After a year of very-nearly-planning I flew down to Phoenix, Arizona to join my cousin Ed, my very-nearly-a-cousin-in-law Amy and their dog Loca, aka 'Mama', for a weekend of boating & for me, some on-the-water desert birding.
Ed & Amy drove their van, picked me up at the airport, and we were off to Apache Lake.
Eddie and Loca posing for me along the way
I loved the drive, especially when we got off the 'normal' streets of Arizona and onto the back roads, line with towering Saguaro cacti and rattlesnakes. Hey, I love rattlers. Here is a short video of the road. Cool as you can hear the truck rattling - remember we were hauling a boat.
Late afternoon we made it to our destination at Apache Lake. Ed, Amy and Loca took a little time out for a dip in the water on the boat launch area.
The boat! This was taking out of the lake on Sunday
Now, my job - it was a small but important one - was to get my bum onto the boat prior to launching. I work out at a gym regularly so thought I was well up to the task... um... well, not so much really. I couldn't haul my weight up onto the rear of the boat to save my life. Finally, just before giving up and resigning myself to being pulled behind the boat like a rogue barge, I climbed onto the front of the boat's trailer hitch, and managed - just barely - to haul my bum up onto the front of the boat. From there I lowered myself into the boat cabin and TADA! I was sea-worthy!
Capt'n Ed on Deck!
First Mate Amy riding shotgun on the boat's bow
Mesa in the fading light of day
I love when the sun glints on red rock
Apache Lake has lots of nooks and crannies on it's long waterway. Ed found one where we settled in. I was busying myself looking for and at the local wildlife (hey, it's me, DUH). Ed concentrated on trying to lure up some catfish. The catfish weren't biting, but for me, the Western Screech Owls did call and the night time froggies did croak.
Loca trying to spot some catfish for her Daddy Ed
Loads of vultures doing morning calisthenics
We spent the night on the boat. It was some kind of miracle that I, the 'pee-3-times-afore-the-cock-crows' lady, slept through the entire night, not needing to pee even once. That's one huge miracle I can tell you! Early the next morning we docked at the pier, and from there I hiked uphill - which is saying a lot, as even in the early morning, Arizona is too freakn' hot for 'moi'. So I took my time and birded along the way.
This little male Vermillion Flycatcher was my favorite at the dock. The little guy was all over the place and he put on several aria performances just for me.
A Verdin - a desert 'tit' feeding on Ocatillo flowers
We headed back onto the lake and there I started getting in as much birding and photography as possible.
Bullock's Orioles were fairly numerous amid the Mesquite
White-winged Dove down at the lake edge for a drink
My favorite birds for the day were a pair of Yellow Warblers in full breeding plumage. Funny I never think of them as a desert bird.
Cute couple - male and female Yellow Warblers
While some of us wiled away the day birding, others buddied up and got into the water for a little float time.
Captain Amy & her first mate Loca Pup
Meanwhile Ed was captaining one of his water planes.
A little fire keeps the captain warmer
Ed maneuvering one of his pontoon planes
The pleasant day of fishing, birding and floating about went all too quickly. Saturday night the sun set on the beautiful mesas on the river, and made nice silhouettes against the red sky. We spent a second night out on the water, and again - no potty mishaps! Praise be for miracles, eh?
Here is an email I just recieved from my 'new' cousin David. I am putting it here because David relates our history so well here, with such emotion, and clarity. And of course I added photos, well, just because.
William Hickson Cuthbert White
Dear Cousin Claire:
Today is the 2 year anniversary that I received my 23andMe ancestry results and discovered my African roots. That same day I sent you a message via Ancestry as I saw my grandfather, mother and aunt and uncle on your family tree. When I saw my grandfather had a sister I knew I must be related to many on your tree. And as it turns out I am. I loved our beginning email relationship as it gave me joy to be connected to you and a feeling I was connected to my grandfather. My first feelings were of sadness and pain for my grandfather and further delving into "passing" I have discovered it was not easy and was quite a sacrifice both logistically and emotionally. I am currently reading another book about passing and this is a true story and the author also includes lots of history and facts. The author is Bliss Broyard and the book is titled "One Drop" The author's father "passed" and she found out on his death bed. Later, she discovers his family many of whom were too dark to pass, although many were very light skinned and chose not to pass. Anyway............... Your return email welcoming me to the Carter family and our beginning email relationship and then meeting was so joyous for me. And now here we all are connected and I am filled with love and joy.
