cliffkrice's Photobucket media

My XC Flight

cliffkrice — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 07:16:44 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

My XC Flight - tttxcflight.jpg

The entire flight, from left to right. I got good altitude early, and you can see I gave it up getting to the gap. The first gain, and the gain in the gap, were what enabled me to get there.

My Track Log

cliffkrice — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 06:58:53 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

My Track Log - drdaleslandingongoogleearth.jpg

Approached from the left, low in the gap, crept up, got a thermal and circled up, crossed the gap, rode to the turnpoint (near the right), came back, got some altitude, went to field, circled, and landed at Dr. Dale's.

Soaring Sequatchie

cliffkrice — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 06:48:59 MDT

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Soaring Sequatchie - tttglideratwhitwell.jpg

A pilot shortly after launch from Whitwell.

Flight Line

cliffkrice — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 06:48:57 MDT

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Flight Line - tttwhitwelllaunchline.jpg

Flight line at Whitwell launch.

Wire Man

cliffkrice — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 06:48:55 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Wire Man - tttwhitwellwireman.jpg

Hooking up the safety to one of our wire men. There is a wire man on each side wire, and another on the keel as the pilot walks up to launch and gets the glider neutral in the wind in order to safely launch.

TTT Clubhouse

cliffkrice — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 06:22:23 MDT

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TTT Clubhouse - tttclubhouse.jpg

Overlooking our beautiful launch at Henson's gap.

tttleighatgoal.jpg

cliffkrice — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:24:19 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

tttleighatgoal.jpg

Leigh was the last one of our team to reach goal, her first XC flight, and Ollie (foreground) and her celebrate her success!

Morning at Launch

cliffkrice — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:24:15 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Morning at Launch - tttmorningvalley.jpg

A beautiful early morning view into the Sequatchie Valley overlooking launch.

Ollie's Team at Goal

cliffkrice — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:24:11 MDT

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Ollie's Team at Goal - tttolliesteamatgoal.jpg

Lori (driver), Ollie (team lead), Jerry, Cliff, Mike (flew with us), front row: Barry, Leigh.

Welcome to Tennessee Tree Toppers

cliffkrice — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:17:17 MDT

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Welcome to Tennessee Tree Toppers - tttarrival.jpg

Arriving at the launch/clubhouse/campground, spent the latter afternoon / evening chatting with pilots, watching video, blogging, and listening to some really sweet live acoustic guitar music.

Camp Walmart

cliffkrice — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:17:12 MDT

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Camp Walmart - tttcampwalmart.jpg

A beautiful evening at the 24-hour Walmart in Lake City, Florida.

Inauspicious Start

cliffkrice — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:17:09 MDT

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Inauspicious Start - tttjumpstart.jpg

We drove through so much rain Thursday night before I did the final packing of the van that the engine wouldn't start, and we had to jump-start it.

Liftoff

cliffkrice — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:06:14 MDT

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Liftoff - CliffRiceHensonsGap4.jpg

2008 XCTC

cliffkrice — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:54:56 MDT

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2008 XCTC - CliffRiceHensonsGap2.jpg

Launching at Henson's Gap at the 2008 TTT XCTC. I went in 2008 as a "fun flyer", to observe, learn, and get mentally prepared for 2009 competition.

Tennessee

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:16 MDT

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Tennessee - 2009_0718AD.jpg

Welcome to Tennessee.

Georgia

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:13 MDT

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Georgia - 2009_0718AP.jpg

Welcome to Georgia. This was almost the only night-time drive of the entire trip.

Florida

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:11 MDT

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Florida - 2009_0719AS.jpg

Welcome to Florida.

Sunshine

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:09 MDT

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Sunshine - 2009_0719AT.jpg

Plenty of sunshine in the Sunshine State.

At the Kennel

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:06 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

At the Kennel - 2009_0719BD.jpg

Almost home, picking up the dog.

9,491 Miles

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:04 MDT

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9,491 Miles - 2009_0719BH.jpg

Home at last!

Mammoth Cave

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:02 MDT

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Mammoth Cave - DSCN6219.jpg

Meeting the shoe requirements for the Mammoth Cave tour.

