Fly-outs, Fly-ups, and Fly-ins...

The Festival of the Cranes, at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (New Mexico), is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this November. The Bosque is spectacular and the Festival a wonderful event--we look forward to our return visit...

We rise early for "fly-out." The Sandhill Cranes are often found with their feet frozen in ponds.

During the day the Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese graze and Snow Geese "fly-ups" occur.

Judy with one of falconer Mattthew Mitchell's raptors and a Harris close-up...

At "fly-in" the evening skies are filled with Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese--a magnificent sight...

Photo info. Pictures taken with various Canon Cameras including Elan II e, 60D, 20D, 7D; with EF 100-400 IS L.

Foodie note. Check out Frank & Lupe's El Sombrero and the Buckhorn Tavern (winner of a green chili cheese burger "throw-down" with Bobby Flay).

 

Patagonia luggage and packs...

I've accumulated a variety of Patagonia bags for work and travel. I've found them functionally designed and very durable. My favorites are the large wheelie (top left) and the Maximum Legal Carry (middle right). The MLC wheelie is perfect for camera gear (top right). A couple of these bags were replaced (no charge) by Patagonia (a wheel was smashed on the large wheelie and the interior surface of the MLC was damaged)--they have a great guarantee!