A Compact Compass Gives Confidence in the Canyonlands

A good magnetic compass in the pocket, hiking backpack or around the neck is always a great backup to have when out walking. I like to wear mine dangling around the neck because I always know where it is and it's easily accessible. Here's one to check out: Suunto M-3DL Compass.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Hailing from Suunto's M-Series, the M-3DL is a compact, premium-quality precision compass designed for accurate and convenient direction taking. The user-friendly compass features a large, liquid-filled capsule and an adjustable declination correction scale that guarantees a high level of accuracy. Another convenient feature is the serrated bezel ring, which is easy to turn even in cold conditions while wearing gloves. And thanks to the easy-to-read luminous markings and magnifying lens, the M-3DL is ideally suited to navigating in poor visibility. The compass even features a base plate with anti-slip rubber pads for stability and rounded edges for ergonomic comfort in the hand.

The M-3DL employs Suunto's two-zone system to help adventurers find their way anywhere in the northern hemisphere. Previously, most compasses functioned well in only one of five geographic zones. That's because the compasses were balanced differently based on the zone's inclination, i.e., the vertical intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field. However, as people began to travel more, it became clear that globe-hoppers needed compasses with a greater geographical range. Suunto's two-zone system, by contrast, considers only the northern and southern hemispheres. In practice, this means that a Suunto compass designed for the northern hemisphere--as the M-3DL is--will still work for a fair distance into the southern hemisphere and vice-versa. Suunto is one of only two compass manufacturers to offer two-zone compasses.

The M-3DL, which also features a jewel bearing and marking holes for drawing control points, measures 2.4 by 4.9 inches and weighs a mere 1.6 ounces. In addition, the compass carries a lifetime warranty.

Capitol Reef is Captivating, Really

Capitol Reef National Park, one of the Utah parks in the south, really is captivating. It's a long skinny national park accessible between Torrey and Hanksville. Or if you're doing a clockwise trip around the national parks like I did, it's between Bryce Canyon National Park to the west and Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park to the east.

I love photographing different signs. The national parks, in particular, have a clear welcoming sign that lets you know that you're in for something spectacular. Photographing signs also indicates where the next photographs have been taken. It's also not a bad idea to photograph the sign when you leave a place (for obvious reasons).

The Visitor Center very fittingly blends in well with its surroundings. It's well worth a visit to pick up maps and information, look at the exhibits, watch a short video, buy souvenirs and use the rest rooms. The location is at the junction of the Scenic Drive and Route 24.

I really only had time to travel along the Scenic Drive and back and then continue east along the main road. However, the park really needs a couple of days to explore.

Looking at the photos, you can see that Capitol Reef National Park is one of those really rocky Utah parks. It's comprised of 378 square miles of towering landforms, canyons, mesas and folded rock layers and it's a photographer's Paradise (most of my photos of Utah are rocks, rocks and more rocks!). Stay tuned for more posts later.

Here's more information about Capitol Reef National Park.

Hike and Tour Capitol Reef National Park , Utah, Using a Great Guide

To get the most enjoyment out of hiking and touring in Capitol Reef National Park, southern Utah, you need information from someone who really knows the park. Check out this one, Capitol Reef National Park: The Complete Hiking and Touring Guide [Paperback], by Rick Stinchfield.

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Product Description
The only complete guide to Capitol Reef National Park whether on foot or from the road.

Finally, the total experience of enjoying Capitol Reef National Park has been captured in one comprehensive volume.

About the Author
Rick Stinchfield, and his wife, Lynne, have spent three months in each of the last six years volunteering and living in Capitol Reef National Park. He is the author or co-author of several articles on mineral collecting, as well as publications on recycling and non-motorized commuting. Rick and Lynne life in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Hike the Trails in Arches National Park, Utah, Using a Great Map

To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Arches National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, National Geographic TI00000211 Map Of Arches National Park - Utah from National Geographic.

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Product Description
This map is updated to reflect road closings, new trails, and campground relocation, and includes detailed trail information, points of interest, trailheads, picnic areas, facilities, and more. Included on the map are Arches National Park, The Highlands, Little Valley, Devils Garden, Lost Spring Canyon Wilderness area, Negro Bill Wilderness area, Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve, Cache Valley, Delicate Arch, Broken Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel, Double Arch, and more. The map also includes the Colorado River, the Windows Section, Petrified Dunes, and fascinating information about the parks geology, archaeology, history, and culture. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit. Approximately 4.25in x 9.25in folded and 27in x 39in fully opened.

Amazing Arches is Absolutely Awesome

Arches National Park, in southern Utah, USA, is absolutely awe inspiring. So much so that the state has actually put an image of Delicate Arch, located in the park, on vehicle number plates. I'm obviously not the only one gobsmacked by this national park!

It's easy to get to being not that far out of Moab, action capital of Utah. Just take US 191 and travel for about 5 miles north of Moab - a national park situated so close to a major town. How good is that?

After you've picked up your information at the Arches Visitor Center, you then head up the winding road to really enter the park.







Obviously there are many arches in the park to give it its name. You may think a dozen or so but you'd be wrong. Apparently there are over 2,000 arches and they vary considerably in size from something a few feet across to the largest, which is Landscape Arch. This one is 306 feet wide and so skinny too!

Check out the Arches National Park website for further information.

Hike the Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, Using a Great Map

To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 219 [Folded Map] from National Geographic.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
The map includes the entire national park area, with detailed trails and topographic information. Also included are portions of Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Bryce Ampitheater, Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon Lodge, Black Birch Canyon, Rainbow Point, the Queens Garden Trail, and more. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit.

Scale = 1:35,000 Size: 26'' x 38''

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.
Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society's non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

Check out Canyon Country Interactive Jigsaw Puzzles.

Squirrel Stands Up To Snake in Zion National Park, Utah

A hike along the trail in Zion National Park, Utah, led to several discoveries of wildflowers and also wildlife.

Walking in a group may allow for socialising but the noise made by the group can often scare away wildlife and it sometimes drowns out the sounds of nature, like running rivers, bird songs and animal antics.

I'd just left the trail to escape the endless number of noisy hikers and have a closer look at the river and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. On my way back to join the trail I heard this commotion in a fenced off clearing. I thought it sounded like a rattle (I may have been mistaken though).

However, when I looked closer I saw a squirrel and a snake having a go at each other.

The snake definitely didn't like the squirrel in its patch and there was dust flying everywhere with the squirrel artfully dodging the snake's strike. However, it didn't matter how angry the snake was (click on the photo to zoom in on it), that squirrel was determined to stand its ground even if it meant being bitten.





I took several photos (without tele lens unfortunately) before the snake gave up and retreated from the dust bath created by the squirrel. I've always thought squirrels were cute and quick but this particular one was a feisty little critter as well!

A couple of observations:

• if you're going to enjoy nature en masse, then keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut
• watch where you're walking (as an Aussie, part of bushwalking is watching out for snakes on the trail anyway)
• cute and cuddly doesn't necessarily mean weak and lacking courage (perceptions can often be wrong)
• even if you think you're facing insurmountable odds you can sometimes achieve success through sheer determination