View allAll Photos Tagged stability
Winter day at Starved Rock State Park. Visiting canyons . Photographing Ice formations. Digital photography.
The Town and Glacier sections of the build, with the outer edge visible. As you can see the MOC is only 8 studs deep throughout, but with the sections at angles for stability.
The SAI Shahak (שחק/Sky) was a tactical bomber developed at the end of the 1940s, that entered service in 1950. After two prototypes crashed due to buffeting and stability issues, a redesigned aerofoil was used that solved the problems. Power comes from two engines in the wings, and top speed is 923 km/h /580 mph, and range is 1900 km/1180 mi. Crew consists of three, two of which are housed in a spacious bubble canopy, allowing for great all-round visibility and comfort. The bomb aimer lies in the front. The pilots like flying their Shahaks, due to their reasonable agility and comfort. However, the engines are a bit underwhelming, and top speed is only reached on the long stretch or during a steep dive.
A payload of 4,700 kg/ 10,362 lbs can be carried, but never in combat.
A typical full bomb load consists of eighteen 227 kg/500 lb GP bombs, 12 in the bomb bay, and six on wing-mounted pylons. This can be switched for three 1,050 kg/2,315 lb laser-guided bombs, a jamming pod and a targeting pod, or a rotary launcher, limiting the bombs carried internally to 8. Other combinations can also be carried. Two 231 kg/ 508 lb torpedoes can be carried by the B-model.
After nine prototypes, the A-model was accepted into service. This is the basic bomber model, virtually identical to the last prototypes. The A* is an updated model, with provisions for a jamming pod and a Gomorra missile for self-defence. The engines produce more thrust, but the added weight means the performance is identical to the previous model.
The Shahak B is the version for coastal defence, and is basically an A* with equipment that allows for navigation over the ocean and provisions for two torpedoes and specialized equipment for anti-ship and -submarine warfare.
The Shahak D is a ground-attacker/ medium- to low-altitude bomber. The bombardier was replaced with an armour plate, and the pilot was given a fancy sight to aim the four 20mm cannons in the wings, each holding 230 rounds.
Quick summary:
Tactical Bomber
5,000 kg Bomb load: +0
Mediocre agility: +1
Subsonic: +0
2000km Range: -2
Comfy: +1
Good visibility: +1
Underpowered: -1
Cost: 30₪
For D&C VI
Loosely based on the English Electric Canberra
PHILIPPINE SEA (April 9, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jomark A. Almazan)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 1, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Philippine Sea with amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). America and Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter Estrada)
After a few years of stability, the Cardiff Bus fleet is now seeing a number of interesting changes, with the first batch out of a total of 36 electric Yutongs soon due as replacements for the remaining Transbus and Alexander Dennis Darts, and the remining Scania OmniCity artics.
The first sign of the fleet changes came earlier this year with the acquisition of a dozen Mercedes Citaros from Bus Vannin (numbered 141-52) to see off a number of the Darts and some of the 10 original shape Alexander Dennis Enviro300s. The withdrawal programme has been hastrened by the arrival of four Alexander Dennis E20D MMCs on hire from Mistral (numbered 271-4) and five Wright Solar-bodied Scania L94UBs and K230UBs (numbered 768-72) from Go South Coast's Swindon depot. A sxith Scania (773) has been acquired as a driver trainer.
After operating initially in all-over blue or in blue and green, the Scanias are in the process of receiving the company's new orange and red fleet livery. This November 2021 shot illustrates 770 as she enters Greyfriars Road in the City Centre, with the Big Wheel of the Winter Wonderland forming the backdrop.
Testing stability and wing folding mechanism. Seems to work but the wings are sagging a bit. Don’t think I can fix that. And the final wings will be much heavier.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) As seen from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sails in the South China Sea during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard Germantown. Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)
SOUTH SULU SEA (Nov. 13, 2016) A CH-53E Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during Tiger Strike 16. Tiger Strike is a U.S.-Malaysia bilateral exercise designed to enhance interoperability, tactical proficiencies, and military-to-military partnership between participating forces. Makin Island, the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Devin M. Langer/Released)
12-year old Evandro has lived in the favela almost all his life, except for a couple of weeks three years ago, when he went with our capoeira group to tour Norway.
He is the elder of five brothers and sisters who live with their mother and father in the Eldorado community, which is far from any “Eldorado” in the sense of the word.
