We saw them! I’ve been reading about the two Mandarin Ducks spotted at Lynx Lake here in Prescott and went out just before Christmas (on icy trails!) to see them. No such luck. We had seen some in Alaska a few years ago, but this would be a first for us in Arizona. Today, thanks to some Phoenix photographers I met up with on the trail, we were able to find them and take photos. They are such pristinely beautiful birds!
We took a walk in Watson Woods about a week ago, looking for signs of fall. We did find some autumn color in isolated groups of yellowing leaves on some of the trees, yellowing grasses, and brown leaves scattered on the ground. What we also found were signs of drought. This stream that usually flows from Watson Lake through the adjacent woods was drying up, which you can see as the water curves to the left in the photo.
Late one afternoon, we finally got over to Willow Lake to visit the white pelicans that flew in a few weeks ago. They are earlier than usual- and staying longer- perhaps because of the hot weather. As I drew closer to photograph them, it seemed the pelican on the right was becoming nervous, and it looked as if the bigger one was reassuring him. This went on for awhile, and eventually he did take off over the water to find a place to swim.
FYI- It has been about 11 months since my knee replacement, and during this walk, I noticed that I really don’t even think about my knee at all before taking a step. Before surgery, each step on uneven ground was wobbly as my knee was very unstable. I can’t say that it feels like a normal knee, but it WORKS!
The light was beautiful as we took a drive by the lakes last evening. We stopped for a few quick iPhone shots of Willow Lake, and then headed home for some banana bread I had baked earlier. Our last instacart order had provided us with 5 bunches of bananas instead of 5 single bananas (I’m not complaining- we’re ALL frazzled…), and yesterday was the day they were ripe enough for baking and freezing. We now have an abundant supply of frozen bananas for smoothies, pancakes, and baking!
It looked like the Canada geese felt right at home as they paddled through the chilly water on this cold winter day. It was just Tuesday that Watson Lake was surrounded by white- but now the beautiful Arizona sunshine has melted most of it, leaving white in just the shadiest areas. I have learned to get out and take photos right away here in Prescott, as more often than not, the snow only lasts for a few days. This image was taken with my iPhone.
One of the iconic Prescott views is of Granite Mountain. I captured this shot through the windshield on our way home.
The Granite Dells are a Prescott landmark- and how beautiful they look when capped with snow!
Yes, this was taken with my iPhone! It was edited on the phone with Snapseed with final touches in Luminar.
On Thanksgiving night, a huge storm blew in- and in the morning we woke up to this view from our front porch:
It continued to snow for most of the day, blanketing everything in 8-10 inches of the beautiful white stuff. It has been frustrating to not be steady enough on my feet yet to walk around with my camera in the snow- but on Saturday, we did take a drive around Prescott. I was able to capture some decent shots with my iPhone from the car or standing beside the car- and I’ll be posting those later.
Spotted at Watson Lake
Prescott is ENVELOPED in SNOW! An unusually severe snowstorm hit Northern Arizona Wednesday night and continued throughout the next day. The snow is falling more lightly as of Thursday evening, but we do have approximately 16 inches (and huge drifts!) where we live. We were all prepared for it, but the reality is pretty awe inspiring! Schools closed and a State of Emergency has been declared (seriously!). I think we’ll be happy campers here at home as long as the satellite dish continues to operate.
Fall has begun in Prescott!
I hadn’t taken my traditional flag photo for today- so we went down this afternoon to Courthouse Square after the crowds had dispersed. Here’s a shot of the gazebo decorated in red, white, and blue.
When we walked the paths at Willow Lake during our end of February snowstorm, we were amazed at how saturated the color of the rocks was in the diffused light and falling snow. Here is the view as we walked our usual path through the rocks toward the lake. Not quite Sedona- but still beautiful!
We had snow Tuesday night which gave us maybe an inch yesterday morning. I was out with my camera as soon as I got up, because I knew it wouldn’t last- and it didn’t. Here’s a view of the path leading from Watson Lake to Watson Woods, a pretty scene.
Bystanders at Prescott’s Hose Cart races yesterday:
I love living in this small town1
melinda anderson photography 