Landscapes and nature Archives

June 16, 2022June 16, 2022

Fantasy Canyon is Fantasical!

Fanciful figures naturally sculpted in the sandstone of Fantasy Canyon, south of Vernal, Utah.

Fantasy Canyon is a unique geologic location near Vernal, Utah, famous for intricately weathered and eroded sandstone pillars, hoodoos, and arches. These formations reminded us of Portuguese Manueline or Gaudi-style Art Nouveau architecture.

May 18, 2022May 18, 2022

Makoshika Badlands Photographs

Closeup of rock formations and concretions in the badlands of Makoshika State Park near Glendive, Montana.

There are nearly 12,000 acres of picturesque landscape in the Makoshika badlands. Makoshika State Park, near Glendive, Montana, is a great place to start a tour of high plains badlands.

May 18, 2022May 18, 2022

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Photographs

A view of the yellow cottonwoods that grow along the banks of the Little Missouri River in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.

Photographing Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TPNP) is a a rewarding experience. Because it is not heavily visited, photographers can capture unobstructed views without cars or people. Yay!

It is important to know that there are three separate areas, or units, of the park: North, South, Elkhorn Ranch. And, they are many miles apart. In addition, along I-94 near Medora, there is the Painted Canyon Visitor Center and rest stop. These photos are from our visit to the North and South units.

May 18, 2022May 18, 2022

Badlands National Park Photographs

Dust catches the rays of the setting sun in this westward view across the eroded landscape of Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

Badlands National Park is the archetypal example of badlands in the United States. Nothing dilutes the purity of these ragged erosional formations rising out of the shortgrass prairie. We were suitably impressed with the badlands we had explored in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Makoshika State Park. But, the starkness of Badlands National Park was awe-inspiring.

May 18, 2022May 18, 2022

Enchanted Highway Photographs

This is the rear view of one part of the sculpture by Gary Greff called Pheasants on the Prairie, located along the Enchanted Highway running between I-94 and Regent, North Dakota.

It’s Enchanting! Giant grasshoppers roam the fields. A family of pheasants browse the grasses. Fish leap into the air. They are all part of a whimsical collection of scrap metal sculptures that entice travelers south, from I-94 to the small town of Regent, along the Enchanted Highway.

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021

Iceland’s Lighthouses

Iceland’s lighthouses number approximately 104 and dot Iceland’s 3100-mile (5000-kilometer) coastline. The lighthouses sit on rocky promontories and in deep fjords. Many lighthouses are active. They still provide life-saving guidance to ships sailing in the dangerouse waters around the island nation.