Sorry I have been so inactive – Hopefully these images will make up for it.

Sorry I have been so remiss about updating.  I can rationalize that it is two miles each way to get email access, and the room I work in is a mail room that doesn’t really lend itself to creative thinking.  Nevertheless I am grateful that the Park provides internet access at all.

I have been doing a lot of shooting at Petrified Forest.  The shapes and colors are fantastic early and late, but the colors are washed out midday.  I think that Blue Mesa in the southern part of the Park will turnout to be my favorite area.  There is a trail that leads down into the canyon and you can wind your way around the layered buttes – it is like Alice in Wonderland – huge multi-colored buttes towering over you and around each corner. I went in the evening yesterday, but morning seems to be better.

The historic Painted Desert Inn (which is now just a landmark and no longer functions as an inn) is right across from where I am staying.  Two great trails start there:  the Rim Trail runs parallel to the road right at the rim of the canyon, giving a great view into Painted Desert (good morning light).  The Wilderness Trail runs right down into the Painted Desert, which in this area is a Wilderness area, meaning no vehicles, pets or facilities: only great view and colors.  I walked down to the canyon without camera, but didn’t stay long because it was getting late, but did shoot later from part way down the trail.