Great Places for Great Photos

Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser known destinations, as well as the famous “Icon Locations” for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to insure a quality guide to great locations for photography.

National Park System Photographic Destinations

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the “Organic Act” creating the National Park Service, a federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for maintaining national parks and monuments that were then managed by the department. The National Park System has since expanded to 422 units (often referred to as parks), more than 150 related areas, and numerous programs that assist in conserving the nation’s natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.

National Park Service

National Park Service Destinations
  Zabriskie Point The most famous viewpoint in Death Valley National Park. Overlooking the golden colored badlands of the Furnace Creek formation, visitors can simply enjoy the view or elect to start the hike from the point around Badlands Loop. Connector trails lead to Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, and Red Cathedral. The point is most popular at sunrise and sunset. Zabriskie Point is a part of the Amargosa Range located east of Death Valley in Death Valley National Park in California, United States, noted for its erosional landscape. It is composed of sediments from Furnace Creek Lake, which dried up 5 million years ago—long before Death Valley came into existence. The location was named after Christian Brevoort Zabriskie, vice-president and general manager of the Pacific Coast Borax Company in the early 20th century. The company’s twenty-mule teams were used to transport borax from its mining operations in Death Valley. What to Photograph: Just one of the most incredible views in the country, or it may be from another planet, it has been used in films to represent other planets. Looking out from Zabriskie Point, you are surrounded by one of Death Valley’s forbidding, almost unearthly, desert landscapes. These are badlands. Everywhere you look, you see bone-dry, finely-sculpted, golden brown rock. Only the sparsest vegetation can survive in this intricately carved terrain. Best Time for Photographers: Death Valley National Park is usually considered a winter park, but it is possible to visit here all year. When is the best time to visit? It all depends on what you’re looking for. AUTUMN arrives in late October, with warm but pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies. The camping season begins in fall and so do the Ranger Programs, which continue through spring. WINTER has cool days, chilly nights and rarely, rainstorms. With snow capping the high peaks and low angled winter light, this season is especially beautiful for exploring the valley. The period after Thanksgiving and before Christmas is the least crowded time of the entire year. SPRINGTIME is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Besides warm and sunny days, the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. If the previous winter brought rain, the desert can put on an impressive floral display, usually peaking in late March to early April. SUMMER starts early in Death Valley. By May the valley is too hot for most visitors, yet throughout the hottest months, visitors from around the world still flock to the park. Lodging and camping are available, but only the most hardy will want to camp in the low elevations in the summer. Where it is: Traveling by Car The main road transecting Death Valley National Park from east to west is California Highway 190. On the east in Nevada, U.S. Route 95 parallels the park from north to south with connecting highways at Scotty’s Junction (State Route 267- Access closed until further notice), Beatty (State Route 374), and Lathrop Wells (State Route 373). The most direct route from Las Vegas is via Pahrump, NV, and California Highway 190. Coming from the west, State Route 14 and U.S. Route 395 lead to Ridgecrest, CA where State Route 178 heads east into the park. Further north on Hwy 395 at Olancha, CA you can join Hwy 190 to the park, or north of that at Lone Pine, CA, Hwy 136 will also join Hwy 190 heading east into the park. South of the park, Interstate 15 passes through Baker, California on its way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. State Route 127 travels north from Baker to Shoshone and Death Valley Junction with connections to the park on State Route 178 from Shoshone and connection with California Highway 190 at Death Valley Junction. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Click here for large map   Cost: Zabriskie Point is in Death Valley National Park. Entrance Fees Vehicle Entrance Fee $25 for 7 Days This permit allows all persons traveling with the permit holder in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase. Motorcycle Entrance Fee $20 for 7 Days Individual Entrance Fee $12 for 7 Days This permit allows a single individual traveling on foot or bicycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase. Death Valley Annual Pass $50 for one year Annual pass providing free entrance to Death Valley for 12 months from the date of purchase National Park Passes are also accepted. Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day. Facilities: There are primitive bathrooms at the Zabriskie Point viewpoint. Lodging and restaurants may be found at four resorts located in the central part of Death Valley National Park: Furnace Creek Ranch and Inn, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs. Additional lodging and dining opportunities can be found in communities outside the national park. Links: Death Valley National Park Website Location Contact Information: By Email By Mail Death Valley National Park P.O. Box 579 Death Valley, CA 92328 By Phone Visitor Information (760) 786-3200 By Fax (760) 786-3246 Zabriskie Point Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in California: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Like No Place Else on Earth “Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world’s great natural wonders – the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and created the world’s largest gypsum dune field. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment.”,  this is how the National Park Service describes White Sands national Monument. When visiting white sands, If you did not know better, you would think that there had been a snowstorm. The sand  drifts and blows into dunes that look exactly like snowdrifts, the road is actually plowed with sand piled on the shoulders as if it were snow in of northern part of United States after a  heavy snow-storm. White Sands is a very unique destination for photography. The sand is continually blowing and drifting and changing the landscape.  Several species of plants have adapted well to this moving sand and the desert environment and are able to survive amongst the dunes.  The contrast of the brilliant white sand and the green plant life makes for very interesting photos. Adding to the effect are the ripples created by the blowing sand, and the stark shadows from the overhead sun. What to Photograph: The primary subject for your photography at White Sands is of course the sand dunes. Of equal importance to the sand dunes is plant life and, the stark contrast between the sand and the plants. The play of light and shadow on the dunes creates surreal photographs. Best Time for Photographers: Any time can be a good time for photographing in White Sands National Park. The park is open year-round, except for special closures due to testing at the White Sands missile base which is adjoining the park.  Early in the morning and late in the afternoon when the sun is at a low angle will provide the best detail in the fine textures of the sand and the ripples appearing upon the dunes. Where it is: Located in south central New Mexico Directions: Getting to White Sands National Park The visitor center is located on U.S. Highway 70, 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Travelers from Carlsbad Caverns to southern Arizona can follow U.S. 82 through the scenic Sacramento Mountains to reach White Sands National Park. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Map of White Sands National Park Map of Dune Drive Cost: ENTRANCE FEES $3 per person (good for 7 days) Children 15 and under are free. Entrance fees are collected at the entrance station on the Dunes Drive. NOTE: They cannot accept credit cards for admission fees or passport purchases. Holders of the Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Interagency Volunteer Pass and White Sands Annual Pass will be admitted free along with three other persons (16 and older) in a private non-commerical vehicle. Links: National Park Service Web Site Location Contact Information: White Sands National Park PO Box 1086 Holloman AFB, NM 88330 E-mail Us Phone: (575) 679-2599 Nearest City or Town: Alamogordo New Mexico Facilities: The gift shop at the White Sands National Park Visitor Center offers packaged sandwiches, snacks and drinks. The nearest restaurants are in Alamogordo (14 miles east) and Las Cruces (52 miles west). There is no lodging within White Sands National Park. For those who would like to spend a night camping beneath the stars in the dunes, White Sands National Park has ten primitive backcountry camping sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. Tips for the Photographer: Equipment: You do not need a great deal of equipment to photograph the White Sands National Park, most things can be shot with a standard lens. Photography Tips: When photographing  White Sands, be particularly careful to watch for distractions in the background of your images.  Another factor to consider is that the white sands will fool the automatic exposure of your camera, for a proper exposure you will need to overexpose about 1 1/2 to 2 f-stops. Weather: Current Sunrise/Sunset and Moon Phase for this Photographic Destination White Sands National Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in New Mexico: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Vicksburg National Military Park Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, waged from March 29 to July 4, 1863. The park, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi (flanking the Mississippi River), also commemorates the greater Vicksburg Campaign which led up to the battle. Reconstructed forts and trenches evoke memories of the 47-day siege that ended in the surrender of the city. Victory here and at Port Hudson, farther south in Louisiana, gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. The park includes 1,325 historic monuments and markers, 20 miles  of historic trenches and earthworks, a 16-mile  tour road, a 12.5-mile  walking trail, two antebellum homes, 144 emplaced cannons, the restored gunboat USS Cairo (sunk on December 12, 1862, on the Yazoo River), and the Grant’s Canal site, where the Union Army attempted to build a canal to let their ships bypass Confederate artillery fire. The Cairo, also known as the “Hardluck Ironclad,” was the first U.S. ship in history to be sunk by a torpedo/mine. It was recovered from the Yazoo in 1964. The Illinois State Memorial has 47 steps, one for every day Vicksburg was besieged.   Where it is: Vickburg National Military Park is located in Vicksburg Mississippi. Directions to Vicksburg: From the east — Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance. From the north — Take Interstate 55 south to Jackson, Mississippi. (To save time, use Interstate 220 bypass on west side of Jackson.) Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg (approximately 40 miles). Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance. From the south — Take Interstate 55 or US Highway 49 to Jackson, Mississippi. Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg, Mississippi, (approximately 40 miles). Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance. From the west — Take Interstate 20 east to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance.   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Click map for interactive park service map. GPS: 32°20’41.0854″ N 90°51’5.5239″ W Cost: Entrance Fees: Per Vehicle – $20.00 (valid 7 days) Motorcycles – $15.00 (valid 7 days) Pedestrians, Bicycles – $10.00 Bus Passenger/Church Van – $10.00 per person, not to exceed commercial rate below. Vicksburg Annual Pass – $35.00 per year (valid for one year from date of purchase) All Federal Recreation passes are accepted. Hours: Tour Road is open to vehicles from 8am-5pm. Last vehicle entry on the tour road is 4:45pm. Park Roads are open to pedesterians and bicyclists from sunrise to sunset. Facilities: There are all facilities in Vicksburg and the park is located right in Vicksburg.  