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Desert Gold

under the western sun

By Dan Little

February 9^th, 2014

Bryce

I had the brilliant, albeit brief, opportunity to drive through parts of Southern Utah. My only intent was to spend three days exploring Bryce and Zion National Parks and photograph as much as possible. I hadn’t been to either of the parks before, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. Without any solid preconceived ideas or plans on what I would do when I got there, I decided to rely on intuition and the inspiration of the land to guide me. I was not disappointed.

The sun was low by the time I made the drive all the way back into the park.

This was my first view of the canyon

Storms surrounded the area, presenting fleeting glances of intense rays of sun through the looming black thunderclouds. The downpour that ensued drenched myself and my camera, but I think it may have been worth it.

What are these photos about?

Between photographing late into the night and wanting to be up before first light, I didn’t sleep much at all.

With views like this I am not complaining.

The following morning was clear and quiet. I joined a handful of people gathered in silence at Bryce Point for an awe-inspiring sunrise. I took a few photos, then sat and watched the morning light wrap its way around the rock formations for what seemed like hours. The rest of the park was beautiful, but time was running out, so I packed up and started making my way to Zion.

What are these photos about?

Zion

What are these photos about?

If you ever want to feel small, just visit Zion. The sheer size of the sandstone cliffs leaves you gazing in awe everywhere you look. I only was able to spend one short afternoon here, but this may be my favorite National Park to date. You could stay the entire year and still find more to explore. This park was one that I was regrettably unfamiliar with so I spent most of my time just seeing as much as possible from the road. When I finally left the confines of my car, it started the best and most humbling hike of my life.

What are these photos about?

The Virgin river narrows

“The Narrows is one of the most unusual hikes on the Colorado Plateau. Hiking is done largely in the river as, for a third of the route, the river runs canyon wall to canyon wall. The walls are vertical and sheer, and often red in color. Water levels change from season to season; most hikers will wade at least waist-deep and many will swim a few short sections.”

And so started my adventure through the Narrows. I don’t know what made me decide to pick this route, maybe the scorching noon-day sun made hiking through the water sound enticing. Well that water is apparently frigid on the warmest of days. This “trail” though is nothing less than stunning. It’s hard to keep from looking up as the river winds it’s way in between towering cliff faces that reach up to 2,000ft.

What are these photos about?

After spending almost ten hours hiking through murky water, constantly surrounded by never-ending cliff faces, I have never been so grateful for the open night sky. Exhausted, I packed up, changed clothes and started on toward the next adventure.

Footnotes

"Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves"

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FootNotes

"Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves"

Daily Hampshire Gazette

Desert Gold

under the western sun

FootNotes

Interning in Northampton, MA.

Interning at the Lincoln Journal Star

February 10^th, 2014

FootNotes

Interning in Northampton, MA.

Interning at the Lincoln Journal Star

February 10th, 2014

February 10^th, 2014