Coyote Cathedral- October 2004

Badlands National Park- Christine and I went in search of Deer Haven, one of the few places in park with trees, where deer are known to congregrate. We thought we knew where it was so we spent the day moving over and around the strange formations in Badlands. We didn't find Deer Haven, but we topped out on this fantastic plateau and as we did we say a coyote move across behind us. It was a cold hard day, but we had lots of fun

Fantasy Canyon, Utah- August 2004

PART 1

This is one of the greatest adventures I have ever been on, an it all started with coming across this Fatali photograph in his gallery in Springdale Utah, just outside Zion National Park. Mr.Fatali claims no digital tricks or filters in his photography, but having a degree in Astrophysics, the apparent phase of the moon and its position in the sky from the sun had me questioning if this photo was real. Not to mention this is one of the most unique rock formations I have ever seen. When we inquired about the picture and its location we were told that it was a secret known only to the artist and was very hard to get too.... Well that is all it took, the search was on!

Obviously we found it! It is not my place to say whether the Fatali photo is real, but the picture above and below are being illuminated by the setting sun (sun in the west) The moon phase is consistant with a very late waning crescent moon, (moon in the western sky), but with such a small sliver of moon illuminated, the moon would be near "new" and only a few degrees from the sun. It is obviously much further in the photo above.

Whether the photo is truly real or not, it doesn't take away from the stunning beauty of this or any of the other Fatali photographs.

This place turned out to be one of the wierdest areas you could imagine. Everything about this area seemed from another world. From the erie rock formations to the weather

The rocks take on shapes.. that are easily recognized

"snapping turtle" or "moose"

"witch on a broom"

"boxing bear"

The area seemed to welcome us and want to show us all its secret colors in one day

We could not have felt further away from the "real world" and any happier

This adventure was completely planned by Christine's hard work in tracking down this location!

Flaming Gorge, Utah- August 2004

Part 2 of our grand week took us to Flaming Gorge on the border of Utah/Wyoming. This was a fabulous canyon with great scenery. More of an RV/boat based park, but with some good trails and a very relaxing time.




The most beautiful sunrise I have ever scene, right out my tent window








A surprise find, a restored fire tower with a couple "caretakers". The view from the top was just stunning, with beautiful weather

Dinasour National Monument, Colorado- August 2004

Part 3
We decided to pick up another state and head across the border into Colorado and see Dinasour National Monument.

We camped in a very secluded spot near a great river

It rained on us for awhile, but Christine made a BIG fire and we had a great time

Even the rain could not keep the spectacular scenery down.

A perfect rainbow

We were wet but very happy... and ready for part 4......

Jones Hole, Utah- August 2004

Part 4
The last of our adventures that started with Fantasy Canyon, was a perfect couple of days in Jones Hole. This hike had everything, scenery, wildlife, big cliffs, unexpected events and great company. This was one of the most perfect adventures I have been on.

At the top of the trail is the Utah fish hatchery. The creek below was perfect for trout.

A surprise find of Pictographs. In excellent shape

The wildlife was close

We skipped the trail and walked back to camp by using the creek