Death Valley with Jutta

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

Death Valley National Park in California

We are in Death Valley National Park on the last day of the year. With Jutta having been here a couple of other times, we decided to take her into a corner she hadn’t visited yet, nor had we.

Death Valley National Park in California

To get to our surprise location, we had to head to the west side of the park and find the Emigrant Canyon Road turnoff.

Death Valley National Park in California

Our route took us right into the snowline on this beautiful blue sky day.

Jutta Engelhardt and Caroline Wise in Death Valley National Park in California

We are at the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns that are now long out of use, but back in the late 1800s they were busy at work making charcoal for the miners in the area.

Death Valley National Park in California

Our views were spectacular up here, affording Jutta sights of Death Valley that few take the time to see. From way up here, we needed to way back down there as Caroline needed to get to the visitors center before they closed so she could be sworn in for her newest Junior Ranger badge.

Jutta Engelhardt and Caroline Wise in Death Valley National Park in California

With a stroll down a boardwalk in Death Valley, we closed out 2013.

Christmas Day at the Grand Canyon

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

Grand Canyon National Park at dawn

While it might have pained Jutta to rise so early on freezing cold days, there’d be no missing sunrise in the Grand Canyon. There weren’t many photos taken and shared across these posts as on previous visits to the United States; we made every opportunity to capture the moments of my mother-in-law in every new place she visited. This trip was not only her last, but due to the hip she broke earlier in the year, her mobility wasn’t the best, so we just took things easy.

Caroline Wise and Jutta Engelhardt at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Of the other photos of our day spent along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the only one that really mattered.

El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon National Park

Just spending time with Jutta was enough and really, that was all she ever wanted anyway. Well, that and to laugh.

Grand Canyon National Park

As it grew late in the day, we took in as much of the sunset as we could before heading in for an early dinner and sitting around chatting on Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve at the Grand Canyon

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

It’s Christmas Eve, as we arrive late in the afternoon to catch the sunset in the Grand Canyon National Park.

Jutta Engelhardt and Caroline Wise at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

This is Jutta’s first Christmas visit to the Grand Canyon of the nearly 12 times she’s been to this park during the ten trips she’s made to America. The Grand Canyon was a dream come true for her, and she’s never bored in her many visits, but sadly this is her last time here. When we made this journey up north for the occasion, we were aware of my mother-in-law’s growing physical weakness as she’s 78 years old in this photo, but the other part of the situation that’s looming is her declining memory. I can’t help but look at this photo and now see it as a toast to all the incredible times the three of us have spent together over the years her daughter has lived so far away. I’d give anything to see this old lady in the El Tovar once more for dinner and to wake up the next morning for sunrise over one of her favorite places in the world. Fröhliche Weihnachten forever, Jutta.

On The Pacific Ocean

JWise Photo of the Day, Travels

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

We stayed overnight near Camarillo so we’d be near our departure point on the Pacific Ocean.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

Caroline, Jutta, and I were on board a boat heading out to the Channel Islands.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

It was a perfect day.

Jutta Engelhardt and Caroline Wise On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

With calm oceans, the sun shining, and a slight coolness in the air, but for a late November day, it was perfect weather.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

When we arrived at the islands, the step to get off the boat was a bit precarious and left me more nervous than Caroline and her mom. With some cajoling, I convinced them it was better to stay on board. Lucky for us, the Captain of our craft was good with that and took us on a slow tour of the island.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

We learned more about the history of the island and efforts to preserve it. Spotted this natural arch and some scuba divers who were close to the mouth of the inlet.

On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

The waters were obviously clear. On a nearby rock outcropping, a bunch of cormorants were sunning their wings, just enjoying the day as we were.

Jutta Engelhardt On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

I have to admit that it was often difficult to see the still hurt little girl inside my sometimes brusk mother-in-law. She didn’t really want to have a sense of humor, but she knew how to laugh, and it’s always been a delight when it comes out of her. I never really know if she enjoys everywhere, we take her or if she’s just happy to hang out with us and see our happiness. I’ll miss this smile when it’s gone; I hope it lives on within me for the rest of my life.

Jutta Engelhardt and Caroline Wise On the Pacific Ocean in Southern California

I cannot tell you how this smiling woman is gracing me with such a beautiful gaze, but I know I love her dearly. Today was a bit difficult because of me as I really kind of insisted we stay on the boat, and they both knew I was a bit disappointed. They tried reassuring me that we should try to have Jutta step off the boat but my sense was too strong that Jutta’s strength wasn’t there if she were to slip. So, through what likely appeared as gnashed teeth, I told them I was fine. They both knew better. Not to say we didn’t have a great time on the ocean exploring the island from near the shore but they know I can be difficult. It’ll weigh heavily on me that these memories of not always being easy to deal with.

Caroline Wise and Jutta Engelhardt at the Red Lion Tavern in Los Angeles, California

Back on land and down south, we stopped in at the Red Lion Tavern in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles for some German food. Not only did my mother-in-law finish that big dark beer but she had a couple of shots of Kirschwasser, and I think it was those two drinks that did her in as she was pretty tipsy as we were leaving. The day closed out with us checking into a motel before heading back to Phoenix the next morning.