Saturday, February 8, 2014

Utah Photos Now Available for Purchase on CafePress


The photos of Utah's parks are here for you to enjoy along with the blog posts.

However, several people have contacted me about having my photos available for sale. The easiest way for me to share my photos this way is to have them available on sites like CafePress where you can buy them on products like mugs, T-shirts, mouse pads etc. etc.

So here's the website info for you: http://www.cafepress.com.au/profile/franwest1.

Fran West Utah photos on CafePress
As you can imagine, the most popular photos are of Bryce Canyon, Kolob Canyons and Monument Valley plus house boating on Lake Powell.

Enjoy!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Natural Bridges National Monument Bridges the Gap Again


Although Natural Bridges National Monument isn't a huge park, it's still worth visiting.

You may like to read the previous post about it before continuing on with this post - click here!

This is Utah's first National Monument, declared in 1908, so it's been open for business for over a hundred years. It's famous for its bridges, naturally, but there's more to the park than just those. The rest of the terrain and the flora are outstanding.
 
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West
The wildflowers and shrubs (above) are colourful as are the rock formations in the distance (below).
 
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West
Wherever you drive or walk, there's something to enjoy and photograph. However, with all of these parks, to really appreciate what nature has to offer, you must spend longer than a few hours or even a day there.
 
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West
In this desert country, as well as your trusty camera, camcorder or mobile phone etc., remember to take snacks and plenty of water. Sightseeing is very hungry and thirsty work!

Many people have emailed me about my photos and where they're available for purchase. I've started loading a lot of the photos already onto CafePress where you can buy them on mugs, T-shirts, magnets, clothing etc., so here's the link to that - Fran West photos on CafePress.

If you want to be more specific about Utah photos here's the link to those.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Bryce Canyon National Park, Southern Utah: Just Beautiful


Bryce Canyon National Park is just beautiful. This national park is one of the highlights of southern Utah and one of the USA's most memorable parks.

Since I was driving in a clockwise direction to visit the state's national parks, I travelled about 90 miles from Zion National Park in the southwest to Bryce Canyon.

Some of the route was along National Scenic Byway 12. I highly recommend planning your trip along these byways when possible because the scenery is well worth it.

Scenic Byway sign, Utah, USA - Fran West

These Scenic Byways are well marked as you can see from the sign.

There's a whole list of these in a little booklet which was sent to me in 2009 from the American Park Network - "Utah's National Parks: your complete guide to the parks".


When I arrived at Bryce Canyon it was pouring with rain, not a good omen for taking photos.

However, the weather cleared up at times with a few sunny patches here and there, revealing the scenery in the two photos below.

Quite an adventure walking the muddy trails after rain as it was slippery in sections and sometimes each step was like pulling my feet out of glue as I squelched along the track. I just love having my boots caked in mud!

Nevertheless, there's nothing like walking in amongst the multihued rock formations.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA - Fran West
As you drive further into the park, you'll come across several lookouts like the one below.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA - Fran West
To really explore Bryce Canyon you need more than the two and a half days which I had. The colours of the rocks change depending on the time of day, particularly sunrise and sunset, and you need to experience the park in several ways by driving, walking, biking or riding a mule into one of the canyons.

Here's a link to more information about Bryce Canyon National Park.

There are two photos of Bryce Canyon in my kindle book on Amazon. Just click on the photo for more information.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Soar Beyond Your Wildest Expectations


Dear Readers,

Posting more articles and images to this blog will resume in a week or so.

For the last couple of months I've be collaborating on our new ebook - "Free Internet Marketing for Small Business". This is due for release towards the end of February 2013.



In the meantime, please enjoy "Soar beyond your wildest expectations".

Soar beyond your wildest expectations,
Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, Utah, USA
This photo was taken during a 6am flight over Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, Utah, USA.

Here's the link to Dropbox so you can download it for use as an inspirational poster or for use on your computer as a desktop wallpaper.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Canyonlands Is Just Captivating in Unsurpassed Utah


Canyonlands National Park is just captivating in unsurpassed Utah. It's not far from Moab, Utah's adventure capital.

