#Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

[fatchance]

Recent birds: Lesser goldfinch / jilguerito dominico (Spinus psaltria).

At Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary, Cochise County, Arizona.

[textless]

[thekog]

Started going through my Southeast Arizona Birding Festival photos this past weekend. I'll be posting all my keepers up on Flickr. The first batch I've uploaded is from before the festival even began!

This photo in particular is from our first visit to the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary. Filled with feeders, dozens of hummingbirds come by to drink up and they don't mind posing for pictures!

[groats]

Recent jelly birds: Verdin / verdín (Auriparus flaviceps) at Ash Canyon.

[perfectstayz]

Perfect Stayz Promise: Crafting a Transparent Arizona Adventure

Embarking on a sun-soaked journey to Arizona promises a tapestry of awe-inspiring landscapes. Picture yourself amidst the saguaro cacti, under the cerulean sky, as the relentless sun bathes the terrain. The Grand Canyon's colossal majesty beckons, while Sedona's red rock formations captivate the senses. With temperatures often dancing in the high desert realms, pack sunscreen and hydration essentials. Embrace the arid allure of this southwestern gem, where nature's grandeur unfolds against a backdrop of warmth and endless horizons.

Vacation Journey on a sun-kissed adventure in Arizona, your gateway to enchantment awaits in the vibrant urban sprawl of Phoenix and the mystical allure of Sedona. Picture yourself amidst the cosmopolitan energy of Phoenix, where modernity meets the desert's edge, and then find serenity in Sedona's red rock embrace. To elevate your journey, consider accommodations through Perfect Stayz, a trusted, user-friendly platform ensuring a seamless booking experience. Say goodbye to hidden charges as you peruse a curated selection of homes, guaranteeing a perfect stay. Navigate Arizona's wonders with ease, from city lights to tranquil landscapes, and rest assured with Perfect Stayz, where your vacation dreams find their ideal abode.

Embarking on an Arizona Adventure

Arizona beckons, a land where the sun paints landscapes in hues of warmth. The Grand Canyon, an ancient chasm carved by time, whispers the secrets of geological marvels. Sedona's red rocks beckon with mystical allure, an artist's palette splashed across the desert canvas. In Phoenix, urbanity merges seamlessly with desert elegance, creating a vibrant oasis beneath the cerulean sky. Saguaro-studded landscapes, vibrant sunsets, and the timeless allure of Native American heritage define this expedition. Arizona, a realm where nature's grandeur intertwines with human creativity, invites intrepid souls to traverse its diverse terrain and discover boundless wonders.

Arizona Vacation Rentals: A Personal Touch

Perfect Stayz brings you closer to the soul of Arizona with vacation rentals by owner. Experience the state like a local, with accommodations that reflect the diverse spirit of the land. Uncover the essence of authenticity as you explore Arizona Vacation Rentals by Owner through the lens of Perfect Stayz, a reliable sanctuary for seekers of unique experiences. The platform offer no booking fees vacation accommodations for the travelers direct by the property owner or manager.

Phoenix: Urban Oasis under the Desert Sky

Nestled beneath the arid heavens, Phoenix blossoms as an urban oasis beneath the desert sky. A tapestry of rust-hued mountains and saguaro sentinels frames this metropolis. The city, like a mythic bird, rises from the ashes of its Sonoran Desert surroundings, vibrant and resilient.

Phoenix, a sizzling crucible of contrasts, melds modernity with nature's subtle elegance. Skyscrapers pierce the cerulean canopy while palm fronds dance in the arid breeze. Streets weave through a patchwork of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct flavor, blending Southwestern charm with cosmopolitan allure.

Sunset ignites the horizon, casting a fiery embrace over the city. Neon lights awaken, mirroring the celestial display. Phoenix, a desert jewel, glistens under the night sky, a testament to humanity's harmonious coexistence with the untamed beauty of the desert.

Phoenix Perfect Abode: Embracing Urban Chic

In the heart of it all lies Phoenix, a vibrant urban tapestry against the desert backdrop. Perfect Stayz opens the door to Phoenix Vacation Rentals by Owner, providing an authentic glimpse into the city's rhythm. Say goodbye to generic hotels and immerse yourself in the rhythm of Phoenix life, all while enjoying the comfort and privacy of a personally curated residence. From sleek condos to spacious villas, find your perfect abode amidst the saguaro-studded cityscape.

