Cap'n Bob & the Damsel

May 2012

Annular Animation

Using photographs that Damsel took during the eclipse, I threw together a little animation of the main part of the event. To start the animation, click the image below; it will run until maximum annularity. Click again to continue to almost the end of annularity. Click once more to to rewind. Pardon the slight jitter; it was difficult to align each frame perfectly.

I cannot tell you how amazingly spectacular it was to see in person. Damsel and I are already starting to plan for the total eclipse that will occur on August 21, 2017. We are looking at being near Casper, WY, but that could change between now and five years from now.

24 May 2012 by Astronomy Environment Photography

Grand Canyon Railway

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On our way out of Williams, AZ, this morning, Damsel got this shot of a vintage steam locomotive and caboose in the yard of the Grand Canyon Railroad The locomotive is still used for occasional trips to Grand Canyon Village. The railroad also uses more modern diesel electric locomotives on most of the runs to the rim. Click on the image to enlarge.

We were going to stay one more night on the road, but decided before pulling into the campground that we had plenty of vacation for the time being. We reset the GPS to take us the last 50 miles or so to our little home in Wickenburg, where we are enjoying recuperation and relaxation.

23 May 2012 by Arizona Photography Retirement Travel Wanderlust

The Colorado River and Grand Canyon

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We never get tired of seeing the scenery of the Grand Canyon. Although we didn’t spend a lot of time in the park today, I did manage to get a lot of nice photos. The one above is from a scenic view site about six miles west of the east entrance to the park on State Route 64. Click on the image to enlarge.

22 May 2012 by Arizona Photography Retirement Travel

Colors of the Desert

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This is a view of the lower Colorado River basin taken from US 89 west of Page, Arizona. The trees and terrain in the foreground are on the top of the mesa where the highway descends down into the basin. The ridge with the three peaks at the left and the cliffs beyond lie above the Colorado River on its journey toward Grand Canyon and beyond. Click on the image to enlarge.

21 May 2012 by Arizona Photography Retirement Travel

The Big House of Wupatki National Monument

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This is the Wukoki ruins in Wupatki National Monument. Wukoki is a modern Hopi word meaning “big house.” I took this image today as we went through Sunset Crater and Wupatki on our way from Flagstaff to Page, AZ. The ruins in the area are very well preserved and to my delight were accessible along a short foot path. Unlike Casa Grande (also meaning “big House”) near Coolidge, AZ, I could walk directly into this big house that was built over 900 years ago. Click on the image to enlarge.

19 May 2012 by Arizona Culture Photography Travel

Eclipse Excursion – Day One

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Today’s the first leg of our excursion to Page, AZ to witness the May 20, 2012 annular eclipse of the Sun. We had a good trip that took us from our Wickenburg home, through the Saguaro forests along AZ SR 74 to I-17, thence north to Flagstaff, where we set up camp for the night among the tall conifer trees. Tomorrow, we head towards the ultimate destination with a few scenic stops along the way. Click on the image to enlarge.

18 May 2012 by Arizona Retirement Travel

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