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With plans to tour and photograph Monument Valley, we checked into the KOA campground (not far from the park’s entrance). A very polite and young clerk from behind the counter quickly informed us that the park was closed but she excitedly suggested we visit The Valley of the Gods instead. She had us intrigued, so off we went; not knowing that we were about to be astonished. We traveled north from Monument Valley (through the small community of Medicine Hat) before turning west down a side road and to the entrance of the 17 mile scenic route. The road was gravel, windy, very dusty and very bumpy and (honestly) it seemed like we had traveled for miles before we saw one towering pinnacle; and we thought, “Is this it?”. A few miles further though, I was captivated and enthralled by the tall, red, majestic, mesas, buttes, and cliffs that towered above the valley floor! “Oh wow!” My chin dropped, and then I quickly grabbed my camera because the sun was setting fast and I knew the mountain shadows would grow The “Valley of the Gods”, was truly “God-like”. My soul was truly captivated and I was moved to tears; I felt at peace with Mother Nature in the grandeur of the valley. It was hard to leave, knowing my many travels were coming to an end; it was time to go home. * Valley Of The Gods is located in the south-western Utah.
This female Grizzly had two little cubs following behind her. OMG, they were SO cute but because they were behind all the tall grasses, I just couldn't get a clear shot of them. I spotted them in the Abraham Lake district of Alberta, Canada and although I have seen grizzlies before there was something about her that was more frightening; I think I felt her protective energy. That said, even though I a safe distance from her, my heart was racing (I have a respectful fear of grizzlies!). AND.... my heart was STILL racing as I processed this photo (I take raw photos). I had trouble looking into her eyes, it was as though she was looking at me even through the photo. If you run into a grizzly bear: 1. Stay calm. If the bear sees you, talk in a low, calm voice and then regardless if it has seen you or not. 2. Back up slowly. 3. Never turn your back on a bear, or run. 4. Do not stare.... DON'T look into their eyes! 5. Give it space. 6 Do not run! 7. Use your bear spray as it approaches.
"A Pelican Party!" Photography has opened my eyes to the world and it has also inspired me to learn more about those things I'm taking photos of, including the pelican. So with that said, here’s some interesting facts to share with you: 1. A pelican’s wing span can be up to 10 feet, or more. 2. They can fly up to 30 mph and up to 100 miles per day. 3. Pelican’s hunt together by herding fish to the shoreline. 4. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t store their food in the pouches but can hold up to 3 gallons of water (which they filter out before they swallow 5. They don’t eat just fish; they have also been seen to eat turtles, insects and even other birds (!). 6. They inhabit every continent, except Antarctica 7. Pelicans can weigh up to 21 pounds, making them the heaviest flying bird. 8. Some pelicans dive from 60 feet above the water to catch their prey.
