Skywatch Friday - Sun Dogs

On our last trip home from the CDR, the conditions were perfect for some of the most awesome sun dogs I have ever seen! Combine that with the ruggedness of the North Cascades Mountains as backdrops and you'll agree, too. These two formations were taken just minutes apart as we neared Washington Pass.

While I can't guarantee I'll be able to go visiting many others this week, please click on the link above to see what others are sharing this week in Skywatch Friday.

Living History

Taken a few weeks ago at the Okanogan Days celebration. There was a Living History exhibit complete with Old World Oxen. They were HUGE beasts but I loved their gentle look. While I appreciate the trials and tribulations of the pioneers (and their spirit), I am glad for my modern conveniences at the CDR.

 Wagon Exhibit

Old World Oxen

Pied-Billed Grebes

We saw this momma Pied-billed Grebe and her youngster on a lake not too far from the CDR. They are small in size and dive when threatened. I also learned that they are rarely seen in flight and prefer to migrate at night. Although they swim like a duck, they do not have webbed feet. Instead of having a webbing connecting all the toes, each toe has lobes extending out on the sides that provide extra surface area for paddling.

Pied-Billed Grebes

Methow Valley Rainbow

Methow Valley Rainbow

Okanogan County Commandos

A few weeks ago, we went to the Washington Football League Championship Game between the Okanogan County Commandos (10-2) and the Wenatchee Rams (9-3). Football in June! Love it!

It was a nice evening weather-wise as it rained all around our area, but just a few drops sprinkled the spectators in the stadium. I think that was a good omen for the hometown team.

The game was a closely fought contest, and in the end the Commandos prevailed, winning 16-10 over the Rams.

Moon Lake

There is a lake not far from the CDR that reminds me of the moon. The unique coloration of the crater-like holes certainly catches my attention. I think it would be fascinating to see it from the air. For now, I'll have to settle on seeing it from the road.

Moon Lake?

I'm Watching You, Lady!

One of our younger marmots at the CDR. They are growing quickly.

Marmot Youngun'

Skywatch Friday - Before the Rainbow

While watching the storms one day, we spotted this rainbow. Meh, no biggie. But what was unique was the downpour between us and the rainbow.  Yes, the rainbow was behind the curtain of water moving our way. Now that was kinda cool and unique!

Rainbow

Click on the banner above to go see other skies being shared from around the world in this week's edition of Skywatch Friday. 

Blue Butterfly

Blue Butterfly

1 - 2 - 3

It was a busy couple of days at the feeder. At one point, we had 4 hummingbirds sittin' & sippin'. We went through quite a bit of juice.

One!

Two!

Three!

I did a terrible job last week of visiting the other participants in World Bird Wednesday so I'm not linking up. I know it will be a busy week again. But I do encourage you to click on the logo above and see what others have seen lately.

A Bee in a Blossom

I think this is a perfect Monday picture because...

a) back to being a worker bee today;
b) I'll be busy as a bee this week;
c) I'll need to remember to stop and smell the flowers when it gets hectic.

Have a great week!

A Bee in Blossoms

InSPIREd Sunday - Coulee Dam Community Church

Coulee Dam Community Church

Running Fast

Recent rains and warmer temps have the snow in the mountains rapidly melting. All of this water has to go somewhere and fast it goes!

Viewpoint Along the Nespelem River

After Work

We took a trip to Grand Coulee Dam a few weeks ago. In the town of Coulee Dam, there is a small park with a piece of sculpture. The dam is in the background.

Ground breaking on the dam started on July 16, 1933 and officially completed on January 31, 1943. Approximately 8,800 people worked on the project at it's peak. The payroll for the dam was among the largest in the nation. The Bureau of Reclamation Histories employment figures from 1933 to 1939 put the total man-hours at 37,000,119 and compensation at $34,650,244 - an average of $.93 per hour! Construction conditions were dangerous and 77 workers died. Women were allowed to work only in the dorms and the cookhouse.

After Work

In Honor of All Those Who Worked at Grand Coulee Dam

Dedicated July 4, 1999

Made by Rich Beyer and Steve Love

Note: Information about the dam's workforce came from many different sources on the web. While it is easy to find information about the dam itself, I had to do some digging to find out more about the people who built it.

Cool Drink

There's nothing like a long, cool drink on a hot afternoon

Wild Geraniums

The wild geraniums are in bloom at the Chicken Dance Ranch.

World Bird Wednesday - Mama Bluebird

Looks like Mama Bluebird was doing a little nest building.

Female Mountain Bluebird

Springman at the Pine River Review is the host of World Bird Wednesday. Click on the logo above to start your virtual birding tour.

Today mark's the third anniversary of my blog. My how time has flown!

North Cascades Highway is Open!

On May 25th, the North Cascades Highway re-opened for the season. Yay! We are able to cut an hour's drive time off our trip to the CDR, not to mention having a scenic and much more relaxing trip across the mountains.

There was still a lot of snow up there when we crossed on the 28th.

See how deep the snow is by the sign?

 

Heading down towards Boulder Creek

 

Liberty Bell with a dusting of snow

 

Driving through one of the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes at Washington Pass

 

Road cut through the "Annex" below the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes

Green

Everything is still so green at the CDR because of the amount of rain we've had. I am enjoying while I still can. Soon the hot days of summer will dry the grasses out and fire season will be in full swing.

Update from the CDR

We've been working putting the final touches on the what seems to be the never ending construction project at the Chicken Dance Ranch, namely door trim and baseboard moulding. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems and every task is a new skill to acquire. Luckily the style of trim we are doing is rustic. It doesn't require the precise measurements and fit of other trim styles. We are taking our time and trying to get as close to perfect as we can.

Today we completed the trim (both sides) of three doors. Three more full ones to go plus three entry doors. Then we can do the baseboards. Hopefully we can finish it all by the end of this weekend.

PS - this is my first attempt at mobile blogging with the Droid phone. I hope it works, including the picture!