I found this unpublished draft: It is time to step back for a moment from the urgency of the Horseshoe Two Fire, and to reflect on just why the Chiricahua Mountains are so important to so many people. Many people, entering Cave Creek Canyon for … Continue readingA Sense of Place: Chiricahua
This year has ushered in the most exciting butterfly season in many a long year. Enjoy these fine visitors to our Portal home! Very rare here, California Patches have appeared in several yards and canyons around Portal this September. Great Southern Whites, normally resident in … Continue readingDistinguished Visitors
Scotland!! One of my favorite destinations is Scotland, and our last trip there was topnotch. I discovered new places to explore, and savor, and bird––all while delighting in the Scottish brogue. RSPB Reserve, Loch Garten (All photos by Narca) On this April trip, I was … Continue readingNethy Bridge and the Capercaillies
Kevin Warner, the District Ranger for our district, plans to meet with the Portal community on Wednesday at 12:15 PM at the Portal Fire Station classroom. He has a short Powerpoint presentation, and then will answer questions from the community about the road closures and … Continue readingThe State of the Canyon Address on Wednesday
Segovia is an ancient walled city topped by the Alcazar, or royal palace. It fully deserves its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leona, Wendi, Alan and I spent a day wandering its maze of narrow streets and marveling at the exquisite craftmanship in … Continue readingSegovia
Greater Sandhill Cranes in early light (Photos by Narca) Sandhill Cranes are a huge draw at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, and the inspiration for their annual Festival of the Cranes, now in its 24th year. When you rise early, before … Continue readingSandhill Cranes: An Ancient Lineage
Common Ringlet at Ruby Lake NWR (Photo by Narca) The road north brings us to another stellar oasis: Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Pahranagat means “valley of shining waters” in the Paiute language. Large thermal springs feed a system of wetlands, where impoundments assure water … Continue readingFinding Refuge in Nevada