Evandro knows how tough life can be in our community but thanks to a certain level of stability in his home together with the preventive measures in our programme, he is developing into a healthy, secure and responsible young man.
I can still remember the days when Evandro, as an energetic 3-year old, would stand in the front of his shack with a load of other kids from the favela, waiting for our minibus to pick them up for capoeira lessons. He would always beg to be taken with the bus but was far too young at the time to participate in Hummingbird’s capoeira programme. He has since followed his dream and today it is paying off.
The memories of that very special moment in his life when he travelled across the planet to an entirely different world, will be reinforced this month when he joins our Grupo Cultural Beija-Flor (Hummingbird Cultural Ensemble) for another cultural tour to Norway. The highlight of the tour will be our participation in the Førde International Folkmusic Festival with a special folkloric capoeira presentation show by the young people from Hummingbird.
Above, Evandro harvests positive energy from a Sunday trip to the seaside together with other kids in his cultural group, getting ready for their 3-week trip together when Hummingbird once again flies across the planet.
SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 9, 2020) Sailors participate in a foreign object debris walk-down in the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) as the ship prepares to conduct amphibious operations. Germantown, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 12, 2020) An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 delivers cargo to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a replenishment at sea. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)
ENGLISH:
Slope tractor for driving on inclines of 45%. To ensure stability, twin wheels are attached at the rear. The tractor has a dual-circuit compressed air brake system, which acts separately on the rear and front wheels.
The 4 cylinder diesel engine has an output of 100 HP. The dead weight of the four-wheel drive tractor is 6.5 tons.
For better ventilation, the cabin roof can be opened diagonally upwards at the front.
Manufacturer: Kombinat Progress Agricultural Machinery – VEB Traktorenwerk Schönebeck, GDR.
In my 1:87 diorama the tractor is equipped with a sowing machine.
ESPAÑOL:
Tractor de pendientes para circular en pendientes de hasta el 45%. Para garantizar la estabilidad, se colocan ruedas gemelas en la parte trasera. El tractor dispone de un sistema de frenos de aire comprimido de doble circuito que actúa por separado sobre las ruedas traseras y delanteras.
El motor diésel de 4 cilindros tiene una potencia de 100 CV. El peso propio del tractor con tracción en las cuatro ruedas es de 6,5 toneladas.
Para una mejor ventilación, el techo de la cabina se puede abrir hacia arriba en la parte delantera.
Fabricante: Kombinat Progress Agriculture Machinery – VEB Traktorenwerk Schönebeck, RDA.
En mi diorama a escala 1:87, el tractor está equipado con una sembradora.
DEUTSCH:
Hangtraktor zum Befahren von Steigungen bis 45 %. Um die Stabilität zu gewährleisten, sind am Heck Zwillingsräder angebracht. Der Traktor verfügt über eine Zweikreis-Druckluftbremsanlage, die getrennt auf die Hinter- und Vorderräder wirkt.
Der 4-Zylinder-Dieselmotor hat eine Leistung von 100 PS. Das Eigengewicht des Allradschleppers beträgt 6,5 Tonnen.
Zur besseren Belüftung lässt sich das Kabinendach vorne schräg nach oben öffnen.
Hersteller: Kombinat Fortschritt Landmaschinen – VEB Traktorenwerk Schönebeck, DDR.
In meinem Diorama im Maßstab 1:87 ist der Traktor mit einer Sämaschine ausgestattet.
One solution for improving the stability of these 15-passenger vans: add a set of duals on the rear. Doesn't look great, but probably does the job.
PHILIPPINE SEA (July 21, 2020) From left, HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), HMAS Arunta (FFH 151), HMAS Canberra (L02), HMAS Sirius (O 266), the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), JS Teruzuki (DD 116) and HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) steam in formation during a trilateral exercise. Trilateral exercises between the JMSDF, ADF and U.S. Navy support shared goals of peace and stability while enhancing regional security and the right of all nations to trade, communicate, and choose their destiny in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Codie L. Soule)
Modern running shoes feature many fantastic designs and characteristics. A running shoe is your single most important piece of equipment as a runner. Therefore, a running shoe that provides good support, flexibility, grip, and stability are absolutely crucial. Motion control and stability...
Another fluid experiment joins long running research on foam stability on the International Space Station. The Foam-Coarsening experiment, developed by Airbus for ESA, is scheduled to be activated this month in the Fluid Science Laboratory in the European Columbus module.
