Monday, September 26, 2011

Benches

I must have a fascination for benches, because my photo collection is full of bench pictures. I like to see their lines, curves, colors, and materials. That I do know. For something so simple - a seat with something to hold it up - there are so many different ways of making it. It makes sense, because that's what art does...it takes something ordinary and turns it into something unique and interesting to look at (and use!). And then someone places it in its own special setting, and wah-la! It catches my eye in my viewfinder! So, for whatever reason, these benches called out to me somewhere along my paths and here they are, in all their uniqueness - just waiting to be sat on.















Thursday, September 15, 2011

Navajo Bridge, Northern Arizona

It seems I've been blogging about places I've visited this summer instead of crafty, stitchy, knitty projects I might be working on. The truth is, I have been taking a bit of a break from the studio while the days are long and warm.

Recently, I took a road trip to Flagstaff, Arizona to visit my sister and her family. On the way home I chose to take the alternate route in northern Arizona that goes over the eastern tip of the Grand Canyon via Navajo Bridge.


It was a warm day and the sky was magnificent; an afternoon summer storm on its way. The Colorado River is hundreds of feet below. On the west are the Vermilion Cliffs, and on the east are the Echo Cliffs.



There are actually two bridges. The first bridge that was built isn't wide enough for today's traffic and trucks, so a second bridge was built. That's what you see in the photo above.


The first bridge on the left above is reserved just for pedestrian traffic. For many years as I've traveled back and forth to visit family in Arizona, I've stopped here and walked the bridge, marveling at the Colorado River below. It's a fun detour. Those are the Echo Cliffs in the background above.

 This is looking west at the pink-tinted Vermilion Cliffs.


And this is the traditional favorite photo that I always take from the bridge, looking north, with the Echo Cliffs on the right. As you drive to Navajo Bridge from the flatlands, you really have no inkling of what lies below - the deep gorge cut by the Colorado River. It's simply amazing.


It wasn't long after I passed through here that the rain began and followed me most of the way home to Bountiful, Utah, just north of Salt Lake City. The sky for most of the drive was filled with changing clouds and colors with the summer storm - truly remarkable. I heart road trips! ~CJ~