Birding with My Granddaughter David Allen Sibley, American Ornithologist

Aloha Everyone,

My Granddaughter is just as enthusiastic as I am about birding. During our most recent week long stay in La Jolla, she invited me to go birding with her. I try to identify birds first by sight, then if they do not fly away, with binoculars to jot down details in my field notebook and afterwards, by going online to ascertain the bird species.

In contrast, my granddaughter carried a copy of the compact, but rather heavy Sibley Birds West: Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. She has more or less memorized common birds seen around her neighborhood.  

Without hesitation, her slender fingers quickly flipped to the correct pages for sparrows, flycatchers or hummingbirds. As she intently studies the pages, she excitedly called out, “That is a House Sparrow” “Anna’s hummingbird!" Birding truly is a wonderful way to appreciate nature, learn to discern minute details but most of all to enjoy outdoor activities with my granddaughter.

David Allen Sibley is an American Ornithologist, author and outstanding illustrator. His books are recommended by serious birders as they are easy to use even for beginners. Sibley Bird West field guide features 715 bird species, plus regional populations, found west of the Rocky Mountains. 5,046 illustrations in all with descriptive captions pointing out the most important field marks.

Here is a Wikipedia link to the author David Allen Sibley and his works. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Allen_Sibley

Aloha -- Cathi

Back in California

Aloha Everyone,

The two of us are safely back in California to visit our family.

Aloha -- Cathi

From Utah, Arizona to Nevada

Aloha Everyone,

Virgin River Gorge crossing means that we bid farewell to Utah, entered Arizona en route to Nevada.

Freeway constructions through Las Vegas is still ongoing causing heavy traffic slowdowns.

Terrible’s Road House travel center is located on the west of Interstate 15 about 30 miles south of Las Vegas.  According to a press release, the place is billed as “the largest Chevron station in the world”.

There are 96 gas pumps, 60 restroom stalls (sparkling clean), and a 50,000-square-foot convenience store. As J.J. and I walked in, we were greeting by rows and rows of slot machines and bright flashing neon lights.

“With 50,000 motorists traveling this stretch of I-15 daily, the Terrible Road House is becoming a tourist attraction in itself.” The statement is by Mark Walters, vice president of sales and marketing for the company.

The two of us are staying at a hotel/casino in Primm, Nevada to avoid daytime excessive desert heat. From here, J.J. estimates 5 hours driving time to Torrance, CA.

Aloha -- Cathi

Back to Kanarraville, Utah

Aloha Everyone,

Since North Dakota, I have been able to sit behind the steering wheel for 1-2 hours a day. As long as it is not city driving, I feel comfortable even at 75 mph. Poor J.J., he feels more relaxed when he is driving. I think he actually gets more stress sitting in the passenger seat :-)

I eagerly relinquished driving this morning as we passed Ogden, Salt Lake City and Provo, almost one continuous metropolis. Nephi is a small, quaint community. J.J. and I became familiar with Nephi as we frequented stayed here the first year of our travels in Honu. Nephi Community Pool Park was a perfect place to find a nice shaded area for our picnic lunch. While J.J. took a nap, I walked around the park and reached my walking goal of 4 miles today.

We have been blessed with great weather for most of this week. But today we were driving through heavy rain all the way to Kanarraville, Utah.

J.J. and I learned of Typhoon Jebi that hit Osaka and Kyoto. We also read of the 6.7 earthquake that struck south of Sapporo in Hokkaido. Both natural disasters have resulted in loss of lives, loss of homes, business and property.

J.J. and I send our thoughts and prayers  to our friends and their communities.

Aloha -- Cathi

From Montana to Idaho via Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming to Brigham City Utah

Aloha Everyone,

Today we took US 191S and Highway 20 from Montana to Idaho Falls. This route crossed into the north western corner of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The drive, a new road for J.J. and me, was gorgeous. We drove for nearly 7 hours on unfamiliar, winding mountainous road. By the time we checked in at the Golden Spike RV Park in Brigham City, Utah, all the two of us wanted was a simple meal and sleep.

Aloha -- Cathi