Shhhh…..

The sun was just starting to rise, but the rest of the Cawley clan was fast asleep.

So I sneaked out into the quiet morning for a few moments alone, and I snapped some pictures.

There was a peaceful calm, that took my breath away.

And nothing was moving…except me and the sun and a stray dog, who reminded me in some odd way of our old Rocky. (RIP)

I watched the shadows change as the sun peaked over the mesas and buttes in the east.

For a few moments, everything turned slightly golden.

When the show was over, I headed to the laundromat to wash red dirt and several, shower-free days of adventure out of our clothes.

Then it was time to add one more bumper sticker to the back of our own trusty stagecoach and move on.