There is also a visitor center with park store and restrooms. Location Contact Information: By Mail Vicksburg National Military Park 3201 Clay Street Vicksburg, MS 39183-3495 By Phone Visitor Information 601-636-0583 By Fax 601-636-9497 By E-Mail e-mail   Vicksburg National Military Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Mississippi: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Valle Grande – Valles Caldera National Preserve About one million years ago, the magnificent valley was formed by collapse, after a series of tremendous volcanic eruptions ejected a Volume of material more than 500 times greater than the May 1980 eruptions of Mt. St Helens, This event climaxed more than 13 million years of volcanism in the Jemez Mountains. Minor volumes of magma, leaking to the surface as recently as 50,000 years ago, formed the dome-like hills between you and the skyline to the north, which is the opposite wall of the enormous Valles Caldera. The heat from young volcanism makes this area attractive for geothermal energy. Valles Caldera (or Jemez Caldera) is a 13.7-mile wide volcanic caldera in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. Hot springs, streams, fumaroles, natural gas seeps and volcanic domes dot the caldera floor landscape. The highest point in the caldera is Redondo Peak, an 11,253-foot resurgent lava dome located entirely within the caldera. Also within the caldera are several grass valleys, or valles, the largest of which is Valle Grande, the only one accessible by a paved road. Much of the caldera is within the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a unit of the National Park System. In 1975, Valles Caldera was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. There are several pullouts along NM 4 to stop and view wildlife, take photos, stargaze, and find more information about Valles Caldera National Preserve at our informational waysides. These pullouts are open 24/7 for amazing views of the Valle Grande during the day and the best views of the night sky after dark. Where it is: Valles Caldera National Preserve covers nearly 89,000 acres nestled inside a volcanic caldera in north central New Mexico. From Albuquerque via Los Alamos: Take I-25 north to Route 599 (Santa Fe Relief Route) – follow signs on 599 north to Los Alamos- Espanola). In Pojoaque, follow signs to Los Alamos and Hwy 502. You can take the “truck route” to Highway 4 below Los Alamos or drive through Los Alamos and follow signs to “Jemez Mtns.” (State Hwy. 4) (If you pass through Los Alamos proper, take Trinity Drive to Diamond. Take a left on Diamond, then a right on West Jemez Road to the intersection with State Highway 4. Take a right , following the highway up and into the Jemez Mountains.) The Preserve is 18 miles up Highway 4 from Los Alamos. Driving time from the intersection of I-25 and I-40 is approximately 2.5 hours. From Albuquerque via Jemez Springs: Take I-25 North and Exit on to Highway 550 (Farmington Highway – old Hwy 44). In San Ysidro, take Hwy 4 to Jemez Pueblo and Jemez Springs. Follow Highway 4 at fork at La Cueva (stay right). Preserve is about 22 miles from Jemez Springs. Look for the Main Gate at Mile Marker 39.2. The Preserve is 21 miles up Highway 4 from Jemez Springs. Driving time from the intersection of I-25 and I-40 is approximately 2 hours. From Santa Fe: Head north on Highway 84-285 past the Santa Fe Opera. In Pojoaque, follow signs to Los Alamos and Hwy 502. You can take the “truck route” to Highway 4 below Los Alamos or drive through Los Alamos and follow signs to “Jemez Mtns.” (Hwy 4) (If you pass through Los Alamos proper, take Trinity Drive to Diamond. Take a left on Diamond, then a right on Jemez Road to the intersection with State Highway 4. Take a right , following the highway up and into the Jemez Mountains.) The Preserve is 18 miles up Highway 4 from Los Alamos. Driving time from Santa Fe is approximately 1.5 hours. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 35°51’6.06″ N 106°27’18.942″ W Cost: Seven-day pass if entering via Non-commercial car, van, pickup truck, motorcycle or RV: $25 per vehicle (no per-person fee) Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus: $15 per person aged 16 and older National Park passes are accepted. Hours: The preserve is always open. Valle Grande Entrance Station Summer (May 15 to October 31); daily; 9 AM to 5 PM Winter (November 1 to May 14) daily; 9 AM to 5 PM (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) Located two miles from main entrance off Hwy. 4 at mile marker 39.2 Facilities: There are limited opportunities to purchase food or drinks within the preserve. The Valle Grande Bookstore has a limited selection of snacks and beverages. Lodging is not available within the preserve. Location Contact Information: By Mail: Valles Caldera National Preserve PO Box 359 Jemez Springs, NM 87025 By Email: Email   By Phone: Administrative Offices 575-829-4100 Valle Grande Visitor Center 575-829-4100, option #3 By Fax: 575-829-4141 Valle Grande – Valles Caldera National Preserve Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in New Mexico: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Tumacacori National Historical Park The  main feature of the park is the remarkably well-preserved Mission San José de Tumacácori, which was built in the 1750s to replace the much older Mission San Cayetano de Tumacácori — the first mission in southern Arizona. The park gives you the opportunity to take a self-guided walk through the park grounds including the three-story abode church, grounds, and garden. History Mission San Cayetano del Tumacácori was established by Jesuits in 1691 in a location near a Sobaipuri settlement on the east side of the Santa Cruz River. Services were held in a small adobe structure built by the inhabitants of the village. After the O’odham rebellion of 1751 the mission was abandoned for a time. In 1752, the village was reestablished and in 1753 the church of the Mission San José de Tumacácori began construction at the present site on the west side of the Santa Cruz River. This first church structure was erected for use by the mission in 1757. The architectural style of the church is Spanish Colonial. Rumors spread within the Spanish kingdom that the Jesuit priests had amassed a fortune on the peninsula and were becoming very powerful. On February 3, 1768 King Carlos III ordered the Jesuits forcibly expelled from the Viceroyalty of New Spain (colonial México) and returned to Spain. The mission is now part of Tumacácori National Historical Park, which contains three separate sections. This mission site is included in the Tumacácori National Historical Park that extends for 360 acres, and is open to the public daily. Where it is: Tumacácori National Historical Park is located off of Exit 29 of Interstate 19, forty-five miles south of Tucson, Arizona, and eighteen miles north of Nogales, Arizona. 1895 E Frontage Road Tumacacori, AZ 85640 Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 31°34’3.39″ N 111°3’4.86″ W Cost: Entrance Fees: Tumacácori Entrance Fee – Per Person – $10.00 Required for anyone 16 and older unless a guest of other pass holder. Valid for 7 days. Tumacácori Annual Pass – $35.00 Covers pass holder(s) plus three adult guests. Kids under 16 are always free. Photo ID of either pass holder required. Valid for 12 months from month of purchase. All regular national park passes are valid. Hours: Open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Facilities: There are restrooms and the park store in the visitor center.  There is no food or lodging in the park. There are many restaurant options exist within a few miles of the park. Location Contact Information:   e-mail  Telephone 520-377-5060   Fax 520-377-5079 Mailing Address Tumacácori National Historical Park P.O.Box 8067 Tumacacori, Arizona 85640 Physical & Shipping Address Tumacácori National Historical Park 1891 East Frontage Road Tumacacori, Arizona 85640 Tumacacori National Historical Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Arizona Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Thurmond Historic District Thurmond, West Virginia, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is in the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The Thurmond Depot now operates as a summer visitor center. The Thurmond Historic District comprises the entire town and a small portion of the opposite riverbank. Thurmond was accessible solely by rail until 1921. Today, around 80 percent of Thurmond is owned by the National Park Service. The visitor center is open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The depot is open on weekends in September and October. The year 1873 marked the completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway mainline. That same year, Captain W. D. Thurmond acquired 73 acres along the railroad. Captain Thurmond saw it as a strategic position for developing a town. By 1910, Thurmond was the chief railroad center on the C & O Railway mainline. In 1910, the C & O operation at Thurmond was first in revenue receipts. It produced more freight tonnage than Cincinnati, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia, combined. Freight was not the only key to this town’s success. At its peak, Thurmond had two hotels and two banks. The downtown area had restaurants, clothing stores, a jewelry store, and dry-good stores. The town even had a movie theater. There were many business offices for the telephone company, lawyers, and more. The town continued to thrive through the early decades of the 20th century. During the first two decades of the 1900s, Thurmond was a classic boomtown. Huge amounts of coal flowed into Thurmond from the area mines. This made Thurmond the largest revenue generator on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Having many coal barons among its patrons, Thurmond’s banks were the richest in the state. Fifteen passenger trains a day came through town. The depot served as many as 75,000 passengers a year. With so many visitors, the hotels and boarding houses were always overflowing. The town’s stores and saloons did remarkable business. But with the switch to diesel locomotives and the closing of local mines, the town began a steady decline. The many businesses closed down, and most residents moved on. Today, the town of Thurmond remains untouched by modern development. It is a link to our past, and a town with many stories to tell. Part of the mission of the National Park Service is to preserve our nation’s heritage. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve invites visitors to explore Thurmond. Through it, we can experience the impact of the industrial revolution. Despite being a Ghost Town and having a population of only 5 people, Thurmond is still an active stop that is served by Amtrak, the national railroad passenger system. The Cardinal, which runs three times each week between Chicago, Illinois and New York City, New York, passes by the station three times each week in both directions.   Where it is: To reach Thurmond, take U.S. Route 19 to the Glen Jean exit, north of Beckley. Follow the signs to Thurmond, seven miles down WV-25 / Thurmond Road. Thurmond Road is winding and narrow at times. Large vehicles over 25 feet in length and trailers are not recommended. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. GPS: 37°57’27.798″ N 81°4’45.264″ W   Cost: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve does not charge an entrance fee. Hours: The park is open year-round. Thurmond Depot Visitor Center is open seasonally Memorial Day through Labor Day from10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Typically open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) for September and October. Closed November through May. Facilities: The only public facilities are at the visitor center. Location Contact Information: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 246, 104 Main Street Glen Jean, WV 25846 Phone: 304-465-0508 Thurmond Historic District Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in West Virginia Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve was established on November 12, 1996 to preserve, protect, and interpret for the public an example of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and the historic and cultural values represented by the Spring Hill Ranch. Once the bed of a vast inland sea located in the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas, the preserve represents a portion of the less than 4% of remaining tallgrass prairie. What to Photograph: Spring Hill Ranch The Barn The Prairie Fox Creek School Best Time for Photographers: The area is accessible day or night and most anytime can make good photos.  As with many subjects outdoors early morning or late evening with the sun low in the sky can give the beautiful golden hour warmth to your images. Where it is: The preserve is located in northern Chase County, Kansas 2 miles north of intersection U.S. Hwy 50 and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway 177 (K-177) west of Strong City. Watch for brown attraction signs. The preserve is located: 2 miles north of Strong City, KS on K-177 16 miles west of Emporia, KS on U.S. Hwy 50 and 2 miles north on K-177 17 miles south of Council Grove, KS on K-177 85 miles northeast of Wichita on I-35, U.S. Hwy 50, and K-177 60 miles southwest of Topeka on I-335 (Kansas Turnpike) to Emporia, then 16 miles west on U.S. Hwy 50 and 2 miles north on K-177 Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Grounds Map Click map for a larger image Trails Map Click on map for a PDF version. Cost: There are no fees for the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Hours: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Trails are open 24/7. Prescribed fire will close trails. Watch for signs. Visitor Center hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. May through October. Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. November through April Standard Hours Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 AM Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Facilities: Strong City and Cottonwood Falls Communities Strong City is located two miles southeast of the historic ranch headquarters area on K-177 (Flint Hills National Scenic Byway). Restaurants, lodging, gasoline, postal services, and a city park are available. Cottonwood Falls is the county seat and is located five miles southeast of the historic ranch headquarters area on K-177 (Flint Hills National Scenic Byway). Restaurants, lodging, gasoline, postal services, camping, two parks, library, museums, and area shops are available. For a complete listing of all available goods and services in Chase County, visit the Chase County Chamber of Commerce website. Links: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Location Contact Information: 2480B KS Hwy 177  Strong City, KS 66869 Phone: (620) 273-8494 xhit 0 Tallgrass Prairie Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Kansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Steel Creek Campground Steel Creek campground is must stop location for photographers and sight seers alike if you are visiting the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The Buffalo River is America’s first National River and one of the last un-dammed rivers in the United States, flowing free for 135 miles.   