Mammoth Cave

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:00 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Mammoth Cave - DSCN6221.jpg

Keith and Anna prepare to descend into Mammoth Cave.

Mammoth Cave

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:19:57 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Mammoth Cave - DSCN6226.jpg

Keith ready to descend.

Mammoth Cave

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:19:55 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Mammoth Cave - DSCN6228.jpg

Anna in Mammoth Cave.

Tight Squeeze

cliffkrice — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:19:53 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Tight Squeeze - DSCN6238.jpg

Anna in Mammoth Cave.

Custer Area

cliffkrice — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:05:23 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Custer Area - Custerarea.jpg

Black Hills, South Dakota. Bottom right: Custer State Park wildlife loop. Also Iron Mountain Road, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, The Needles Highway. Tr Log on Google Earth.

Whole Trip

cliffkrice — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:05:14 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Whole Trip - Entiretrip.jpg

With a couple of gaps (user error). We traveled clockwise. Track Log on Google Earth.

Grand Canyon

cliffkrice — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:05:07 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Grand Canyon - GrandCanyonarea.jpg

Our drive along the south rim. Track Log on Google Earth.

Angel's Landing

cliffkrice — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:05:00 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Angel's Landing - HiketoAngelsLanding.jpg

Amy's and my hike to Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, GPS in my pocket. Track Log on Google Earth.

Mt Rushmore

cliffkrice — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:04:54 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Mt Rushmore - MountRushmore.jpg

Yes, this is the actual Google Earth satellite image.

Near Zion

cliffkrice — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:04:51 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Near Zion - NearZioncanyon.jpg

One of many exciting passes out west. Track Log on Google Earth.

Road to Rushmore

cliffkrice — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:04:43 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Road to Rushmore - RoadtoMtRushmore.jpg

Road to Mt Rushmore (upper left). Track Log on Google Earth.

St Louis Arch

cliffkrice — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:04:37 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

St Louis Arch - StLouisArch.jpg

Cardinals and Rams stadiums in top left and right respectively. Track Log on Google Earth.

Arch

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:44:24 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Arch - 2009_0717AM.jpg

The state-of-the-art (when it was built) ride to the top of the St. Louis Arch was really quite a ride!

Courthouse

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:44:22 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Courthouse - 2009_0717AX.jpg

This courthouse was associated in some way with the Dred Scott decision.

Cardinals

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:44:18 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Cardinals - 2009_0717AZ.jpg

St. Louis Cardinals stadium as seen from the Gateway Arch.

The Arch

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:44:15 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

The Arch - 2009_0717BG.jpg

Leah's idea and photo of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Illinois

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:44:13 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Illinois - 2009_0717BK.jpg

Welcome to Illinois. Unfortunately, we only had time to drive through a little bit of it.

Indiana

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:44:12 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Indiana - 2009_0717BM.jpg

Welcome to Indiana. Unfortunately, we only had time to drive through a little bit of it.

Kentucky

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:44:10 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Kentucky - 2009_0717BW.jpg

Welcome to Kentucky.

Flat

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:44:08 MDT

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Flat - 2009_0717CE.jpg

The only mechanical problem of the entire trip: we picked up a nail (actually it was a screw) in a tire. Changing it at Mammoth Cave National Park. The next day we had the real tire fixed at the local tire place: Walmart.

Junior Ranger

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:41:18 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Junior Ranger - DSCN6211.jpg

Leah's favorite activities of the vacation were the Junior Rangers programs. She earned about 20 badges and patches. Here she is at Badlands National Park, South Dakota.

Iowa

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:37:24 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Iowa - 2009_0716AE.jpg

Welcome to Iowa. We didn't have time to visit the hometown of Captain James T. Kirk, but they told us that there is a site there.

Missouri

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:37:22 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Missouri - 2009_0716AJ.jpg

This welcome center stands in front of the Kansas City Chiefs (left) and Royals (right) stadiums.

Another Motel

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:37:20 MDT

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Another Motel - 2009_0716AN.jpg

Another rain and hail storm (20 mph on the Interstate) and we decided it was time to swap out another campsite for a motel.

Badlands

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:33:50 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Badlands - 2009_0715BA.jpg

Leah meets a prairie dog at Prairie Dog City in the Badlands National Park, South Dakota.

