Inspiration

Even though I did not purchase a Plein Air picture at the Escalante Canyons Art Festival, I was inspired to visit the location of my favorite painting in the exhibit, Barker Reservoir. Jake, my grandson, caught 4 fish as I walked through the golden falling Aspen leaves near the lake with 2 y.o. Luke. It was slow going and this carefree stroll morphed into a glorious warm afternoon. I may not have a physical painting, just the memories of my two grandsons taking in the wonders of Escalante's fall weather and beauty.

I Get to Go Too!

As I age, I appreciate getting out of the house even more. Lately, the big dogs (my owners), leave me behind to guard the house and to sleep on the forbidden couch. In this picture, the big girls took me backpacking to Blind Lake, close to Grover, Utah. The vistas were spectacular, water abundant, and the scents diverse. I'd go back to Blind Lake and bring fishing gear to catch my supper. I'm forever young when on an adventure with the big dogs.

Camping Accessories

I went camping up in the mountains with a bunch of Escalante folks last week and used my friend Ellie's bag she gave me to haul all my camping accouterments. As I unpacked, I noticed what items I ignored and made use of.
The obligatory camera was never picked up; too busy biking, hiking or petting horses. And fortunately, the bug juice was never applied. Either I wore long sleeves and pants or was moving too fast for the bugs to settle on my skin.
I did write 3 pages every morning in my journal I brought along. I recorded my dreams and reflected the life of a fly and my dog.
I read magazines cover to cover and got cozy with my Kindle at night in the tent. Having bear spray next to me was worth its weight in comfort.
Ellie's bag gave my camping experience more options for luxuries and pleasures.