#TravelTuesday The Grand Canyon

The first big trip my wife and I took together was back in 2008 to the Grand Canyon. Neither of us had done a lot of recent travel, and it was on both of our “it would be cool to see” lists, so it seemed like a good idea.

Back in 2008 my camera skills were non existent, and the camera I had was an Olympus point and shoot. Not because it was a nice camera, but because it was small enough to fit in my pocket and was water resistant. This brings up the truest photography fact I have ever seen.

The best camera in the world is the one you have with you.

We spent our long weekend in Sedona Arizona and planned the day trip to the Grand Canyon for Sunday. It was just over a 3 hour drive to see this geological tour de force and as we neared our destination, fog and rain engulfed us. Our first views of this wonder consisted of nothing but clouds. Walking to the edge of a cliff looked like nothing special at all, just milky white cotton candy, as thick as pea soup. Rain poured for about 30 minutes and we drove sullenly around the southern rim and waited, peering out the rental car windows for any break in the fog.

After another half hour the sky seemed brighter and the wind had picked up. The rain had stopped and clouds rose out of the canyon. It was as if they suddenly remembered how to fly and up they went. The rest of the day was beautiful and fulfilling. If you ever have the chance, go and experience the Grand Canyon. To this day it is still one of the most amazing wonders I have ever seen.

Grand Canyon 2008​

Olympus Digital Camera​

How Rex got his name

I drive a minivan for work, and I drive a lot. It’s a great vehicle for what it needs to be, but sometimes I need to scratch that itch in my right foot and have a little fun. Years ago this yearning for some driving adrenaline led to the purchase of my Mazda RX-8. I won’t go into the details of why I bought this particular car except to say, right place, right time.

My daughter has always named whatever car I was driving, so it was natural for her to apply a moniker for this bright white sports car. She dubbed the car “Rex ate pizza” (I’m guessing from the RX-8 model, and the fact that we were on our way to pick up a pizza) which we shortened to “Rex”. Since then he has been a trusted friend, and he agreed to sit for a few photos early Sunday morning, as long as I followed his instructions and “made him look good.”

Hopefully I gave his vanity the distinction it deserves.

​"Rex"

​Nikon D800 Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70mm f/2.8 ISO 100  5 image HDR  1/30 - .5 sec

Early morning

I’m finding that one of the challenges of being a photographer is getting up early. So much wonderful light and color flow through the world before most of us are awake. Obviously a few others are awake (there must be someone in the balloon) enjoying the crisp chill in the autumn air. Catching scenes like the one pictured below keeps me setting the alarm clock early.

​Church with Balloon in the Early Morning

Nikon D800​ Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 38mm f/10 ISO 100 6 image HDR 1/800-1/50 sec.

NASCAR

Every year we make a pilgrimage to a few NASCAR events. The race in Dover Delaware is coming up at the end of September and we will be there. Earlier this year we attended the “Coca-Cola 600” held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. It is a BLAST! From fast cars and engine roar to die-hard fans and death defying crashes. There’s something for everyone, even if it’s funnel cake and a pre-dawn sunrise view over the stadium.

​Coca-Cola 600 sunrise

Nikon D5100 Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 11mm f/11 ISO 100​ 7 image HDR 1/30-1.6 sec

For all it's worth

Imagine your favorite dessert. Picture it so clearly that you can smell it. Smell the rich chocolate enveloping your senses. Feel the chill of the ice cream, see the contrast between the colors in the dish, and feel your spoon and it dives into your little piece of heaven. Savor that pleasure. Make the most out of it, and immerse yourself into the experience. I witnessed a beautiful sunset a few weeks ago.

This tiny scene inside of it’s grandeur almost escaped me. The ducks, silhouetted in the lake, with soft color all around spoke to me. I would have missed it since I was in awe of the sunset, but I looked deeper.

If its a tasty dessert or an inspiring view, or a beautiful piece of music, enjoy it fully!

​ Silhouetted ducks at sunset 

Nikon D5100 ​Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 70mm f/8 ISO 100 1/6 sec.