Five Shots: Buttes, Valleys, and Canyons

Do you like space? Jim, Bear, and I crossed the quadripoint in the Southwestern United States, commonly called the Four Corners (Utah, AZ, Colorado, New Mexico). Its vastness is scary at times and the closest I’ll get to the surface of Mars. It is a holy ground, the center of the Universe to several Native American tribes like the Navajo and Hopi and the Ute. Up to Colorado, here are shots showcasing the space and grandeur of the Southwest.

Which one did you like the best?

Here’s a map of our journey heading North from highway 89 to 160 to 145:

October 22, 2017 6

Five Shots: Colorado Aspens

These pictures were taken today and tomorrow of 2015. We were hoping to return to South Central Colorado for fall break, but it didn’t work out. A revisit through the photo album will have to suffice. Which one do you like best?

We were fortunate the weather was perfect. Capturing a perfect day locks in the memory and lessens the sting of a humdrum day.

October 7, 2017 34

Five Shots: Last Greens of Summer

Cool temperatures and blue skies had us in the car heading north today to see if the Aspen leaves had turned. The scenic drive from Sedona up to Flagstaff is one of the prettiest scenic drives around. At Flagstaff, we hiked around Hart Prairie where a frost burnt the ferns and the Aspens were still green. Then we drove over to Garland Prairie to see if the fields of flowers were blooming, but we were too late, the flower stalks were black and wilted. Even though our timing was off, to catch leaves and flowers in their glory, Jim, Bear, and I enjoyed the pleasant weather. Which shot do you like best?

September 24, 2017 28

Five Shots: Plateau Sunset

The plateau at the edge of the Sycamore Canyon, Arizona is a ridge line with a 360 view. The Northeastern view is comprised of the outlying Red Rocks bordering Sedona. Looking Southwest, the sun sets over Mingus Mountain. It has become over recent years a favorite spot for us to relax and star gaze without light pollution or crowds. Last night our family went out on the plateau to catch the meteor shower. We weren’t disappointed. Before the light show, the clouds entertained us. Here are some shots from last night.

Which one do you like best?

August 12, 2017 42

Five Shots: Clouds on the Rim

Some of our visiting family have never been to Eastern Arizona. Most people assume Arizona looks like the Phoenix landscape. 90 miles north, the Mogollon Rim is one of my favorite spots in this diverse state. Arizona ranks 6th in size among the 50 states. The total area of Arizona is 114,000 sq mi (295,260 sq km), of which land takes up 113,508 sq mi (293,986 sq km) and inland water 492 sq mi (1,274 sq km). Here are some shots I took kayaking and hiking around the rim. The clouds were colossal. Which photo do you like best?

July 21, 2017 46

Five Shots: The Colors and Patterns of Spain, Part II

Thanks to all who visited recent photo posts highlighting the educational traveling tour to Madrid, Toledo, Seville, and Barcelona. Here’s the last set. Which one do you like best?

Toledo Castle, a Benedictine Monastery, then home to the Knights Templar

Toledo street corner by the Ibn Shushan Synagogue

Oldest standing Synagogue in Europe, Toledo, erected in 1180.

General Archives of the Indies, Seville. A repository of extremely valuable archival documents illustrating the history of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Philippines.

The Plaza de España is a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa, in Seville, Spain, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929

The Alcázar of Seville has many beautiful gardens

Spain’s architecture is dizzying, but by some miracle, the shapes and patterns blend together in harmony. The ornate details are draw-dropping. Thank you for accompanying me. Next June’s trip is Southern Italy….

June 25, 2017 27