Tag: Canyon Lake Acacia Picnic Area

Wonder Wren I’ll Get Some Sleep

I have to say, at this point in September, this is probably the least stressed I have been for many a year. Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty of fretting going on now, but NOTHING like the norm. Long time followers of Intrigued know we plan our year around our annual Haunted Trail event. This is a 363 day work effort as we get two days off to actually hold the event ha. The usual date for that event is THIS weekend and I am usually an absolute mess by this time – up for days, physically and mentally spent. Fortunately, it is something we absolutely enjoy putting together every year or there would be no way we would put ourselves through this. This year we had to push the event to mid October thanks to my punk-ass ankle. Sure, there is some lack of sleep and we are in the haunt labs from sun up through the witching hours, but the real worry days are still a week away. Those are the days when I wonder Wren I am going to get any sleep…

Cactus Wren found at Canyon Lake in Mesa, AZ in January 2024

Hit the jump to see more shots of a featured feathered friend that shares my blood shot eyes.

Continue reading Wonder Wren I’ll Get Some Sleep

Date Night at the Dive-In

Ears are a ringing, eyes are watered and red, ankle is a screaming and the body is pretty tired, but … there is a HUGE smile on my face as my head swirls with new ideas for this year’s Haunted Trail (link here – mental reminder, get the 2024 trail post out). Our haunt team is fresh off attending TransWorld, the commercial haunt industry convention held annually in downtown St. Louis, MO (link here). Unfortunately, the name has taken on additional connotations outside the haunt world, but to those in the scare business (vendors and consumers) it’s our super bowl event for educational seminars, animatronics showcase, decor extravaganza and industry hobnobbing. Note, this event is technically not open to the general public as there are commercial requirements to attend (profit/investment thresholds, customer numbers etc.), although that seems to have loosened up a bit this year. If a product is targeted for the horror genre, it is on display and therefore caution does apply. As you would expect, there are very graphic displays/products and children (including those easily offended adults) are STRONGLY discouraged. Probably says something about our team, but this event is pure enjoyment. Downside is the recovery needed the following day (“I have snores, boars, flasks, do the wishes???…sorry honey, I can’t hear with all this ringing in my ears”).

While I attempt to figure out what Linda is trying to say (it is possible I don’t want to know hehehe), going to relax a bit and feature a series that perfectly fits my tired and blurry eyes.

White-Throated Swift found at Canyon Lake near Apache Junction, AZ in January 2024

Hit the jump to read about this aerial acrobat.

Continue reading Date Night at the Dive-In