San Diego Pop-up
I was so sad you missed the San Diego pop-up mini and I almost did not go because you were not going to be there. But I did go and I was so glad that we did go but remember at that time I was so worried about you. That entire weekend was so joyous, loving and wonderful. What makes me pause when I think about it was the first night at Cousin Charlaine's house we were all gathered and all but Cousin Carol were new to me. A good bit into the evening Cousin Max announces that his grandmother Adele and my grandfather Cuthbert must be celebrating in Heaven to see all of us connected. I thought and felt the same thing and I still do....................... the separation for the wrong reasons has now been righted.
I still think about our first meeting and how wonderful and emotional it was. And wonderful Jen was our host. Then we were off to Atlanta for Uncle Calvin's Celebration of life. I have to tell you that trip I was more nervous than a longed tailed cat in a room full of rockers. But
Atlanta for Uncle Calvin's Celebration of Life
David and Jonniann visiting at my house
again, was glad I went and met more family. Next was San Diego and was sorry you could not be there. Prior to that I did surprise you by showing up at CTC as I could not stand it not knowing how you were being cared for. Mind you, I worried I was overstepping and you would be offended but I followed my heart. That trip to see you included a dinner with Cousin Vincent and his family. Next was Colorado and that was so wonderful to see everyone again and share my home state that I love. It was so good to just spend time in family love. Then the unexpected meeting at Cousin Dovin's surprise birthday party. How fun was that!?! And our most recent pop-up mini in Sacramento was so fun. We did plan a good one there and I think all had a good time including Gavyn and Elyse. Was sorry Elaine had her car trouble and could not make it. But, how fun to have a pop-up on your home turf. The aerospace museum was better than I expected and I loved we had the history there of Air Force and Coast Guard family. And, you had time with Jonniann and Charlaine. And, I loved our lunch
afternoon with you and Jonniann.
I guess today feels very special and emotional for me. Sad that my grandfather felt he had to "pass" and joyous that I am connected to all of my family who was a secret but now all know. I have cherished our relationship from the email beginning and especially the in person meetings. In life I believe there are no accidents and all of this was meant to happen. How lucky I am............................................
So, at some point I would like to discuss Cousin Dovin's wedding. I was so flattered and touched that he called me personally and invited me. Tom and I have investigated getting there from Phoenix and found a van service that will take us to and from. I figured if you, Cousin Jonniann and Cousin Charlaine were interested we could all share that and then no one would have to drive. I have no interest in taking a rental car through the Mexican desert. Anyway........................... let's discuss.
I am so glad to know you and the bonus is that we are related. What a joyous 2 years and I love DNA discovery. And, the SAC min pop-up was so fun and loved it was on your home turf -- how fun is that!!!
Ok, I must be off as I am off of a 24 hour shift. Looking forward to our next meeting.
Love and fist bumps,
Cousin David
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am sooo lucky! You can read about the first 'historic' meeting of David, Tom and Myself HERE.
Bright and early, Monday morning, Charlaine, Jonniann and I drove to the Sacramento Airport. With lots of hugs we bid Charlaine so long for her flight home to San Diego. Jonniann had planned to spend the day with her daughter Elaine who attends my alma mater UC Davis - Go Aggies! Sadly Elaine was held up by car stuff, and I got to keep my cuzzie all to myself for another day.
We did a little bit of 'joy riding' during which I showed off my favorite park Sailor Bar. We called up Jen & Andrew's house and invited Dave & Tom out to lunch. Tom - poor guy - was a bit under the weather so we only absconded with David. We enjoyed a Nepalese lunch at a local restaurants. Then we went to my house.
The whole day was a lovely bonus Pop-up day for me. I enjoyed having my cuzzies with me for chats and giggles. After our lovely visit, Jonni and I dropped David off back at his friends. Later chatting with Jonni I was thrilled to find out she had an interest in something dear to me, that despite it's sentimental value, has been neglected & dusty in a back room - my old nylon string guitar. I got it in the early 1970s when wanted to learn classical guitar. The Yamaha guitar when new sounded like stroking rubber bands strung on a cracker box. Now, with age, the guitar wood has a lovely deeper sound and the instrument has reached maturity. I like to think of it as a Red Violin, minus the mayhem. I am happy to think that maybe it will be in the Carter family, passed from member to member for eons. A girl can dream!
Jonniann however has been actively attempting to play guitar but at home she and her hubby have a steel string guitar which has played havock on Jonniann's gentle fingertips. Hurrah! I have found a forever home for my dear old guitar! Here enjoy Jonni playing a few notes on her new found friend.
[UPDATE: I recommended Joniann not take the guitar with her on the flight back to San Diego as it would be a hassle and the instrument lost its case eons ago. Since that day I did just wrap the guitar and ship it to her. I bet she nd the guitar are becoming fast friends. Life is good!]