Sedona: Red Rocks Romance

Sedona, a canvas of nature's romance, unveils its allure amid the majestic red rocks. A symphony of crimson and amber hues, these towering formations echo tales of time etched in stone. The landscape, an artistry of wind-sculpted cliffs and twisted junipers, beckons seekers of solace.

In Sedona, spirituality intertwines with the earthly splendor. Vortex sites, where energy converges, amplify the enchantment. Visitors traverse labyrinthine trails, connecting with both the mystic and the tangible. Sunsets paint the sky, casting a vermilion spell that transforms the red rocks into a celestial spectacle.

Charming boutiques and art galleries line the streets, showcasing the town's bohemian spirit. Sedona, where earth and artistry entwine, weaves a narrative that transcends the ephemeral, leaving indelible imprints on the hearts of those who tread upon its red-rocked embrace.

Sedona Ideal Stay: Tranquil Retreats

Sedona's ethereal beauty demands accommodations that resonate with its essence. Venture north to Sedona, where crimson cliffs and spiritual energy converge. Perfect Stayz unveils Sedona Vacation Rentals by Owner, offering a portal to the red rock haven, where every sunrise paints the red rocks with a new story. Immerse yourself in the magic of Sedona's vortexes, returning to the comfort of handpicked accommodations that echo the serenity of this mystical landscape. These homes, nestled in the embrace of nature, become your haven after a day of exploring vortexes and hiking the trails.

Perfect Stayz: Your Trusted Guide

Navigating the realm of vacation rentals demands a trustworthy companion. Perfect Stayz emerges as the beacon, ensuring a seamless experience devoid of hidden charges. As you plan your Arizona escapade, this user-friendly platform becomes the gateway to curated homes, each telling a unique story.

The Perfect Stayz Promise: No Hidden Charges

Planning a vacation often comes with the apprehension of unexpected costs. Perfect Stayz eliminates this concern, assuring travelers of a transparent experience with no hidden charges. Your budget is respected, allowing you to allocate resources to experiences that truly matter.

Crafting Your Arizona's Tapestry Unveiled

Embark, on an Arizona odyssey, where the sun weaves a vibrant tapestry of landscapes. From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to Sedona's red rock allure, the journey unfolds beneath a cerulean sky. Phoenix, an urban oasis, harmonizes modernity with nature's elegance, while Sedona's spiritual vortexes invite seekers of solace. Perfect Stayz offers an authentic Arizona experience with vacation rentals by owner, revealing the soul of the state. In Phoenix's chic urban abodes and Sedona's tranquil retreats, find your perfect stay. Navigate this desert gem with confidence, as Perfect Stayz ensures a seamless, transparent adventure devoid of hidden charges. Your Arizona tapestry awaits.

[omnia606]

Wadi Shab: An Oasis of Serenity in Oman's Heartland

Wadi Shab Nestled in the heart of Oman, Wadi Shab is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and serene ambiance. This picturesque wadi, or valley, offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. In this blog, we invite you to embark on a virtual journey through Wadi Shab, as we explore its enchanting landscapes, crystal-clear pools, and exhilarating hiking trails.

1. The Journey to Wadi Shab :

Located approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Muscat, Wadi Shab is easily accessible from the capital city. Begin your journey by driving along the coastal road, passing through picturesque towns and rugged landscapes. As you approach the wadi, the scenery transforms into a lush oasis, with towering palm trees and rocky cliffs lining the path. Park your vehicle and prepare for an adventure like no other.

2. Hiking through the Wadi :

The hike into Wadi Shab is an experience that will leave you breathless, both figuratively and literally. Follow the marked trail that winds through the rocky terrain, crossing shallow streams and navigating small boulders. The path is surrounded by verdant vegetation and the soothing sound of flowing water, creating a sense of tranquility. As you hike deeper into the wadi, the true beauty of the surroundings unfolds before your eyes. Marvel at the dramatic rock formations, carved by centuries of water erosion, and take in the vibrant hues of the wadi walls.

3. Swimming in the Pools:

One of the highlights of visiting Wadi Shab is the opportunity to swim in its crystal-clear pools. Along the hiking trail, you'll encounter several inviting pools of turquoise water, fed by natural springs and cascading waterfalls. Take a refreshing dip in these pristine pools, allowing the cool water to rejuvenate your senses. Swim through narrow channels and beneath rocky overhangs, exploring the hidden corners of the wadi. For the more adventurous, there are even opportunities for cliff jumping into deeper pools. It's an exhilarating experience that blends adventure and relaxation in perfect harmony.