The foams come in self-contained cells, imaged above, and hold liquids that will be shaken (not stirred) and analysed with laser optics and high-resolution cameras. Researchers are keen to observe how foams behave in microgravity.
On Earth, the mixture of gas and liquid that makes up a foam quickly starts to change. Gravity pulls the liquid between the bubbles downwards, and the small bubbles shrink while the larger ones tend to grow at the expense of others. Due to drainage, coarsening (or enlarging) and rupture of the bubbles, a foam starts to collapse back to a liquid state.
But in space foams are more stable because there is no drainage in weightlessness. This allows scientists to study the slower phenomena of a bubble becoming bigger and bursting, which on Earth are masked by the drainage that destabilises the foam.
ESA astronaut Frank De Winne performed the Foam-Stability experiment in 2009 by shaking liquid solutions and recording what happened next. The samples ranged from pure water to protein-based fluids, like the ones used for chocolate foams, and antifoaming agents.
After just ten seconds, the fluids stabilised more quickly and produced more foam than on Earth. Scientists discovered that it was possible to create super-stable foams in zero gravity.
Building on this extensive foam research, Foam-Coarsening will investigate foam behaviour at different liquid stages, particularly as it transitions from a solid- to liquid-like state.
The results from this research will not just apply to the foam in your morning cappuccino. Foams are used in a wide range of areas from food production to cleaning and sealing products, cosmetics and personal hygiene products, and even construction.
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir installed the experiment in the Fluid Science Laboratory on 6 March after removing the Multiscale boiling experiment known as Rubi.
Credits: Airbus–Arne Piontek
Livestock mobility, flexible use of rangelands, and diverse herds were key elements of traditional nomadic pastoral practices throughout the world and contributed to the high ecological stability of pastoral systems.
Nomads are still found today on the Tibetan Plateau and Himalaya. Known in the Tibetan language as drokpa, translating as “high-pasture people,” there are an estimated two million Tibetan-speaking nomads spread over a vast area. Throughout the Tibetan areas of what is now the People’s Republic of China and in the northern parts of Bhutan, India and Nepal, nomads are an important element in the economy and society wherever they are found, but their way of life is disappearing.
Read more: maptia.com/danielmiller/stories/nomads-of-the-tibetan-pla...
PHILIPPINE SEA (July 21, 2020) From left, HMAS Arunta (FFH 151), HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), USS Mustin (DDG 89), HMAS Canberra (L02), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), HMAS Sirius (O 266), USS Antietam (CG 54), JS Teruzuki (DD 116) and HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) steam in formation during a trilateral exercise. Trilateral exercises between the JMSDF, ADF and U.S. Navy support shared goals of peace and stability while enhancing regional security and the right of all nations to trade, communicate, and choose their destiny in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Codie L. Soule)
"Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Dark green is also commonly associated with money. Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance. "
Think Green ...
(See notes for details about function)
Throughout the ceasefire period of the war, Axis forces focused heavily on establishing submission and stability in captured territories. No one in the German leadership had any delusions as to if the war would continue or not. Knowing that resumption of conflict was inevitable, an aggressive campaign to assimilate occupied peoples and re-brand Axis image was launched.
From the first day, the various resistance networks proved a significant obstacle to this effort. Wherever the resistance lived, a stifling of old nationalism was impossible. Before long, the entire campaign was redirected from building Axis sympathy and loyalty, to counter terrorism and riot suppression.
As war tensions increased during the 70's, the urgency for the resistance to be suppressed increased as well. To this end, Walther manufactured a semi-automatic sniper rifle system to be issued to the police fighting resistance cells. The WA-1980 would prove to be a bit too late. Although it was incredibly effective and helped significantly reduce the number of resistance agents, the war broke back out shortly after.
In the uprisings across Europe during the Allied reconquest of Britain, many of these rifles were seized; some from the hands of killed officers, others from a Walther factory that a resistance cell successfully raided. These captured rifles, in the hands of resistance fighters, drove fear into the hearts of Axis officers. Successful assassinations dramatically increased, and police were forced to abandon their suppression campaign to focus on VIP security.
(Comments and notes welcome)
I want peace of mind, stability at work.
I'm a director of sales for a small marketing company.
