Cranes, when migrating, ride the wind in a novel way. They fly and glide loosing altitude until they find a thermal, and then they do a tight circle trying to stay in the thermal. If the thermal is small in diameter, they will circle and make multiple passes through the thermal. In this way, cranes use a thermal as an elevator to gain altitude. After gaining altitude, the flock will continue on their migration path until encountering another thermal to begin the process again. If you should be privileged to observe this behavior on a sunny fall day, it will appear that the cranes are playing or performing a mating ritual, but this is not the case. They are riding nature's elevator. Its a sight to see the entire flock all trying to ride the elevator at once. It appears chaotic with 10 or more birds wheeling in the air while dodging each other. (Click on the photo to see a larger view.)

Annie, I’ve been on the Sandia Tram many times over the years. It’s an experience you never forget. We take many of our out-of-state visitors on it. We haven’t had dinner up there since they changed restaurants though.

The round window we’re sitting next to at our breakfast this morning on our ship (now) in Alaska.

TWA Hotel at JFK in NYC. A Burr Arch Truss in Union Covered Bridge. Paris, Missouri