4. The Hidden Treasure: The Cave:

As you continue your hike through Wadi Shab, you'll reach the hidden treasure that awaits within its depths: the famous Wadi Shab Cave. To access the cave, you'll need to swim across a narrow channel and scramble over large boulders. Inside, you'll be greeted by a magnificent cavern adorned with stalactites and lush greenery. Rays of sunlight filter through cracks in the cave ceiling, casting a mystical glow on the turquoise pool within. This enchanting sight creates a truly magical atmosphere that will leave you in awe. Take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this hidden sanctuary.

5. Picnic and Relaxation:

Wadi Shab offers the perfect setting for a picnic amidst nature's embrace. Find a comfortable spot along the wadi banks, spread out a blanket, and enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the breathtaking surroundings. The tranquil ambiance, gentle breeze, and the soothing sound of water create an idyllic atmosphere for relaxation and reflection. Bask in the serenity of the wadi, listen to the songs of birds, and savor the moment of peace and tranquility.

Conclusion (50 words):

Wadi Shab is a paradise tucked away in the heartland of Oman, offering a sublime blend of adventure and serenity. From the exhilarating hike through its rocky terrain to swimming in crystal-clear pools and discovering the hidden cave,

https://omantripper.com/wadi-shab/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g4506867-d1073179-Reviews-Wadi_Shab-Tiwi_Ash_Sharqiyah_Governorate.html

[mscoyditch]

"Mexican Jay/Chara peco gris ( Aphelcoma wollweberi)".

Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary, Cochise County, Arizona.

'TheJay in the bottom photo is a first-winter bird, as seen by the mottled pink in it's bill's.

Photos by Fatchance.tumblr

[veliseraptor]

Got anything with Loki doing anything touristy? Gawking at a chocolate fountain? Going to another country to try food he heard was good there? Not realising when he'd crossed a border? Finding mortal magic users/teachers learning from them and hoarding their knowledge? sampling libraries? anything?

These Vagabond Shoes, 3.4k, post-ragnarok au entirely ignoring infinity war cause I can do that if I wanna

-----

Loki stays long enough to see that what remains of Asgard is settled more or less safely, confirms that Thor has things well in hand, and leaves. He writes a brief note - don’t follow me - sets the Tesseract down on top of it, changes his clothes to something less conspicuous, and hitches a ride with one of the curious mortals who has come to gawk.

She squints at him. “You look familiar,” she says.

“I have one of those faces,” Loki says. “Shall we?”

Maren - for so is her name - takes him as far as Drammen. From there he catches a train to Oslo, and books a flight at random. He could walk the shadow paths instead, but for some reason he cannot explain to himself chooses not to.

Thor will have noticed by now that he is gone. What does he think? Is he disappointed, or does he just sigh and accept that this is how Loki is: unchanging, ever himself, fickle and untrustworthy.

“Do I know you from somewhere?” asks the man sitting next to him on the plane.

“No,” Loki says flatly. “You don’t.”

When he lands in Bruges, the first thing he does cut his hair. The second is to buy a postcard with a photo of the palace - it looks rather pathetic to Loki, but he supposes it must be impressive. Hello from Belgium, he writes. I hope you haven’t already burned the village down.

He drops it in the mail, unsigned.

**

Loki purchased a phone, not because he had anyone he wanted to call (he didn’t) but because they apparently store vast amounts of information, and given all the things Loki doesn’t know about it is useful to have a means of looking them up quickly.

Perusing the options available in the store he visits, he barks an abrupt laugh when he realizes why the StarkPhones are so named. He interrupts the salesperson’s rambling to indicate them. “I’ll take one of those.”

Stark himself will have no idea, but it amuses Loki.

Armed with his new device, Loki spends a couple hours figuring out how to navigate it. It isn’t bad, as far as Midgardian technology goes. Almost respectable. A few modifications and it would almost approach Asgardian children’s toys.

Loki pauses. Those toys are probably gone. He doubts anyone brought one. All of Asgard’s technology, all of its knowledge...that’s gone, now. Perhaps forever. The library of texts stretching back millennia, the scholars and scientists and healers…

Loki hears a crack and looks down at the broken screen of his new phone. He mends it with a touch, his thoughts far away, the loss hitting him all over again. Humans move around him and for a moment he hates them, for going on with such indifference as though an entire civilization has not been swallowed by the Void.

For a moment, the itch to go back to Thor. To have some company in grief.

For a moment.

Loki brushes it aside and moves on. He searches things to do on Earth and finds a list of ‘50 Things to Do Before You Die.’

It’s a starting place.