I actually studied biology originally. Since I'm from here, tech marketing is the booming industry where there are a lot of jobs.
--
50/365
PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 17, 2020) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced). America, lead ship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to maintain security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)
Nature's magnificent structure, the tree combines two elements to achieve strength and balance. Trees, have a single, superbly engineered material, wood and are ingeniously designed to combine strength and flexibility. They can respond to their environment and change their design accordingly. This allows them to support their canopy of leaves using a bare minimum of structural material.
We are no different, our limbs hold us, or we find a way if they fail, our bodies and minds change through time, supporting our thoughts, ideas and dreams. We too have a persistent need to grow and endevour to remain stable, throughout of lives. Keep rooted, use creativity for your own pleasure and grow.
The sun starts to rise around 5.30 a.m. again. I haven't been able to catch up with the golden hour till this morning. April is like December for the West. Full of things to do plus traveling and the holidays. All these things that disrupt routines, the basic fundamentals that art actually needs to stand on in order to branch out into possibilities.
Generally, I prefer ball joints for their greater RoM and stability over "clip and bar" joints. However, I of all people, understand the need to work with what you have (my brick collection is quite paltry, you see). That's why I took the time to rebuild the new MCS using these more common parts. Even with my crappy collection, I was able to squeeze together a not-quite-matching pair of these guys to experiment with.
I'd like to draw attention to the fact that the knees are using 1x1 vert. clips, while the elbows have shafts w/clips - I have done experiments "in the brick" and found that both are equally effective.
There also wouldn't be anything wrong with replacing the mixel socket "hands" with normal clip plates, if that's what you're into. Options! I love 'em! ^^
I'm not going to pretend that this is a "budget frame" by any means - just this skeleton weighs in at 42 bricks (38 if you ditch the bracket plates on the shins and forearms); a number that will rise quickly with armor and greebling and whatnot.
Much like the original Naked Graze from a while back, I'm putting out an open invitation to anyone and everyone who likes this thing to come up with custom variants. You folks are a lot more creative than me, so go nuts and show me how much better this idea can be! ^^
SEXT IS ASSOCIATED with the stillness and peace of noon, but it also evokes crisis and danger. Crisis is always a purification if we understand it correctly. The very word “crisis” comes from a root that means sifting out. Crisis is a separation, a sifting out of that which is viable and can go on from that which is dead and has to be left behind.
-Music of Silence: A Sacred Journey Through the Hours of the Day
Brother David Steindl-Rast, Sharon Lebell, and Kathleen Norris
This is my first serious attempt at a frame-less mech build. The arm, leg & shoulder panels are forming the "frame" and have integrated joints, mostly 1x1 bricks w. stud on one side sitting in a technic brick with a rod through for added stability and friction. I was doodling around with the legs and the rest kind of happened in a flow state without much planning. Thx for viewing and happy early Mechtober!
...the Winds, intrinsic by its nature
to support the Wings of flying Birds
supplying density of ether to promote
stability of motion to reign afloat, above
green grass, & storming waters, above
skyscrapers shaking as mirage in dry
desert somewhere & beyond imagination
& common sense perceptible by our eyes,
& equal to verbal innuendo transparent in
realm of vanished steps in firmaments
& bluish Skies, compiling memories &
flying nouns, symbolic coloring of feathers,
even tails while skillful pirouettes attached
to lens & eyes in canvas-atmosphere supplied
by definition predisposed to freely glide
released from yoke of gravitation infesting
totally keyboard, by virtue of composing verse
by mind, old pen, used pencils, paper pile,
as paradigm to revive vain pulse & voice of
sentimental (better say - "emotional"!) libretto,
its proper sounds warmed by a-Capella's
resonance reminding passions of Choral,
sole unity of nouns, its bliss & charm defining
days before, existed but already gone,
by efforts-syllables of every single vowel
by running limping clocks, by holding
memories of individual & personal realm,
routine exchange between variety of Nature's
artifacts, intangible, but highly valued by its
importance:
the drops of Rain,
the trajectory denoting flying Birds,
anticipation to record hues-colors after
Rain, suspended Rainbow as cherished
print on Retina, neuronal marker of speech
aloud, & sonorous imprint from all
around & within semantically embedded
on behalf to stay alive, & to survive in wild
environment enhanced by modern grammar,
already predisposed to cacophony & grotesque of
screams, its echoes, repeating imminence of daily
masquerade & propaganda, its obvious B..l S..t
within its narrative, agenda, ritual
of tidal rise & slow Market-downs,
plus silent foliage at odd & even nights,
its naivete composing sole abstract
of urbanity's dependence co-exist in caves,
subways, in midst of traffic lights
without rage, et-cetera...