Roark Bluff, one of the largest on the Buffalo River is easily viewed from almost anywhere in the campground and makes for a fantastic photo opportunity.  The campground also serves as the primary canoe lunch for the upper section of the river during springs canoeing season. What to Photograph: This area offers almost limitless opportunity for photographers any time of the year.  Access to the river and the gravel bars along the river the photographer with canoeists floating the river in spring to great fall reflections in quiet pools in the fall.  Roark Bluff provides one of the most scenic views in the central US, at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. The Arkansas Elk are often spotted in the green grasses of the campground in the early morning and late evening. Best Time for Photographers: Just about anytime can be good for photography here, of course midday light can be very high contrast and hard to work with and the use of HDR photography can be the solution.  Since you are in the bottom of valley there is little opportunity to photograph sunrise and sunsets.  In the early mornings there is often a good chance of fog on the river, which can make for really nice images. In the spring is normally the rainy season and the water levels will be up and the river will fill with canoes.  During the summer and fall the river will slow to a crawl with too little water to float, and it becomes a great place for photographing reflections of the bluffs and trees. Where it is: LOCATION The Buffalo National River is in the Ozarks in northern Arkansas. Take Highway 74 a mile east of Ponca, Steel Creek gate is on the left.  Follow the newly blacktopped road to the bottom and you are there. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Click here for larger version of the  Buffalo River NPS Map Cost: There are no fees for day use of the park.  Fees for camping: $10 a night, free from mid-November to mid-March (for both horse and tent camping.)   Facilities: 26 sites available first come/first serve, tent camping; 6 people maximum per site; water available nearby mid-March to mid- November; no fees charged mid-November to mid-March. Fourteen horse campsites available. The campground has to sets of flush toilets and water, there is no electric or other hookups available, and no showers. Links: Water Levels for Buffalo River Newton County Chamber of Commerce National Park Service Website Location Contact Information: By Mail Superintendent Buffalo National River 402 N. Walnut, Suite 136 Harrison, AR 72601 By Phone Tyler Bend Visitor Center Information (870) 439-2502 Headquarters (870) 365-2700 Headquarters (TDD) (870) 365-2789 Buffalo Point Ranger Station Information (870) 449-4311 Pruitt Ranger Station Information (870) 446-5373 EMERGENCY DISPATCH (888) 692-1162 By Fax 870-365-2701 By E-Mail Please send e-mail inquiries by Clicking Here.   Nearest City or Town:  Ponca is the closest town, however there are very few facilities in Ponca. Jasper Jasper is a quaint and historic town of about 500 people surrounded by natural scenic beauty in every direction. Jasper has several restaurants, gas stations, a couple of motels, grocery store and most other necessities. Tips for the Photographer: Equipment: If you have it, bring it.  There are a great deal of varied types of photography in not only the campground, but the entire surrounding area.  Wide angle lenses to capture the river and bluffs soaring hundreds of feet into the air and a long telephoto lens if you get a chance to photograph the Elk. Photography Tips: Bring plenty of memory cards and batteries, this is a great place to photograph some of the most scenic and rugged landscape in this part of the country. When photographing the river, use a tripod and a slow shutter speed to give the water a smooth silky look.  Using a polarizing filter and rotating it properly will help to saturate colors and remove the glare from the water. Weather: Click for weather forecast Steel Creek Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery . More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Sand Island Lighthouse Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lighthouses on Lake Superior, the structure was built from sandstone quarried right at the building site. The design of the lighthouse was influenced by the Gothic style, popular during the Victorian period. The light tower begins as a square rising from the northwest corner of the dwelling, then gracefully flows into an octagon surmounted by the lantern and walkway. Carved wood trim decorates the steeply sloped gable end of the quarters. A fourth-order Fresnel lens produced a fixed white light from the top of the 44-foot tall tower. Sand Island lighthouse, near the western end of the Apostle Island chain, was occupied for a shorter period than any of the archipelago’s other lights. Built in 1881, it was the first of the group to be automated, in 1921. Sand Island light had only two principal keepers: Charles Lederle, from 1881-1891, and Emmanuel Luick, from 1892-1920. In 1885, Lederle gained praise for his daring rescue of the crew from the steamer Prussia. Spotting the burning ship, he rowed a small boat several miles out on the open lake, and rescued the entire crew. Luick also witnessed a shipwreck at close hand, but could do nothing to assist the victims. During a fierce September storm in 1905, he could only watch from the tower as the freighter Sevona broke apart near shore. Seven sailors, including the ship’s captain, drowned. The keepers at Sand Island were not as isolated from civilization as those at other Apostle Islands lights. During the years the light was staffed, Sand Island supported a small, year-round community of farmers and fishermen. The keepers and their families often walked or rowed two miles to visit neighbors and participate in social events. In 1921, the Lighthouse Service installed an acetylene light atop the tower, designed to run without need for daily attendance. Keepers from nearby Raspberry Island kept an eye on the beacon to make sure it was operating properly, and changed the fuel tanks when they emptied. Meanwhile, Keeper Luick moved to the lighthouse at Grand Marais, Minnesota, to finish his long career. His former home did not stay vacant long, however; for much of the 1920s and 30s, the Lighthouse Service rented the building to Gertrude Wellisch, a Minnesota schoolteacher who used it as a summer retreat. Ms Wellisch and a later tenant carried out critical maintenance and repairs, helping to preserve the historic structure. The station’s lamp was moved twice during the years of automation. The Lighthouse Service erected a 50-foot steel tower in front of the stone building some time around 1933, and placed the acetylene apparatus atop it. The beacon stood outside the lighthouse for more than half a century, but in 1985, the Coast Guard returned the signal to its historic home and removed the metal tower. Once again, the light shines from the tower in this jewel of the Apostles. Where it is: The Sand Island Light is a lighthouse located on the northern tip of Sand Island, one of the Apostle Islands, in Lake Superior in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, near the city of Bayfield. Close to the mainland, Sand Island is a popular destination for intermediate-level sea kayakers and private boaters who are prepared for the challenges of Lake Superior. There is no dock at the lighthouse, but nearby rock ledges and beaches may provide access in favorable weather conditions. Most of the Apostle Islands light stations may be reached on the Apostle Islands Cruise Service water taxi or by private boat during the summer. During the Annual Apostle Island Lighthouse Celebration ferry tour service is available for all the lighthouses. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. GPS: 47°0’12.732″ N 90°56’18.234″ W Cost: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not charge an entrance fee, but does have expanded amenity fees. These fees apply to overnight docking, parking at Meyer’s Beach Road, lighthouse tours, and camping.   Hours: In the summer season, National Park Service volunteers provide tours of the lighthouse, usually during the hours of 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm. Facilities: There are no facilities available on Sand Island Location Contact Information: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 415 Washington Ave Bayfield, WI 54814 Park Main Line: 715-779-3398 General Information: ext 0 Visitor and Camping information: ext 2 Ice Line (from late-November to March): ext 3 Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center: 715-685-9983 Fax 715-779-3049     Sand Island Lighthouse Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Wisconsin Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
San Antonio Missions National Historic Park Description: The Spanish Missions built along the San Antonio River, are now in metro San Antonio and are preserved as a National Historic Park.  There are 4 missions in the park each at a separate location, so to visit them all you have to travel to 4 different places in San Antonio.  The four sites are Mission Conception, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.  The 5th San Antonio Mission and the best known, the Alamo, is not a part of the park.  The missions are nearly 250 years old, continue to operate as active parishes of the Catholic church and all are open to the public. Through a cooperative agreement with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park of the National Park Service administers and maintains these missions today. The missions were much more than just churches, the were each self contained communities, with ranching and farming for food production. Cost: There is no entrance fee for the Historic Park. Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall you will have green grass and flowers to add color to your images, the missions make excellent subjects for B&W photos, that can be made at any time.  The park hours are a great restriction on being able to shoot at the prime photography times of sunrise and sunset, but it is possible to photograph some of the missions after hours, others will have locked gates. Where it is: Mission Concepción 807 Mission Road San Antonio, Texas 78210 Mission San Juan 9101 Graf Road San Antonio, Texas 78214 Administrative Headquarters 2202 Roosevelt Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78210 Mission San José 6701 San José Drive San Antonio, Texas 78214 Mission Espada 10040 Espada Road San Antonio, Texas 78214 Directions: From downtown and the Alamo area:•Travel south on South St. Mary’s Street. Approximately one mile south of downtown, after passing beneath railroad tracks, South St. Mary’s becomes Roosevelt Ave. Continue on Roosevelt 4 miles, to a drive-in buy lorazepam online theater on your left, followed by a large stone structure: Mission San José. At the first stop light past the mission turn left onto New Napier Ave. Follow the signs into our parking lot or bus lanes, as appropriate. Map: Click here for National Park Service map Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Links: San Antonio Missions National Historic Park Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Tips for the Photographer Equipment: There is no special equipment needed, you can get great shots with just about any camera and lens combination. What to Photograph: The mission buildings, churches, and grounds.  Pay close attention to the detail and workmanship of the 250 year old structures. Photography Tips: Photographing during the midday outdoors can cause very high contrast and make it difficult to accurately capture the scene.  Photographing on an overcast or cloudy day will help to soften the light.  Using the technique of HDR or High Dynamic Range can also improve your photos.  