Judy's Wanderings

05/20/2026

Today was for the birds, a deer and some lupine.

04/14/2026

Photo dump. Thanksgiving point Tulip Festival at Ashton Gardens. There was a bit of rain overnight that made some of the flowers still having water droplets on them. I was so excited to take pictures that sometimes I forgot to change the settings on my camera. So you may see some areas out of focus, but I still had fun. So many different types and colors!!! There are some other flowers in here as well.

04/14/2026

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04/14/2026

I went Thanksgiving Point in the Salt Lake City area for the Tulip Festival today. But my first stop was the Butterfly Museum. For my friends from Idaho who have been the the Butterfly Haven, I liked the Butterfly Haven better. A much larger variety of butterflies at the Butterfly Haven.

04/06/2026

Another check on my bucket list of places to see. Although I have been here before, I have never walked the trail through the Blue Mesa at the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert National Park. Such a unique place.

To understand the colors and formations of the Blue Mesa in Petrified Forest National Park, consider the following factors:

Sedimentary Layers: The Blue Mesa is composed of various sedimentary rock layers formed over millions of years.
Mineral Content: The vibrant colors result from different minerals, such as iron and manganese, present in the sediments.
Erosion: Wind and water erosion shape the formations, creating unique structures and patterns.
Fossilization: The area contains petrified wood, which contributes to the diverse geological features.
Climate Influence: Changes in climate over time have affected sediment deposition and erosion processes.
Geological History: The region's geological history, including volcanic activity, has played a role in shaping the landscape.

02/27/2026

Some of the Wild flowers at Death Valley National Park.

02/27/2026

On a recent trip to Page AZ, I stopped on my way out of town to capture some shots at Lake Powe. I wanted to catch the rising of the Galactic core, but too many clouds. This is an hour or two after sunrise.

02/25/2026

The Exchange Club Casino, being renovated to be a Steampunk Casino. Not open yet. But from the outside, I love it.

02/24/2026

This is Artists Pallet in Death Valley. Here is a bit of an explanation of where the different colors come from.
Various minerals contribute to the different colors observed:

Iron : Produces red, yellow, and brown hues. The oxidation states of iron often result in these vivid colors.

Copper : Responsible for greenish and blue tones. Copper-bearing minerals can create vibrant shades in the rocks.

Manganese : Can impart purple and pink colors when present in certain minerals.

02/24/2026