Camera, Action! Monument Valley and Surrounds

Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans, Gene Autry, the Lone Ranger–am I dating myself? Remember Forest Gump? Monument Valley and surrounds have been used in many forms of media for decades, but it all started with Zane Grey’s silent western, The Vanishing American, in 1925. Southern Utah became the new Wild West for many films through the 1930s, 1940s, into the early 70s. John Wayne fell in love with South Utah’s landscape, filming 11 westerns in the Monument Valley area all directed by John Ford. So let’s see what is so very special.

Let’s go . . .

Winter Wonderland–Colorado Springs Style

North entrance walkway

The forecast was for a few inches of snow Sunday night, but when I peeked outside about 8pm, huge snowflakes were falling and everything was covered. What would the morning bring?

Heavy, wet snow clinging to everything, not a breath of wind, 20 degree temperatures. This means a trip to Garden of the Gods. A beautiful winter wonderland–Colorado Springs style!

Watch your step!

Slickrock, Arches, and Sentinels–Utah’s Red Rocks

Last May 1st I hiked in Utah’s amazing Kodachrome Basin State Park. It’s time I shared this beautiful walk with you. The national parks in Utah are fantastic, but I was awed by the less crowded state parks. They offer such beauty with an up-close-and-personal feel. Today we’ll walk the 1.7 mile loop called Shakespeare Arch-Sentinel Trail. Come along into red rock country!

Watch your step . . .

Nature Walk in Kodachrome

Today we are taking a short nature walk that highlights Utah’s beautiful sandstone formations and life in the high semi-desert ecosystem. We are visiting Kodachrome Basin State Park about 20 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park. I’m already in awe of the fantastic, similar yet different, landscape of Kodachrome. Let’s take our time and really enjoy!

Let’s explore more . . .