Nebraska

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:33:48 MDT

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Nebraska - 2009_0715BP.jpg

Welcome to Nebraska.

Fertile Lands

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:33:46 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Fertile Lands - 2009_0715BY.jpg

We were amazed at the vast miles of fertile farmland covering many states, and the supporting industry.

Burro

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:28 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Burro - 2009_0714AC.jpg

Wildlife at Custer State Park, South Dakota.

Burro

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:27 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Burro - 2009_0714AJ.jpg

Wildlife at Custer State Park, South Dakota.

Custer

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:25 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Custer - 2009_0714AO.jpg

Our campsite at Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. There is a creek in the background.

Mt. Rushmore

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:22 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Mt. Rushmore - 2009_0714BB.jpg

The historic monument.

The Needles

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:20 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

The Needles - 2009_0714CE.jpg

The Needles scenic drive was spectacular, as the road ran right through the center of the formations.

The Needles

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:18 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

The Needles - 2009_0714CJ.jpg

Distant view of The Needles, Black Hills, South Dakota.

Gold Rush Fort

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:16 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Gold Rush Fort - 2009_0714CR.jpg

Leah role-plays defending the fort. This was built by gold-rush prospectors during a time at which they were illegally trespassing on a Sioux reservation. The U.S. Cavalry was tasked with removing them.

Custer State Park

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:14 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Custer State Park - 2009_0714DD.jpg

Leah enjoys the (very cold) lake at Custer State Park, South Dakota.

South Dakota

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:24:00 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

South Dakota - 2009_0713AR.jpg

Welcome to South Dakota.

Chateau

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:23:58 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Chateau - 2009_0713AT.jpg

Due to rain and a little hail we decided to abandon our campground reservation for the first night, and stayed in a cute chateau in Custer, South Dakota instead.

Hot Springs

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:16:02 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Hot Springs - 2009_0712AT.jpg

20 years ago, Mammoth Hot Springs were a caleidoscope of color. But springs are born and die, and this year they are mostly gone. But still there is an eerie beauty to them.

High Glades

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:16:00 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

High Glades - 2009_0712BZ.jpg

We ate lunch at some very high glades (around 9,000 feet) in Yellowstone and enjoyed the "close" weather.

Lower Falls

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:15:58 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Lower Falls - 2009_0712CM.jpg

Keith and Anna at the Lower Falls overlook.

Lower Falls

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:15:56 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Lower Falls - 2009_0712CP.jpg

Leah at the Lower Falls overlook.

Pre-Fall Rapids

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:10:53 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Pre-Fall Rapids - 2009_0710EG.jpg

These are the rapids above the falls, from which you can get an idea of the power and intensity of the river as it pours into the canyon.

Car Ride

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:10:51 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Car Ride - 2009_0710EM.jpg

Leah and Keith connect their DS's to collaborate on a game in the car.

Yellowstone Hot Spring

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:10:49 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Yellowstone Hot Spring - 2009_0711BA.jpg

Hot springs in the geyser basin are beautifully chromatically colored by the various algae that grow at the decreasing temperatures from center to edge.

Yellowstone Geyser

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:10:46 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Yellowstone Geyser - 2009_0711CE.jpg

Keith and Cliff watch a geyser in the distance.

Top of the Falls

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:07:21 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Top of the Falls - 2009_0710ED.jpg

Near the top of the Upper Falls at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The water is arriving from over our right shoulders, and continues out the left side of the photo, then falls fast and furiously.

Yellowstone

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:06:30 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Yellowstone - 2009_0710DD.jpg

At the rim of the canyon.

Yellowstone Canyon

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:05:28 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Yellowstone Canyon - 2009_0710CA.jpg

Keith in the foreground, Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in the background.

Yellowstone Canyon

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:04:37 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Yellowstone Canyon - 2009_0710BT.jpg

Leah in the foreground, Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in the background.

Elk in the Grass

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:03:16 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Elk in the Grass - 2009_0710BB.jpg

We saw much wildlife in Yellowstone, but I picked this photo (by Anna) because of the way it integrates the animal into its environment.

