Payson Grotto, Nebo Scenic Loop, Utah

Payson Grotto

I have driven past the trail leading to this lovely little oasis on the Mt. Nebo scenic loop dozens of times and never bothered to stop and check it out until yesterday. After a short, easy walk off the main road I was pleasantly surprised to find this little photogenic gem. Of course about 10 other adults and 25 kids were enjoying it with me! I set my camera on a tripod, sat down next to it on a big boulder and waited and waited and waited. I had to be quick to get even a couple shots without people crowding into the composition!!

Sunday Reflection

A Peaceful Sunday of Rest and Reflection

(Taken a few days ago on Temple Square)

Spray of Sparks!

Spray of Sparks

Are you thinking traditional fireworks?? I would never have guessed how this was done if I hadn't gone to a very fun photo club outing last night. It involves a piece of cord, a wire whisk and a pad of steel wool. Tied to one end is the whisk with the steel wool stuffed inside, and on the other end is a person who lights the steel wool and then swings the cord in circles. This is my favorite of some very cool designs that I captured.   (Oh, and don't worry, he was standing on a small pier and the sparks were hitting water.)

Macro Bee

Bokeh Behind Bumble Bee.....Busy Backyard Buddy!!

(That's all the 'B' words I could think of to describe this photo!!)

Bridal Veil Falls, Utah

Bridal Veil Falls, Utah on a Hot Summer Day

Tibble Fork Reservoir, Utah

In His Happy Place!

Taken before sunrise at Tibble Fork Reservoir, about 15-20 minutes away from home.

Dawn's Early Light!

Dawn's Early Light

This is the north side of Mt. Timpanogos as seen from Deer Creek Reservoir.

Salt Lake Temple

Salt Lake Temple on a Beautiful Summer Day

Pretty in Purple!

Pretty in Purple!

....and making my front porch colorful!

Coconut Beach, Kauai

Coconut Beach, Kauai

Does it get any better than playing on the beach with your buddies? I'm sure they have no idea there was a beautiful sky surrounding them!!

Cedar Breaks Night Glow

 Cedar Breaks Night Glow

This photo, (and the one in my last post), were taken a week ago, a few miles away from where a forest fire now rages in and around Brian Head, a Utah ski resort. To date it is still not contained and has burned 33,000 acres.

Sunset View Overlook, Cedar Breaks, Utah

Sunset View Overlook

Cedar Breaks, Utah

I was the only one at this view point enjoying this glorious sunset!

Thanksgiving Point Flowers

The flower gardens are always beautiful at Thanksgiving Point.

Spring in Snow Canyon

Spring in Snow Canyon....love this time of year!

On the Road to Zion National Park

On the Road to Zion National Park

This was taken by the side of the road, a few miles outside the entrance to Zion.  Sometimes I take pleasure in photographing scenes that are easily seen yet are often missed.  I wonder how many of the thousands of people who travel this road, and are anticipating the beauty they will find in the park, miss this lovely vista!

Indian Paintbrush at Whitney Pockets

Indian Paintbrush at Whitney Pockets

As late afternoon slips into the early stages of the 'golden hour', the sun, low on the horizon, skims hills & valleys, shadows intensify, the color of light becomes bold, brilliant, and the desert landscape glows.

Zion National Park - 2

One more sunset shot of Zion.

Zion National Park

Good Night Zion!!

Enterprise, Utah Reservoir

Enterprise, Utah Reservoir

Another view in the same area as my last post.  Soft Focus and the motion in the clouds creates a dreamy scene.

Enterprise, Utah

Lupine Near Enterprise, Utah

It is always a treat to discover beautiful blooms in places where most of the year the scenery is barren and the climate is less than hospitable. 

"Just remember, every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there!" - Barbara Johnson