The Sierras, Oct 2022

 On our trip to Vegas, we saw many sides of the Sierras.  We drove down the west side on the way there, up the east side on the way back.

Rocks, trees, sky

On the western side of the Sierras we drove through some fire damaged areas.

At the top of the pass

River rafting drop in spot

Upstream the river is calm

Fishing spot

Southern end of Lake Isabella

Info about the pass.  Also a place to tuck water jugs for the Pacific Crest hikers

It's a lonely road

Long way from anywhere.  After this it is just a few hours to Barstow and Vegas.

After Vegas, we went up the East side of the mountains.  Even more remote feeling and smaller towns. 

Perspective is tough with all that sky.  It is hard to judge if those mountains are 5, 15, or 50 minutes away.

Erosion, the best natural force.

To get over the Sierras you travel through Yosemite park.  We made it through just as they were closing down for the season.  

At this viewing area you can spot Half Dome from the other side.

Of course none of these pictures really do it justice, but hopefully is a taste of the beauty.

Las Vegas fall decor, Oct 2022

We went to the Battlebot championship fights in Las Vegas!

We were just before the holiday season, so of course there are all about fall/harvest decorations.

The Bellagio conservatory has the biggest display.  Which includes some of the biggest gourds-yeah!!

Their version of a waterfall/water feature.  

Gourds and mums!  

Daylight brings out a whole different color scheme.

I'm pretty fascinated with the water feature.

The Aria's decoration were not huge, but they tried to go fancier, with orchids and roses.

It works, but not as fun.

I appreciated the birch bark vase the most.

Quilt show 2022 Traditional

 Traditional quilts

A group project, so adorable!

So much quilting!

Tiny squares

They had a great section of quilts from the 1990s, cool to see them side by side with current trends

Best in show.  It is HUGE.  Hard to imagine how much time this took.

Very little fabric that hasn't been quilted

Inspired by lace that was purchased on a trip and incorporated into the quilt

Hexagons are less popular, maybe because of the edges, but I love them

Another HUGE, perfectly assembled, intricate detailed, labor of love.

From the same pattern, different color schemes. 

Based on the Gee's Bend style

Small section of a much larger whole, flowers are 1/2 to 2 inches.

The pattern on the fabric is big and complicated, so the squares are big, finished with lots of quilting detail

Fun theme

Traditional angel pattern, each designated as a type of health care workers-Covid inspiration