Not all the places I dream of visiting are quite so far off as Iceland or New Zealand. A few years ago, Andy and I spent a week in Moab in July. It was beautiful, dramatic, and entirely different from the landscapes of Washington. Sadly, to our spoiled Pacific Northwestener sensibilities, it was also unbearably hot. Completely out of character, the heat turned us into typical American tourists, driving from scenic viewpoint to scenic viewpoint, never spending more than 30 minutes outside the car at a time. Even from the car, the towering, rocky scenery was incredible. I can only imagine what we could have seen if the temperatures had been a bit more comfortable for hiking.
Since that trip I have dreamed of a longer, more well planned trip in either fall or spring, when our spoiled, heat sensitive selves might up to a little more active exploring. The raw intensity of landscapes in Utah and Arizona call me back. Thinking of the fins, arches, hoodos, and canyons, all so uniquely colored and textured, waiting to be explored. It makes me want to hop in the car and leave for the desert right now!
Red rock and blue skies in Zion National Park
The Subway in Zion National Park
Dusty yellow hoodos at Bryce Canyon National Park
White Pocket - extremely difficult to get to, but extremely photogenic!
Otherworldly colors and textures at White Pocket
The graceful curves of Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon
Iconic Horseshoe Bend near Lake Powell
Lake Powell