All of the photos I have posted here used HDR. More Photographic Destinations in Texas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Saguaro National Park Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation’s largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset. First designated as Saguaro National Monument in 1933, the area received national park status in 1994. It is also the ancestral home of the Tohono O’odham people, who today continue to play a role in the park’s culture, visiting every year in the early summer to pick saguaro fruit. In addition to a broad expanse of desert, Saguaro National Park features mountainous regions – some reaching more than 8,000 feet above sea level – where pine and coniferous forests form a canvas of greenery. These varied landscapes provide ideal habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna, including wildlife such as javelina, coyote, quail, and desert tortoise in the lower elevations and black bear, deer, and Mexican spotted owl in the upper elevations   Where it is: Rincon Mountain District (EAST): 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, Arizona 85730 From the City of Tucson Keep in mind that RVs do not have anywhere to park on the east side. Travel east on Broadway to Freeman Road on the city’s far east side. Turn right on Freeman Road and drive south for 3 miles Turn left onto Old Spanish Trail. Drive .25 miles southeast on Old Spanish Trail to the park entrance on the left side of the road. From Interstate 10 Exit I-10 at exit # 275 (Houghton Road) and drive north 8 miles Turn right on Escalante Road and drive for 2 miles Turn left on Old Spanish Trail. The park entrance is on the right in 0.3 miles. Tucson Mountain District (WEST): 2700 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona 85743 Call the visitor 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. if you need further directions. (520) 733-5158 From north of Tucson: Keep in mind that there is no RV parking on the loop at the west side Take I-10 to Avra Valley Road (exit 242) and drive west 6 miles to Sandario Road. Turn left (south) on Sandario Road and drive for 14 miles. Turn left onto Kinney Road. The Red Hills Visitor Center is 2 miles on your left. From the center of Tucson: Travel west on Speedway Boulevard over Gates Pass to Kinney Road. NOTE: Vehicle weight limit 12,000 lbs. Vehicles over 25 feet not recommended. Use directions from north or south of Tucson (above and below). Turn right (north) on Kinney Road and drive for 4 miles. At the junction of Kinney and Mile Wide Roads (one mile past the Desert Museum) turn right into Saguaro National Park. Continue north 1 mile on Kinney Road to the Red Hills Visitor Center, on the right. From south of Tucson: From I-19 exit onto Ajo Way (State Route 86) and travel west to Kinney Road. Turn right (north) on Kinney Road and drive for 18 miles. At the junction of Kinney and Mile Wide Roads (one mile past the Desert Museum) turn right into Saguaro National Park. Continue north 1 mile on Kinney Road to the Red Hills Visitor Center, on the right.     Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: Red Hills Visitor Center Saguaro National Park West 32.254328648757905, -111.19656918346124 Rincon Mountain Visitor Center Saguaro National Park East 32.18014251624388, -110.73623736093812 Cost: Entering the park by foot, bicycle or horseback Individual Permit – $15 (Valid for 7 Days) Entering the park by private vehicle (car or RV) Vehicle Permit – $25 (Valid for 7 Days) Entering the park by private motorcycle Motorcycle Permit – $20 (Valid for 7 Days) Saguaro National Park Annual Pass Saguaro National Park Annual Pass – $45 Covers entrance to Saguaro National Park in Tucson Arizona for 12 months. It is not refundable or transferable. The Pass is mailed to your home address.   If you have a valid Interagency Pass (Annual, Senior, 4th Grade, Access or Military) or a valid Saguaro National Park Annual Pass, you do not need to pay. Just keep the pass with you. You do not need to display it in your vehicle in Saguaro National Park. Hours: In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from sunrise to sunset daily (Actual times vary throughout the year). In the Rincon Mountain District (east), the park is open to vehicles from 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the summer, and 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the winter. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. Visitor Center – Both Districts are open on all holidays except Christmas. Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inside the visitor center you can find information about the park and activities to do, as well as a book store where you can purchase items such as books, post cards, posters, Mata Ortiz pottery, a taste of the desert and much more! Facilities: Visitor Centers: Both districts of Saguaro National Park have their own visitor center that provides restrooms, water fountains, maps, hiking trails, a driving loop, programs, and staff to assist you. There are no concession stands, snack/soda machines or restaurants at either park. Water fountains are found at both visitor centers and only there. The bookstore at each visitor center sells plastic refillable water bottles. There is no car/RV camping at Saguaro National Park. There are hike-in campsites available only at Saguaro National Park’s East District (Rincon Mountain District). All campsites are backcountry wilderness sites meaning you must hike in all supplies. There are no showers or any form of running water. Location Contact Information: By Mail: Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District Saguaro National Park 3693 South Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85730-5601 – or – Saguaro National Park-Tucson Mountain District 2700 North Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85743 By Phone Visitor Information – Rincon Mountain District (520) 733-5153 Visitor Information – Tucson Mountain District (520) 733-5158 Headquarters (520) 733-5100 By Fax 520-733-5183 E-mail e-mail us   Saguaro National Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Arizona Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Alfred Reagan Mill Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Alfred Reagan grist mill was probably built around 1900. We must assume the builder was Alfred Reagan. The grist mill was a turbine or “tub” mill, the most common type found in the mountains. Water was channeled to strike a primitive horizontal wooden turbine wheel, which turned and provided direct drive power to the mill stones. The only unusual feature known about the mill is that it had a hand-powered, homemade bolting machine. Apparently some wheat was ground there, and the bolting machine was needed to remove the chaff and separate the ground wheat into different grades. Herb Clabo recalls that Reagan’s mill toll was one gallon to the bushel of corn. This was not the only mill on Roaring Fork, but according to Wesley Reagan, it was so well constructed that it would operate when other mills were shut down due to lack of water. Wesley credited this to a special type of small vaned turbine wheel constructed by his father. One of the other mills on Roaring Fork was owned by Alfred’s brother, Aaron, and was located a short distance downstream. Aside from grinding his own corn, Alfred was able to “pick up a few extra gallons of meal a week as toll.”   Where it is: The Alfred Reagan Tub Mill is located on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park. Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trailhead you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). Please note that buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted on the motor nature trail. This is a 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road. The mill is located just inches from the road. GPS: 35°42’7.698″ N 83°28’12.888″ W   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Hours: The Roaring Fort Motor Trail is open 24 hours a day from early April until November, the road is closed in winter. Cost: There is no cost to visit the mill or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Location Contact Information: By Mail Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 By Phone Recorded information: (865) 436-1200 Road Updates: (865) 436-1200 select 2, then 2 again Emergencies: 911 Email Us   Facilities: There are no facilities on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.  Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Tennessee Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Raspberry Island Lighthouse The “Showplace of the Apostle Islands” was built at the urging of Henry Rice, the influential St. Paul politician who founded the city of Bayfield. A light on Raspberry Island would help mark the approach to the new port. Support from shipping interests added weight to Rice’s proposal, and in 1859 President Buchanan signed an order reserving the entire island for lighthouse use. Construction of the lighthouse began about two years later, and the structure was nearly ready for use by the end of 1862. Only one problem delayed the station’s entry into service: the lantern’s lens had not yet arrived. Lighthouse lenses are highly specialized optics, designed to focus the light from a small lamp into a beam that can be seen many miles across the water. The lens for the Raspberry lantern was crafted in France and took months to make its way over the ocean and across half a continent. It was not until mid-July of 1863 that the lens was installed and the light station officially began operation. The little lighthouse was hardly adequate for three keepers and their family members, so in 1906, the Lighthouse Service remodeled the building from the ground up. Portions of the old structure were incorporated into the new building, but final result was a lighthouse that was much larger and more imposing than the original. The new lighthouse was occupied until 1947, when the light was converted to automatic operation. The lens remained in the tower until 1957, when the Coast Guard replaced it with a battery-operated beacon mounted on a pole in front of the lighthouse. Today, visitors can see the original Raspberry Island lens on display at the Wisconsin State Historical Society Museum on Madeline Island. While the lighthouse we see on Raspberry Island appears much the same as it did in 1906, the surrounding setting has changed substantially. When the lighthouse was built, the surrounding area was cleared of trees so that ships would have a clear view of the beacon. Photos taken as recently as the 1940s show an open area of several acres around the station. Today, forest has encroached upon the site, and only a portion of the original clearing remains. More ominously, the bluff in front of the lighthouse has suffered severe erosion. The steep clay banks face the force of Lake Superior at their base, while the upper sections are subject to “slumping,” or collapse. Despite some efforts at erosion control in the 1980s, engineers warn that the receding bank could threaten the light station structures in as little as ten years. Fortunately, Congress has acted to protect the historic treasure known as the Raspberry Island lighthouse. Funds were appropriated to institute erosion control measures that will combine construction of a seawall at the base of the bluff, regrading the slope to a stable angle, drainage improvement, and planting vegetation. During the summer and fall of 2002, visitors to Raspberry Island were able to see the work in progress. By the end of October, more than half the project was complete. Work resumed in the spring of 2003, and the project was completed in July. Where it is: Raspberry Island, accessible by boat only. The Raspberry Island lighthouse is the most readily accessible of the six Apostle Island stations. During the summer season, Apostle Islands Cruise Service tour boats stop at the island. Raspberry Island Lighthouse is best seen from the water, or by landing on the island and visiting the lighthouse on a ranger-guided tour offered by the park service from mid-June to mid-September. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 46°58’13.998″ N 90°48’18” W Cost: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not charge an entrance fee, but does have expanded amenity fees. These fees apply to overnight docking, parking at Meyer’s Beach Road, lighthouse tours, and camping. The Lighthouse tour fall under the pricing for Interpretive Programs. Interpretive Programs Regularly scheduled on or off-site, per child (up to age 16) $3 Regularly scheduled on or off-site, per adult $5 Regularly scheduled on or off-site, per family $10   Hours: During the summer season National Park Service rangers conduct tours of the historic tower from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Facilities: There are primitive restrooms on the island but there are no other facilities. Location Contact Information: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 415 Washington Ave Bayfield, WI 54814 Park Main Line: 715-779-3398 General Information: ext 0 Visitor and Camping information: ext 2 Ice Line (from late-November to March): ext 3 Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center: 715-685-9983 Fax 715-779-3049 Apostle Islands Cruises P.O. Box 691 715-779-3925 1-800-323-7619 Bayfield, WI 54814 Raspberry Island Lighthouse Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Wisconsin: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Rainbow Bridge National Monument Rainbow Bridge National Monument is administered by Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, southern Utah, United States. Rainbow Bridge is often described as the world’s highest natural bridge. The span of Rainbow Bridge was reported in 1974 by the Bureau of Reclamation to be 275 feet, but a measurement of span according to definition by the Natural Arch and Bridge Society in 2007 resulted in a value of 234 feet. At the top it is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide. The bridge, which is of cultural importance to a number of area Native American tribes, has been designated a Traditional Cultural Property by the National Park Service. Rainbow Bridge is one of the most accessible of the large arches of the world. It can be reached by a two-hour boat ride on Lake Powell from either of two marinas near Page, Arizona, followed by a mile-long walk from the National Park wharf in Bridge Canyon, or by hiking several days overland from a trailhead on the south side of Lake Powell. Located in the rugged, isolated canyons at the feet of Navajo Mountain, Rainbow Bridge was known for centuries by the Native Americans who have long held the bridge sacred. Ancient Pueblo People were followed much later by Paiute and Navajo groups who named the bridge Nonnezoshe or “rainbow turned to stone.” Several Native American families still reside nearby. By the 1800s, Rainbow Bridge was probably seen by wandering trappers, prospectors, and cowboys. Not until 1909, though, was its existence publicized to the outside world. Two separate exploration parties – one headed by University of Utah Dean Byron Cummings, and another by government surveyor, W.B. Douglass – began searching for the legendary span. Eventually, they combined efforts. Paiute guides Nasja Begay and Jim Mike led the way, along with trader and explorer John Wetherill. Late in the afternoon of August 15, coming down what is now Bridge Canyon, the party saw Rainbow Bridge for the first time. Where it is: Rainbow Bridge is only accessible by boat on Lake Powell or by land over a 14+ mile trail from the Navajo Nation. By Boat Trips to Rainbow Bridge may be made across Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area using private, rental, or tour boats. From Wahweap, Antelope Point, and Dangling Rope, travel north. From Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, travel south. Proceed to the mouth of Forbidding Canyon (buoy 49), where a floating sign on the right marks the canyon entrance. Follow the canyon about 2 miles to another sign that points the way left through a narrow passage. Proceed with caution! Beyond the wakeless buoys, go slowly so that no wakes, or waves, are made. A courtesy dock is available for short-term docking while people make the roughly 2 mile walk to the bridge. By Hike You may backpack to Rainbow Bridge across Navajo Nation lands. A permit from the Navajo Nation is required. