Southern Utah Drive

Over the weekend, the stars aligned and JP and I took our long awaited day trip to Utah. Nothing compares to the red rocks of southern Utah. The land there is awe-inspiring. Before I moved out here, I never understood why people lived in the Southwest. Wasn't it just hot desert wasteland? Now I know better because I've been there.

best memories:

1. soft red soil

2. raindrops in my hair

3. flowing water

4. yellow-lit vistas

5. towering red cliffs

6. cool breezes

7. deserted roads

8. taking the long way

9. feeling surrounded by magic

10. experiencing mother earth at her best

Even though she tires of it at times, there are so many things this East coast girl has to be greatful for in her Southwestern life.

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Travels, Part Two

Last Sunday we went to Death Valley. We drove three hours up 95 and then down into the park. We stopped at Scotty's Castle and got in on the first tour with two other people. That was pretty neat since the tours usually have more than 15 people. After that, we visited Ubehebe Crater. It was so surreal to see, and the settled ash seemed to go on forever.

After that, we drove down to Furnace Creek to have lunch. Then we continued on to Artist's Drive and then down to Badwater, which is the lowest point in north America and the second lowest point in the world. Interestingly enough, it is only 85 miles away from the highest point in the continental US, Mt. Whitney. Our waiter at Furnace Creek told us about the Badwater Ultramarathon, which entails running from Badwater up to Mt. Whitney in July! He said they run down the road in front of the restaurant and drop to the ground, one after another.

Finally, we drove around 5,500 feet up to Dante's View, where it was super cold and the wind was very strong and gusty. So strong that I wouldn't have wanted to be any closer to the edge. After that, we made a much shorter trip home through Pahrump, land of brothels.

Here are a few photos I took. Check out the photo set or slide show for more.

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Travels, Part One

Last weekend, JP, my mom and I went to Valley of Fire, Nevada's first state park. The rock formations just go on forever and are a feast for the eyes. It is one of the only places I have ever been where I have heard true and utter silence -- no birds, no cars, no people. Just silence.

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Drive

Officially a neighborhood:



Every day view:



Sprawl:



The (soon to be) closest gym:



Red Rock Casino:

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Spent

I am completely wiped out from my four exams this week.

Here are some photos from Sunday of the Christmas tree at Lake Las Vegas. Is it cheating? Yes. But I think it is some well deserved slack.

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Affirmations

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Pre-Holiday Fun

My life for the next three days:

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Cacti Wonderland

I took these at Ethel M Cactus Garden. The lights go on forever.

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One

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December Views

Oh yes, fair readers, I have found another month-long event that I can get behind! I just haven't gotten back into the blogging groove since NaBlo ended. It's fair to say I've got some blogging burnout going on, but I am not giving up.

The idea behind December Views is to focus on posting a photo from my life. It's ok to add no words, some words, or a lot of words -- there are really no rules, just an idea. I am going to add as many words as I feel at the time.

I think this will really allow me to focus on photography this month, which is exactly what I have been wanting to do! Look for my first photo post tomorrow.

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Zion

On Sunday, JP and I visited Zion National Park. They run the shuttle through the park from April through October. The fact that it was the last day the shuttles were running was inspiration enough to get us to drive the six hours round trip.

Even though it was a bit smoky from the California wildfires in the early part of the day, it has pretty much cleared out by the afternoon. The warm sun and cool breezes in the shade and by the Virgin River made perfect hiking weather. The golden fall colors were an extra treat. I was glad to have my SLR camera along.

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