I woke up this morning and a thick, heavy blanket of grey hung over Zion Canyon. Even the best of intentions, to take a hike, do laundry or any of a zillion things that I could get done, couldn’t pry me out of the PJ’s and into the cold, rainy day. Not out of my warm, cozy and dry (thanks to the tarp) 1979 Komfort travel trailer, thank you very much.
Put the chicken in the crock pot (how did I survive without using one of these), make more coffee, a little sausage, egg and potato for Sunday brunch, crank up the electric heater and ahhhhh! This is life on the road.
Obviously, when I began this journey to live full-time in a 17′ trailer, traveling to the major National Parks, I had no clue what was in store for me. I only wanted to have the freedom and carefree lifestyle that would afford me the opportunity to photograph and write about some of the most beautiful places in our country.
I imagined myself out taking beautiful photos every day, hiking, smiling, laughing, with not a care in the world. Warm and toasty at night, sitting at the computer in my little trailer, editing photos and surfing the net. No worries, no fuss, no new grey hairs.
Just happy trails.
Who wants to think about soaring gas prices, trailer maintenance (not to mention knowing nothing about trailers), no internet or cell service, RV hookups vs boon docking and the cost, national park stay limits, showers and laundry? No, no, some of us just get in the car and drive away, and then wonder where to take a shower and how to fix a leaky roof.
And we sure don’t think about how exhausting life will get if it never rains.
And, so I have been in Zion NP for one week. There are high canyons walls that block out the sunlight for the better part of the day, deciduous trees turning shades of red and yellow and bucks and rams chasing the girls around. Can’t decide where to start and where to end. All of it a mystery, a sweet mystery at that, and not an area that a person can pop into, take a few shots and get anything great, not on the first visit anyway.
This crowd on the bridge was a light gathering compared to my first night in the park. Most of this group are with the Aperture Academy and they had all of the best spots. I got to stand next to (close) the end gal in the pink and black jacket.
First thing, around the first bend, I run into a bridge full of photographers. Crap, I don’t want to shoot there. What are they shooting anyway, it doesn’t look that great. The trees need more color. Who wants to get the same shot everyone else is getting? All of this goes through my mind as I continue up the road, missing the turn into the canyon. Which is how I came across the big horn sheep.
And so my adventure into Zion begins. I had not a clue of where to go or what to do. I did not even know that it was the first day that we were allowed to take our vehicles into the canyon or that it was perfect timing for the fall colors.
Slowly, I start exploring. Unfortunately my body had some extra aches and pains and so my movements were slow but steady, while working out the kinks. And then I run into a photographer I had met in the Tetons, Daryl Hunter, and we did some exploring together.
We ran into each other on the River Walk trail and barely recognized the other because we were not in the Tetons. I had just taken the previous two images.
We climbed over rocks, watched the light, fought crowds, got wet from dripping water and shot.
And then Daryl was gone, I worked on my trailer, preparing for the up coming storm, explored and shot.
And today was cold and rainy, giving me the perfect excuse to stay inside all day, edit photos, get caught up with some people, cook hot food and rest.
This experience can’t be bought for any amount of money!
Charlotte Lehman said:
Wow!! Amazing photos! And it sounds like you have undertaken an exciting and wonderful, life-changing journey! What a great experience for you and a great opportunity to take photos!
shirleen mitchell said:
thank you so much for sharing your travels with us Deby! Every one is more amazing then the last!
Mikalee Byerman said:
At first, I thought, “NO WAY these pix are real.”
Wow. I’m happy to be so wrong…
Simply breathtaking!
🙂
Kathryn McCullough said:
What an amazing experience! And the photos are stunning. Good luck with your adventure.
Kathy
justalittlebrit said:
These are INCREDIBLE shots!! What are you shooting with?? Great subject matter, too 🙂 I absolutely love the colors and setting!
rayfausel said:
Great Photos
sarahsjoys said:
Gorgeous photos! We have LOVED exploring all the national parks here since moving to Utah. Zion is still one of our favorites. Wish we would have had our good camera when we did that trip. Guess we’ll just have to go again now that we’ve upgraded! Congrats on on being Freshly Pressed!
