2200 Miles, 3 States, 3 Parks

Carol Freshley July 9, 2015

Rick and Barbara had a dream trip and are sharing it with us. The covered 2,200 miles, three states and visited three National Parks. Their goal was Denver via the 'scenic' route. Their first night was in Cortez, but before chowing down on Mexican food they had already stopped at the Cameron Trading Post and then spent three hours at the Mesa Verde National Park.

The Little Colorado Wash behind the Cameron Trading Post hotel.

Before leaving Durango they stopped by the Durango-Silverton Railroad to capture the steam locomotives.

From Durango they headed up Wolf Creek Pass which tops out at 11,000 feet.

Fall Creek Falls at the base of Wolf Creek Pass.

Rick and Barbara then spent time in Winter Park with some very close friends. A walk around the neighborhood gave them some nice photo opportunities, including hot-air balloons near the local lake.

Rick wrote that there was a hummingbirds frenzy at this feeder.  Lucky one sat still just long enough for a good shot. — Rick wrote that there was a hummingbirds frenzy at this feeder. Lucky one sat still just long enough for a good shot.

From Winter Park they headed on to Denver via Rocky Mountain National Park and the Trail Ridge Road. The road is the highest maintained automobile road in the US. Patches of snow and lots of elk most assuredly reminded them they were not at home.

Well, they did reach Denver. The second part of their trip is up tomorrow. A very special thanks to two exceptional and generous photographers.

Bears, Wolves, Sunrise, Sunset

Carol Freshley July 4, 2015

Dave escaped the heat to travel to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. He sent photos of bears, bear cubs, a wolf, sunrise and sunsets . . . I would say he had a grand trip.

Nice light.  Better lightning!!  Wonderful image. — Nice light. Better lightning!! Wonderful image.

Sunset.  Full moon.  Planets. — Sunset. Full moon. Planets.

Dave wrote that these were pelicans!  In the Tetons?  Amazing. — Dave wrote that these were pelicans! In the Tetons? Amazing.

Thanks so very much David. We appreciate your sharing. These are wonderful images.

East South Rim

Carol Freshley July 3, 2015

When I think of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon I think of Grand Canyon Village, a shuttle bus and views that I have seen before. I have never been to the east end, the road to Cameron, the road less traveled. The road that passes by the famous and iconic Watchtower. Along that road there are pullouts, views that have a different angle than the crowded pullouts on the western side and then, there is the final crown, the Watchtower. Tom and I, along with grandson, Anden, met up with Greg in Williams to drive to the Watchtower. Goal, a great Golden Hour, or lots of spectacular lightning, or maybe even stay for a Milky Way. One out of three is pretty good!!

The Canyon was filled with haze. There are some controlled burns in the area, lots of humidity and a strong enough wind to blow around some dust! I want to go back to some of those pullouts on better days!

One of several rapids that are enjoyed by river rafters.  Beyond this one is Hance Rapids.  Not a single one of my shots were usable.  With the right lens and some patience I bet it would be fun to capture a group going through one of… — One of several rapids that are enjoyed by river rafters. Beyond this one is Hance Rapids. Not a single one of my shots were usable. With the right lens and some patience I bet it would be fun to capture a group going through one of them.

This is supposed to be Duck Rock.  Must say, though, that it is not as impressive as the Duck Rock in the Chiricahua National Monument. — This is supposed to be Duck Rock. Must say, though, that it is not as impressive as the Duck Rock in the Chiricahua National Monument.

I guess I need to see it walk like a duck before I am convinced this is a duck (rock).

That may be Vishnu Temple in the upper left . . .

Greg must have gotten tired of the gray haze.  He looked around and found awesome details. — Greg must have gotten tired of the gray haze. He looked around and found awesome details.

Anden shows us how 'uncrowded' the pull-outs are.  Not too bad really.  He also caught me taking my first shot before heading down a path for a different view.  He is not allowed to take photos of Grandma.  But, cars are a differ… — Anden shows us how 'uncrowded' the pull-outs are. Not too bad really. He also caught me taking my first shot before heading down a path for a different view. He is not allowed to take photos of Grandma. But, cars are a different matter. Clever kid!!

Storms just kept building up. Fortunately, we were able to stay out of them and photograph lightning from a safe distance (statement added for mom).

We took a side trip off the road to the Watchtower. We were looking for Hull Cabin, an off the road cabin that apparently you can actually rent from the Forest Service. The cabin was in very poor light, but the barn off to the side looked interesting.

All from this trip. I can hardly wait to go back. I want to spend a whole bunch more time around the Watchtower. We did not have enough time to take some walks to see best placement for getting storms, stars and have those shots include the Watchtower. You can also go into the tower and photograph from the top! I checked the weather for this weekend and I would go if I could. Thinking about going, check out Tusayan for a place to stay as it is close and will be nice to stay there if you are late leaving the tower area. Thanks for joining us. We had fun.