Before leaving Belgium, though, Loki decides that easily the best thing humans have invented in the past 300,000 years or so is the chocolate fountain. Absolutely genius.

**

They call it the ‘Grand Canyon,’ but it isn’t half as grand as the one on Alfheim. Do you remember the name? I don’t. Too hot here, and crowded. Give Heimdall my love.

Loki isn’t sure why he didn’t leave the moment he realized that the first destination on his list was a desert. His shirt is sticking to his back with sweat, sunglasses threatening to slide down the bridge of his nose. It is brutally hot, and he feels a bit light-headed.

Retreating into the shade, he frowns at the milling crowd of tourists readying to ride a pack of animals down into the canyon itself. He might be tempted, but for that he is given to understand that the heat down there is actually worse.

“Are you all right? You look a bit flushed.”

Loki turns his head to look at the middle-aged woman who has sidled up next to him. She is wearing a wide-brimmed hat with a strap under the chin, and looks quite fresh and untroubled by the heat. Loki gives her a tight smile.

“I’m fine,” he says. “Just not used to it, I suppose.”

“Just be careful,” she says. “It can really sneak up on you out here!” She pats him on the arm and moves off, leaving Loki to wonder what, exactly, it is.

The tourists mount and begin their trek. When Loki is sure none of them are watching, he shifts into a vulture and launches himself into the air, riding one of the thermals up, looking down at the winding snake of the river below.

**

To His Majesty King Thor: Humans certainly like to describe things as ‘great,’ don’t they? My guidebook calls this ‘the Great Wall of China.’ The local name seems to translate similarly, though perhaps more specific - 10,000-li long wall. I am sure the linguistic ins and outs of Midgardians are of great interest to you.

It has its own sort of beauty, I suppose. The food here is interesting. Different. I am enjoying it.

In Huaibeizhen, Loki dreams of Thanos.

It is not, needless to say, a pleasant dream.

He is on Sanctuary, wedged into a corner, shaking and crying silently. He has been punished, but cannot remember why; he only knows that he is afraid, and in pain, and desperately lonely. He yearns for safety, for comfort, for home.

You don’t have a home, sneers a voice in his mind. Ebony Maw’s says this is your home.

Childishly, he wants Thor. But he knows, in his bones, that Thor doesn’t want him.

He wakes with tears streaming down his face, sobs catching in his throat. For a moment, he hovers on the edge of taking the shadow-paths, fleeing to Norway, to Thor. He smothers the urge brutally, digging his nails into his palms and breathing shallowly until he calms.

He won’t go back. He doesn’t know if he ever will; hasn’t decided yet. He hasn’t decided much of anything, only that he cannot, or will not, stay still.

And yet he misses Thor. No, that is wrong: saying he misses Thor is as inadequate as it would be to say that he misses breathing. He is that central, that vital, that involuntary.

If anyone asked, Loki thinks he would tell them that was why he was running. To prove that he can.

**

What sort of a name is ‘Whitsunday’ for a group of islands? Not one that conveys anything about them, certainly. I went sailing today. Rather disappointed by the lack of whales, but I did see a saltwater crocodile. Magnificent creatures. They would not be out of place on Asgard.

Would not have been. It is strange to miss a place I spent so much time hating. It is strange to miss a person I spent so much time hating.

I hope you are well.

The weather is turning on the southern half of Midgard. Loki looks up how it works: the tilting of the planet as it spins, each hemisphere tipping toward or away from the sun, a top spinning through space. He watches a diagram of it, mesmerized by the movement. It isn’t full winter, but no one else is swimming in the clear water. It is cold, but the cold doesn’t bother Loki.

There are reefs, but many of the inhabitants seem to have retreated. He does see a creature moving gracefully through the water, almost like a bird. A manta ray, he learns later.

He borrows a sailboat, just a touch of persuasion convincing the owner to let him take it out alone. It is similar enough to vehicles Loki has experience using that he can fly across the water, the wind in his face.

It feels like freedom.

**

Why do they come here? A city buried in ash, frozen in the moment of its destruction.

Do you see it in your dreams? Asgard, burning. And I set the flame.

Loki does not stay long in Pompeii. It makes his skin crawl. It makes him think of Hela, and Surtur rising from the Eternal Flame, and Asgard, Golden Asgard, Eternal Asgard, annihilated. Asgard is not a place, but a people, Thor said, more than once, as though it was a talisman. Maybe he is right. But it was a place, for many long years. And now it is not.

Funny, isn’t it, that he tried to destroy a hated Realm and failed, and succeeded in destroying the one that, despite himself, he loved.