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. GPS: 37°4’41.478″ N 110°57’50.304″ W Cost: There is no fee to enter Rainbow Bridge National Monument. There is an entrance fee for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, from which visitors can access Rainbow Bridge by boat. Glen Canyon Recreation Area Entrance Fees – Weekly 1-7 Day Vehicle Entrance – $30.00  Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers 1-7 Day Motorcycle Entrance – $25.00  Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders. 1-7 Day Individual Entrance – $15.00  Admits one individual when entering on foot or bicycle. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free. 1-7 Day Boating Entrance – $30.00  Admits one single private vessel. If a Senior Pass is presented at time of purchase, the boat entrance fee is $15.00 and good for 1-7 Days. 1-7 Day Boating Entrance additional vessel – $30.00  Admits one single private vessel on the same trailer as a vessel paying full entry fees The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes are accepted. Permits are required from the Navajo Nation for those wishing to backpack to Rainbow Bridge. Boat Tours: Boat tours to Rainbow Bridge are available from the park’s concessioner, Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. Tours depart from Wahweap Marina about 50 miles on the lake from Rainbow Bridge. The tour is an all day excursion. For boat tour information and reservations visit www.lakepowell.com or call 800-528-6154. Hours: Rainbow Bridge National Monument is open year-round to the public.The heaviest visitation is during the summer. Guided Tours may be available year-round. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is closed at sundown. Camping at Rainbow Bridge National Monument is not permitted. You may camp outside of the monument boundaries on Navajo land with a permit, or in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area from your boat. You may not leave your boat at the docks overnight. Facilities: There are no facilities at Rainbow Bridge. There are floating restroom facilities at the dock. There are NOT restrooms at the bridge. There is no food service within Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Limited food service is available seasonally at Dangling Rope Marina, approximately 10 miles south of Rainbow Bridge on Lake Powell. Fuel, provisions, and restrooms are also available at Dangling Rope Marina. Location Contact Information: Mailing Address: c/o Glen Canyon National Recreation Area PO Box 1507 691 Scenic View Dr Page, AZ 86040 Phone: (928) 608-6200 Receptionist at headquarters of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Office hours are weekdays 7am – 4pm MST. Rainbow Bridge National Monument Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Utah: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Pecos National Historical Park Pecos National Historical Park operated by the National Park Service, encompasses thousands of acres of landscape infused with historical elements from prehistoric archaeological ruins to 19th-century ranches, to a battlefield of the American Civil War. Its largest single feature is Pecos Pueblo also known as Cicuye Pueblo, a Native American community abandoned in historic times. Pecos Pueblo The main unit of the park preserves the ruins of Pecos Pueblo, known historically as Cicuye, the “village of 500 warriors”. The first Pecos pueblo was one of two dozen rock-and-mud villages built in the valley around AD 1100 in the prehistoric Pueblo II Era. Within 350 years the Pueblo IV Era Pecos village had grown to house more than 2,000 people in its five-storied complex. The people who lived at Cicuye/Pecos Pueblo spoke the Towa language, the Pecos people enjoyed a rich culture with inventive architecture and beautiful crafts. They also possessed an elaborate religious life, evidenced by the remains of over 20 ceremonial subterranean kivas. Some of the kivas have diameters as large as 40 feet and are 10 feet deep, accessed by wooden ladders. Farming was a main part of their diet and staple crops included the usual beans, corn, and squash. Their location, power and ability to supply goods made the Pecos a major trade center in the eastern part of the Puebloan territory, connecting the Pueblos to the Plains cultures such as the Comanche. There are seven distinct periods of their occupancy beginning with the Preceramic Period (11,500 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.) Ancestral Puebloan Paleo-Indians, and ending in the 1830s when the last remaining Pueblo people migrated to Jemez Pueblo where the people also spoke the Towa language. The historical Pecos people produced, used or traded seven types of ceramic ware during their occupancy of the area. These are known as Rio Grande Greyware (plain and corrugated), Pajarito White Ware, Rio Grande Glaze Ware, Historic polychromes, Historic plain ware, White Mountain Red Ware, and Plains Apache Ware. Many of these were decorated with black, red or polychrome designs. Spanish mission The main unit of the park also protects the remains of Mission Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Porciúncula de los Pecos, a Spanish mission near the pueblo built in the early 17th century. A 1.25-mile self-guiding trail begins at the nearby visitor center and winds through the ruins of Pecos Pueblo and the mission church. Pecos was visited by expeditionaries with Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in 1540. The Spanish mission church was built in 1619. A traditional kiva was built in front of the church during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 as a rejection of the Christian religion brought by Spanish colonists. However, when the Spanish returned in 1692, the Pecos community stayed on friendly terms with them. The site was abandoned in 1838, after the Pecos population suffered from marauding Comanches. The surviving remnant of the Pecos population moved to the Jemez Pueblo. First a state monument in 1935, it was made Pecos National Monument in 1965, and greatly enlarged and renamed in 1990. Where it is: Pecos National Historical Park is located 25 miles east of Santa Fe, New Mexico off of Interstate 25. There is no public transportation to the park. Visitors traveling north on I-25 can take exit 299 near Glorieta, NM on to HWY 50 to Pecos Village. From Pecos, head south two miles on State Road 63 and the park will be on your right. Visitors traveling south on I-25 can take exit 307 near Rowe, NM and proceed four miles north to the park on State Road 63. From Rowe, the park will be on your left. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 35°30’54.348″ N 105°40’45.39″ W Cost: Entrance to the park is free. Hours: Summer Hours From Memorial Day until Labor Day, the park is open every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please note that the Visitor Center is only open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Winter Hours From Labor Day until Memorial Day, the park is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please note that the Visitor Center is only open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. All visitors must be prepared to leave by the time the park closes. Pecos National Historical Park is open every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Facilities: A visitor center with gift shop and rest rooms.  There is no food or lodging in the park. Location Contact Information: By Phone For general questions contact the main visitor center at 505-757-7241. By Fax 505-757-7207 By email Send an email. By mail Pecos National Historical Park P. O. Box 418 Pecos, NM 87552-0418 Pecos National Historical Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in New Mexico: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Pea Ridge National Military Park Canons on display at Pea Ridge National Military Park is a 4,300 acre Civil War Battlefield that preserves the site of the March 1862 battle that saved Missouri for the Union. On March 7-8, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri and was a turning point of the war in the West.  The 4,300 acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River and is one of the most intact Civil War battlefields in the United States. The park also includes a two and one half mile segment of the Trail of Tears. The Elkhorn Tavern, site of bitter fighting on both days, is a NPS reconstruction on the site of the original. The Pea Ridge Campaign Pea Ridge was the most decisive Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. Over 26,000 soldiers struggled for two days in Northwest Arkansas in the battle that would decide the fate of Missouri. But why was Missouri so important that so many men would risk their lives for it? Control of Missouri was the key to winning the war in the West. Military strategists, both North and South, were fully aware of this. Missouri provided an easy invasion route either north or south and controlled the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers. It had abundant natural resources, especially lead and iron ore, a large military-aged population and was the home of the Saint Louis Arsenal, with a stockpile of over 60,000 muskets. In December, 1861, the situation in Missouri was deadlocked. The Missouri State Guard, the pro-secession militia army, controlled the southern & western parts of the state, while the Federal Army controlled the northern & eastern parts, as well as the railroads & waterways. The Missouri State Guard had won important victories at Carthage, Lexington, and Wilson’s Creek, but had failed to force Missouri to secede from the Union. The Federal commander, Major General Henry Halleck, knew that the State Guard was a symbol of open defiance to Federal authority in Missouri and that its continued presence in the state might still encourage secession. He began to gather all his available forces at Lebanon, Missouri, and, on December 25, 1861, placed Brigadier General Samuel Ryan Curtis in command of them. Curtis’ orders were to destroy the Missouri State Guard at its winter quarters in Springfield or to drive it from the state. Curtis’ Army of the Southwest began its campaign on February 10, 1862. The army marched quickly over the rough, frozen roads, and caught the Missouri State Guard, and its commander, Major General Sterling Price, by surprise. Price abandoned Springfield on February 13, and retreated south into Arkansas. The two armies fought a series of skirmishes along the way and on February 17, one week after beginning its campaign, Curtis triumphantly telegraphed Halleck, “The flag of our Union again floats in Arkansas.” As the Federals crossed the border into Arkansas, a brass band played “Yankee Doodle” and “The Arkansas Traveler”. Where it is: The park is located 10 miles east of Rogers AR, the entrance road is located on Highway 62, 1.3 miles east of the intersection of Highways 62 and 72. As one is driving along highway 62, watch for the brown road signs directing one to the entrance road to the parks visitor center. Getting to the Park From the Northeast (Republic, MO): Take US 60 to Monett, MO, then south on MO 37 to Gateway, AR. Go west on US 62 to the new park entrance. From the North (Joplin, MO): Take US 71 south until the Pea Ridge Exit and then go left on AR 72. At the town of Pea Ridge follow 72 to US 62. Turn left on US 62 and drive 1.3 miles to the Park. From the South (Ft. Smith, AR): Take I-49 north. Go through Fayetteville, AR. Continue north on I-49 to the US 62 exit and follow signs to the park. From the West (Tulsa, OK): Take the Cherokee Turnpike to US 412 to Siloam Springs and Springdale, AR. Take I-49 north to US 62 East and follow signs to the park.   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 36°26’34.77″ N 94°1’28.89″ W Cost: There is no fee to enter at Pea Ridge National Military Park and passes are not available for purchase. Hours: Pea Ridge National Military Park The battlefield driving tour road is open for visitors to tour 7 days a week from 6 am to sunset. Facilities: Inside the Visitor Center you will find a theater, a bookstore and a small museum and restrooms. Outside you will find a 7-mile, 10-stop tour road, as well as horse trails and hiking trails.  There is no food or lodging available in the park. Location Contact Information: Mail: 15930 E Highway 62 Garfield, AR 72732 Phone: 479-451-8122 Fax: 479-451-0219 e-mail us   Pea Ridge National Military Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
