Certain Circles

While walking this morning I listened to Dan Seals, 

one of my favorite country artist, 

singing "Certain Circles"  from his album "Make it Home". 

The words were very appropriate for my circuitous route.

(Check it out on iTunes and you'll see what I mean.)

As you can see, there's not much elevation gain around

here... only 41' this morning,

which was in too separate locations - here 

and here.  As you know from prior posts, the rest of the 

walking takes place on paved streets.

I saw a new critter and several other walkers where already 

out before the 5:22 sunrise,  trying desperately to beat the heat.

 It was already 81, headed for 105 today!!!

However it seemed like it was already un"bare"able for others.

'

I made it back, just as Don headed out, and quickly retreated

out back to sit in the shade where I enjoyed watching

 the birds and bunnies, and a few dogs dogs walking their owners

on the path behind our home!!!

Not quite as exciting as watching the more than occasional

black bears out back at our former home in Colfax CA.

Wherever you are today,  Happy Independence Day.  This photo was

taken at Gold Butte Nat'l Monument NV in 2013, and there

certainly was a lot more elevation gain there than around here!!!

The Backcountry Byway, where we were is worth taking

if you are in the area.   It begins 90 miles northeast of Las Vegas 

The 62-mile scenic trip offers opportunities to see desert wildlife,

 red and white sandstone formations, sinkholes, petroglyphs,

 the Muddy Mountains and the historic mining town of Gold Butte,

 established in 1908. The primary extractions 

from Gold Butte were copper, gold, lead and zinc.

Don even did some geocaching when we were in the area.  

Check out the BLM.gov website for more information.