Since memory dictates summation, rigor
of stable nouns, verbs, adverbs,
conjunctions, archaic logic interjections
encapsulated in valid disarray of fluid
prepositions: grammatical "adrenaline"
to fix climatic pattern, inhibit Polar hail
& speed of fallen drops, & shape
of snow flakes, & timbre of thunder-bolts,
by changing Energy & Time & Space,
by utter fallacy of creeping argument.
Alas.
...the Wind, the Rain, the calming Snow, all
attributes reality from plane and horizontal
lines evoked Sunrise still running daily to
advent such subtle reign of memories:
Today. About Yesterday.
As Memory from blurring lens in size of print
residing in format of 35 em-em by fodius.
Or - canvas & pigments, or - metal.
Or, even silver prints.
In Black & White for academia tradition.
Dramatic a-Gestalt additional aspect to bust
imagination in cortical proximity within.
...but rushing back-&-forth
to mirrored bliss still shuffled feelings
of breeze touched skin,
& herbal scents of meadows in bloom
recorded by deepest I-ness and
visceral instinct existent, utter Ego before a
Times acclaimed distinction, & more prosaic
than inner Prose, reflecting epitomes
by speaking for subtlest embodiment
of flock of Birds, or any other pattern,
any objects, & forming artifacts,
or - sooner subjects of attraction
as bright as photophobia's accord
to torture eyes ajar,
to store imprint & focus on Retina,
transforming scant perception
of an illusion into precious gift:
Almighty's grant.
As memory. As facts.
As sole summation of perished vibes:
- the foggy lights in rainy night, Boulevard
de Clichy. Paris, 1982;
- the smell Espresso in Rodilla. 1996. Madrid;
- Roll-up-makhorka in Taiga, 1973. My Mother
smoked in labor camps. Since 1941. GULAG.
As memory. As fact...
Brand New Design of "ORRANGENADE" - 2010 Combat KZ3 Vest [01/12]
NEw Show you how the new ABS look like
[Ultra-high molecular compound plastic products]
This Item you can per-order at Sept :
UNITED ARMORY : www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=Pedro79
Firestartoys.com : www.firestartoys.com/?asrc=wg
Product advantages.:
New ABS excellent wear resistance,
dimensional stability,
but also has oil resistance,
flexibility and good strength
Product Code - AA300KX-CK3VBK
Wrapping up my Southern Arizona Adventure 2024 with a visit to Amerind Foundation and Texas Canyon. This is stage 9 of 9.
This is a view from the trail looking basically southeast across the valley. The clouds are starting to get ominous. It did rain.
www.amerind.org/texascanyonnaturepreserve/
Chat GPT
Texas Canyon is a striking natural area located in Cochise County, southeastern Arizona, along Interstate 10 between Benson and Willcox. It is renowned for its dramatic landscape, characterized by massive granite boulders scattered across the desert terrain, creating a rugged and picturesque environment.
The granite boulders in Texas Canyon were formed through millions of years of erosion and weathering. These formations, often precariously balanced, provide a unique and photogenic sight, making the canyon a popular stop for travelers and photographers.
The area is surrounded by the Chiricahua Mountains to the south and other nearby ranges, offering expansive views of the Sonoran Desert with its mix of desert vegetation, including cacti and mesquite trees. The light, especially at sunrise and sunset, enhances the golden hues of the rocks, adding to the area's charm.
Texas Canyon has a rich history tied to the Chiricahua Apache people, who once roamed these lands. Later, it became home to early settlers.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Canyon
Texas Canyon is a valley in Cochise County, Arizona,[1] about 20 miles east of Benson on Interstate 10. Lying between the Little Dragoon Mountains to the north and the Dragoon Mountains to the south and known for its giant granite boulders, the canyon attracts rockhounds and photographers.
www.arizonahighways.com/article/texas-canyon-nature-preserve
The giant granite boulders along Interstate 10 in Southeastern Arizona have been gracing postcards for decades, but that otherworldly landscape was always off-limits to the general public. Not anymore. Thanks to the Amerind Foundation, 6 miles of trails in the brand-new Texas Canyon Nature Preserve are now available to those who want a closer look.
