Millepede in the Desert:

Before I picked this up, I had to remember - are millipedes poisonous? or is it centipedes that are poisonous?

Well, I found out that is isn't millipedes, when I picked up this one.

Unless of course it's a delayed effect.... arghhh... ackkk.... 

Kiss The Lizard

Angie and a Horned Lizard

While we were hiking in Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico, Angie spotted this Horned Lizard. 

I caught him so we could become acquainted.

He was quite docile and very cool. One of the highlights of our trip...

Laughing in the Face of Death (Valley) X:

Death Valley Sand Dunes

Laughing in the Face of Death (Valley) IX:

 Devil's Golf Course

Standing at 200 feet below sea level while looking at an 11,000 foot snow-capped mountain.

Only in Death Valley...

Laughing in the Face of Death (Valley) VIII:

 Natural Bridge Canyon

Laughing in the Face of Death (Valley) VII:

 Bighorn Sheep Petroglyph

We found this petroglyph pecked into a large boulder in Titus Canyon.

Laughing in the Face of Death (Valley) VI:

 An Artists Palette

Angie hikes through the geological wonderland that is known as Artists Palette.

Thinking about the Trona Pinnacles

Wait... I'm thinking...

On our way back from Death Valley, we stopped off to look at the Trona Pinnacles.

The pinnacle on the right reminded me of 'Thinking Man', which is kind of cool.

Laughing in the Face of Death (Valley) V:

 Desert Flower

I love surprise. I love juxtaposition. I love contrast.

Whether it's an outburst of life in an inhospitable environment, sudden silence in a world that's become way too loud, or a taste of coconut in a meat dish (thanks for the beef rendang, Alissa!) - these moments are why I explore. 

For me, travel is a search... a search for moments to be strung together in a necklace of beauty.

Laughing in the face of Death (Valley) III:

 Death Valley Palms

The Furnace Creek Inn is truly an oasis in the desert.

In-between long, hot hikes, I was able to replenish with cold Long Island Iced Teas (nectar of the gods, don't ya know) and enjoy these palms that fill the gardens at the Inn. 

Laughing in the face of Death (Valley) II:

 Father Crowley Point, Death Valley NP

Angie poses with our rented 4wd at Father Crowley Point. 

This is just one of the breathtaking views that you can see in Death Valley.

Laughing in the face of Death (Valley) I:

 Death Valley Dunes

Angie and I just spent 5 days in Death Valley.

We spent one morning watching the sunrise over these sand dunes - enjoying the breeze, basking in the warm sunlight, spotting tracks, and marveling at the color and lines of the naked earth. Amazing...