**

I am staying in a cave. Apparently that is the done thing here, along with hot air balloon rides and what they call ‘fairy rock chimneys.’ They bear no resemblance to anything one of the fae would build, I must say, though they have their own beauty.

A cave, though! Really.

Tomorrow I think I will try one of the hot air balloons, though it seems to me a fairly absurd and inefficient form of transportation. I do not think that is actually the point, but it is distracting when one might simply fly. But it is, as the humans around me keep saying, the experience.

You should travel sometime, Thor. See this world it seems we now must live upon. Of course, I suppose the King of Asgard has little time for such frivolities.

I think that you might like it here.

Cappadocia is an interesting place, different again from anywhere else he has gone. Loki goes into the underground churches, as suggested by the friendly concierge at his lodgings, but the moment he steps into the close, dark rooms he begins to sweat, fear wrapping tight around his throat, and he has to retreat quickly.

Ashamed, he stands outside, shivers running down his spine.

“Claustrophobic?” Asks a woman standing nearby. She sounds sympathetic, but Loki still looks sharply in her direction.

“Beg pardon?”

She gestured at the opening. “That’s why I’m not going in. Small spaces give me the creeping horrors.”

Claustrophobic. He never used to be that. Or, well - he didn’t particularly like it, but it didn’t give him...the creeping horrors. Things change, he supposes. Another thing to thank Thanos for.

He forces a thin smile. “A bit,” he says. “Excuse me.”

All in all, he prefers the fairy rock chimneys. There is something fanciful about them, for all they cannot compare to the true architecture of the fae. Too solid and heavy, where their work is light, almost ethereal, and yet full of sharp edges that cut the unwary.

Loki’s always been fond of the fae, though most of the time they did not return the feeling.

He was right about the hot air balloon, though. It is stifling and slow, and he itches to launch himself from the basket and spring into the air, wheeling in spirals, higher and higher until the air is too thin to breathe and he turns and plummets downward.

He does not. But he closes his eyes and imagines it, almost feeling the wind ruffling his feathers as the world dwindles below.

**

Look! Something older than we are. And still standing. Remarkably durable. They call them ‘the Pyramids of Giza.’ It seems they buried their kings within them.

The sand here gets everywhere, and I’ve burned my nose. It’s bright red. Hideous. I also rode a camel today - they are, quite possibly, the most peculiar creature I’ve encountered so far on Midgard, and remarkably poor tempered.

I don’t think I like deserts.

Egypt is new, and different again from anywhere else he has been. This is one of the fascinating things about Midgard: the variety. One Realm, and yet a myriad of differences. So many ways in which they separate themselves. It is absolutely fascinating.

Loki has been reading about the history of this place. It is old, and looking at the ruins of its history he can feel the weight of its age. Stretching into a distant past that no one here can remember. They were here before Odin was born, when Bor still reigned. If his reckoning is right, they were here before Svartalfheim was made desolate. Built to reach toward a sky they couldn’t touch.

“Did you know that these were built by aliens?” A young man standing next to him says. Loki snorts involuntarily, and he turns toward him.

“Skeptic, are you?” he says. “The research-”

“Don’t be absurd,” Loki says. “Nobody was even visiting this Realm for tourism until very recently. You overestimate your relevance.”

Perhaps it was not the best idea to say that. The man and both of his friends are now staring at him with strange expressions. One of them squints a bit.

“Your relevance?” he says cautiously. Ah, damn.

Loki flashes his teeth. “That’s what I said,” he says, and moves off, veiling himself from sight after a few strides. He can’t help but turn around to look; the gaping expressions are undeniably satisfying.

It lifts his mood for the rest of the day.

**

Dear Thor: I am sending you two postcards together, this time, to show you both the inside and outside of this church. They have been building it for 137 years. There are a great many churches on Midgard, it seems. Many in this city alone, but this one seems to be unique.

It is certainly very large. The designer has been dead for nearly a century, and yet they labor on. It isn’t for him, though. This is what I have come to realize about humans, I think: they are always looking for something larger than themselves.

Then again, I suppose we are, too. We look to the Norns. I wonder if the Norns look to something else again? If they have their own stories that guide them, that drive them.

Have I bored you yet?

The food here is very good. One thing that can certainly be said for Midgardians: they do very imaginative things with their cuisine.

The pillars inside the Sagrada Familia make Loki think of trees made of stone. He stands, staring upward, listening to the sound of echoing voices.

It reminds him, a little, of Asgard. Starker, sparer, stone-not-gold, but there is something in it nonetheless of glory and splendor, designed to overawe and overwhelm. It is meant to make one feel small.

