Skywatch Friday – End of 2022 Edition

Polar Bear-2

I see this sculpture ever year end. I always pay my real estate taxes at the last of the year and this sits right outside the Tulsa County Courthouse.

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A week or two later I went hiking on Turkey Mountain. My outside time had been limited by a medical procedure on my face (I’m fine, really) where I had to stay out of the sun for a week, bad weather, my wife caught the flu, we got a new puppy, and my brother got covid. So things are looking up and I went outside in some sunny but nippy weather.

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The trail builders on Turkey Mountain are putting in a long staircase from the top of the mountain down to the lower parking lot (don’t be too impressed, that’s about 335 feet, but still a big deal in Tulsa. I had to wibble wobble my route. The powers that be ask us not to walk on muddy trails, especially new trails, to keep them getting eroded so I kind of had to improvise a route.

On my route was this trail from the lower parking lot to the top of the mountain. It is bidirectional for people on foot and uphill only for mountain bikers. It looks like a hard go for them but hey they are tough.

And then here is a recently opened downhill only trail for intermediate level mountain bikers. No hikers allowed either way. The bikers fly down the hill and it is wise to keep people on foot out is what I think.

Here is the signage warning people of what they are getting into going down the trail. My modest biking skills and my bike with no suspension will not be on this trail or any other trail on Turkey Mountain. Gravity is not my friend!

And I found a cedar tree somebody decorated for Christmas. They are kind of fun especially if they take the decorations down soon after the holidays. Most people do, some don’t and these ornaments do not age well over time. They are not really “Leave No Trace” compatible.

Just a tad shy of 3 miles. A nice little outing after having been inside for weeks.

And guess, what I saw some flagging from the contractor building the trails. They are going to build more trails. More, more, more is my motto. When it comes to trails.

I am taking more skywatch photos from my front porch. Here is a recent one.

And here is another one.

And here is one of our house from the street. Yes I used a filter. I was trying to emphasize the lights.

22 thoughts on “Skywatch Friday – End of 2022 Edition

  1. tomthebackroadstraveller

    …I hope that your New Year will happy and healthy. Thanks for hosting the party each week.

  2. Amy

    Someone did a good job decorating the tree that you saw. Always nice to see something like when it’s unexpected. Happy new year for 2023

  3. Peter B.

    Beautiful skies from your front porch. Yes, definitely not “leave no trace” compatible! That stone entryway is impressive. Have a Happy New Year!

  4. Ms. Donyarific

    I like the cedar Christmas tree, it’s more like my vibe! Great to know you got a new puppy, for me it means cheers to new beginnings. Have a Happy and Healthy, Prosperous New Year, to you and your family!

  5. Nancy Chan

    Hope that everything is going on well and everyone is safe and healthy. Stunning sky photos from your front porch. You have beautiful houses over there. What a great and happy family photo. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023 to you and yours.

  6. Mascha

    Great skies! How good, that you can go out again (I very miss it since my accident im september). Here are some montainbikers too, but I don’t know trails forbidden for peoples on foot…
    What a cute pup!
    Happy healthy New year

  7. Eileen

    Hello,

    Love the bear sculpture! Beautiful sky captures and a great photo of you and your family.
    I wish you and yours all the best in 2023, sending wishes of peace, joy and happiness for the New Year. Take care, have a great New Year weekend.

  8. A ShutterBug Explores

    Great photos ~ love the bear ~ Xo

    Lots of hugs and love to you all ~ especially ~ Kodi ~ Xo

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

  9. Alana

    Love the bear and the colorful sunset. And the family picture, of course. I’ve already wished you Happy New Year so could I add “and please stay healthy”?

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