   Padre Island National Seashore North Padre Island is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. Meaning father in Spanish, it was named after Father José Nicolás Ballí (c.1770-1829), who owned the island and served as a missionary priest and collector of finances for all the churches in the Rio Grande Valley. He also founded the first mission in present-day Cameron County. Most of the park is primitive, but camping is available, and most of the beach is only accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles. All but four miles is open to vehicle traffic. The national seashore is 70 miles long with 65.5 miles of Gulf beach. Padre Island National Seashore hosts a variety of pristine beach, dune, and tidal flat environments, including the Laguna Madre on its west coast, a famous spot for windsurfing. A program to re-establish a nesting beach for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles on Padre Island was begun in 1978. In 1992, the first two turtles from the program returned to Padre Island beach to lay their eggs. The number of Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests on Padre Island has increased ever since. Due to the location of Padre Island National Seashore on the Central Flyway, a major migratory route for birds, about 380 species of birds have been documented within the park, which represents approximately 45% of all bird species documented within North America. The park was designated as a “Globally Important Bird Area” by the American Bird Conservancy in 1998 for providing an “important habitat for globally significant numbers of Brown Pelicans, Redheads, Least Terns, Piping Plovers, Reddish Egrets and Peregrine Falcons. Where it is: The island is located along Texas’s southern coast of the Gulf of Mexico and is noted for its white sandy beaches. The National Seashore is located on North Padre Island, southeast of the city of Corpus Christi, Texas. Visitors to the area should head east through Corpus Christi on Highway 358. After crossing the JFK Causeway onto Padre Island, Highway 358 changes to Park Road 22. Continue about 10 miles south on Park Road 22 to reach the park entrance.  Park Road 22 – actually dead ends into the national park. The park entrance station is a booth that is located literally in the middle of the road. So once you get on Park Road 22, just keep going until you reach the end and the park entrance station. Padre Island National Seashore and South Padre Island are two different places located over 100 miles apart. Sometimes Padre Island National Seashore is confused with South Padre Island, but the two are very different destinations. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 27.490931614693423, -97.2800124687446 Cost: Entrance Fees: Padre Island Vehicle 7 Day Entrance Fee – $25.00 This fee provides entrance into the park for one private, standard passenger vehicle for up to 7 days. It covers all occupants of the vehicle. Padre Island Vehicle 1 Day Entrance Fee – $10.00 This fee provides entrance into the park for one private, standard passenger vehicle for one day (not overnight). It covers all occupants of the vehicle. Padre Island Bicycle/Pedestrian 7 Day Entrance Fee – $15.00 This fee provides entrance into the park for one pedestrian or one bicycle for up to 7 days. Bird Island Basin Use Fee – $5.00 This fee provides for use of the Bird Island Basin area within Padre Island National Seashore for one day. It covers all occupants of one private, standard passenger vehicle. Bird Island Basin provides access to the Laguna Madre and has a boat ramp, windsurfing and kayaking area, and camping area. Please note this fee is in addition to the park entrance fee. Padre Island Motorcycle 7 Day Entrance Fee – $20.00 This fee provides entrance into the park for one motorcycle for up to 7 days. Padre Island Bicycle/Pedestrian 1 Day Entrance Fee – $5.00 This fee provides entrance into the park for one person on foot or on bicycle for 1 day. Padre Island Motorcycle 1 Day Entrance Fee – $7.00 This fee provides entrance into the park for one motorcycle for 1 day. Federal Interagency Passes are accepted for free entry. Hours: The Padre Island National Seashore is open 24 per day 365 days a year. Facilities: Malaquite Pavilion is the primary location for goods and services in the park. The Pavilion includes the Visitor Center, restrooms, cold-water showers, two observation decks, and an auditorium. The restrooms and cold-water showers at the Pavilion are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week except when being cleaned from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. daily. No pets are allowed at Malaquite Pavilion facilities. However, pet-friendly restrooms and rinse-off showers are located at the northern end of the Pavilion parking area. Malaquite Visitor Center has an information desk, educational exhibits, a small bookstore and an ice machine. Visitors can watch orientation videos, get maps and brochures, check out binoculars and beach wheelchairs, and attend ranger programs. First aid is also available here. Please note that firewood and fishing licenses are not sold in the park. The park does not have a gas station and is about 12 miles from the nearest one, so fill up before you visit. The park does not have a post office or sell stamps, and cannot mail items for visitors. Only camping is available in the park. The nearest hotels and motels are about ten miles from the park. All campgrounds are open year-round. No reservations are accepted, as camping is first-come, first-served. Campers, including beach campers, must have a camping permit, which is available from the kiosks at the entrances of each campground. There are no RV hook-ups anywhere in the park, but an RV dump station and a water filling station are available for all campers staying in the park. Location Contact Information: E-mail: Park Information and/or Comments Volunteer Information Sea Turtle Volunteer Information   Mail: Padre Island National Seashore P.O. Box 181300 Corpus Christi, TX 78480-1300   Physical Address: Padre Island National Seashore 20420 Park Road 22 Corpus Christi, TX 78418  Padre Island National Seashore Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Texas Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Organ Pipe Cactus – Bates Well Ranch The Bates Well Ranch , also known as the Bates Well, Growler Well, Gray Ranch and El Veit, was one of the fifteen ranches and line camps in the Gray family cattle business in the Sonoran Desert country north of the US-Mexico border in Pima County, Arizona. Operating for nearly 60 years, the ranch is now part of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The main ranch house was moved from Growler Mine to Bates Well in 1942, re-used in traditional frontier and Gray family practice. Probably originating as a miners’ cabin, the northern portion was presumably added after its relocation at Bates Well. The original well may have been dug by W.B. Bates about 1870, with a later well dug by Reuben Daniels circa 1913. An arrastra, a simple ore-milling operation, existed in the early 20th century. The property was developed by Robert Louis Gray’s son, Henry from 1935 on. Henry lived there until his death in 1976. The Bates Well property represents a very complete and intact example of the frontier ranching pattern in Arizona typical of the Sonoran Desert during the first third of the twentieth century. Ranching operations ceased in 1976.  The ranch consists of a configuration of corrals, outbuildings, and windmills, along with a main ranch house. Where it is: Bates Well Ranch is situated along the northern edge of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in an area that has long been known as an oasis of human habitation within the Sonoran Desert.   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 32°10’9.702″ N 112°57’3.738″ W Cost: There is no gate at the monument entrance; entrance fees are paid for at the visitor center. Single-Visit Entrance Fee Easily purchase the following passes ahead of time online at Recreation.gov or in-person at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Single-visit entrance fees pay for admission to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and are valid for seven days after purchase. Vehicles: $25 This fee includes all occupants of a non-commercial vehicle. Motorcycle: $20  Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s). Individuals: $15 This fee applies to bicycles and walk-ins (per person) America The Beautiful Interagency Passes are accepted. Hours: The monument is open 365 days a year and park roads and trails are open 24 hours. Facilities: There are no facilities at the ranch location. There are limited services inside Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. A small selection of snacks are sold in the bookstore at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Location Contact Information: CONTACT INFO Mailing Address: 10 Organ Pipe Drive Ajo , AZ 85321 Phone: 520-387-6849 Contact Us  Organ Pipe Cactus – Bates Well Ranch Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Arizona Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Mount Rushmore National Memorial Mount Rushmore National Memorial is centered on a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills in Keystone, South Dakota. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created the sculpture’s design and oversaw the project’s execution from 1927 to 1941 with the help of his son, Lincoln Borglum. The sculpture features the 60-foot heads of Presidents George Washington (1732–1799), Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) and Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). The four presidents were chosen to represent the nation’s birth, growth, development and preservation, respectively. South Dakota historian Doane Robinson is credited with conceiving the idea of carving the likenesses of noted figures into the mountains of the Black Hills of South Dakota in order to promote tourism in the region. His initial idea was to sculpt the Needles; however, Gutzon Borglum rejected the Needles because of the poor quality of the granite and strong opposition from the Lakota (Sioux), who consider the Black Hills to be sacred ground; it was originally included in the Great Sioux Reservation. The United States broke up the territory after gold was discovered in the Black Hills. The mountain into which it was carved is known to the Lakota Sioux as Six Grandfathers. The sculptor and tribal representatives settled on Mount Rushmore, which also has the advantage of facing southeast for maximum sun exposure. Robinson wanted it to feature American West heroes, such as Lewis and Clark, their expedition guide Sacagawea, Oglala Lakota chief Red Cloud, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Oglala Lakota chief Crazy Horse. Borglum believed that the sculpture should have broader appeal and chose the four presidents. Peter Norbeck, U.S. Senator from South Dakota, sponsored the project and secured federal funding. Construction began in 1927; the presidents’ faces were completed between 1934 and 1939. After Gutzon Borglum died in March 1941, his son Lincoln took over as leader of the construction project. Each president was originally to be depicted from head to waist, but lack of funding forced construction to end on October 31, 1941. Sometimes referred to as the “Shrine of Democracy”, Mount Rushmore attracts more than two million visitors annually. Where it is: Visitors traveling by car on I-90 should exit at Rapid City and follow U.S.. Highway 16 southwest to Keystone and then South Dakota Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. Visitors coming from the south should follow U. S. Highway 385 north to South Dakota Highway 244, which is the road leading to the memorial. Get directions on Google Maps. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: Latitude/Longitude Coordinates for Mount Rushmore National Memorial N 43° 53.559′ W 103° 28.246′ Decimal coordinates 43.8789472 -103.459825 Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) for Mount Rushmore National Memorial 623773E 4859716N Zone 13 Cost: There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. However, fees are required to park at the memorial. Parking Fees Cars, Motorcycles and RVs $10 per vehicle $5 for Seniors (62 and older) Free for Active Duty Military Commercial Tour Bus $50* Verified, nonprofit Educational Bus $25* Hours: Parking Structure and Memorial Grounds Hours October 1, 2020 – March 13, 2021 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. March 14 – September 30, 2021 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. October 1, 2021 – March 12, 2022 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.   Facilities: There is a gift shop, restrooms, and drinking water available. The Carvers’ Café, the only dining facility in the park, serves a variety of foods.   