Wyoming

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:02:20 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Wyoming - 2009_0710AS.jpg

Welcome to Wyoming. This sign was actually inside of Yellowstone National Park, which encompasses Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Montana

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:01:53 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Montana - 2009_0710AO.jpg

Welcome to Montana.

Lake Walcott

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:01:19 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Lake Walcott - 2009_0710AG.jpg

Sunrise at Lake Walcott State Park, Idaho.

Idaho

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:56:58 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Idaho - 2009_0709AP.jpg

Welcome to Idaho.

Idaho Flower

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:56:56 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Idaho Flower - 2009_0709BI.jpg

Somewhere in Idaho.

Bald Eagle

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:56:54 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Bald Eagle - 2009_0709eagle.jpg

Somewhere along the road in Wyoming. He or she has a tracking tag on the wing.

Lake Walcott

cliffkrice — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:56:51 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Lake Walcott - DSCN6190.jpg

Campsite at Lake Walcott State Park, Idaho.

Three Sisters

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:30 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Three Sisters - 2009_0707AD.jpg

Anna on a hike with Three Sisters Mountains in the background, near Bend, Oregon.

Reunion

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:26 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Reunion - 2009_0707AM.jpg

Happy to have Keith join us on the trip! He flew from Tampa to Portland (3 stops) and rode the bus to Bend (4 hours).

Diving Cliff

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:23 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Diving Cliff - 2009_0708AD.jpg

We returned to the diving cliff so Keith and Leah could try it out too.

Bend

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:19 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Bend - 2009_0708AH.jpg

Leah and roadside art in Bend, Oregon.

Hanging Out

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:16 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Hanging Out - 2009_0708AK.jpg

Top: Nadine and Keith, Bottom: Leah, Chad.

Leah and Layla

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:13 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Leah and Layla - 2009_0708AN.jpg

She seems content. (Both of them do.)

Leah and Layla

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:11 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Leah and Layla - 2009_0708AP.jpg

Lost and found. The evening after this photo, Layla escaped, and was found many, many, many hours later by Nadine.

Leah's Ride

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:28:57 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Leah's Ride - DSCN6149.jpg

Leah gets ready for a ride on the horse of Chad's friend Eric (or Erik?),

Chad

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:28:54 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Chad - DSCN6168.jpg

Chad demonstrates the diving cliffs.

Falls

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:28:51 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Falls - DSCN6172.jpg

Falls just above the diving cliffs.

Dave and Amy

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:25:48 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Dave and Amy - 2009_0704AB.jpg

Dave and Amy at a very cool hike near Bend, Oregon. We actually got in behind the falls.

Family

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:25:46 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Family - 2009_0704CE.jpg

Kevin, Chad, Nadine, and Lynne in front of the store.

Leah

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:25:43 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Leah - 2009_0704CF.jpg

Leah advertises the food items along the road.

Chad

cliffkrice — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:25:39 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Chad - 2009_0704CG.jpg

Chad sets up the popcorn machine outside the store.

Bryce Canyon

cliffkrice — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:49 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Bryce Canyon - 2009_0629AO.jpg

From the trail into Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.

Bryce Canyon.

cliffkrice — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:48 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Bryce Canyon. - 2009_0629CQ.jpg

Cliff at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.

Bryce Canyon

cliffkrice — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:46 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Bryce Canyon - 2009_0629DB.jpg

Amy at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.

Antelope

cliffkrice — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:44 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Antelope - 2009_0629DO.jpg

Yes, Antelope Island also has antelope.

Sunset

cliffkrice — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:43 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Sunset - 2009_0629DS.jpg

At Antelope Island State Park, Utah.

Salt!!

cliffkrice — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:42 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Salt!! - 2009_0630AX.jpg

This was a bottle of water taken from the Great Salt Lake and left to evaporate. This is the amount of salt that precipitated out!

Antelope Island

cliffkrice — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:40 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Antelope Island - 2009_0630BA.jpg

Wildlife at the visitor center on Antelope Island State Park.

Salt Lake

cliffkrice — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:38 MDT

cliffkrice posted a photo

Salt Lake - 2009_0630BD.jpg

We are on Antelope Island of Great Salt Lake, the causeway attaches to the mainland.