Butterflies are always fun to watch as they fly around our gardens, flitting from flower to flower as they sip nectar and pollinate the plants. Some of the largest and most interesting butterflies around here are swallowtails
Southeast Utah contains the most exotic real estate on the continent. In some places you'll find natural stone bridges, carved over thousands of years by the action of running water, enormous structures whose very size boggles the mind.
When it comes to squirrels, none in North America are larger than the fox squirrel. Oh, sure, there are bigger squirrels elsewhere in the world – like the giant black squirrel from southeast Asia which can be almost three feet long – but the largest tree squirrel in the USA is the fox squirrel.
The economics of our trip hasn't allowed for lengthy stays in towns. But some towns are worth a little expense. Friends told us Santa Fe was the coolest town in New Mexico: art, restaurants, night life, general "vibe". We made the trip into town, found a parking spot near Canyon Road, and went for a walk.
The Last Frontier is still the land of grand adventure, spectacular landscape majestic animals and fishing beyond belief. Alaska changed my life. Without doubt 1963 was a boy-to-man summer thanks to the experiences encountered on a four-month 8,000-mile journey from the Mid-Atlantic States to the wilds of Alaska.
Everyone is familiar with the common North American raccoon. Raccoons thrive in almost every habitat in the United States: in both rural settings and in urban areas. They have mastered the ability to adapt to living conditions almost anywhere, and living right alongside humans is no problem for them.
Any book by John McPhee promises a great read. In Basin and Range, he explores the geology of the basin and range areas of the southeastern United States. It's been a few years since last reading McPhee's book, but as we drove down from the Sacramento Mountains onto the Tularosa Basin, I realized I was experiencing the title of his book in a personal way.
One of the most recognizable birds that visit back yard bird feeders year-round is the Downy Woodpecker. These miniature woodpeckers are only slightly larger than sparrows and are definitely smaller than robins. Their starkly contrasting black and white feathers make them easy to identify as they flit through the tree branches.
This piece gives some travel tips we've picked up in our so-far month on the road. Don't be in a hurry! You can spend your time driving, or you can get out of the car from time to time and walk. By stopping often, you can see more in better detail, and meet more interesting people. People you meet are either fellow travelers or locals. Either way, they have interesting stories and information that can enhance your trip.
The common snapping turtle has a well-deserved reputation for being bad-tempered. When handled by humans, they hiss and attempt to bite anyone trying to move or lift them. That bite can be quite dangerous, too, since their powerful jaws can amputate careless fingers.