Gracie said:
Incredible photos and the stories behind them are just as amazing. Makes me feel like I’ve traveled to this places myself.
sunnivac said:
I think these pictures are some of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen! They are absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing!
gedankenkunst said:
I am impressed.
conniewalden said:
When I see these beautiful photos, I can’t help but be in awe of God and His goodness which He shows us in the things He has created. Thank you so much for sharing your talent to capture His creation in all of it’s glory. Connie
http://7thandvine.wordpress.com/
rosie said:
Absolutely incredible.
Never seen anything like it.
My Camera, My Friend said:
Amazing photographs! I love the landscapes.
DoF@theinfill said:
Quite the most amazing pics. Are these the real colours out there? Totally beautiful light – many thanks for sharing
M. said:
Gorgeous photos, I live in a pretty part of the world, but this is spectacular!..congrats on being freshly pressed!
Pasta Princess said:
You’re living the dream! Incredible images – you are gifted!! Enjoy the moments!
sophiefreestuffworld said:
Amaazing photos!
antarabesque said:
Spectacular! I love the bird on the wire. Thank you.
Ed Grimaldo said:
i love your pictures girl.
Michele La Morte-Shbat said:
Glorious photos! . . . Love Zion! Can’t wait to go back – especially after seeing your pictures!
http://arabianmusings.wordpress.com/
MonSa said:
thank you for your amazing photos!
nearlynormalized said:
Keep doing what you do–how refreshing to see. Enjoy your adventure.
Candace Keyser Riley said:
Wow, beautiful photos!
thorsaurus said:
Gorge-us. 🙂
Jim said:
Great stuff. I especially like the one with the rams on the road. It’s just stellar.
Menaka said:
Whoa! Impressive camera! 🙂 Needless to say, fantastic pics!
Bindu said:
O my! What stunning colours! Brilliant shots…
Dounia said:
Wow, these are stunning photos and your travels sound amazing. Thanks for sharing and congrats on being freshly pressed!
restlessjo said:
Good God, what a location! How will you ever bear to move on and why am I not in there with you? Fabulous work, thank you.
Sathya said:
Brings back my memories of lovely Zion ! Thanks for sharing !!!
PCC Advantage said:
Wow!! These are some of the most incredible photos I’ve ever seen!! Beautiful!! 🙂
Andrea Thomson Viner @ Iowa Dog Blog said:
The photographs are amazing! It reaffirms my desire to explore our national parks, though I don’t think I could pack my life into a 17-foot trailer! Are you on your own?
thebigbookofdating said:
These nature shots are really breathtaking
The animal ones are just amazing. You are very very talented and this is a wonderful post.Congrats on the freshly pressed
(:
melfrommass said:
Wow, I am amazed by these shots. Shooting waterfalls isn’t easy for me — I commend you, you just make it look so easy. Nice work!!
Mel
massachusetts-is-wicked-awesome.com/
Mr Mole said:
Lovely picture, there is much to be said for winter if you have somewhere warm to live. Seasons are lovely, each in its place.
Linda Grashoff said:
Love your words-and-photography combination, not to mention the bravery of your road trip.
Linda Grashoff
http://lindagrashoff.wordpress.com
Cathy said:
Oh wow. I love your photos! They’re really nice. My favorite is the second one but everything is just so lovely. Great job! 🙂
disperser said:
I’m still processing my Zion and Bryce pictures, but they won’t look as good as yours (kind of a rushed trip, and so more snap-shots than photographs, and most during the day).
I’ll still post them, but looking at yours gave me some ideas for my next trip there, and next time I’ll have more than a couple of hours at each park.
Photoggling said:
These are gorgeous!
ljr3 said:
Beautiful work and a lovely story!
k8edid said:
Beautiful – my husband and I traveled through the National Parks last fall – your pictures are breathtaking.
avocadoexplosion said:
These photos are fantastic!
M.L. Rowland said:
Lovely! Lovely! Initially only saw a partial of a photo and immediately recognized the unmistakeable Utah slickrock.
rastaphoto said:
really like your photo of the cowboy and cowgirl
carpeniton said:
These are great photographs, and it looks like a pretty interesting journey as well!
