Parachute

I stopped in the small town of Parachute, Colorado for the night.  The next morning I parked my car in the church parking lot, walked past the city park next to the church, crossed the street, opened the door to Mama's Cafe, walked in and sat down for breakfast.  Yummy!

The cafe is in a former bank building.  Solid!  You can see the tellers desk area and other bank-y interior details that have been left in place.  I recommend!!      

Colorado National Monument

Near Grand Junction, Colorado lies Colorado National Monument.  It is a national park and is operated by the National Park Service.  I drove through the park the other day and I'm very glad I did.  The landscape is stunning.  There are many viewing areas throughout the park with hiking trails and information about what you are seeing.   This area of western Colorado is considered high desert.

This particular rock formation is called monument rock and is a favorite assent for rock climbers.  Every year an American flag flies over monument rock on the Fourth of July.

The rock formations that look like free standing spires were actually part of a solid plateau.  Millions of years of earth activity such as rising seas and erosion have worn down the layers of the weaker rock and the stronger rocks remain as separated spires.  Erosion is still at work, though, and someday (in a few million years) this area may be flattened again.

These rock formations are called the coke ovens.  They are named for their appearance as they look like the cone shaped ovens used for turning coal into coke.  The rim of the canyon is high enough in elevation to support vegetation.  The canyon is very deep and it was somewhat scary to look over the edge of the viewing stand into the sheer drop off.  But, of course I did it.  Of course.

driving through Utah

I have been driving along I-70 in central Utah.  Between mile markers 104 and 160 or so there are several viewing areas located along the highway.  These view points are actually small rest areas with room to park as opposed to parking along the side of the highway.  Very safe! The views are spectacular and there are informative placards at each stop that give all kinds of information about the geology and ecology of the area.  It's also a good time to stretch those legs and get out in the fresh (hot) air.

The rock formations show the effects of the rising and lowering of the continental oceans that flooded the area millions of years ago.  The wind has also aided in the erosion process.

The elevation here has allowed for vegetation growth.  Small animals and birds live in the shade of the shrubbery.  The rock formation on top of this rock plateau is called Sinbad.  It actually looks like a crouching lion or a sphinx.  Every viewing area presents a different picture of the terrain and each new area is just as beautiful as the one before.

leaving SD

After a month of staying put in the San Diego area I am on the move again.  I have driven I-15 through eastern California, Nevada, the tip of Arizona and into Utah.  Primarily the terrain is high desert.  It is all sand and quite beige-y.  The temperature has been hanging around 110 degrees.  Interestingly, I was talking to a lady in Baker, Ca. and I mentioned the heat.  She commented that it wasn't too bad.  A few days ago it had been 121degrees.  You're right!  Later that evening, after sunset, I passed Las Vegas.  It was all lit up and looked so sparkly.  As I climbed the mountains on the east side of the city I glanced in the rear view mirror and the glittering lights of the city looked like a swirling galaxy in a very black universe.  Even after dark the temperature hovered around 100 degrees.  The next day I drove on through the northwest corner of Arizona and into Utah.  Partway into western Utah I left I-15 and started my eastward journey on I-70.  This is where the terrain started to change.  Mountains ahead!

St. Mark's

I attended a morning worship service at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in San Diego.  It was communion Sunday and the message was inspirational.  The sanctuary is absolutely beautiful.  There are blue toned stained glass windows on all four sides of the room.  Unbelievable  beauty shone everywhere as the bluish light filled the sanctuary.  I loved being here.  Absolutely beautiful!

lighthouse on the hill

I've spoken about this lighthouse before.  It is the Point Loma lighthouse overlooking San Diego Bay.    It sits high on a hill in a very lovely setting with an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean.  The lighthouse has quite a history of service.  It is part of the Cabrillo National Monument and is operated by the National Park Service.  Go see it.

sadness in America

Flags at half staff fly during a period of national mourning.  We are sad as a country right now.  Peace, love and charity to all.  And lots of hugs, too.