Light at the End of the Tunnel [explored]

Let's take a little trip back in time, 5 or 6 months ought to do it. Let's forget for a moment all about the virus and self-distancing and what-not. Back in happier times, I traveled to Zion National Park for a few days of hiking and exploring with some friends. It was a superb experience, the weather was fantastic and we got some great photos. One of the highlights was a day trip up the "Left Fork" of the Virgin River, to the formation better known as "The Subway", a tubular shape carved out by the water that develops a wonderful glow in the reflected mid afternoon light.

 

This spot has been photographed a zillion times, of course, and I used to see it regularly on top photographers' pages. Its popularity seems to have waned as other, newer locations have drawn attention. However, it's one I'd never been to before and although there really aren't that many different ways to shoot it, its still a nice feeling to capture such an iconic location ones self even if not particularly unique.

 

The trek to the Subway is an event in itself, approx 10 miles round trip (when one accounts for the many added steps to bypass various obstacles through the canyon passage), including some very steep ascents and descents. However, it is doable even for a middle-aged desk jockey like myself, as long as one brings appropriate equipment and supplies and leaves enough time. Also, you need a permit.

 

Anyways, hope everyone is having a great weekend. Have to say, I've done a lot of catching up on Flickr recently, a nice byproduct of being stuck at home. I'd prefer to be out shooting, but now I get to go through a big backlog of photos to work on.

 

EDIT: Well, a shoutout to Adelheid Smitt who noted the "light at the end of the tunnel" as a fitting metaphor for the times. Wish I'd thought of it originally, but I'm shamelessly stealing that as my new title.

Done