Thought I'd start out the post-vacation SPS posts with a taste of Zion. I did some internet research for information on the various trails in the park before we left. I read that the trail normally used for horse riding was supposed to have good views whether you were on a horse or not, and since most people without horses never thought to hike it, it was relatively peaceful, too.
Well, my internet directions were a little fuzzy, and we missed the horse trail. We actually ended up on an unmarked trail, with no name, that entered the area known as the Court of the Patriarchs. The area is named for the three large rock spires that tower over the narrow valley. Each spire is named for a Biblical patriarch: Jacob, Abraham, and Isaac. We did not see one other person while we were on this trail, but we did run into some animal friends:
This frog (or toad?) was hanging out by a small stream.
This lizard was extremely patient with us. I took a number of pictures from about 3 feet away, and when he showed no sign of caring about me, I circled in until I had the S2 on supermacro, positioned about an inch from his eye. Still didn't care one bit!
The sky on this day had some interesting clouds, which made for visual interest, and also helped to cut the bright sunlight, allowing for some decent exposures. Justin and I both felt that, even though we'd missed our intended target, we'd still run across something very worthy: solitude in a busy park!
Thought I'd start out the post-vacation SPS posts with a taste of Zion. I did some internet research for information on the various trails in the park before we left. I read that the trail normally used for horse riding was supposed to have good views whether you were on a horse or not, and since most people without horses never thought to hike it, it was relatively peaceful, too.
Well, my internet directions were a little fuzzy, and we missed the horse trail. We actually ended up on an unmarked trail, with no name, that entered the area known as the Court of the Patriarchs. The area is named for the three large rock spires that tower over the narrow valley. Each spire is named for a Biblical patriarch: Jacob, Abraham, and Isaac. We did not see one other person while we were on this trail, but we did run into some animal friends:
This frog (or toad?) was hanging out by a small stream.
This lizard was extremely patient with us. I took a number of pictures from about 3 feet away, and when he showed no sign of caring about me, I circled in until I had the S2 on supermacro, positioned about an inch from his eye. Still didn't care one bit!
The sky on this day had some interesting clouds, which made for visual interest, and also helped to cut the bright sunlight, allowing for some decent exposures. Justin and I both felt that, even though we'd missed our intended target, we'd still run across something very worthy: solitude in a busy park!
9 comments:
WOW! Looks like a fantastic day for photos. That lizard shot is amazing, I LOVE IT!!!
I think you picked the perfect path Ash, to have such a place to yourselves must have felt great.. the critters you met along the way must know no fear... Fantastic pictures and a very interesting post.
Glad to see you are back safe & sound with another huge file of awesome images! Amazing the lizard was so patient with you, the little Florida lizards I encountered on my recent trip would never have put up with that.
Great images you have posted since your return and my fav is the lizard!
very beautiful captures. the first and last reminds me the Greek place, Meteora.
I was in Zion 3 years ago... what an awe-inspiring place! Loved the trails, the wildlife, the flora, the towering rocks... a place I would love to see more of. One day was definitely not enough.
You captured all so beautifully :) I missed Zion when I was there but I know I'll visit again someday soon.
Enjoyment for all to see.Great shots.
serendipity, as they call it :)
and liked your animal friends....especially the angles you have taken them at....
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