120909 Tucson

I received a chance to deliver a day-long presentation at a conference in Tucson, AZ, to an international audience.  Because this presentation would start very early Monday morning, I had to go to Tucson the day before, not only to set-up workstations but also to avoid travel fatigue.  For this trip, I had the pleasure of the company of my wife.

Because of chores and other tasks, we could not depart as early as we had hope, and arrived in Tucson at midday.  After lunch, we went to Sabino Canyon for a hike.  It has a well-paved roadway, with tram for visitors with narration provided by the driver.  But we elected not to take the tram, hoping to be able to stop here and there whenever photographic opportunities arose.

Cactus blooms along at Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ.

Rattlesnake Creek along the road at Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ.

Unfortunately for us, the temperature was way too hot.  In spite of several stops long the stream zigzagging along the road, we could not complete the hike.  On the way back, we stopped and rest near large tree.  While there, an insect about 2 inches (5 cm) long fell out of this tree and landed near us.  It looked like a very large grasshopper, but its colors were unusual to me.  Upon seeing this insect, a hiker said "three of these and you got a meal".

Grasshopper (?) at the Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ.

Dragonfly at the Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ

After hiking back down, we spent the rest of the evening in the cool comfort of our hotel.  I spent time setting up workstations for my workshop, scheduled for the next day.  When my day-long presentation was finished, these workstations had to be disassembled for shipment back to my company.  The day ended late, and there was a thunderstorm coming.  Maybe another time can be better spent on a photo safari in Tucson.

Until then, I solicit and welcome you comments and critiques in my continuing effort to improve my photographic skills. Thank you.

Enjoy,
Paul

120902 Grand Canyon

The long Labor Day weekend offered us a chance to visit one of the most iconic place on Earth, located right here in our home state of Arizona.  We live in this beautiful state for many, many years.  Yet, we did not make the effort to visit the Grand Canyon.

The last time I was at the Grand Canyon was around 15 years ago.  That visit was very short.  I did not much time to absorb its beauty, its majesty.  Also, summer temperature was brutally hot.  My memory of the Grand Canyon was not good.

Earlier this year though, our friends from Vietnam came to visit.  My wife, her sister and brother-in-law took them to see the Grand Canyon.  It was in the middle of spring.  They came back singing praises of the Grand Canyon.  So this past Labor Day weekend, my wife made reservation for us to visit and stay overnight at a hotel nearby.  This way, we did not have to rush.

The drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was dotted by the occasional rain, but otherwise uneventful.  Given this time was a holiday weekend, the line of cars at the entrance was long.  But the very efficient staff of the park shorten our wait time.

The weather was pleasantly comfortable, with patchy clouds overhead:  a perfect day to visit the Grand Canyon, indeed.  We hoped onto one of several free buses which took visitors to many places along the rim and into the village.  Our walk along the paved path of the South Rim began at the Visitors' Center.  This place was full of visitors from around the world.  French, German, Chinese, Japanese were a few of the spoken languages I recognized.  All enjoying the grandeur of this National Park.  Below are a few shots I took.  Hopefully, they convey a sense of majesty of the Grand Canyon.

Colors of the Grand Canyon.

Enjoying the majesty of the Grand Canyon.

As we walked along the paved path, a squirrel came out to grab a morsel of food.  It just sat there and enjoyed its meal.

Why is everyone looking at me? - photo by Mylinh

Enjoying lunch.

Sunset is the best time to appreciate the splendor of the Grand Canyon.  Its colorful radiance shines through beautifully.  But to capture such majesty in a photograph, one must select the right location, and have the right equipment.  Unfortunately, I was not prepared;  This visit would just be a scouting event.

The Grand Canyon at sunset.

After a goodnight sleep, we woke up early in hope of catching sunrise.  On my way to my car, I was pleasantly surprised by a young boy who was enthusiastically urging his family not to miss sunrise.  I hope his expectation was well met.

Meditation at sunrise.

Enjoying the magnificent view of the Grand Canyon.

A long way back up to the Rim.

Now that my opinion of the Grand Canyon is rectified, I look forward to more visits.  Maybe even a hike along one of its many trails.  The pictures above, and a few more, are at https://picasaweb.google.com/108013863525571472697/120902GrandCanyonScenic#.  And as always, I solicit and welcome your comments and critiques.

Enjoy.
Paul