Another Boundary Waters Trip

Kawishiwi Lake with friend/coworker Betsy and Jewel.

Jewel's First BWCA Adventure

 

Here are a few pictures from Jewel's first Boundary Waters trip--I've noticed that I took a lot of pictures of Jewel on this trip.  One drawback to being in the canoe so much is not having the camera out.  Normally I probably would have kept it out and ready, but with Jewel in the canoe and never knowing how she would react to seeing wildlife on shore, I played it safe and kept it in the dry bag.

We went in at Entry #14 Little Indian Sioux River North and got a pretty late start.  Everyone, but Jewel was pretty exhausted by the time we pulled into the take out.  A rod equals 16 feet, and our first trek down to the river itself was 40 rods mostly downhill, but a lot of the trail was smooth boulders on a slant, so carrying a canoe overhead and some packs took some work--and we also took note that on the way out it would all be uphill.  When we hit the river we knew it was worth it.  We paddled about three miles to our first campsite, portaging another 60 rods downhill around some rapids {also taking note that the way back would all be uphill}.  We were grateful the first site off the river was open and actually it was my favorite site of the trip.  When it started getting dark the beaver chatter was unbelievable and the fireflies were everywhere.

It was a beautiful trip and even though I did not get to spot a moose, we saw plenty of beaver, swans, loons, deer, fireflies, otter, and eagles.  Jewel was in dog heaven.  The first night a beaver swam close to camp and slapped its tail at her before diving underwater.  She sat sentry looking for this odd creature for almost a half hour.  She never ran off, staying around camp and exploring or running along the portages, and she never once capsized the canoe.  There were times she didn't want to get in the canoe, but who could blame her--sitting around watching the water go by is much less fun than chasing after chipmunks.

The uphill portages on the way back were killers.  At one point Jewel came back down the trail and started pulling on our pants legs to try to get us to get moving again, because we had been sitting so long trying to catch our breath, but we made it.  Next trip I might need to get her a pack so she can carry her own gear!

My Sister's Flowers...

I cannot neglect to show off some of my sister's flowers outside her house.  She planted all of her hanging basket and planters, and to say it's beautiful is an understatement.  So glad I could see some of the white marigolds, geraniums, and nasturtiums bloom while there.

love the purple waves

 non-flowering plants look so fashionable

can't wait to plant these this fall...a few opened up while I was there

...the 2nd half trailing down

love these voodoo super bells

the morning glories are starting to grab at everthing in their path

loved this area and all that's going on in there

morning glories

geraniums from seed...we thinned out the nastursium when I first arrived
allowing for everthing else to get light

the biggest basket

love these cone baskets and the jay feeder

As you can see this summer trip to the Northwoods has been wonderful.  It's held a lot of wonderful surprises, quality time with friends and family, the start of a new adventure, and did I mention that even Jewel came along with us {her first trip out of the desert}...we think she's enjoyed life outside of the desert.

71 Greenhouse

My favorite greenhouse in the world is the 71 Greenhouse near my sister's.  Of course I had to go while visiting. 

Sharna scouting out an Indian Summer flower...must have these in the garden someday

I cleaned up in very discounted garlic and onion sets and free seed potatoes since the season has ended up North...will be getting these in the ground by mid August

Vacation...

Most of July I'll be out of my garden {and as I'm finding, out in other beautiful northern ones as much as possible getting ideas and appreciating what moisture in the air can do for plants}.  The watering system has been arranged to flood the beds at home and okra will hopefully flourish while I'm gone and I have my fingers crossed for the cucumbers, pole beans, and winter squash I did put in.  But to tell the truth, there's not much that can happen in July in the desert.  My tomatoes I'd been hoping for are shot despite trying, and its a waiting game to when I can plant the next round by the first part of August for the bountiful fall and winter months that will be ahead.

I must confess I did bring my seed starting tray and tomato seeds to start a few batches and get them growing in time.  Can't stop trying to grow things you know.

*One of my favorite pictures taken during the trek North...not far from where I lived right out of college.

Weekend Getaway

Wonderful weekend spent with good company...

Over the weekend I finally had the opportunity to see Gillian Welch in concert!  I must say it was the best concert experience I've ever had.  So very glad we traveled up the mountain to take them in, and it was even better to have good company along enjoying it all every bit as much.

I'm always in awe of the pottery artifacts found in this area...armadillo?

And so why is this post even on the garden blog?

Well, Flag has one of my favorite plant spots and I stole a moment to enjoy and snag a few things there.

But, before that we took in a few other things while in the area which made the trip even more special. The afternoon before the concert we took in the awe inspiring pottery and other artifacts created by the Hopi, Anasazi, Sinagua, Zuni, Navajo, and others at The Museum of Northern Arizona. I'm very excited about teaching Arizona history this coming school year, and will certainly use many of the things seen here as talking points and examples for projects, etc....

Some of the sights...

bird fetish necklace...amazing

...and you can't beat a culture who made bird shaped pottery

domesticated cotton and other fiber plants became yarn via drop spindles even in "ancient" Arizona...
this one predates the 1300's

...and check out the fact that in the same time period looms facilitated quite ornate weaving

I loved these pottery miniatures made with such care.  Archaeologists hypothesize these miniatures that are pretty much exact replicas of their larger counterparts were probably used as toys...tea sets pretty much

native corn varieties on display were quite fascinating

this basket stuck with me...found in a cave it came from the Pueblo III era {1150-1350}.  Inside was found one woven sandal.  It fascinates me to think of its owner and why it was left.

you could not help but be amazed at the resourcefulness represented in the artifacts...loved the gourd containers on display...amazing they are still around.

Then, on Monday we took our time by visiting the fabric store and Warner's Nursery...my all time favorite Arizona plant provider. 

walking through the nursery was quite the treat...Caribbean cactus dahlias

pink cactus dahlias...growing these in the garden right now for the first time-hope mine look 1/2 as beautiful

fairy gardens have really caught on...didn't buy any fairy furniture, but was very intrigued people nitch out a space for them

loved this guy, but he is a bit extravagant

Do I need a pair of these?  Probably not since I barely get 3 inches of rain a year.

On the way home we took the scenic way home through Oak Creek Canyon. I was in need big time of a greenery fix and received it via tall pines, aspen, and oaks which smelled so good {I never noted these things had such strong and delicious smells until living in the desert away from them}. Being out in 70* and 80* temps after our +100* days was a treat as well. A very refreshing time.

wonderful way to end the trip gazing at the views of Sedona at the end of Oak Creek Canyon