I'm sitting here in Adelaide, in the sweltering heat of our Australian summer, and it's bringing back memories of the hot days when I was touring through and walking in southern Utah's national parks.

If you are into canyons, photographing them, viewing them from above or getting down into them, then Canyonlands National Park is for you. You will certainly get your fill of some rugged country.

Heading southwest from the Visitor Center, one of the places to stop is Mesa Arch (below). Not only is the arch spectacular but the view through the arch (and framed by it) is also spectacular.


The area is comprised of limestone, sandstone and shale and is the product of over 10 million years of erosion.

Quite something to behold as the rows of canyons continue on into the distance.

In addition to the regular tourist lookouts, there are places where you just have to pull off onto the side of the road and get out of the car to check the view. Everywhere seems to be a photographic opportunity.

The photos here are just a few of the many which I couldn't stop myself from taking.

Canyonlands is Utah's largest national park and the part which I saw most of is "Island in the Sky", located in the northern section.  

I only spent a brief time in the park but you need to allow several days or longer for walking and exploring.      



There are also quite a few roads for high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicles.

In the photo below, zoom in and you'll see a car making its way down into the canyon (bottom right hand corner). What an adventure. I wonder how long it took them.


Here's the link to the Canyonlands National Park website and map to help you prepare for your visit.

If you enjoyed this post then please share it with others.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Monument Valley Really is Monumental


Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park really is monumental both from the cultural and geographic perspective. It's situated on US Highway 163 on the Utah/Arizona border just 25 miles south of Mexican Hat, Utah.

Monument Valley, approaching from the north

This is one of the iconic places, with its recognisable and stunning landscape, that I just had to visit in America's Southwest.

I first came across Monument Valley when I watched western movies, directed by John Ford, with John Wayne. Below is John Ford's Point.


In 2007, there was also a Red Bull Air Race with aerobatic planes both negotiating the pylons and avoiding the rocky outcrops. A breathtaking event to watch.

So as a pilot and a western movie buff I just had to make the effort to visit and stay in the Monument Valley area.

I'd travelled down from Moab, Utah, to reach Goulding's Lodge on a very hot May day. The airconditioning was a welcome relief while I was waiting to board the tour vehicle. A hot and dusty afternoon tour followed but it was definitely worth going on because it included native American culture as well as a trip into the less well known areas of the valley.

Navajo woman with her craft, Monument Valley

Goulding's did have a camp ground and there is also a big and expensive lodge closer to the Mittens rock formations. However, at peak tourism time, it's a must to prebook your accommodation no matter what style of touring you prefer. What a blessing the internet is for reserving accommodation!

David, the Navajo guide on the tour vehicle, was a real gem with his extensive knowledge and sense of humour. He even called little old me "sassy" (maybe he liked Aussies who wear Akubra hats or tourists who believe in audience participation).

Goulding's Tours, Monument Valley

However, he was really tuned in to the fact that we were all wanting to take heaps of photos and he stopped the vehicle frequently for this purpose. With digital cameras and photo opportunities abounding, anybody should be able to take fantastic photos in Monument Valley.

David, tour guide, on the left, with his cousin in Monument Valley

Keen to make sure that we knew that this was Indian territory, David and his cousin entertained us with some native American music (above). He also treated us to some of the best vantage points for photographing the rock formations - very artistic and his enthusiasm and love of his country made the tour a truly unique experience.

If my itinerary had allowed it, I would have liked to have gone on a morning tour to capture the scenery in a different light. The afternoon tour was hot with strong sunlight and as time progressed there was the afternoon haze and long shadows across the rocks. Sunrise in the morning can be beautiful but sunset in the evening can also be superb.

One of the Mittens, Monument Valley
The Monument Valley airstrip was visible from the lodge and there was a plane parked there when we visited the Navajo Indian woman nearby. However, the flights to the valley come from neighbouring cities and there don't appear to be joy flights available at the airstrip. A real pity because this is a beauty spot which also needs to be seen from above.