I like the range of color in your photographs without any of them being blown out, or over shadowed.
myaphotoblog said:
#3 #4 and #5 are breathtaking!
Edward Hotspur said:
Great photography. It’s amazing what you can get when you use professional equipment in a great area like a national park, instead of using a camera phone that was state of the art in 2007 in your own flower bed.
tahitikisses said:
Wow! You have some beautiful photos!!! Thats so awesome!
kasmango said:
Beautiful shots! Thanks for sharing them!
Lora Koceva said:
Beautiful..
Gracie Sam said:
Wow, these are gorgeous! Truly amazing photos!!
Erica said:
Breathtaking photos! Thank you for sharing!!
Peas and Cougars said:
Gorgeous!
Yan said:
Really nice pictures! But just wondering, whether you have used photoshop to refine them or the scenery is really so beautiful?
Deby Dixon said:
I use PS for processing all of my shots, and yes the scenery is really so beautiful, especially in the right light.
s2xiong said:
your photos are BEAUTIFUL and well captured! what kind of camera do you use?
Deby Dixon said:
Nikon D700
Kizanne said:
The best things in life are free! Stunning photos!! Goosebump material. 🙂
morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer said:
Are you sure that those colors are real? I couldn’t believe all the pink tones in the rocks and in the sky. Just breathtaking!
Ronnie
Implore Vida said:
Wonderful photos of my favorite place on the p-l-a-n-e-t, thank you so much!
wemeetparis said:
these are fantastic! the colors are incredible!!
The Old Raven said:
Fabulous photos … such beauty.
Liz said:
I really like the water fall shots, great pics!
jack15324 said:
Love the pictures. I need a better camera.
thepiratehorizon said:
well, in case nature had forgotten to speak some words during your trip, your vivacious and intense colors fill the gaps, really – eyes here can hear them all 😉
the takes put a smile on my face. really a wonder.
deepbluefire said:
nice pictures
preepal said:
WOW! I love your photographs! Please, what is your secret?
ccberke said:
Stunning photography!
Aileen Torres said:
Sounds wonderful, even with the kinks of life on the road. Beautiful photos.
kev07wan said:
BEAUTIFUL photos! These can’t be real, please tell me they’re photoshopped?!
A Photographer said:
These are amazing! I love the one of the deer! And the colours are so rich, nice!
http://www.thecameraangle.wordpress.com
restoringhome said:
If I could start all over again, I’d definitely get that trailer, a camera, and head out without a plan. Maybe it’s not too late…Thank you for the inspiration and sharing the beauty that I wish could behold in person!
Deby Dixon said:
It is never too late.
Mónica Cruz said:
WOW! These are really some of the best pictures I’ve seen. Beautiful place!
johnw512 said:
Brillant Fall Color!
dogear6 said:
Your pictures are gorgeous and I love how you told a story with them too.
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!
Luis Batista "Amichi" said:
Whoa, how could I have missed places like these, living in this country for more than 40 years? Nice work!
franzsfeaturedfotos~Photography by: Peggy Franz said:
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!
composerinthegarden said:
What a life changing experience! Your photos are exceptional now but you will find your eye getting more and more subtle and aware when you are shooting so much all of the time. I miss those long trips of intense photo taking. Bravo to you and your sense of adventure!
v.schweiss said:
YAY! Congrats on making freshly pressed!
localbonnie said:
You have a rare talent. These takes make a person feel what you were looking at.
Photoshopped or not… beautiful work.
Irwan Juanda said:
Beautiful nature + a great photograph skill, superb!
Dianda said:
Oh my god, what a gorgeous pictures! It had to be said.
thespectatorssport.wordpress.com/ said:
Zion Canyon–what state is this in?? These pictures make me want to visit one day! They are breathtaking!
Deby Dixon said:
SW Utah – there are four national parks in this area.
QQ said:
Simply beautiful photos.
