Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Journey to the Halloween & Vine...

Well, I can happily say that we safely crossed 5 states to and from California once again! This was our 5th year to venture out via the open road and reunite with Halloween collectors and artist friends. Thanks to JP, my hubby & zoom-zoom chauffeur-extraordinaire, we made it to and from our destination with ease.. Yay! Here are some pics from our happy travels, and stay tuned for H&V show pics soon....


* That's me in the mirror snapping an action shot of the Nevada desert... We were amazed by the deep blue hues in the shadows of these mountains...


* Here's one of our favorite spots to soak in the middle of no-where, Nevada... You take a dirt road, drive up a knoll and "voila!" you find yourself at a well-maintained hot spring surrounded by mounded grass, pussy-toe flowers and a beautiful panoramic view of Nevada's mountains... It's magical and a wonderful place to relax after 13 hours on the road...


* JP sits on the edge of a small wooden deck and warms his feet at Spencer Hot Spring...


* Another photo in motion through Nevada... The sandy terrain was strikingly white creating a visual contrast where sand met mountain...


* Here, conquering my fear of passing semi-trucks... Look closely to see "Kermit" our green beetle's reflection in the hubcap of this massive truck...


* Glowing lights form trails on the highway at night as we approach Petaluma... The sky was dramatic with the remaining glow of the setting sun...


* I'm a lucky girl as I have a husband that loves to drive! See how he smiles en route! When I get behind the wheel, the road completely hypnotizes me, so fortunately I was able to just sit back and enjoy the sites... and take some goofy pics!


* On our way back in Utah we had to stop at one of my favorite hot springs...This is the magical path that takes you to the most breathtaking soaking spot...


* It's called Meadow Hot Spring, and it's on private land, but the gracious owner shares this beautiful natural wonder with all who are willing to find it and of course take care of it... Thank you to whomever you are as it's an experience unlike anything I know!...


* There I am, soaking in the mineral water and enjoying that jewel-toned rocky bottom... It reflects and shimmers in rich hues of turquoise....


* JP submerges all but his head as this nature-made pool is so deep that it seems bottomless... I'm so happy that it's still accessible to the public, although we did have to pick up after the careless folks who were there before.... Policies for such a place are to clean up after yourself and others.


* A massive, Halloween-orange dragonfly rests atop a rope and posed for many photos... He and a matching friend flew and darted about in a whimsical dance over our heads while we enjoyed this serene experience...


* A play on reflections..... Here in this magical place, I appear to have 4 arms!


* A shiny silver tanker truck reflects our image as we speed by on our journey back to Colorado!

So, that's a peek into our cross-country adventure. I will be posting some photos from the Halloween & Vine show soon, but I need to catch up on my sleep for now :)

~ Johanna

8 comments:

Trudy Honeycutt ~ Folk Artist said...

What a great trip, Johanna!! Looks like JP had a grand time as well!! I'm sure that the show was fabulous, and can't wait to see the pics!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey through the lands of the hot springs!! Hugs, Trudy

Unknown said...

Johanna, love the pics! I feel like I've just been on an adventure with you. Hope you had a wonderful time at H&V... can't wait to see and read more!

Lori

Anonymous said...

WOW!.... You guys really know where the "hot spots" are! Good for you to seek them out on your journeys!
It looks amazing...

BJ

Kitty Forseth said...

Hey Girlfriend!

So glad you and JP had a safe and relaxing trip home, the hot springs are amazing. It was so nice to get to visit and share some GREAT food and conversation!

Good luck getting rested and caught up.

xoxo Kitty

Halloween Fanatic said...

Now that is the way to take a business trip! Looks like you had a wonderful time. I look forward to seeing pictures from the show- and the web sale! Have a great Wednesday!! :) Your friend, The Halloween Fanatic!

Christopher A. Klingler said...

FUN pics Johanna & thanks on my tree!!! :-D)

Have a great rest of the week.

SpOOky Hugs,
Chris

Anonymous said...

Love that Halloween-orange dragonfly! Never seen one quite like it. lucky you!

BarbT

vintagepaletteart said...

Johanna.....I love getting to ride along with you! lol You always take the most amzing pics! It's like we're right there with you. Nature's own hot tub.............I bet that was soooo relaxing and the colors are absolutely gorgeous!

=o) *Lori