Stream dynamics.

I have been trying to read water and it’s amazing properties my whole life. This small meander on the San Pedro is full of instruction on a small scale. On the outside of the bend, where water moves fastest, there is a small cut bank where the flow collided with land, leaving a miniature cliff and a dark line of shadow and a step down to reach the water. Opposite the cut bank, where the river channel makes a tighter curve, the water flow slows. On this depositional side of the meander, the slower water drops sediments and sand and stones, and a gently sloped point bar forms.

The physics of all of this—with it’s momentum equations and integrations and velocity calculations—is mostly more than I can fathom. And none of it is essential to enjoying such a beautiful spot on such a fine day. But sometimes it’s nice to reflect on why there is a pleasant sandy place to stand on my side of the river, and just a sheer drop off and deep water on the other.

Fill ‘er up.

Gas pump at Little Boquillas Ranch, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Cochise County, Arizona.

We are getting to that time where the numbers are going to peak and it is not going to be a good-looking situation.

Donald Trump, incompetent fool and President of the United States, at today’s press briefing. Because appearances are all that matter.

Thoughts I Have Thunk

Oh for fuck’s sake!

Bunkhouse. Hitching post.

At Little Boquillas Ranch, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Cochise County, Arizona.

Apertures.

At Little Boquillas Ranch,

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Cochise County, Arizona.

Light leaks.

Interior of the barn at Little Boquillas Ranch. All of the outbuildings I explored here were prone to weird atmospheres and eerie wind-made sounds. In the barn I found the mummified carcass of a coatimundi. Nothing too creepy about that, right?

Dove Illustration Giveaway

I’m giving away this original drawing of a white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica). The drawing’s dimensions are 7 x 6 inches (about 18 x 15 cm), done in burnished and distressed colored pencil on vellum-finish toned paper. It is not matted, mounted, or framed.

The giveaway will be by random drawing. To enter, leave a reply to this post saying “Pick me!” I’ll close the drawing pool at 50 entries or noon Saturday (MST), whichever comes first. I’m also extending this contest to my Instagram followers, so no duplicate entries please. U.S. entries only. And family are ineligible. If there is something you want me to draw just ask.

The winner will need to disclose a domestic ship-to address, which will of course be kept confidential; notification will by via direct message.

UPDATE: This giveaway is closed. I’m pleased to announce that instagram follower @chiefcake won the contest. Congratulations!

Habituation and Accommodation, Episode 3

I just made a no-sew pleated face mask using an old bandanna. I have bandannas that are older than some of my followers, so it’s really soft and supple. Never mind that I look like an extra from one of those shoot-out-at-the-O.K.-Corral re-enactments they stage for the tourists in Tombstone.

Face mask instructions here.

The San Pedro.