Location Contact Information:  By Mail 13000 Highway 244 Building 31, Suite 1 Keystone, SD 57751-0268 By Phone Park Headquarters 605-574-2523 Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center 605-574-3165 Lost and Found 605-574-3465 Visitor Information Recorded Message 605-574-3171 By Fax 605-574-2307 By Email Due to the volume of inquiries, there may be a delay in getting a response. e-mail   Mount Rushmore National Memorial Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in South Dakota Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Mormon Row Historic District Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, sent parties from the Salt Lake Valley to establish new communities and support their expanding population. Mormon homesteaders, who settled east of Blacktail Butte near the turn of the 19-century, clustered their farms to share labor and community, a stark contrast with the isolation typical of many western homesteads. These settlers first arrived in the 1890s from Idaho establishing a community (named Grovont by the U.S. Post Office) known today as “Mormon Row.” Homesteaders established 27 homesteads in the Grovont area because of relatively fertile soil, shelter from winds by Blacktail Butte and access to the Gros Ventre River. Despite the harsh conditions of Jackson Hole, Mormon settlers grew crops by using irrigation. These hardy settlers dug ditches by hand and with teams of horses, building an intricate network of levees and dikes to funnel water from central ditches to their fields between 1896 and 1937. Water still flows in some of these ditches. Mormon Row Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 as an Historic District. Admission & Hours Grand Teton National Park is open twenty-four hours every day, year-round. Seasonal road closures may limit auto access to some areas in the park during the winter. The roads to Mormon Row Historic District are closed from November 1st through April 30th. The entrance fees are $30 for a private, noncommercial vehicle; $25 for a motorcycle; or $15 for each visitor 16 years and older entering by foot, bicycle, ski, etc. These fees provide the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway only. Yellowstone National Park has a separate entrance fee. What to Photograph: Moulton Barns Today, two picturesque barns highlight Mormon Row. Settlers John and Thomas Alma (T.A.) Moulton built these barns on adjacent homesteads. After nearly 30 years of working the land, John replaced his log home and barn with a new carpenter-constructed, pink stucco frame house and impressive, two-story gambrel barn north of Antelope Flats Road. South of John’s homestead, T. A. took over 30 years to build his gable-with-shed style barn. Photographers from around the world stop by T. A. Moulton’s barn to capture this iconic historic structure with the Teton Range in the background. Chambers Homestead The most extensive historic complex remaining on Mormon Row is the Andy Chambers homestead. Andy Chambers claimed land in 1912 and secured the title under the Homestead Act by building a log cabin and stable and clearing ground to grow grain, a backbreaking chore in the rocky soil. The family lacked running water until 1927 and harnessed electricity with a windmill in 1946. The Rural Electric Administration did not provide power to Mormon Row until the 1950s. By this time, many families had sold their homesteads to become part of the park. The windmill still stands on the homestead. Free roaming Bison can also be seen in the area. Best Time for Photographers: Probably the best time is early morning just as the sun comes up, it will be at your back and lighting the barns and the Tetons in the background.  Good shots can be made throughout the day and the sun setting behind the Tetons can make some great shots.  Another option is to photograph the night sky and light paint the barns at night. Fall is a great time for color, there are a lot of Cottonwoods and Aspen which turn bright yellow.  During the winter the road is closed and it can be very difficult to access, with hiking, snow showing, or cross country skiing being your only way in. Getting There: Driving Directions Drive north from Jackson on highway 191 past Moose Junction and turn right onto Antelope Flats Road. Follow the road about 1 ½ miles until you see a north-south running dirt road marked by a distinctive pink stucco house on the left with a small dirt parking area. A trail brochure and interpretive sign can be found at the parking lot.   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Facilities During the summer of 2015 plans are to add a trial along Mormon Row and a parking area with vault toilets. Location Contact Information: By Mail Grand Teton National Park P.O. Drawer 170 Moose, WY 83012-0170 By Phone Information (307) 739-3300 Information for the Hearing Impaired (TDD) TDD is a telecommunications device for the deaf and requires an electronic device for text communication via a phone line at (307) 739-3400 By Email E-Mail Us Nearest City or Town:  Jackson Wyoming Mormon Row Historic District Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Wyoming: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Mingus Mill Great Smoky Mountains National Park Mingus Mill provides a rare opportunity for Park visitors to get a glimpse what life was like when the North American continent was being settled. The mill is staffed by knowledgeable caretakers from April through October (and also weekends in November) who are happy to share information about the mill and perform demonstrations. Cookbooks, lye soap, wheat flour, corn meal, and informative brochures can be purchased during opening hours. During the winter months, the interior of the mill is closed to the public, however visitors are welcome to meander along the paths and structures outside the mill. Mingus Mill was built in 1886 by the millwright Sion Thomas Early of Sevier County, Tennessee. Early did the work for John Mingus, a son of John Jacob Mingus. Early completed the mill in three months for a cost of $600. The mill operated at wholesale and retail levels until the National Park Service purchased the property in 1934. The mill was restored in 1937, closed during World War II, and reopened in 1968. Water diverted from Mingus Creek via a sluice (canal) and a wooden flume turns two turbines which provide power to the mill. An iron shaft connects the turbines to grindstones on the first floor and a wheat cleaner and bolting chest on the second floor (the latter two via a series of pulleys). Wheat or corn is first transported by bucket belt to the wheat cleaner, which is essentially a fan which clears the grain of dirt and excess material, and then drops it back to the first floor. The cleaned grain is then fed into the grindstones, which break it down into flour (or cornmeal). The flour is then transported back to the second floor and fed into the bolting chest, which uses bolts of progressively coarser cloth to separate the flour into different grades. While the mill’s turbine is not as photogenic as the overshot wheels that power mills such as the Cable Mill at Cades Cove, it was more efficient and required less water power to operate. The turbine generated approximately 11 horsepower (8.2 kW) turning at 400 rpm. Aden Carver, who arrived in Oconaluftee in the mid-19th century, helped Early build the mill in 1886. When the mill was restored in 1937, Carver, then in his 90s, aided in its restoration.   Where it is: The mill is located just off of Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road).  Mingus Mill is just short walk down a trail from the parking lot. Directions:  From Cherokee, NC and the Oconaluftee visitor’s center, take 441 into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The mill is just a few miles past the visitor center on the left.  You’ll see signs. From Gatlinburg, TN take 441 into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Pass Sugarlands Visitor Center and travel about 30 miles through the park, until you see the signs for Mingus Mill on your right.  If you reach the Oconaluftee Visitor center, you went too far.   GPS: 35°31’11.058″ N 83°18’35.994″ W Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Hours: Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily from mid-March through mid-November. The grounds and the outside of the mill is accessible at all times. Cost: There is no cost to visit Mingus Mill or to enter Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Location Contact Information: By Mail Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 By Phone Recorded information: (865) 436-1200 Road Updates: (865) 436-1200 select 2, then 2 again Emergencies: 911 Email Us   Facilities: There is a large parking area and restrooms.  Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in North Carolina Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Mariscal Mine Big Bend National Park The Mariscal Mine once bustled as the center of the Big Bend quicksilver mining economy. From 1900 to 1943, Mariscal Mine produced 1,400 seventy-six pound flasks of mercury – nearly one quarter of the total produced in the United States! Now deserted, the mine and surroundings once provided the people who lived here an income, a community, and a home. Farmer Martin Solis discovered the bright red mercury-bearing ore called cinnabar near his farm in 1900, and set the history of Mariscal Mine in motion. Shortly thereafter, local U.S. Customs agent and Boquillas, TX, store owner Ed Lindsay filed the first mining claim on Mariscal Mountain. The Lindsay Mine produced some ore between 1900 and 1905, but Lindsay encountered numerous difficulties. Transporting the cinnabar ore 30 miles by mule was costly and a lawsuit challenged his ownership of the property. Subsequently, Lindsay sold his interests to Isaac Sanger of Dallas in November 1905. Only four years later, Sanger’s Texas Almaden Mining company closed due to a worldwide economic depression. World War I created demand for mercury because it was required in the manufacture of blasting caps and bomb detonators. Subsequently, W. K. Ellis, a Midwestern inventor, purchased the mine in 1917. He built a four compartmnet ore bin that fed into three stationary retorts, or glazed tubes. The Ellis Mine produced 894 flasks of mercury, but when prices plummeted ast the end of the war, Ellis wisely sold the mine to William “Billy” Burcham. Sturctures from this early phase of cinnabar ore processing are visible at the lowest level of the mine complex. In the summer of 1919, Burcham and several New York financiers formed the Mariscal Mining Company. Naming the company after the mountain it rests upon, Burcham opened the mine and invested in modern equipment and refining methods to increase efficiency and production. The large Scott Furnace and elaborate concrete condenser system that stands above it are the remains of the Mariscal Mining Company. Unfortunately, the system proved to be not so modern or as efficient as hoped. The declining mercury market doomed the mine to failure, and it closed in 1923. At the beginning of World War II, Burcham reopened the Mariscal Mine under the name of the Vivianna Mining Company. He installed a 30-ton Gould rotary furnace. The high prices he anticipated for mercury did not materialize, and the mine closed for the final time in 1943, just a year before the establishment of Big Bend National Park. All items of value were sold at auction. Ironically, some of the mercury-soaked bricks from the Scott Furnace were processed, yielding a considerable quantity of mercury. Life at the Mine Between 1919 and 1923, Mariscal Mine employed 20-40 people. The miners were Mexican citizens who had walked into Texas to escape the Mexican Revolution. Only the manager, foreman, and brick-kiln specialist were American. Newly-arrived miners usually lived in brush shelters at the foot of Mariscal Mountain. As time permitted, they gathered rocks and built houses. Their wives planted and cared for small vegetable gardens near Fresno Creek. Most of the ruins you see today were one to three room houses, built between 1919 and 1923. During 1942-43, the Vivianna Mining Company built ten concrete and stucco homes for the miners. Ironically, they were probably never occupied as the mine never realized its potential. Water for the community was obtained from shallow, hand-dug wells along Fresno Creek, about a mile north of the mine. Mexican freighters also hauled large quantities of water to the mine from Glenn Spring, ten miles north. Working six days per week, experienced miners were paid up to $1.50 per 10-hour shift. Less-skilled laborers earned $1-$1.25. Most of the miners’ earnings returned to the mine owners via the company store, which provided supplies. Each employee also contributed $1 per paycheck to support the resident doctor in return for medical care. Mariscal Mine and its community depended upon the Mexican freighters for all their supplies, including firewood for the Scott Furncace. The freighters hauled extracted mercury from the Mine to the railhead at Marfa for $1 per flask. The work of digging cinnabar ore by pick and shovel from the depths of Mariscal Mine and then heating it to render mercury was both difficult and unhealthy. Many miners succumbed to mercury poisoning from handling the ore. Those who worked around the Scott Furnace often “salivated,” meaning they produced abnormal amounts of saliva. Most veteran furnace men had no teeth and developed chronic respiratory problems from mercury fumes. Where it is: Mariscal Mine is located on the northern end of Mariscal Mountain, deep in the interior of Big Bend National Park. Easiest access to the area is via the River Road east, which begins just five miles west of Rio Grande Village. High clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for traveling this dirt road; check with a park ranger for current road conditions before setting out. Allow at least one-half day for this excursion. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Map of Remaining Structures GPS: 29°5’41.086″ N 103°11’19.476″ W Cost: Entrance Passes All federal lands passes are issued and accepted at Big Bend National Park. Passes are non-transferable. Vehicle: $30 Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days. Motorcycle: $25 Admits one non-commercial motorcycle; valid for 7 days. Individuals: $15 Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days. Big Bend Annual Pass: $55 (good for one year from purchase date) Covers entrance fees to Big Bend National Park. Pass is available at Big Bend National Park entrance stations or any Visitor Center. Pass is non-transferable. Hours: Park entrances are always open and you can arrive at any hour, but entrance fee stations and visitor centers may be closed after normal business hours.   