Coyote~Outdoor Wednesday 092910

I took a different road to the horse ranch where I board my horses last Sunday and came across this coyote. I spotted him next to the road, in these high weeds. I turned my car around and followed him until he veered away from the road. Isn't he a fine specimen? It wasn't that early in the morning and I was surprised to see him right across the road from some houses. There are plenty of ground squirrels and gophers in fields like these for him to eat. Outdoor Wednesday for September 29, 2010. For other participants, please visit: http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ This one must have been a young coyote. I gently eased my car down the road until I was right across from him, leaned out the window, and took these photos. I had spotted him around the corner on another road and he basically walked along the high weeds to this road, which was right across from a ranch. Their ranch dog was barking wildly. The coyote finally got disgusted with both me and the dog and took off. I see them a lot up and down the mountain road and out in the desert, especially in mornings on my way to school. Sometimes they cross the freeway. Some make it...some don't. The ones in the desert are much lighter than those up in the mountains because they have to blend in with the desert sand. The mountain ones have to blend in with the darker rocks up in the mountains. This one was well marked, as you can see.

Shadows in the Sierras~Sunday Stills Challenge "S" 092610

Shadows in the Sierras!!! Sunday Stills Challenge for September 26, 2010.

Sunset at Minerette Point, Mammath~SkyWatch Friday 092410

Hubby and our son arrived at the Minerettes at sunset on their trip to the Sierras a couple of weeks ago. He caught this sunset against the silhouette of the Minerettes. SkyWatch Friday for September 24, 2010.

"J" is for...ABC Wednesday 092210

During our summer months, when most other plants and trees are struggling too survive, the jacarandas are in full bloom, like this one. I LOVE their deep purple flowers. Many landscapers use them in yards and we have one in our back yard. I do notice, however, that their wood is quite brittle and branches do fall off quite easily. But, with blossoms like this, who's complaining? ABC Wednesday for September 22, 2010.

Arizona flag~"Flags"~Sunday Stills Challenge 091910

We love to travel to Prescott, Arizona, and visit the Palace Saloon, which is right across the street from the court house. Inside the saloon is this mural on one of its walls, with a painted flag of Arizona and all kinds of interesting things that represent the state. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you can see the other items in the mural. Sunday Stills Challenge, "flags" for September 19, 2010.

Purple haze~SkyWatch Friday 091710

As I drove down the mountain road one afternoon this week, I saw this view of Mt. Gorgonio (Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead). I had stopped at Vista Point, on Highway 74. Nobody else was there and I had the time to enjoy the stillness of the late afternoon light. SkyWatch Friday for September 17, 2010.

"Glass"~Sunday Stills Challenge 091210

During August this past summer, a fellow blogger and I visited Temecula, CA. She hadn't been there for many years and I frequently travel there to buy feed for my 5 horses. I took these photos during that trip and now I'm glad I did! Temecula has an old town section where many of the tourists go and it has many interesting shops and restaurants and hotels in that section, unlike the newer, pristine area! I love old towns and since Temecula has an "old town", I try to visit it whenever I can. I saw many examples of glass on this trip, including these! Enjoy! Sunday Stills Challenge for September 12, 2010.

Coyote Dance~Robbie Robertson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1x_67HFT2E&feature=related

This is NOT my video, but I LOVE IT! It is beautifully done and gives credit and respect to an amazing animal that has not only survived in our desert and beyond, but has thrived. Do you know that when our daughter went to UCLA, there were coyotes running through Westwood?

Shoes (horseshoes, that is!) Sunday Stills Challenge 090510

This week's challenge was "shoes and boots". Well, I had the farrier come up to the ranch back in late March and then again in June. I didn't get any photos in June because I was so busy holding the horses that I couldn't manage them and the camera! But, in March, I was able to sneak a few photos of his truck. Just look at all the horseshoes! None of mine wear shoes...they go natural, but several horses up at the ranch do and he has to have a selection of horseshoes for different sizes of feet and for different purposes. One mare is half draft, so she has large feet, but the Pasos have tiny feet! And, I've learned that there are "parade shoes" as well as trail shoes! Most of his clients are thoroughbreds and they wear a very light aluminum shoe. I'm glad that mine don't wear shoes! I have two mustangs who have wonderful, sturdy "mustang" feet and fortunately all of my horses only need to be trimmed every couple of months! I love my farrier because he is so gentle with ALL of my horses and the ones at the ranch. He speaks quietly to them and he is so calm they immediately settle down and let out big sighs! Thank you, Mr. Aguilar!