Loki filters out the decorations, replaces the altar with a throne. On a whim, he spreads an illusion of gold sweeping up the columns, over the ceiling. There is gasping, pointing, shouts - a moment later he lets it fade and slips out, feeling oddly bereft.

He goes to a restaurant down by the water and orders paella. There is an ache in his chest. For some reason, he is thinking of his mother.

That grief still feels unfinished. A piece carved away from him he will never get back. A resolution he will never have. A goodbye he never had the chance to give. When he thought he was dying, Loki reached for her, stretching out his arms, lo, there do I see my mother; lo, she does call to me.

But the circle didn’t close. He rose again, to live on.

Loki feels, suddenly, very far from home. He pays for his food, and leaves it mostly untouched.

**

Your Majesty,

I couldn’t send this directly from Antarctica. Limited post, apparently.

It is very cold here. Jotunheim cold. There is a challenge to go swimming in the water, and when I dove in I changed. It was a disconcerting feeling.

Do you understand why I tried to destroy them? It was because I believed it would destroy that part of myself.

It is easier to say these things in writing than aloud. I am sending this before I can unwrite it. I wonder, sometimes, if you read these at all; if they reach you only to be tossed into the fire. Or if you do read them, scowling, shaking your head.

I miss you. There, I have said it. Make of it what you will.

It is not easy to jump in. Even knowing that the cold won’t hurt him, not really, his body still rebels against him. Still, Loki braces himself, breathes deeply, and dives.

It takes his breath away. For a moment, there is fear - I am going to freeze, I am going to die - and then it washes over him, like shedding his skin. It feels good, it feels suddenly like this is where he belongs, like this cold is a part of him and he is a part of this cold.

He surfaces. He has gone far enough away from the others that his strangeness would not be noticed, leaving an illusion in his place, and he is glad he did it. If his resistance to the cold would cause comment, surely this shape would as well.

For he knows without looking what skin he wears. His stomach turns, nausea rising in his throat. He fights it down.

It doesn’t matter, he thinks. It is just another shape you can wear. It does not determine your destiny.

But he crawls out of the water, back onto the ice, and changes back. It feels strange, suddenly, like his skin is too tight and he doesn’t quite fit inside it. The feeling passes, but it leaves him unsettled and in a sour mood.

The postcard he writes to Thor, back in Rio Grande, is longer than usual, and afterwards he feels raw, exposed, and full of nervous energy. He lies awake most of the night, and when he sleeps dreams fitfully of falling, of Thor prying his fingers loose from Gungnir one at a time.

**

Thor,

I don’t know how to come home.

I need you to meet me halfway.

He boards the boat at Alesund. It has been six months, half a year, and the seasons are turning toward the winter now, but the last gasps of summer still linger. He could still run. There are more places to go, more things to see. But there will always be a tether that pulls him back. Binding him, but holding him back from madness, too.

For a millennium, he and Thor have circled each other, trapped in orbit like Midgard and its sun. Loki tips away, and then back, but never breaking free. But if the sun keeps this planet bound, it also keeps it alive.

Geirangerfjord is as splendid as promised. The mountains tower on either side, breathtaking and beautiful, and the sky is clear and bright. He sees a few seals off the side of the boat, poking their heads up and then vanishing with barely a ripple. Loki’s fear grows steadily, a living thing in his chest. He does not know how Thor will greet him. He does not know if Thor will greet him at all.

Maybe it would be best if we never see each other again.

The ship pulls in at Geiranger. Loki holds back, waiting for everyone else to disembark first. He leaves slowly, like a man walking to his doom, and scans the dock.

Thor is not there, and it is only in that moment that Loki fully realizes how much he needed him to be.

He takes a deep breath and descends anyway, pulling out his phone and idly checking off another destination. He’ll stay the night, he thinks. Just in case.

“Loki,” he hears, and looks up sharply.

There he is, striding down the street. Heads turn around him, looking from him to Thor and back again, and at least some of them will put together the pieces soon, but Loki can barely think of that. His thoughts are swallowed up, utterly blank, and he can only stand frozen, eyes wide as Thor bears down on him with large, energetic strides.

He cannot breathe.

“Loki,” Thor says again, and lunges, dragging him into a hug, crushingly tight. Loki’s nose is pressed against Thor’s shoulder. His lungs constrict and release. He hears Thor take a deep breath and sigh.

How easy it is. How natural, this.

