Good Morning Dixie Valley
Greetings and salutations readers near and far! It’s been a bit of time since I posted my last blog, and let me tell you, a ton has been going on out here in the Great Basin. From fire monitoring, seed collecting, to rare plants monitoring and doing some educational outreach, we sure have been keeping busy here in Carson City.
Sacred and Beautiful Sand Mountain
Summer is in full swing- the heat is here, the dryness is ever-present and the explorations are never-ending. Unfortunately, we have been experiencing some daily storms rolling through the valley.. Meaning lightning strikes and fires. It’s a strange feeling coming from the East Coast and now having wildfire on the front line of concern. In any case, in the midst of worrying about fire, I have had time to sit back and enjoy some incredible lightning- it brings me back home to the large thunderstorms! There have been a few times in the last couple weeks where huge dark clouds have rolled in so fast and we just beat the rain. That said, recently while fire monitoring and almost all done with the work day we got caught in a huge rainstorm! Soaking wet and running back to the truck for some reprieve while dodging small bits of hail and trying to protect all things that might get damaged by water, it was quite a way to end the day! Luckily, we made it back safe and sound and no equipment was hurt along the way.
Walls of the Cave!
On another note, we as a botany team have been making seed collections like nobody’s business! Visiting breath taking places like Sand Mountain and Indian Creek Reservoir has been a great treat. Not to mention, nothing beats camping out in the desert under a star lit sky exchanging stories of the past and excitement for the future. Suffice to say, my stay here in Nevada has been nothing but enjoyable, eyeopening and entertaining. I have really appreciated the time (as in hours) spent staring at tiny plants, huge rock formations, mountains and sunsets that stretch across the sky for what seems like days. Beginning to think about my next steps, and although I’m not quite sure what or where yet I’ll be this time next year, I am confident in saying this experience will certainly help me get there. As for now, enjoy the few pictures and keep up the good work.
Shine on!
-Andrew
BLM Carson City
Hey little Dude!
Everyone is thirsty in the Great Basin
Not a bad Saturday afternoon !