The greatest gifts I have received didn’t come wrapped in colorful paper with shiny ribbons. In fact, the greatest gifts were not given to me by family or friends, but were from "Mother Earth". I count among my most precious moments, those I shared with fellow creatures rather than human beings. These gifts are imprinted in my memory and will always be there, preserved throughout all time. I have been so blessed. Among these priceless presents are:
TIDES POOLS AND BEACHES OF CALIFORNIA
As a high school graduation gift, I flew to San Francisco with three friends. We stayed at my sister’s and motored about in her little Nash Rambler. On this trip I discovered and fell in love with the ocean. I was completely fascinated by the tide pools, teeming with life and activity, enthralled with the sand dollars and polished stones along the beach. I could have spent hours watching the waves, crabs, starfish and sea anemones.
THE RED ROCK CANYONS OF SOUTHERN UTAH
In college I spent thirty days on a desert canyon survival which gave me an appreciation and reverence for ROCKS. There is something so exquisite, mystical and ancient about the Red Rock Canyons of Utah. No place in the universe can duplicate it. What a marvelous gift to have National Parks very close to home.
MALE ELKS BATTLING IN YELLOWSTONE
On a chance encounter, we witnessed two male elks clashing and crashing their enormous antlers together, fighting for rights to mate the nearby harem of female elks. It was a thrilling and stirring sight. Such drama in nature is rare for humans to observe firsthand and we were lucky to be a part of the experience.
THE CHORUS OF COYOTES AT GROS VENTRE CAMPSITE
Being awakened at dawn by the chilling chorus of coyotes, was enchanting and unforgettable. They seemed to surround our tent and campground, but were actually in the nearby hills. Their music is one of nature's most glorious gifts.
THE GRAY WHALES NEAR CHANNEL ISLANDS, CALIFORNIA
On a New Year's Day whale watch cruise, we saw a pair of migrating gray whales which was one of the most magnificent sights I have ever seen. Our boat followed one of the whales who “right on cue” flipped his tail for a perfect photo opportunity. These marvelous creatures are so breathtaking that words can’t adequately describe the experience. Watching the dolphins frolic off the bow of the boat was also an incredible sight.
THE BALD EAGLES IN WINTER NEAR OPHIR, UTAH
TIDES POOLS AND BEACHES OF CALIFORNIA
As a high school graduation gift, I flew to San Francisco with three friends. We stayed at my sister’s and motored about in her little Nash Rambler. On this trip I discovered and fell in love with the ocean. I was completely fascinated by the tide pools, teeming with life and activity, enthralled with the sand dollars and polished stones along the beach. I could have spent hours watching the waves, crabs, starfish and sea anemones.
THE RED ROCK CANYONS OF SOUTHERN UTAH
In college I spent thirty days on a desert canyon survival which gave me an appreciation and reverence for ROCKS. There is something so exquisite, mystical and ancient about the Red Rock Canyons of Utah. No place in the universe can duplicate it. What a marvelous gift to have National Parks very close to home.
MALE ELKS BATTLING IN YELLOWSTONE
On a chance encounter, we witnessed two male elks clashing and crashing their enormous antlers together, fighting for rights to mate the nearby harem of female elks. It was a thrilling and stirring sight. Such drama in nature is rare for humans to observe firsthand and we were lucky to be a part of the experience.
THE CHORUS OF COYOTES AT GROS VENTRE CAMPSITE
Being awakened at dawn by the chilling chorus of coyotes, was enchanting and unforgettable. They seemed to surround our tent and campground, but were actually in the nearby hills. Their music is one of nature's most glorious gifts.
THE GRAY WHALES NEAR CHANNEL ISLANDS, CALIFORNIA
On a New Year's Day whale watch cruise, we saw a pair of migrating gray whales which was one of the most magnificent sights I have ever seen. Our boat followed one of the whales who “right on cue” flipped his tail for a perfect photo opportunity. These marvelous creatures are so breathtaking that words can’t adequately describe the experience. Watching the dolphins frolic off the bow of the boat was also an incredible sight.
THE BALD EAGLES IN WINTER NEAR OPHIR, UTAH
Watching the flight of these extraordinary raptors as they come off the desert to roost from the night in the canyon of this tiny mining town was unbelievably awe-inspiring.
THE TWIN BABY MOOSE AT SWAN LAKE IN THE TETONS
THE TWIN BABY MOOSE AT SWAN LAKE IN THE TETONS
Watching a mother moose who was busy munching water lilies while her two cinnamon-colored offspring romped and napped in the tall grass next to the lake.
MAY EACH OF OUR LIVES BE FILLED WITH MOMENTS IN NATURE TO CHERISH
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