Ramsey Canyon and Miller Peak

Staying at Beatty’s Ranch 2/3 of the way up Miller Peak, via a twisty, rock-strewn two-track. The ranch is really an orchard, with chickens, in a wide spot in a narrow canyon, graced with streams, and ponds, Arizona sycamores, alligator junipers, and Emery oaks. Unique in all the world. But before arriving here we did a little exploring of beautiful Ramsey Canyon. Here at Beatty’s 21,000 acre wilderness all around us. And, coming up.”, Mimi saw a nice big mountain lion.

Nothing Much…

…in terms of projects or accomplishments.
In the observation department, mini iris bloomimg, and squirrel nest (drey) shaken down in recent big wind.

In the audio department, cranes, redwing blackbirds, robins, and just today a few spring peepers. Not the big chorus, but a sufficient number of frogs to be audible at a distance.

Chilly, east wind, high thin cloud.

Red Flag Conditions

Extreme amount of warm dry air moving north in a hurry.

On my walk around the block I had the wind to my back on the return route, but it almost seemd like I was standing still. The big, roundish, seed-heads of trimmed hydrangea came bounding and rolling past me like tumble weeds.
Luckily, no sources of ignition, such as in the Texas panhandle.

Pretty Loud…

…in Noisy Village.

Pleasant spring weather in a college town brings out the noisemakers, along with the blackbirds. Day-long, outdoor, well lubricated, audio-amplified, front yard parties at many, if not most, frats and boarding houses—even with no holiday to celebrate.
Still, it was nice to sit out on the back patio to watch the chiminea make short shrift of birch twigs and dried faggots (made last fall from excess redbud). Birch twigs snap, crackle, and pop as they incinerate. That’s a very nice sound.