A New View of the Chicken Dance Ranch

On the morning of July 4th, my brother-in-law, Jim, called me. He wondered if we were at the CDR. We sure were so he wanted to know if we wanted to go for a short airplane ride. What?! An airplane ride?! You betcha! So Jim flew over from the coast and we met him at the Okanogan Airport. What takes us four hours to go by land, he did in just over an hour.

The weather was perfect for a flight around the Okanogan area. Jim took us over the CDR and various other spots around the valley. We made a quick landing at the Omak airport, just because we could. Then it was time to head back to Okanogan. I had a blast! Best of all, I got to see our house from the air! Thanks, Jim!!

CDR from the Air

Hood Artistry

I don't know why, but this truck really caught my attention.

Hot Rod School Bus

How come my school bus never looked all shiny and fast like this one?

Hot Rod School Bus

Happy July 4th to all my American friends!

Lotus Smile

Another from the car show - I think this car is smiling.

Lotus

Round & Round

There was a car show in Stanwood this past Sunday. The weather was perfect! There were lots of classic cars, hot rods, a bus, a motorhome and even a semi truck! I'll be sharing a few of my favorite pictures over the next few days.

Target Practice

The guys found an old metal bucket on our property last year and it became target practice. No marmots or chipmunks were harmed in this exercise.

Target Practice

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.