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Blue Ridge Mountains. View from Skyline Drive. The Blue Ridge Mountains are known for having a bluish color when seen from a distance. Trees put the "blue" in Blue Ridge, from the isoprene released into the atmosphere. This contributes to the characteristic haze on the mountains and their perceived color.
A winter hike in the woods. A different kind of peaceful and beautiful when the leaves come down. Does that path lead to spring or a fairytale...or both?
Dornans is a family-owned and operated resort located in the heart of Jackson Hole on the bank of the Snake River inside the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park, just 40 miles south of Yellowstone National Park.
Looking down at the clouds without an airplane. Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore. The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.
View from Skyline Drive. Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore. The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.
Capitolreefcountry.com: Capitol Reef National Park lies in Utah’s south-central desert, an oasis of colorful sandstone cliffs, impressive domes, and soaring monoliths. Once called “Wayne Wonderland,” the park got its name in part from the great white rock formations which resemble the U.S. Capitol building, and from the sheer cliffs that presented a barrier to early travelers. Early inhabitants referred to the area as the “land of the sleeping rainbow” because of its beautiful contrasts: multi-colored sandstone surrounded by verdant riverbanks and arid desert vegetation, all nestled beneath deep blue skies. The area was designated as a national monument in 1937 and reclassified as a national park in 1971. The park is open year-round. See the Capitol Reef National Park official map and trails for more information.
Nationalgeographic.com: The unifying geographic feature of Capitol Reef is the Waterpocket Fold. For a hundred miles its parallel ridges rise from the desert like the swell of giant waves rolling toward shore. Exposed edges of the uplift have eroded into a slickrock wilderness of massive domes, cliffs, and a maze of twisting canyons.
Capitol Reef is named for a particularly colorful section of the fold where rounded Navajo sandstone forms capitol-like domes and sheer cliffs form a barrier to travel, often referred to as a "reef." Although a highway now crosses the "reef," travel is still challenging for those wishing to see the park's more remote regions.
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The heart in the middle of Antelope Canyon. The tour guide told me to put the camera on a rock and point it straight up, and you will see the heart.
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Wikipedia: Moraine Lake is a snow and glacially fed lake in Banff National Park, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) outside the village of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. It is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 1,884 metres (6,181 ft). The lake has a surface area of 50 hectares (120 acres).
The lake, being fed almost completely by snow-melt and glacial-melt, does not reach its crest until middle to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinctive shade of azure blue. The unique colour is due to the refraction of the blue end of the spectrum of sunlight off the rock sediment deposited in the lake on a continual basis in summer by the surrounding glaciers. The lake is completely created by nature and has not been dammed, drained, or otherwise altered by humans in any way, other than the visitor services which are strictly controlled by the National Park.
The road to Moraine Lake is only open during the summer months (June-Sep). Since 2023, Parks Canada has closed it to personal vehicles year-round with only Park shuttles, public transit and commercial operators allowed to access the road. Visitors can also bicycle or walk the road, which is 10 km / 6 miles long one-way.
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Awesternrose .com: Nestled in the heart of Cody, Wyoming, lies a unique historical attraction. It’s called Old Trail Town, a living testament to the American West’s pioneering spirit.
Founded in 1967, Old Trail Town is more than just a museum. It’s a carefully curated collection of authentic Western buildings, each with its own story to tell. From a rustic saloon to a humble schoolhouse, these structures paint a vivid picture of life on the frontier.
But the town’s appeal goes beyond its buildings. It’s also the final resting place of several notable figures from the Wild West. Among them is mountain man John “Liver-Eating” Johnson, whose life inspired the movie “Jeremiah Johnson”.
Old Trail Town is not just a destination, but a journey back in time. As you walk its dusty streets, you can almost hear the echoes of cowboys, trappers, and outlaws who once called this place home. It’s a tangible connection to a bygone era, preserved for future generations to explore and appreciate.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a teacher, a student, or a tourist passing through Cody Wyoming, Old Trail Town has something to offer. It’s a place where the past comes alive, offering a unique and immersive educational experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Old Trail Town. We’ll explore its historical significance, its attractions, and provide useful visitor information. So saddle up, and let’s hit the trail to the Old West (Yellowstone Highway).
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Magical Lake McDonald. The morning fog was breaking up, and the storm was coming at the same time. Every few seconds everything changed.
The sun would poke through the clouds, and closed again, and poked into another place, and the wind changed, when the wind changed the aromas changed from trees to flowers.
It did not make any sense to me how the reflections had no light. I think, the sun when it popped through the clouds, the light reflected two or three times between the clouds and the water.