Deby Dixon said:
Much thanks to everyone who took the time to say something. Until I came back into civilization and checked my email late this afternoon, I did not know there was such a thing as “Freshly Pressed.” I am a bit overwhelmed by all of the wonderful comments – they have inspired me to continue my journey, so thank you.
You As A Machine said:
Wow! What an adventure! Great photos. Great story.
Author Shauna said:
Amazing!!!!
bearcat8 said:
These pictures are breath-taking!!! Simply amazing! Well done!
http://www.bearcat8.wordpress.com
Victor Mansion said:
The pictures displayed in your post are nothing less than pure eye candy. I laughed so hard reading about your bridge full of photographers. “Crap, I don’t want to shoot there”.. I’ve said that at least 100 times over the last five years. Looking forward to your next post.
sylvia said:
great pics
pamperingcampers said:
Simply Awesome!
stevo's Cafe said:
From a fellow photographer, you should be proud. You have a great eye….
Raxa Collective said:
Stunning shots! What a privilege to be able to explore at your own pace like that. I particularly love the photo of what looks like a heron. Thought you might like to see one of ours:
http://raxacollective.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/bird-of-the-day-grey-heron-ranganthittu-bird-sanctuary/
And congrats on being Freshly Pressed… you definitely deserve it!
jonabering said:
awesome set!
Dianna Moore said:
So glad you went…and so glad your tarp isn’t that PNW blue…if the new sealing job doesn’t do it, just use duck tape! These photos are simply gorgeous.
platterandpaper.com said:
wow this is so artistic! nice shots! It’s absolutely a work of art!
Kiran Narayan said:
We are visiting Zion NP for thanksgiving…it sure seems like a lovely place to visit! Great photographs love it!
dressupforme said:
Your photographs are fabulous! So interesting and intriguing! I was scrolling down and hoping this article never ends ;)))
Beautifully put!
Aplause from your Vaivalicious reader 😉
http://dressupforme.wordpress.com/
Grahame Hall said:
Stunning shots and what a fascinating adventure! Congrats of the FP.
米雪兒 ♥ said:
AMAZING photos. i love the second one. beautiful. 🙂
joahnadiyosa said:
Seriously, these photos are just but one of the best photos ever! Superb shots! It makes me want to pack my things up and head here right away! If only it can happen in a snap of a finger, I would!
Anyways, million thumbs up! 🙂
be awake said:
amazing colours!
devouringscotland said:
This is beautiful. The landscape and colours are so different to what I am used to here in Scotland. Lovely. 🙂
InC. said:
Wow, some of your work are truly breath-taking. I especially love how you capture the waters. Especially the one with the bird in the middle of the river and the little waterfall in the rocks. Ooooh….very nice.
louids said:
these photos are mind blowing!!! thank you so much for sharing them and your time at the park!!
analoguejimi said:
awesome shots. congratulations.
Littleskew said:
These images are amazing!!!
contabilidade said:
wow………beautiful pic….great work..
blogergal said:
Amazing photos! I want to go there!
The Background Story said:
Wow! Stunning landscapes!
I’m so envious right now. Lucky you.
abichica said:
wwooww!! really beautiful pictures.. 🙂
randomlyabstract said:
STUNNED….!
gaycarboys said:
I could look at water shots all day and all night. Stunning. Thanks for sharing them with us
laurazeitlos said:
Wow..beautiful photos!
bandsmoke said:
Mind blowing pictures – I am so dreadfully envious of all your opportunites to be in such spectacular places :-0
Alannah Foley said:
Some absolutely WONDERFUL photos, Deby. Keep up the good work!
nova veritas said:
Breathtaking photos. Kudos on FP
trickspencer said:
beautiful!!!!
Words We Women Write said:
Hi Deby,
I just relived my visit to Zion in bing-bang awesome style!
Keep the photos coming….Toni
and congrats on being FP 🙂
planettrout said:
Thanks for taking me there !!!
Rory Alexander said:
Some beautiful photographs, thanks for sharing.
michellestodden said:
Gorgeous pictures! I live close to Zion and have been there a hundred times, maybe more. The stunning scenery never fails to leave me breathless.
CruiseNomad said:
Well done Deby great images with a good story.
