Camping Out

     Yesterday a few of the older kids and I drove out to the forest near our home for a little over-night-er. We set up camp beside a broad meadow and enjoyed clear skies and gentle breezes. As evening approached we hiked around the area. Some of us discovered the beauty of the moon through binoculars for the first time.

 
     As the sun set behind the towering Ponderosa Pines, the yellow primrose opened their broad petals to their faithful night-time pollinators. Almost on cue, what looked like a Sphinx Moth put on a lively demonstration for us. As we headed back to camp for the night the twilight glow illuminated this blossom from behind giving stark contrast to the surrounding shadowy ground.

     This morning, after a hike to a nearby cattle tank for looks at Turkey Vultures, Common Ravens, Violet-green Swallows, and one unfortunate drowned sheep (hence the vultures), we settled near a beautiful cluster of cactus discovered the night before, and waited for the perfect light to hit its blooms.

     Thirty minutes later we were on the road home with hungry bellies and minds full of memories.