. I think we can all agree that they are magnificent birds. I became obsessed with cranes, so much so, that we made a special trip to the International Crane Foundation located in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

I was officially a Craniac and couldn’t get enough of these rare beauties!

I never imagined I’d develop such a passion for photographing birds, but I find that they make such an interesting subject to photograph that it’s almost impossible for me to pass up the opportunity to make at least a few images …. or more like a few hundred images when I encounter these entertaining beings.

Is it possible that I am indeed a “birder”? Nah, I’m still just a gal with a camera who merely enjoys photographing beautiful subjects.

Stay tuned for more bird images in future posts. My friend, Terri, has declared February as “Feed the Birds” month for her Sunday Stills Photo Challenge, and boy, do I have some bird images.

Blogging, Photography

In Need of a Recharge

by Ingrid81 Comments on In Need of a Recharge
In Need of a Recharge

There comes a point in life when we could all use a bit of a break from the everyday… a recharge, so to speak. It doesn’t matter whether we’re retired, traveling for fun, working a nine-to-five, or any number of other scenarios, we can all benefit from a recharge. Isn’t that what vacations are all about?

Over the years, I have been asked many a time, “What are some of your favorite places that you have traveled to”? That’s such a subjective answer because most times it’s never just about the location. It’s about what’s going on in my personal life or about my personal experience.

I assure you, I could be in the most gorgeous place on earth, yet if Al and I are having a tiff, a differing of opinions, that place will not make my top ten list of favorite places … even if I capture the perfect image.😁

That said, one such place that does make my top ten list is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.

It was the summer of 2016. A very busy and somewhat hectic summer for us. We started off the season by working camping at an RV park in Idaho. That in itself was an experience and anything but relaxing.

By mid-July, we meandered our way back to Colorado and in early August found a place to park the RV for a week while Al stayed with his sister in Denver and I caught a flight to Chicago so I could accompany my ninety-year-old father to my nephew’s wedding. It was a fun time spent with Dad, but by the end of the week, I was ready to return to my husband and RV life.

A special place that was perfect for a much-needed recharge.

It was time to bid farewell to Colorado and head south. What was supposed to be a few days in Santa Fe, New Mexico, turned into two weeks. Our summer had been a whirlwind of activity filled with lots of travel and stressful situations. We were in dire need of a break. We needed to recharge and New Mexico offered the perfect place to do just that.

We ended up splitting our time between stays in Santa Fe and the Cochiti Lake Campground. While staying at the Cochiti CG, we were a short drive away from the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, allowing me the opportunity to visit this special place numerous times.

The days spent hiking or chilling back at camp, were precisely what I needed to recharge and rejuvenate. Nature is my church!

If you’re interested in hearing more about my hikes at Kasha-Katuwe along with lots more photos, you can read this post, Take a Hike in New Mexico. My morning solitude hikes there did wonders for my soul, and thus, this park/monument will always hold a special place in my heart.

Great farmers market

Oh, I can’t forget to share the outstanding farmers market in Santa Fe. I’d say it’s one of the best we’ve ever been to and we scheduled our travels so we could visit three times. The fresh foods found at the farmers market fueled my body while the nature hikes fueled my soul. Talk about energizing and recharging!

August is pepper harvesting and roasting season and the tastes and smells at the market are divine. Even my husband, who is not normally a pepper eater, was sampling all kinds of roasted peppers.

“Where is my husband, and what have you done to him?” 🤣 Seriously, I could not believe the peppers he was eating AND raving about. Yep, August is a notable time to visit New Mexico.

Can you spot the trail below? Lower center, near the cluster of trees. I started down there.

Great food, great scenery, and great hiking equal RECHARGED. I was ready for the next adventure!

How do you recharge?

This week’s Lens-Artist photo challenge #267 is RECHARGE. Thank you, Egidio for the thought-provoking prompt.

Arizona, Photography, Wisconsin

I Changed my Mind

by Ingrid116 Comments on I Changed my Mind
I Changed my Mind

I grew up in America’s Midwest surrounded by lush vegetation and always enjoyed autumn, but that also meant winter was on its way and that I did not relish. Nope, this gal is not a fan of snow and cold.

In the northern midwest, sometime in September, the crisp cool air would roll in and the leaves on the trees would start changing. Let’s face it, it’s just a matter of time before the seasons change, and as much as we’d like Mother Nature to work on our schedule, she’s in charge of the time.

Ah, but who can resist a forest filled with vibrant colored leaves or the smells of pumpkin spice and the taste of all things apple? Not I !

However, the fall season never lasts long enough. The trees shed their colorful beauty way too quickly and the skies remain a gloomy gray for weeks on end. And as much as I loved autumn in the Midwest, spring was a time of year to look forward to.

I’ve always felt spring symbolizes growth, new life, and a sense of energy. Plus, it meant summer was on its way, So, spring was always my favorite time of year …. until recently.

Travel is the best! We get to time the seasons.

Traveling full-time in our RV meant we got to enjoy all four seasons on our terms. We could migrate like birds. We could stay in the north until the first frost then head south for the winter, and in the spring, we could do the same only in reverse, head north to escape the southern summer heat.

That all changed when we sold our RV and bought a house in the desert southwest.

There’s no more migrating for these two old birds. Since selling the RV, we don’t travel frequently like we used to. We live a much more stationary life these days.

This summer has produced record-high temperatures in Arizona without much of a reprieve from the extreme heat making me not look forward to future summers.

At least my husband and I were able to get away a couple of times for a visit to Colorado to enjoy a change of scenery and weather. These days, I’ll take whatever travel I can get.

Let’s hope our temperatures drop soon and fall is just around the corner 🤞 Fingers crossed! Fall, winter, and even spring are absolutely a joy to hang around the deserts of Arizona, So not only do I look forward to fall, I look forward to winter. Thus, I’ve changed my mind regarding the seasons.

Fall has replaced spring as my new favorite time of year.

What’s your favorite season?

For this week’s Sunday Stills photo challenge, Terri asks us to showcase colors of orange and gold. Click the link to check out her post and what others are sharing.

And for Lens-Artists Challenge #266, Donna’s photo challenge prompt is “Time”. Be sure and visit her site for a fun take on “Time”.