Monument Valley really is monumental if you appreciate magnificent scenery and traditional Navajo culture.

Click here for more information on the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Frommer's National Parks of the American West: Park Guides are Just Fantastic


Frommer's National Parks of the American West: Park Guides, by Don Laine, Barbara Laine, Jack Olson, Eric Peterson and Shane Christensen, looks to be a very handy guide to have when visiting Utah's parks. Great shot of Canyonlands National Park's Mesa Arch too (I've made my photo into an interactive jigsaw puzzle on the "Canyon Country" CD). This guide covers many of the places I visited in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico on my last trip to the USA and others during previous visits.

For more information and to buy, click on the photo.

Frommer's National Parks of the American West (Park Guides)

Frommer's National Parks of the American West (Park Guides)

"Frommer's Complete Guides* America's #1 bestselling travel series* More full-color guides than ever before* Foldout maps in annual guides* Outspoken opinions, exact prices, and insider tips.     Table of Contents
List of Maps xi 1 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THE NATIONAL PARKS OF THE AMERICAN WEST 1 2 ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, UT 16 3 BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SD 31 4 BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX 40 5 BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK, CO 54 6 THE BLACK HILLS: MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, JEWEL CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT & CUSTER STATE PARK, SD 61 7 BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK & GRAND STAIRCASE--ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT, UT 82 8 CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UT 98 9 CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK, UT 109 10 CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK, NM 121 11 CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, CA 132 12 CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, OR 146 13 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK & MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE, CA 156 14 DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT, WY 173 15 GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MT & WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK, AB 179 16 GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ 199 17 GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WY 230 18 GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK, NV 255 19 GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE, CO 264 20 GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, TX 271 21 JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA 279 22 LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK, CA 292 23 MESA VERDE, HOVENWEEP, CHACO & OTHER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF THE FOUR CORNERS REGION 300 24 MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA 314 25 NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK, WA 330 26 OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA 345 27 PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK, AZ 362 28 POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE, CA 370 29 REDWOOD NATIONAL & STATE PARKS, CA 379 30 ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, CO 388 31 SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK, AZ 405 32 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA 415 33 THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK, ND 435 34 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY & LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL MONUMENT, MT 444 35 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA 477 36 ZION NATIONAL PARK & CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT, UT 505 37 FIELD GUIDE TO WESTERN WILDLIFE 523 38 AIRLINE, HOTEL & CAR RENTAL WEBSITES 529 Index 531

About the Authors

Residents of northern New Mexico for more than 40 years, Don and Barbara Laine have traveled extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest, exploring the mountains and deserts with their always-curious dogs. The Laines have authored or contributed to a number of Frommer's travel guides, including Frommer's Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks and Frommer's Utah. They have also written Little-Known Southwest, New Mexico & Arizona State Parks, and Best Short Hikes in Arizona for The Mountaineers Books; and The New Mexico Guide for Fulcrum Publishing.

A Denver-based freelance writer, Eric Peterson has contributed to numerous Frommer's guides covering the American West, and has written Frommer's Montana & Wyoming, Frommer's Colorado, Frommer's Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Ramble: A Field Guide to the U.S.A. Peterson also writes about travel and other topics for such publications as ColoradoBiz, Delta Sky, and the New York Daily News. In his free time, he's an avid camper and hiker, a lifelong Broncos fan, and a part-time rock star (at least in the eyes of his niece Olivia and nephews Mitch and Sam).

Jack Olson, a longtime resident of Denver, wanders the Rockies and the entire country as a freelance photographer and writer. He writes travel articles and supplies photographs for AAA magazines, and his photos have been seen in such publications as Backpacker, Audubon, Sierra, and National Geographic Books.

Shane Christensen has written extensively for Frommer's, including in Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Originally from California, he knows the American Southwest well and returns each year to the Grand Canyon to explore its wonders and ensure the accuracy of this guide. Shane has also held a variety of diplomatic assignments with the U.S. Department of State, and he is currently a research scholar and faculty advisor at Columbia University."