This was like sensory-overload-therapy.
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SHADE!
The best-ever hike.
Discovermoab.com: Located just 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab, you will discover the awe-inspiring Arches National Park, boasting the largest concentration of natural sandstone arches on Earth. With over 2,000 arches scattered across its vast 76,518-acre expanse, this park is a treasure trove of geological wonders. Towering sandstone fins, majestic balanced rocks, and soaring pinnacles and spires dominate the landscape, leaving visitors in awe as they explore the park’s numerous viewpoints and hiking trails.
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Magical Lake McDonald. The morning fog was breaking up, and the storm was coming at the same time. Every few seconds everything changed.
The sun would poke through the clouds, and closed again, and poked into another place, and the wind changed, when the wind changed the aromas changed from trees to flowers.
It did not make any sense to me how the reflections had no light. I think, the sun when it popped through the clouds, the light reflected two or three times between the clouds and the water.
This was like sensory-overload-therapy.
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Somewhere in the USA.....
I actually made pretty good notes but this location eludes me.
It was made with the Holga though and some Portra.
The darkroom print finally brings it to life, albeit on a screen for you.
From our 2016 road trip
We had our first chance to get out under incredibly clear and dark skies tonight with no moon so we headed over to Coral Pink sand dunes just outside Kanab and I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen so many stars in the night sky!
Which side of the moss is on the tree?
Hypothetically, if I was walking next to the river (which is true), and if was lost (which is true, sort of), I should be able to tell which direction the moss is on the tree.
What do you do when the moss goes all the way around the trees? That is just as helpful as a spinning compass.
The Internet says, which it is always true, the moss grows on the North of the trees.
Except in the South hemisphere when the moss would be on the South side of the trees.
What about in the Equator?
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Yellowstonepark.com: Firehole Canyon Drive is a 2-mile, one-way road off the Grand Loop south of Madison. On Firehole Canyon Drive, you will pass the Firehole River, Firehole Falls and a natural swimming hole. (The swimming hole was closed.)
Firehole Falls is a 40-foot waterfall amidst 800-foot thick lava flows forming the canyon walls. There is a small parking area available near the falls and several small pull-offs along the road.
Sorry – it’s not hot. The name “Firehole River” may lead you to believe that this is heated by hot springs, but the swimming area is a cool temperature similar to an unheated swimming pool. Those used to swimming in rivers and lakes will not see any difference in this water temperature.
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The largest in the North Cascades National Park Complex, the park is managed alongside nearby Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Visitors today can explore a range of outdoor activities, scenic vistas, and educational opportunities — from a scenic drive and a picnic to miles of trails ready for hiking or biking.
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These 2 photos are at the same place: 15 feet away and some zoom.
Going north, the intersection is US Route 89 and Montana Hwy 464, which goes to Browning.
It is a very desolate place; this is the Blackfeet Reservation, and it is very large. The biggest town is Browning, population 1000, and it was 30 miles away.
Glaciermt.com: Sitting on the rolling foothills just east of Glacier National Park, Browning is the largest community on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Each summer, Browning hosts North American Indian Days—one of the largest gatherings of U.S. and Canadian tribes. The celebration includes dancing, traditional games, a pow wow, Indian relay and rodeo. Learn more about the Blackfeet Tribe by visiting the Museum of the Plains Indian and nearby shops and galleries. Visit Glacier Peaks Casino while you’re in the area.
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Roadtripusa.com: If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, mom-and-pop motels in the middle of nowhere, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”
Subject of one of the most successful advertising campaigns in Route 66’s long history of roadside hype, Tucumcari (pop. 4,881) looks and sounds like a much bigger place than it is. Also known as “the town that’s two blocks wide and two miles long” (though Tucumcari Boulevard, which follows the route blazed by old Route 66 through town, stretches for closer to 7 mi (11.3 km) between interstate exits), Tucumcari does have a little of everything, including a great range of neon signs, but it can be hard to explain the attraction of the town that hundreds of signs along the highways once trumpeted as “Tucumcari Tonite—2,000 Motel Rooms.”
Wikipedia: Old U.S. Route 66 runs through the heart of Tucumcari via Route 66 Boulevard, which was previously known as Tucumcari Boulevard from 1970 to 2003 and as Gaynell Avenue before that time. Numerous businesses, including gasoline service stations, restaurants, and motels, were constructed to accommodate tourists as they traveled through on the Mother Road. A large number of the vintage motels and restaurants built in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s are still in business despite intense competition from newer chain motels and restaurants in the vicinity of Interstate 40, which passes through the city's outskirts on the south.
