We drove about 14 miles out to the Rifle Falls, and Rifle Recreation Area.
There is NO handicapped access to the falls so I found a good shady spot to park, mom and the dogs waited while I hiked the short distance uphill to view the falls. It is not a steep hill, but it's beyond Mom's ability. The falls are as pretty as I recall, I do think there is more lush green foliage around them now.
There's a hike to the top but I knew Mom would not stay put if I stayed away too long so no hike was done.
Rifle Falls is 3 good sized falls all falling off the same ridge...It really throws out a mist. So some rainbow effect shows up...
...and all this time I thought these black edges on the upper part of my photos was my hat...but I was not wearing a hat when these photos were taken,,,,so it means my camera is having an issue...eeeeekkkkk. And I've noticed a couple other issues with it...so I am going to have to replace my camera...I go through a camera about every 2 yrs! That is why I can't get into expensive cameras that I have to worry about tossing it around like I do. Hope it will continue to work.
We took the scenic route (kind of an oxymoron because every route is scenic) back to civilization and came across a huge herd of sheep. I don't know sheep so I have no idea what breed this is...
this is Rifle Gap area...
Spotted these 2 birds of prey along the roadside...the American Kestrel, a female.
a Red Shouldered Hawk in the cedar...
This is called Harvey Gap Reservoir the water is such a lovely turquoise color...I'd love to take my tube down there and float...the water is Freezing!! It looks warm and inviting but when I stuck my foot in....OHHHH it was cold.
back down in the valley it was hazy...
and later at home we had some lark sparrow's give us a visit...
and the Ash throated Flycatcher is teaching a young one to hunt...
We visited SIS, and at her window pair of Eurasian collared doves stopped by for a visit...
When I took the dogs out the other morning, the deer were in the front this time....his shadow is really cool don't you think?
then they disappeared over the ridge...
We had a nice rain overnight and in the morning the clouds gave us a nice sunrise...we are still on Eastern time so we're up at sunrise every morning...
Being here is Mother and Casey approved!
Tuesday I had the opportunity to take a day trip to Vega State Park! I got my 399th lifer, soooo stay tuned for that!
PEACE
Eleanor Roosevelt: You must do the thing you think you can not.