Kudos to you
Nicolle Morales Kern said:
Amazingly beautiful! I love your work. It’s definitely inspirational.
housearchitect said:
beautiful! how exciting to live in a trailer, travel and CREATE your stunning images
LensScaper said:
Just found you through the front page of WordPress – and what ‘find’! A great gallery of images and some well written notes. I admire you for your dedication. I look forward to your next post, I’m signed up
Laura said:
not only are these some really beautiful pics (the one with the waterfall and the rock is so great!), but you are also living the life i’m imagining for my future. how perfect! how did you make it? from what money are you living? and is this an forever-way-of-life?
lots of greets from germany!
Deby Dixon said:
Not sure how long the journey will continue – as long as it can. I talk about the things that made this possible in previous posts.
Laura said:
thanks, i’m going to catch up on a rainy day, i guess 😉 we are planning to go to the usa in two years or so and try to safe money until then. so i’m looking forward to read what you’ve been through and how you did it. but i guess it’s really like you said it in your new post – you’ll do what you got to do. once you started it, it somehow will work out, no matter what. be safe on your way and keep the beautiful pics coming 🙂
Nicole Carpenter said:
These are simply stunning! Zion is one of my favorite places in the world. A short drive from Vegas can get me in the Narrows by 9am. It’s a wonderful places to recharge your soul. How I wish I could even get a clue how to take pictures as beautiful. Equally jealous of your travels, what a dream it would be. Good luck and happy travels!
sanjeevkar said:
Hats off to your work.
Pictures are fantastic!
Kat said:
Stunningly beautiful photographs! You tell a story just with the photos. The editorial provides the cherry on top.
Kat
http://askepticaloptimist.wordpress.com/
Shane said:
Amazing photos!! 🙂
From Moments to Memories said:
Absolutely beautiful, thanks for sharing!
julieburridge said:
Stunning.
Jan Simson said:
WOW! Amazing photos! Definitely worth the Fresh Pressing. Congrats and cheers!
ajaykercheyartist said:
Beautiful pictures 🙂
William J. Erikson said:
Very impressive work…!
JohnnyTomorrow said:
What a portfolio of images.
A joy to look at. Well Done
IM_Author_of_TheDetour.info said:
Amazing! I still can’t believe those were not photoshop-enhanced.
Very impressive.
djronstar said:
Quite Literally …
The most beautiful photos I have ever seen, wow.
Zion Canyin here I come 🙂
Cheers
-Ron
http://www.learntobeatmatch.ca
Tisha Clinkenbeard said:
I know how life is to live in a camper. Yet these extraordinary shots and the accompanying views must have made the time and rain worth it!!
snapshots by harold said:
beautiful….my jaws dropped! like Woooooooowwww….
Rebecca Carney said:
Don’t know how many ways there are to way “Wow!!”, but WOW!!! Beautiful!! I love the colors.
Carol (photos by Crow) said:
These are magical, Deby! I love reading about your adventures. Happy trails and happy shooting!
Brandon at The Yummy Bits said:
It may be cold and rainy in the Zion Canyon, but in the Adirondack Park we have unseasonably warm temperatures right now! Stunning photographs, I love your beautiful photography.
camdenstables said:
Amazing photos of the great life you have chosen. Continue to enjoy it and pass on some of the thrill to the rest of us.
Mark Mendonck said:
Beautiful pictures indeed 🙂
joelyriot said:
I love the photos with water in them! they look like clouds!
Weight Loss Very Fast said:
Very nice Pictures indeed…..
Good piece of Art. love it
http://www.weightloseveryfast.com
Yvonne said:
Beautiful photos! I guess the leaky roof, no internet, etc adds to the adventure.
Thoughts Designer said:
When nature, talent and technology become friends… anything is possible. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Jean said:
Fantastic photos!
nipun said:
fantastical work
vikassharmaishere said:
wow! amazing pictures…
muneeb34 said:
Great Blog i come again to your blog …..:)
see this
http://www.allitreview.com/
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younas said:
very nice photossss>>>>>>>>>>>!
http://www.omnibazar.com/