On the Edge of a Season

We had a mix of snow and rain today, the first of the season, just like it was when we were last in Patagonia. In Chile, the seasons were on the verge of changing from winter to spring...always the opposite of what we have at home.

No matter the season, though, I love the raw beauty of the place and never grow weary of it. It is a good reminder to me that this earth is a gift and a wondrous creation and that we should show our appreciation for it by taking care of it in whatever ways we know how.

Winter Comes Early

Since W is not used in the Spanish alphabet (except in words that are used in their English form, such as "web"), I'm taking a breather from my usual  photo tour of Chilean Patagonia for Alphabe-Thursday. Instead you get a quick glimpse of what we got yesterday...the first taste of WINTER!

Have a great week, and be sure to wing your way over to Mrs. Jenny's and see what the other Alphabetarians have waiting for you.

Just Like That...

This past week was in the 70s and sunny...

...the clouds moved in...

...and then, this morning...

Now and Then. An Autobiography in 109 Words or Less.

Then. California girl. Seemingly endless sunshine. Only the most seasoned native senses the fine distinction between seasons…and we all know that natives are dwindling in number. Flip-flops and strappy sandals with bare legs: de riguer.

Now. Utah girl. Living in the mountains. Summer one day, fall the next. And winter anxiously nipping at autumn’s booted heels. No need for stilettos here. No place for delicate heels. 

I step outside. Dancing in the pile of red and pink and amber leaves. Or more correctly, standing amidst the leaves that delicately swirl around my feet. The leaves crunched under my boots until they didn't. 

Thank you, Mrs. Jenny, for another Saturday Centus prompt (in red above). What would we do without our little weekend workout each Saturday morning? Be sure to stop by Mrs. Jenny's and see what the other Centusians are leaving for us...pun intended.

Unusual Utopia

Umm umm umm... we're on week 21 of the current round of Alphabe-Thursday, meaning we're on the very useful letter U. We (that would be you and I) have spent the past 20 weeks checking out the beauties of Chilean Patagonia, minus a one week detour to Utah (maybe I should have waited until this week for that little diversion). Our little tour has covered much of the wonderful landscape in the fall, since that's when we were there. Fully embroiled in the N. American autumn now, I thought it would be fun to switch seasons and show you the unbelievable colors of spring (from an earlier trip) in the unusual utopia that is found in the far southern reaches of Chilean Patagonia.

So, once again, sit back and enjoy the view.

Ubiquitous Chochos...one of the signature flowers of the region...known to the rest of the world as lupine. In spring, the fields and meadows burst with color...everything from palest white to deep indigo blue.

Nalca plant...this prehistoric-looking wild rhubarb grows everywhere and people can be seen picking it on the road sides. The leaves are enormous, sometimes spanning more than 9 ft/3 meters across. 

Be sure to stop by and visit the other Alphabetarians over at Mrs. Jenny's by clicking HERE.