Hiking at Camelback Mountain with James

James and I went hiking at Camelback Mountain this morning. He wanted to check on his 'missing' geocache, locate an existing geocache, and scout out a good location for a new geocache. It was too hot and too humid to hike with Cierra, she stayed home in the air conditioning - we would have too if we were smarter. :o)

It was so humid the camera lens fogged over


Birds nest inside a saguaro skeleton


Steps on a section of Bobby's Rock trail


More steps on Bobby's Rock trail


Found geocache - a Travel Bug was inside this geocache


We both had our picture taken with the Travel Bug


This is Krax, after researching his history we learned he came from Switzerland in 2003 and has been in several US states, James will take him South to the Tucson area.


James found a good seat for relaxing


A city view of Tatum Blvd


James thinks this may be a good geocache hole


Can you see James?

James' Cloud Monster

James took this picture near Sonoita, AZ.

Iron 44 Tribute

"This move was made with the utmost respect, admiration and heartfelt feelings for all those involved in the Iron 44 incident." - PJ

Credit for the making of this tribute goes to my favorite helicopter pilot, my one love, PJ Hunt.

Goodbye Weaverville, Iron Complex Fire, I have enjoyed my time with you

Click on any photo for a larger view...

Chicken Little's Adventures in California (movie)

I love you Alex

What a beautiful young lady you have turned in to, I will always love you Squirrelly Girl.

Fuel Truck Driver For A Day

I played the role of helicopter fuel girl today. I had to borrow another fuel truck drivers overalls, boots and gloves. I just need my CDL/hazmat stuff and I can actually drive the fuel truck. When I was a little girl and someone asked "what do you want to do when you grow up?", this answer never occurred to me.

This Ones For Heidi (movie)

Credit for this movie goes to PJ; it is really his creation. I loved the scenery so much I 'borrowed' his movie and posted it to my site... Enjoy.

More photos from Cali

PJ did a little sightseeing today.
Cierra and I were busy exploring Trinity River near Big Bar.


Of all the places to land...


This lake is from glacier runoff, creating a stunning waterfall


The Lama and the waterfall


7,000' elevation in Northern California


Covert dog at Trinity River near Big Bar


Step 1: Balance camera on rock and set timer
Step 2: Tell dog to 'sitz'
Step 3: Run and grab dog before she gets bored with this and leaves
Step 4: Dog and owner make funny face when camera snaps picture
Step 5: Post goofy picture to web blog


Cierra and I shared this big boulder for a long time enjoying the river,
I wish I could save the sound of the running water, the view, the breeze and the moment


A California wildflower

Fire Dog

Cierra brought great joy to the fire fighters on the Iron Complex Fire at Weaverville Airport.


"Ahhh... good to the last drop"


Cierra relaxing with the fire fighters


When Pete the pilot gets the hang of hovering, they'll take the training wheels and brush guard off

A 2,000 mile road trip to satisfy my inner gypsy

Cierra and I drove to Weaverville, CA to spend some time with PJ.

I had a short yet wonderful conversation with a local fire t-shirt vendor. Talking with her helped me realize that after the tragic accident at Trinity Alps how much I needed to be here to ease my worries. People from all across the United States are here and work very hard to save the land, homes, and peoples lives. The presence of personnel here to fight fires is big, Californians should be grateful.

Highway 299 through Shasta, Whiskeyville, in to Weaverville and beyond is beautiful with twisty mountain roads, rivers, lakes, and big trees. I drove to the coast to Trinidad where I saw sea lions for the first time. I've also traveled along Highway 3 to Trinity Lake. Much of the area has been touched by wildfires. It has been nice to see new places. Cierra and I got in to poison oak somewhere in our travels.

Cierra is a wonderful travel companion.

Below are a few photos of our travels, I have many more photos and videos to sort through when I get home. Click on any photo to see a larger view.

UPDATE: In 15 days, my total mileage driven was approximately 3,810 miles.


Smoky sky's near Weaverville, CA


PJ & Laura, Trinity River


Cierra, Trinity River


Sea Lions near Trinidad, CA


Cierra & a BIG bear


Cierra at a pond near a site used for gold mining, Hwy 3


Laura & Cierra, near Trinidad, CA


After touching poison oak you'd think I'd stop playing with Mother Nature


This tiny snake was in the river, he (or she) had a full belly


My little tar baby at Trinity Lake


Cierra posing with her good side to the camera, near Trinity Lake, Hwy 3


Cierra is still overcoming some fears, with some coaxing, she did cross the river


Colorful sky's, Hwy 3