WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT in the United States?
One of my favorite spots to visit is the Southwest area. I always feel as if I'm home when there.
For this adventure, I flew into Las Vegas, rented a car and headed for the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Love the road trip part of traveling so a perfect way for me to get to the canyon.
I had visited the Grand Canyon twice before - as a teenager with family and again about 20 years or so ago with my son.
This last trip, I'm alone and have my camera equipment - all ready to go!
Brochures will give you advice on which stops along the park's ridge are best for photography.
So...the sunrise best shot is the first stop along the trail on the east end of the park. I arrive at 5 a.m. to be sure to get a good spot.
Upon my arrival, I find fellow visitors sitting and standing on the ledge areas....had to be at least 100 people there! And they are all talking! And although any sunrise is beautiful, it was a disappointing experience for me.
Lucky for me - I had a couple more days at the park - another opportunity to try for the sunrise shot.
Two days later, I wake up at 3 a.m. and drive to a parking lot somewhere in the middle of the park along the ridge. In a darkness I've never experienced (no light fixtures other than my small flashlight) I walked from my car to the park trail along the ridge.
There wasn't another soul around. I had no clue what the view would be!
The sky was magnificent. The stars in the sky filled every inch of space...and the quietness was incredible....scary and peaceful at the same time.
A reminder of just how small we are in the scheme of the world!
As I waited on the trail for the sun to rise, I absorbed the enormous sky and the wonderful silence....and the creatures stirring with the first rays of light filled the quietness with their sweet songs.
It was so magnificent! What a difference a day and location can make. Every time I see this photo - my first shot of the day - I am transported to that moment.
Glorious!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT in the United States?
I look forward to your stories - and check out sharondraeger.com for additional nature and wildlife images and like our FB page for our next adventure story!
May the PEACE OF NATURE be with you!!
