Well, I arrived in to Phoenix yesterday evening about 6:30 pm, an hour later than I expected. Even though I left Cortez early I found myself stopping way too often. When I awoke I could hear the wet pavement from passing cars. But I was in for a surprise when I stepped outside my hotel room and found 2-3 inches of snow on my car. Glad I did not pitch the tent. 🙂 Below is an image taken just west of Cortez before sunrise. What a beautiful serene morning.
I arrived in Canyon De Chilly about 9:00 in the morning and spent more time there than I expected, which was not enough time. The scenery was breath taking but not as much as the sacredness I felt there. There were very few visitors because of the cold and snow from the night before and it is still early in the season. Loved the quiet of walking to vistas and looking out over the canyon. I had no desire to leave and will go back.
I took the above image along Highway 191 in northeast Arizona. You can see the storm system that moved through yesterday on the eastern horizon. You can also see the dirt on my lens. 🙂
If you enjoy scattered clouds against a blue sky then yesterday was the day for it.
I also made a quick drive through the Petrified Forest National Park. It was more than I expected, the colors and art work of nature at it’s best can be found in Painted Desert area of the park. It is called the ‘badlands’ for a good reason but what beauty in such a desolate and harsh land. Now to relax and spend time with my parents and eat!
7 Comments
Cedric Canard
The variety of landscapes you are seeing is astounding. And beautiful.
Monte Stevens
I drove a thousand miles in two days so I did have the chance to see a variety of landscapes. That’s what this trip is all about.
Earl
Wow, Monte, you’ve got some great shots here. Talk about a bit of bad weather turning into a blessing. That snow really makes the desert landscapes pop! Very Nice!
Monte Stevens
I know those bumps on our paths can be the best part of a trip depending on how we look at them. I heard an old Catholic priest respond to someone who was complaining about a snowy day. He said, “It’s just the way God wanted it.”
Mark
Very cool Monte. That Canyon looks like a fantastic place, and nature rewarded you with the snow which I think adds a great extra element to that scene. Very nice. I can see how one could spend A LOT of time there.
Have to admit it is nicer seeing the snow someplace else for once. Mostly gone here in MI now.
Monte Stevens
Mark, the thing that called to me was not the physical beauty but the spirit of the place. The Indians are right on when they call it sacredness. The quiet and peace wrapped itself around me and would not let go. Most of nature does that to us, we just have to be there to experience it. As you know, words fall short in explaining experiences.
Mark
I can understand that completely.