Tucumcari is the home of over 50 murals. Most were painted by artists Doug and Sharon Quarles and serve as a tourist attraction.
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Early morning light creeps across the valley. Remember, the early bird gets the worm. I had to be at my chosen location ahead of the dawn crowd, to ensure I could place my tripod against the railings.
I will post a few images from my last night Offshoot slideshow, over the next few days.
A link to a pdf version of the slideshow can be found here...
First time to see real wild bears, I made many rookie mistakes, and created new ones too. Even one picture has no bears on it. Geez. Yes, I’m the chicken behind the blue-shirted big guy.
First, the momma bear showed up. She was going up the mountain; she hopped over the guard rail, crossed the road, and she went up. There was also a cub, but it didn’t cross the road. The momma bear (sow) couldn’t find the cub, so she went back down toward the road. In the meantime, the cub was going up the mountain and couldn’t find the sow. So at the same time the sow was going down and the cub was going up. They missed each other!
It turns out that wild animals don’t pose for you.
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I had a once in a lifetime opportunity today to re create that classic shot of John Wayne sitting on his horse at John Ford point in Monument Valley. Thanks to Amy for hitting the shutter for me. This has to be one of the coolest places on earth and a landscape photographers dream location! We've hired a local Navajo Indian guide for tonight to take us deep into the Valley where you're not generally allowed to go so fingers crossed for some clear skies later on!
Our plans to go into the back country of monument valley last night didn't go as planned as the clouds moved in early evening and obscured any chance of seeing the Milky Way. Luckily we bumped into our guide and re arranged for him to take us for sunrise and arranged to meet him at 5am. We arrived at the planned meeting place at 4.45am under now clear skies and waited and waited and waited. Eventually at 5.50 someone turned up to say that our guide couldn't make it and he was going to take us instead. We were now an hour behind schedule and no chance of photographing any stars as it was already starting to get light!
We arrived at the spot we wanted to be for sunrise about 10 mins before the sun was due to come up and ran around the back country looking for a good composition and this is what happened just affect the sun peeked above the horizon.
All in all it didn't turn out too bad and we'll just have to leave the night time shoot for another day.
Monument Valley, the place that just keeps on giving!
An end to another beautiful day in California as the sun slowly sinks into the Pacific Ocean behind Pismo Beach Pier on the central Coast.
Big Sur is the name given to this seventy plus miles of the California coastline where the Pacific ocean meets the Santa Lucia mountain range. One of the most remote areas of the United States and is only accessed by California Highway One ( The Pacific Coast Highway ) a narrow winding two lane road that clings to the edge of the mountain range above the Pacific Ocean for it's entire length. One of the most incredible drives in the world !
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After chasing the horses away, everything was cool. When the horses walked faster or slower, I did the same thing. And when the horses stopped, then took the pictures.
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Glacier National Park
Or, perhaps, this photo portrays Glacier National Park.
This is wonderful road is US Route 2, which borders next to the Glacier National Park, which goes between West Glacier, Montana to East Glacier, Montana, with rivers, creeks, waterfalls. This spot was near to East Glacier.
Everything past the yellow signs (a few yards away) is in the National Park.
There were few vehicles, and it was nice to walk and stand in the middle of the road and take the photo. I badly wanted to drive through those mountains, but the road is opened only from July to October.
It was time to stare in the middle of US Route 2 at the majesty and grandeur of nature and review everything.
This is the definition of bitter-sweet. The same high degree of success and failure, at the same time.
On one side of the coin, it was so exciting, my jaw was gaping, all my senses (eyes, ears, nose, skin) are on high alert. Maybe, taste too. The other side of the coin, I failed getting to the Going To The Sun Road.
And stared and stared at the mountains … … that I can’t get there.
Plan B (not able to drive through the mountains) is dramatic and is intense. Going To The Sun Road must be something special!
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Wildlife Loop Road
This drive provides spectacular opportunities to encounter a wide range of wildlife. Be sure to keep a safe distance (recommended at least 25 yards) from bison, elk, mountain goats and other animals. For the safety of the animals the park asks that you keep your speed at around 25mph or lower. Plan for one to two hours to complete this drive.
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A real bucket list one for me this. Our road trip was planned around reaching Yosemite at full moon in the hope of clear skies to observe this rare phenomenon. This is a moon bow or luna rainbow caused by the light of the full moon refracting though the spray created by the waterfall in Yosemite National park. Yosemite Falls, one of the world's tallest, is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall 1,430 feet, the middle cascades 675 feet, and this one, Lower Yosemite Fall 320 feet. An amazing night being there to experience this!