Wednesday, 19 January 2011
While talking with our Canadian neighbors at a small neighborhood gathering last night we were directed to go in search of Martinez Lake and the surrounding Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.
With hats and sun block on hand, out we went in search of nature. Mike is and has been in search for a Big Horn Sheep or Mountain Goat sightings since we arrived in the desert.
To get there, one has to cross the US Army property and today we were privileged to see the US Army SkyKNIGHTS Team jump from a C130 over the desert.
<< C130 just after take off
Parachuter nearing landing target >>
A series of vista points overlook the Colorado River that runs through the INWR bordering the BLM and Yuma Proving Grounds about 20 miles north of Yuma, AZ. We started out at the visitor's center and a short video about the refuge and what we might expect to see. Just outside the front door is a small enclosed area for their "Digger Tortoise" that lives near the foundation - he wasn't receiving visitors today, but we did see birds and lizards nearby.
@ crossroad to
Red Cloud Mine Road and the viewing points.
The short video provides you with the view we had at Mesquite Point where we got out to view the marshes, birds and enjoy our lunch. (30 sec)
Photos of our walk on the trail.
We didn't see a Big Horn sheep today, however we have not given up on that search nor should you. Visit http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/Imperial/index.html to learn more about the refuge and desert and what it has to offer.
Hope to see you here soon.
With hats and sun block on hand, out we went in search of nature. Mike is and has been in search for a Big Horn Sheep or Mountain Goat sightings since we arrived in the desert.
To get there, one has to cross the US Army property and today we were privileged to see the US Army SkyKNIGHTS Team jump from a C130 over the desert.
 |
| C130 |
 |
| US Army Skyknights |
<< C130 just after take off
Parachuter nearing landing target >>
A series of vista points overlook the Colorado River that runs through the INWR bordering the BLM and Yuma Proving Grounds about 20 miles north of Yuma, AZ. We started out at the visitor's center and a short video about the refuge and what we might expect to see. Just outside the front door is a small enclosed area for their "Digger Tortoise" that lives near the foundation - he wasn't receiving visitors today, but we did see birds and lizards nearby.
 |
| Humming bird feeder and rogue bird |
@ crossroad to
Red Cloud Mine Road and the viewing points.
One of the many lizards we did see today.
The short video provides you with the view we had at Mesquite Point where we got out to view the marshes, birds and enjoy our lunch. (30 sec)
After a jaw jarring ride to our next stop - Painted Desert Foot Trail...a 1.3 mile loop through the Painted Desert - breathtaking!
Photos of our walk on the trail.
Burro droppings mark the 
beginnings or end of a trail...
We didn't see a Big Horn sheep today, however we have not given up on that search nor should you. Visit http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/Imperial/index.html to learn more about the refuge and desert and what it has to offer.
Hope to see you here soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you in advance for reading my blog. Hope you enjoyed it!