This targeted downpour over southeastern Spring Creek Basin and upper-ish Disappointment Valley was by no means the only rain we got in the last couple of days. And it probably wasn’t even the most dramatic. But it sure was cool. 🙂
Depending on the part of the valley, we got anywhere from half an inch to probably at least an inch of rain between Thursday afternoon and Friday evening. Every drop is so very welcome.
I wish I had a pic of rain … because we’re getting it (as of the drafting and scheduling of this post Thursday night). Finally. 🙂
Meanwhile, enjoy a pic of Chipeta moseying along with her band on a windy-dry day above Spring Creek canyon with Utah’s La Sal Mountains dim in the background.
Today is the summer solstice!
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac (linked above), “In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice (aka summer solstice) occurs when the Sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. This marks the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe. (In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite: the June solstice marks the astronomical start of winter when the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky.)
“This solstice marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt (about 23.5 degrees) toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year. (By longest “day,” we mean the longest period of sunlight hours.) On the day of the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight at the most direct angle of the year.”
The pic of the nearly-full moon rising over Spring Creek Basin landmarks McKenna Peak, Temple Butte, submarine ridge and Brumley Point was taken last night.
What is THAT crazy little alien-looking bee on these prickly pear cacti? There were two of them, and they were busily busy in the depths of these lovely blooms along a road in the basin.
Sundance and his long-time mare share a quiet nap on a cloudy-still-hot evening in Spring Creek Basin.
The heat and dry is hard on wild things. We’ve had a little easing of the terrible heat, but it’s still incredibly dry out there.
Every sighting of Hollywood is a good one – and it had been a while since I’d seen him last – but I will admit that it’s hard seeing him so thin. He’s following a band, which is a relief. He’s not challenging; it seems he’s simply interested in the company.
Temple and Madison were engaging in some mutual grooming when Temple simply rested her face against her best friend’s shoulder for a moment. … Because a best friend’s shoulder is the very best kind of shoulder on which to rest. 🙂
Buckeye returns to his family after a chat with a nearby stallion over a water source.
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers – especially mine 🙂 – who watch over and protect their families while providing all the necessities of life (both practical and emotional). I love you, Dad!
Chipeta also likes to try to blend in. 🙂
Her unsolvable problem is that, as the only pinto member of an otherwise all-grey band, she stands out.
Also, she’s a standout. 🙂
Winona was trying to look inconspicuous on her mosey back to her band after grazing a bit away from them.
Really??
My darling, you cannot possibly go unnoticed. 🙂
Apparently, she missed getting darted this spring. 🙂