“Come home,” Thor says. His voice is muffled, but it vibrates in his chest, and he does not let go.

Here and now, Loki doesn’t want him to.

“Yes,” Loki says.

[ourtravelingtales]

Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

Just yesterday I was at Ash Canyon hoping to find a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I heard a conversation going on not to far away from me that left me wondering what would happen to this place. And now everyone knows.

Ash Canyon will be closed indefinitely. The owner, Mary Jo, an amazing woman who knew everything going on in her backyard. She tended to this location that was filled with feeders and…

[stunningvacationtips]

Recommended Vanuatu Tourist Attractions with Fun and Activities

Sightseeing in Vanuatu will certainly grant a number of memorable minutes. It's an area which has little or whole lots of traits to offer. Once you go to the attractive island country, it's guaranteed that you are in the limit of adequate joy and also happiness.

Volcanic task, both earthbound and also sub-oceanic take a breath the life utilizing this archipelagic nation containing 83 islands, covering the entire of 1,300 km out of your 2 outermost islands, north to southern. Those 83 might quickly be come with by various other islands yet-to-sprout having a look at the continual volcanic upheavals. Without a doubt, earthquakes and also an intermittent spewing of scalding ash and lava from the principle island active volcano, Lopevi take place to be component of the citizens everyday staple. Others consist of Iririki Island, Erakor Island Hotel, Nirvana Resor as well as Poppys on the Lagoon.

Attractions in Vanuatu

Vanuatu Zoos, Wildlife Parks, Aquariums

Always preferred with the children, a getaway to the neighborhood zoo, wild animals park, ranch park or aquarium makes superb amusement for those the family members. Vanuatu's zoos, wild animals parks, pet sanctuaries, farm parks and aquariums are the location to discover a wide array of native and also foreign pets, birds and also wild animals. See crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies and also a whole lot more in Vanuatu zoos, wildlife parks and also aquariums.

Vanuatu Theme as well as Recreation Parks

There's hrs of entertainment for those the family members in Vanuatu's play grounds. Motif as well as recreation parks throughout the nation differ from action-packed adventure parks to a lot more stress-free hideaways, catering for every person and abilities. Take a look at options for instance adrenalin forests, theme park as well as gold mining experience parks.

Port-Vila

Port-Vila, resources of the independent island republic of Vanuatu, is located on the southwest coastline of the island of Efate and it's the country's economic as well as business centre. This quiet funding is placed within a beautiful natural harbour and also it's always been a port city. The Melanesian, described as ni-Vanuatu, have actually populated these islands for hundreds of years. The initial European to go to these islands was the Spanish navigator Fernandes de Quiros in 1606. The French explorer, Bougainville, showed up virtually 160 years later on and also in 1774 Captain James Cook charted all the islands and also called the island chain the New Hebrides. During WW2 the 250,000 American based in Vanuatu. The New Hebrides acquired self-reliance in 1980 and also was renamed Vanuatu. Free from high-rises, today's Port-Vila is a great mixture of cultures, mixing aspects of Melanesian, English, French and Chinese tastes.

Espiritu santo

Espiritu Santo, by having a location of 4,150 sq km, is the biggest island in the archipelago of Vanuatu. Nested in the Pacific, its natural appeal attracts several tourists. Santo is actually a mountainous area as well as hosts Vanuatu's highest possible top Mount Tabwemasana. It showcases a damp, exotic environment, having a temperature level ranging between 16 ° C as well as 33 ° C, and variable rains. Occasionally, it receives ashfall from the Ambrym volcano situated to the southeast. The plants below's diverse and also can be split into 5 types rainforest, moss woodland, high grasslands, reduced meadows, as well as shore plants.

Fun as well as Activities in Vanuatu Vacation

Vanuatu Adventure

Choose from 4WD off-roading, bungy jumping, white water sporting activities, caving, canyoning, diving, snorkelling, gliding, paragliding, horse-riding, skiing, hunting, jet-boating, mountaineering, skydiving as well as more.

Vanuatu Attraction as well as Activity Passes

Discover just how to maximise your spending plan during vacation in Vanuatu with an option of discount rate vouchers, passes, accommodation and also task bundles offered by leading backpacker as well as price cut vacation specialists. Pointers about planning a travel plan for brief or long holidays could likewise be available.

Vanuatu Watercrafts, Cruising and Charters

You're spoilt for choice with sea, lake and river cruise ships as well as charters readily available throughout Vanuatu for every single type of boats, spending plans and also sailors. Including top-end skippered high-end cruises to fishing charters in a number of the world's best angling spots, plus sailing colleges in order to help you obtain started.