By Suzanne Wright
Zipping past Texas Canyon, an hour southeast of Tucson, it’s impossible not to notice the boulders — giant, eye-catching piles of granite, like something out of The Flintstones. But other than providing scenery along Interstate 10 — particularly at a rest area just down the highway from the kitschy attraction known as The Thing — the area has long been off-limits to curious travelers who wanted to stretch their legs and get a closer look.
There are several private landowners in Texas Canyon, including Triangle T Guest Ranch, which has some trails for its guests. But none had opened its trails to the public until this past October, when the portion of the area owned and managed by the Amerind Foundation had its ribbon-cutting. After a multi-year campaign that raised $250,000, the Texas Canyon Nature Preserve — on land previously closed to the public for 85 years, and where the organization’s founding family raised quarter horses until 1968 — is open to all.
“The idea had been percolating with the Amerind Foundation board and management for years,” says Eric Kaldahl, the president, CEO and chief curator of the foundation. “The response from the surrounding community has been very enthusiastic. We welcomed more visitors last October than we’ve seen for the past 10 years.”
The preserve, located just off I-10 between Benson and Willcox, is part of a 1,900-acre campus that includes the Amerind Museum. More than 6 miles of trails wind past balanced rocks, fantastical shapes and rocky spires in open, sun-warmed high-desert grasslands studded with cactuses, wildflowers and trees. The trail is self-guided, although Kaldahl hopes to offer guided sunrise and sunset hikes in the next year. Visitors can pay a $12 admission fee for just the trails or $20 to visit both the trails and the museum.
Trail designer Sirena Rana knows the landscape can look intimidating, but she purposely designed the trails to be “perfect little morsels.” Rana didn’t grow up hiking, so she aimed to make the trails a comfortable experience for all ages and abilities. There are no steep elevation gains, and dirt, rather than gravel, makes for more stability. And Rana recalls walking for miles and miles over several months to understand the land and ensure the trails were constructed to shed water, limit erosion and provide firebreaks.
“Texas Canyon is one of the most unique landscapes in the Southwest, formed by millions of years of wind and rain weathering the granite,” she says, likening it to Joshua Tree National Park and the Wilderness of Rock on Mount Lemmon. “It’s very unusual that it’s right off a major interstate and just an hour from a major metropolitan area,” she adds. “This is one of the greatest outdoor sculpture gardens in the world designed by Mother Nature. I’m so pleased with how it turned out.”
Elsewhere along the trail, signage reflects the Amerind Museum’s mission of fostering knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples. Acknowledging that these are ancestral lands, the signs feature O’odham, English and Spanish text, in that order — and Kaldahl hopes to add Apache, too.
Additionally, Indigenous people have collected basket-weaving materials from these lands for generations, and they remain free to access the grounds.
Haiku Thoughts:
Stone giants whisper,
Texas Canyon's quiet grace,
Time's hand carves the sky.
Southern Arizona Adventure 2024
The sculpture is called the Churning of the Milk Ocean or the Scene of the Churning of the Milk Ocean. It is believed to be the place that holds the nectar of immortality, thus it portrays immortality and stability. Likewise Suvarnabhumi Airport represents the golden land/resources/prosperity/stability and eternality.
The sculpture has the statue of four-hand Narayana (Vishnu) placed on top of the Mount Madura. 9 gods are on one side and 9 demons on the opposite are pulling the king of Nagas from both sides. The turtle (Koorm Avatar) is the tortoise-incarnation of Vishnu which is the third incarnation form out of the ten forms according to the Scene of the Churning of the Milk Ocean. Koorm Avatar uses the shell to be a pivot for the churning stick. BKK airport Bangkok Thailand
EAST CHINA SEA (Aug. 4, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Valentina Imokhai, from New York, operates the ship’s helm during a full power engine run aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)
EAST CHINA SEA (July 31, 2020) Gunner’s Mate Seaman Spencer Christie fires a shot line from the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) to the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE-3) during a replenishment-at-sea. Shiloh is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaac Maxwell)
OKINAWA, Japan (Aug. 18, 2016) Sailors moor amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) across from amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at White Beach Naval Facility. During the port visit, the ships are embarking Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Diana Quinlan/Released)
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) refuel an AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise. America, flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline)