ruins | kritterspix

Tonto National Monument

Posted on March 25, 2018March 25, 2018 by kritterspaw

I was born in Phoenix, AZ… and have lived here all my adult life (despite the fact that I have traveled and lived in a dozen or so states). So we are pretty familiar with AZ, and her backroads.

But, I have never been to Tonto National Monument, until this week. It was a first for both John (who moved here when he was 11 mo. old) and myself.

Despite the fact that I was less than impressed, it was a good trip, a nice hike (which Journey was marginally allowed on), and very scenic.

We loved the view of Roosevelt Lake from the ruins more than we liked the ruins themselves. It was blue blue sky day… but made for a nice diversion for the day.

morning light cacti_IR.jpg

Sycamore Canyon

Posted on June 22, 2017 by kritterspaw

cacti road_IR.jpg

The advantages of driving down long bumpy roads and hiking steep treacherous trails are found at the end of the road, wherever that may be, and the views one can take in. Such is the case with this special AZ treasure, where we discovered Indian ruins now several decades ago, up high in the cliff wall overlooking the amazing landscape below.

first glmpeCR2_LR-2_IR.jpg

The morning glow and first sunlight as it peaked over the hills were enough to give one pause as we relished our recent visit to this treasured place.

2 doorways vu2_LR_IR.jpg

golden vu vert_IR.jpg

They say, take time to smell the roses. I say, take time to enjoy the beauty around you, wherever you may be.

lone tree_IR.jpg

Car Trails

Posted on May 31, 2015 by kritterspaw

You can tell I have dusted off my tripod and am doing some interesting night photography. With these cars zipping by this lonely quiet (and dark) stretch of 89A in Lee’s Ferry, I had the perfect opportunity to try some car trails. I set up the camera and used my headlamp to focus at my distant subject. Then I set up my tripod and set it on a long exposure of 20 seconds.

The forward going lights were cool… but bright starbursts. Things got even more interesting when I moved around to let the car lights light up my subject… and even more interesting when trucks with multiple lights sped by.

Lee’s Ferry / Vermillion Cliffs

Posted on May 31, 2015May 31, 2015 by kritterspaw

Lee’s Ferry is that desolate less talked about destination outside of Page. Everyone hears about Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon, but few are familiar with Lee’s Ferry. Lee’s Ferry is the launch point for Grand Canyon rafters.

It’s cliffs and buttes are part of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and Soap Creek area. We had intended to explore the area with our boat, but apparently the boat had other ideas and wasn’t up for the trip. So instead we did some hiking. Our dog, Journey, kept us from doing anything to strenuous which was fine.

The area is very cool with all it’s rock formations and boulder ‘art’.

Being in the middle of nowhere the stars were brilliant and picturesque. Next time we hope to take the boat and see Lee’s Ferry from an entire different perspective.