Wow! Amazing!!!
Monument Valley is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the heart of the Navajo Nation, spanning across the Arizona-Utah border. It is a collection of iconic sandstone formations that have been sculpted over millions of years by the forces of nature, creating a unique and awe-inspiring landscape that has captured the hearts of photographers and visitors from around the world. Monument Valley offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities, from sunrise to sunset, and from sweeping vistas to intimate details. One of the most popular times for photography is during the golden hours of the day, when the sun casts a warm glow on the landscape, and the shadows add depth and texture to the formations. The sunrise and sunset at Monument Valley are particularly stunning, with the sun rising and setting over the iconic Mittens and Merrick Butte formations, creating a beautiful contrast of light and shadow. In addition to the natural beauty of the landscape, Monument Valley also offers a unique cultural experience, as it is home to the Navajo Nation, one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. Visitors can learn about Navajo traditions, history, and culture, as well as visit traditional hogans, see Navajo weaving demonstrations, and meet local artisans. When photographing Monument Valley, it is important to be respectful of the land and the people who call it home. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails, and obtain the necessary permits before setting up equipment. With proper preparation and a keen eye for capturing the beauty of this natural wonder, photographers can create stunning images that showcase the timeless majesty of Monument Valley.
Back in early feb, 2020, when the pandemic was just starting, lots of fluff news etc....and you know us...the photographers...psssh...pandemic...I'm going out to take some photos. I did a quick Alabama hills, hot springs and Death valley tour. There were 100s of people there and this is when tour buses were a thing at the Z point. It's amazing to think how it was and how it is, for the most part its "normal" while "not normal" now.
Carrying on with the adventure.... After returning from Komodo Dragon / Labuan Bajo the night before, this day's adventure was the Sekumpul waterfall in North Bali, I was not looking forward to this drive, having to set out at 3AM to get there early enough to beat the traffic and other tourists, I made it there early enough before they opened and chowed down the breakfast packed from the hotel. I was dead tired and having not fully recovered from the hit&run accident a week earlier, the ticket counter guys were generous enough to offer me motorbike taxi to the starting point of the hike which is about 1.5 mile away on a paved path wide enough to walk in single file and pushing against the wall in case motorbikes are coming. What a fun ride it was, holding onto the bike so you don't fall off and videoing....the instagram influencer i am....not. Just before you start the hike, there is a little shack, coffee shop where you can buy snacks, coconut water and rest up. This is also an ideal spot to fly the drone. I hadn't realized there were so many waterfalls down there, if you pull up the map or read up on it, the other waterfalls are not mentioned or shown. As I went up higher I got the lay of the land and was amazed to see so many waterfalls in close proximity. Once I got down there, was able to visit each waterfall and it was just stunning, the sheer energy and the cool water was great to soak in to escape the heat as the sun was coming up. The hike back up wasn't as bad as the one Tumpak Sewu.
nagesh rao
on February 26, 2023Wow! Amazing!!!