Another year, and another 4 week trip to America to visit family, and to explore. Landed in San Francisco, and then headed to Berkeley, my wife's hometown. From there, we headed to San Diego, staying at the Hard Rock Hotel, right in the heart of the Gaslight District. Phoenix Arizona was our next stop, and to start our road trip to Sedona. Fell in love with Sedona from our visit the year before. From there we headed to Page, and to fulfil a bucket list must do. Upper Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend. We also managed a few short trips across the State line into Utah. Back to Berkeley, and then to Seattle, before returning to Berkeley, and our return flight back to Sydney, and home.
The images below, are from a day trip to Sacramento, capital of California.
Next trip was to San Diego, and exploring La Jolla and Mission Beach, and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, and the Marriot Marquis. Hard Rock sits right beside the Gaslight District. Great to stroll down the street trying to choose anyone of the many fine eateries. The Marriot Marquis overlooks the marina. But is only a short stroll across the trolly tracks to the Gaslight District.
Images below are from Little Italy, a short drive from the Gaslight district.
La Jolla
And a view from our room at sunset. And a view from Coronado back towards our Hotel.
Next set of images need no explanation.
And the last three images. Mission Beach, Old Town, And view of marina from our room.
Next destination was a visit to Sedona Arizona, and then onto Page to fulfil a Bucket List photography tour of Upper Antelope Canyon. The images below are from a residential area of sedona. I could get used to waking up each morning, and seeing these views each day. The other images were taken as a storm was approaching. Made a nice change from red rock and blue sky.
Goodbye Sedona, hello Page. The first three images are at Bitter Springs. And on the other side of this pass, is the start of the Grand Canyon.
For anyone serious about photographing Upper Antelope Canyon, I would highly recommend taking the professional tour run by Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours. Well worth the $160 US. Only five (5) photographers per tour. Tour lasts for 2 hours. That is with short drive to and back from the checkin point. other tours have up to 10/12 photographers per tour. To many photographers with tripods in a almost confined space. Our tour guide was fantastic, He explained the history, knew exactly the right spots to get the best shots with the light shafts entering the canyon. He would also stop all other tours from entering an area, so we could have 2 minutes of people free time to get our images. The real beauty of the canyon can only be enjoyed with a long exposure.The colours just jump out at you!
Short trip into Utah, that is only a few miles down the road from Page Arizona.
First image is of Glen Canyon Dam Bridge that carries US route 89 across the Colorado River. Located Page Arizona. Last image was taken at Grand Staircase-Escalante of the Toadstools. The other images are just random along route 89.
On our way back to Phoenix from Page, is an unincorporated community in Coconino County called Gray Mountain. Located on US Route 89, 39 miles north-northeast of Flagstaff. It used to be a trade post, because of it's close proximity to the Navajo Nation. But now seems to be a ghost town, as most buildings stand abandoned.
Last three images are randoms. First image was taken at a rail museum in a small town between Jerome, and Sedona. Second image is of Pigeon Point Lighthouse. And the third image was taken at Devils Slide. An abandoned WWII bunker, then bought by a private buyer. Who then proceeded to dig the dirt away for a project that was never completed. Now the bunker sits on the rock, waiting for the day it will slide down the cliff face, and into the sea.