Saturday, March 17, was my blog’s 3rd anniversary. I can’t believe it’s been 3 years since I started writing this blog. It have had a lot of fun. When I started this blog, it was mainly for my family. My husband and I have no family near us, so this was a nice way to share our adventures with them.
But after 3 years, I have gotten to know a lot of other bloggers. Many of them follow this blog and I follow theirs. I think of several of them like they are my extended family in far away places. They have inspired me in many ways.
Of course, to celebrate my 3rd anniversary, I thought I would blog about a hiking location just outside of Albuquerque that most people don’t know about. It’s called the San Ysidro (e-sid-dro) trails. It’s a unique canyon in that almost the entire bottom of the canyon is exposed bedrock. The bedrock has been eroded over time by water so all the rock is smooth. Indentations have been created by the erosion and they hold water very well.
A view down into the canyon. If you look closely, you can see it is all bedrock.
As I descended into the canyon, I heard a lot of birdsong. There is not a lot of water in the New Mexico deserts. So any place that has water year round is a huge draw for birds. Sadly, most of them were nervous of people and I wasn’t able to get photos of them. But there was a curious Juniper Titmouse that let me take a pic.
Juniper Titmouse
Once at the bottom of the canyon, I made Scarlett sit in the shade while I photographed all the different pools. It was fun walking around and looking at all the different angles to best show off the water.
The pools work their way down the incline of the canyon. What a fun afternoon walking on the smooth bedrock taking photos.
After taking my photos, I gave Scarlett permission to play. As you know, that dog loves, loves, loves water! At first she ran around jumping over the pools. I think she wasn’t sure how deep they were.
But then she couldn’t resist any further and jumped in.
Most of the pools were shallow, but somehow she managed to pick the deepest pool and plunged in over her head. I think it was a total surprise for her!
But that didn’t deter her for long, soon she was running up and down the slope and jumping in and out of all the pools.
Scarlett showing off her really long tail as she dives into the deep pool.
Now you see why I made her lay down and watch me take photos first LOL! She got water everywhere!
After she had her fill of running around and splashing, we ventured further down the canyon. The crevices in the bedrock got deeper.
These are my favorite shots of my outing.
Of course, I can’t celebrate my 3rd anniversary without some great bird photos. I haven’t been out birding for a little while, but the Western Bluebirds were very cooperative in the park next to my office 🙂 It’s always a good day when you see Bluebirds!!!
That Western Bluebird has some nice markings!
He’s very handsome!
Congratulations Kelly! I enjoyed your blog, your stories, your funny pictures of Scarlett and these beautiful images of the canyon. And the blue of the bird is unbelievable!
I love this kind of landscape and the diversity of butterflies and birds in NM!
I am happy, that I have found your great blog! Have a great day, Simone
Thank you so much Simone! I’m happy to have connected with you as well!
🙂
Congratulations on your blogging anniversary Kelly! Your blog is amazing, you post so much wonderful material about your part of the world in such an interesting format. I also love you photos of the Bluebird, it is quite a stunning little bird. The previous post of the badlands was so special, I always look forward to your posts.
Thank you so much Ashley! You are always so kind. I feel the same way about your posts. You bring the Australian birds to me so wonderfully!
Congrats on three years – always a pleasure to see a post from you. 🙂
Thank you Kathy for such kind words!
Congratulations on the three year mark, Kelly! Very nice shots of that canyon, and especially of the bluebird!
Thank you so much!
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Congratulations Kelly!
Thank you Belinda!
I’m so happy that I can follow your blog. You inspire me to get out there more (San Ysidro is now on the list). And your photos are delightful. Happy 3rd!
Wow! Thank you Donna! If you’re ever out this way, let me know. I’m happy to show you any places you’re interested in.
Congrats on your anniversary! You got nice birds and plunges (by Scarlet) to celebrate 🙂
Thank you Tiny! 😁
SUPER! http://www.aloisabsenger.wordpress.com
Beautiful work, and I loved seeing Scarlett getting her fun in too! Your bluebird photos are sensational! Happy 3rd anniversary, Kelly!
Thank you Donna! I still can’t believe it 3 years! 😁