Vanuatu Day Spas, Health as well as Beauty

Relax and also rejuvenate at one of the several medical spas, springtimes and also health spa throughout Vanuatu. Massages, scrubs, wraps, facials, appeal treatments as well as leisure treatments could be found with or without accommodation in thermal reserves, natural springs or hotels a lengthy method far away from anyone as well as anywhere.

Vanuatu Entertainment

Your finest guide on where to go (and when) for the very best amusement Vanuatu has for grownups as well as youngsters. Discover regarding the country's top online casinos, pc gaming as well as racing places, films and also theater, music events, children's tasks, swimming pools and also a nightlife including clubs, clubs and also restaurants.

Vanuatu Events, Festivals and also Shows

Vanuatu includes a vibrant occasions and celebration scene, that is active throughout the year. Discover what gets on your check out - you might locate you can enjoy an air series, film or songs event, cabaret or theatre days, seasonal circus, dance, wine, food, blossoms or sporting activities festivals.

Vanuatu Skiing and also Snowboarding

Vanuatu ski fields offer skiers and also snowboards a number of the very best snow activity on the planet having a ski season that lasts from June to late October. Embed in incredible surroundings, ski fields and ski surfaces provide downhill, cross-country, stunt and also sporting activities winter sports and also snowboarding tasks for every person, abilities as well as experience.

Vanuatu Browsing as well as Aquatic sports

With over several hundreds of miles of coast in simple reach, it's not unexpected that Pacific Islandsns like water sports such as searching, cruising, rafting, kayaking as well as jetskiing. You additionally can find any kind of excuse to get included with and also onto the water with surf colleges, marine sports centres as well as water-based tasks concurred to visitors throughout the country.

Vanuatu Family Fun and Activities

Searching for some great ways to captivate the kids? Find out a lot more concerning going to a chocolate factory, pet park, zoo or butterfly house as well as what to do for family friendly quad cycling, horse-trekking, paintball, railways, cruising charters, whitewater rafting, gold-panning, tenpin bowling.

Tourists are bountiful in the island from July to December, while January to June are thought off-peak months. Throughout this time, trip tickets are normally on sale and also holiday accommodations in the island have actually grown to be a lot more affordable. The coastlines are the most typical locations in this number of islands as well as every shoreline showcases a fantastic sight of the sea. Summer season sports for instance coastline volley ball are pleasurable to engage in during the evening and in the evening the coastlines are become hot party venues.

When preparing a journey to Vanuatu, it is necessary to guarantee that you and also your buddies are risk-free from typical conditions like hepatitis An and B as well as typhoid high temperature, which can be spoken to while on the island. It is advised that you get vaccinated prior to going on the trip. Other than in Port Vila, jungle fever could be prevalent in some areas of Vanuatu. Better secure insect repellants and also do various other safety measures before checking out outside the capital.

[fatchance]

Today at Ash Canyon. We're not just for birds!

Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary, Cochise County, Arizona.

He was found dozing at the front door of the caretaker's house, and gently relocated to a less public spot on the sanctuary grounds.

[textless]

[thekog]

Another photo from the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary. Despite there being an abundance of feeders, each hummingbird seems to have a preferred seat. If two have chosen the same seat and want to feed at the same time a fight breaks out!

[fatchance]

Recent birds: Mexican jay / chara pecho gris (Aphelocoma wollweberi) at Ash Canyon. The jay in the bottom photo is a first-winter bird, seen by the mottled pink in its bill.

[fatchance]

Prowler.

One of our volunteers at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary has set up a camera trap in the cienega. This beautiful mountain lion passed by this week and triggered a selfie.

Photo by Stan Cunningham, former research biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and retired professor at Arizona State University. 

[fatchance]

Recent birds: Yucca oriole / calandria tunera (Icterus parisorum) on an agave mast at Ash Canyon.

The American Ornithological Society persists in calling this Scott's oriole. It is a glorious bird, with an official common name honoring a truly unworthy man, Winfield Scott, whose atrocities include the forced removal and genocide of Seminole, Muscogee, and Cherokee peoples under the direction of a variety of early U.S. presidents. Such honorifics are almost always problematic. What did Scott care about birds? What did he care about people?

Issues of Scott's conduct aside, don't birds deserve bird names, something descriptive of their appearance or habits or place? Yucca oriole is an eminently sensible name for a bird that constructs a woven nest of yucca fibers. It's hard to relearn after years of habit, but it's the only name I'll use from now on.