Facilities: There are no facilities anywhere near the mine, the closest facilities are at Rio Grande Village. Location Contact Information: By Mail Big Bend National Park P.O. Box 129 Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 By Phone Panther Junction Park Headquarters/Visitor Information 432-477-2251 Weather Information Hotline 432-477-1183 By Fax Panther Junction Park Headquarters/Visitor Information 432-477-1160 or 432-477-1176 Email General Information Requests Information packets, trip planning, etc. Mariscal Mine Big Bend National Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Texas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Mammoth Cave National Park Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system, a part of the Green River Valley, and the rolling hills of south central Kentucky. While cave tours of the 10 miles available in the cave are the park’s big attraction, there is plenty more to do and explore while visiting this beautiful wilderness area, such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing and kayaking. In 1926, a group of private citizens formed Mammoth Cave National Park Association to protect the park. Mammoth Cave National Park was officially dedicated as a national park by 1941. It then became a World Heritage Site in 1981 and an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990.   The National Park Service offers several cave tours to visitors. Some notable features of the cave, such as Grand Avenue, Frozen Niagara, and Fat Man’s Misery, can be seen on lighted tours ranging from one to six hours in length. Two tours, lit only by visitor-carried paraffin lamps, are popular alternatives to the electric-lit routes. Several “wild” tours venture away from the developed parts of the cave into muddy crawls and dusty tunnels. Where it is: From the north, take I65 to exit 53 (the Cave City exit). Then turn right onto KY-70, and follow it as it becomes Mammoth Cave Parkway. From southbound I65, take exit 48 (the Park City exit). Then, turn left onto KY-255 and follow it as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Do not rely on your mobile GPS or web based mapping applications. These services often lead visitors off track onto routes requiring river crossings via ferry or onto narrow winding roads not suitable for large vehicles. Photography Information: No flash photography is allowed. Tripods and monopods are not allowed. With modern digital cameras you can get photos by using a high ISO speed and holding your camera very steady.  Having a camera or lens with image stabilization is also a recommended. GPS: Lat/Long: N 37° 11′ 13.115” ¦ W 86° 06′ 05.197” Decimal Degrees: +37.186976 ¦ -86.101444 UTM (Zone 16N, NAD83): 579779.491 ¦ 4115977.605 m   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   Hours: Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24-hours a day, although services are limited after-hours (generally after 4:30 pm in winter or 5 pm in summer). There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.   Cost: Entry to Mammoth Cave National Park and its surface features is free of charge. There is, however, a charge to tour the cave, stay in campgrounds, or reserve picnic shelters.   Location Contact Information: By Email Ask a question or leave a comment. We usually reply to emails within two weeks. By Phone Cave Tour and Campground Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov Mammoth Cave Visitor Center: (270) 758-2180 Reporting Line: (270) 758-2168 (To report hazards or suspicious activity to the park) Green River Ferry Hotline: (270) 758-2166 By Mail Mammoth Cave National Park P.O. Box 7 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway Mammoth Cave, KY 42259   Facilities: Located inside the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, the America’s National Parks Bookstore sells educational materials and souvenirs. Sit down restaurants, quick counter service, and grab-and-go food options are all available inside the park. The Lodge at Mammoth Cave features a mix of modern hotel rooms as well as historic cottages nestled in the woodland within walking distance from the park visitor center. Lodging is also available just outside of the park.  Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Kentucky Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Lost Valley – Eden Falls Description: Lost Valley has a lot to see along the 2-2.5 mile trail along Clark Creek.These include, Eden Falls, Eden Falls cave, Cobb Cave, and the Natural Bridge with a waterfall coming out from under it.  There is even an underground waterfall about 200′ deep into Eden Falls Cave. Eden Falls is broken up into several different falls, all of which cannot be seen at the same time. Cost: There are no fee’s for day use of the area, camping is no loner permitted. Best Time to Visit: There are great photo opportunities nearly anytime, but the premier attraction is Eden Falls and only flows good during wet periods.  Typically in the spring and in the winter. Where it is: Lost Valley is located in the Buffalo National River near Jasper Arkansas. Directions: From I-40 exit 81 at Russellville, take the AR Hwy-7 and head north on 7 to Jasper and the junction of Hwy-74. Turn left (west) and follow 74 to Ponca. At Ponca, turn left on Hwy-43. The Lost Valley Campground will be on your right between Ponca and Boxley. (about a 2½ hour drive from I-40)From I-40 exit  at Clarksville, take nAR-21 north through Salus toward Ponca. About 4 miles before you reach Ponca is the intersection of AR-43 (AR-21 veers left to Kinston here). Continue on AR-43 and the campground is about two more miles on your left. (about a 2 hour drive from I-40)From Harrison, head south on AR-7 to the junction of Arkansas Hwy-43 (W Wilson Ave). Ar-7 veers left here, drive straight through to get on AR-43. Follow 43, through Compton and Ponca, to Lost Valley Campground on your right (about a 1 hour drive from Harrison). Map: Links: National Park Service Buffalo River GPS N 36.01035 and W -93.37435 Contact: Buffalo National River, NPS 402 N Walnut, Suite 136 Harrison, AR 72601 870-439-2502 buff_information@nps.gov Facilities: Flush toilets, picnic tables and fire grates. (Open year-round). Tips for the Photographer Equipment: A tripod, an assortment of lenses for closeup and macro to wide angle to take in the large bluff areas and Cobb Cave. What to Photograph: Eden Falls is the primary subject, however there are many other possibilities including wildflowers and insects macro and in the fall great color. Photography Tips: For photographing the waterfall you will need  a tripod and want to expose for 1/8 to 1 second or more to get the smooth silky look popular in waterfall photos.  Try to shoot on an overcast day, on a bright sunny day the mixture of bright sunlight and deep shade are very difficult to photograph. Links: How to Shoot Waterfalls Lost Valley Photo Gallery Click Here for Full Page Gallery More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Knox Covered Bridge   A History of the Knox Covered Bridge Originally built in 1851 at a cost of $843, its span was 50 feet. The bridge was made of white pine, light in weight and resistant to worms and weather. Like other covered bridges, it was covered for protection from the weather, to keep off the rain, snow and sun. The superstructure over the bridge kept water out of the joints, where it might freeze during the winter or cause rotting in the summer, and also kept the bridge from drying. The 1851 bridge was washed away in 1865 by a flood. A replacement was built that year at a cost of $1,179. With slightly longer a 65-foot span. In 1958 the bridge was damaged by fire. When it was rebuilt by the State, steel girders were added to reinforce and strengthen it. For many years the bridge was known as the Valley Forge Dam Bridge. In the 19th century there were a number of mills and factories along The Valley Creek with a dam near what is now Route 23 providing water power for their operation. The lake formed by the dam was a “very pretty body of water” but with the water level only a foot or so below the road, it also caused flooding from time to time. Today the bridge is usually identified as the Knox Bridge – though there is some disagreement over which Knox its name is taken; Senator Philander C. Knox or General Henry Knox. It seems more probable that it took its name from the former. In 1903 he purchased 256 acres of land adjacent to the bridge and moved into the old farm house west of the bridge that had been the quarters of General William Maxwell during the Valley Forge encampment. He was an attorney and prominent in the Republican party in the early years of the 20th century, serving as Attorney General under President Theodore Roosevelt and as the Secretary of State in the cabinet of President William Howard Taft. He also served two terms as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania. The suggestion that the bridge may have been named for General Henry Knox stems from the fact that, during the Valley Forge encampment, the 300-pound commander of the Continental artillery had his quarters in the old farm house to the east of the bridge. Where it is: Knox Covered Bridge in Valley Forge National Historical Park across Valley Run (creek) near Lord Stirling’s Quarters. On (or at the end of) Yellow Springs Road as it joins Valley Creek Road (PA 252). Confusingly, the last bit of Yellow Springs Road, and part of 252 are also known as Baptist Road. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. GPS: 40°5’13.914″ N 75°27’23.262″ W Cost: Entry to Valley Forge National Historical Park is free of charge.   Hours: Open daily, year-round 7 AM to dark Facilities: Restrooms, snacks and refreshments are available to the visitor center. Knox Covered Bridge Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Pennsylvania Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    [...]Read more...
Horseshoe Bend Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona, United States. It is also referred to as the “east rim of the Grand Canyon.” Below the rim, the Colorado River makes a wide sweep around a sandstone escarpment. On its long downward journey to the sea, the river meandered, sometimes making wide bends, but always seeking the path of least resistance. Around 5 million years ago, the Colorado Plateau uplifted and the meandering rivers that crossed the ancient landscape were trapped in their beds. Over time, the rivers cut through the uplifted layers of sandstone. Here at Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River created a roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) deep, 270º horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon. Horseshoe Bend is located 5 miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 4 miles southwest of Page. The hike to the overlook is a gentle slope of 1.5 miles round-trip over flat terrain. The trail is wide, easy for low-impact walkers, and accessible to wheelchairs. It has two shade stations along the way. The overlook is 4,200 feet above sea level, and the Colorado River is at 3,200 feet above sea level, making it a 1,000-foot drop.   Where it is: Horseshoe Bend is located 5 miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 4 miles southwest of Page. It is accessible via hiking a 1.5-mile round trip from a parking area just off U.S. Route 89 within southwestern Page. The entire ADA- accessible trail, including shade structures and a viewing area with railing opened January 2020. Much of the rim remains exposed, so watch your footing and keep track of children. Get directions on Google Maps Best Time to Visit: The busiest times of the day are between 9:00am to 11:00am in the morning and 4:30pm to 6:30pm in the evening. If you enjoy fewer crowds, try scheduling your hike around these busy times. There is no overnight parking or camping allowed. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 36°52’46.026″ N 111°30’38.034″ W Cost: Parking Fees Horseshoe Bend itself is in the park, but the parking lot is on city land. The City of Page requires visitors to pay for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead. National Park Service passes do not apply for the parking lot. Horseshoe Bend Fees are as follows: Motorcycle: $5 Car or RV: $10 Commercial Van/Bus: (Passenger Capacity up to 14) $35 Commercial Bus: (Passenger Capacity 15-35) $70 Commercial Bus: (Passenger Capacity over 35) $140 Entrance fees are based on the passenger capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers. There is absolutely no parking anywhere along Hwy 89, as this is a 65 mph highway, and vehicles will be ticketed and towed. The City of Page has passed an emergency ordinance prohibiting passenger drop-offs and pickups at the Horseshoe Bend entrance or along the Highway 89 corridor. Hours: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is open 24 hours per day, year-round. Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Location Contact Information: Mailing Address: GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA PO Box 1507 Page, AZ 86040 Phone: (928) 608-6200 Receptionist available at Glen Canyon Headquarters from 7 am to 4 pm MST, Monday through Friday. The phone is not monitored when the building is closed. Horseshoe Bend Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Arizona: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Hoh Rain Forest   The Hoh Rain Forest is located in the stretch of the Pacific Northwest rainforest which once spanned the Pacific Remove Tagcoast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park’s most popular destinations. Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently in the Hoh Rain Forest, contributing to the yearly total of 140 to 170 inches (or 12 to 14 feet!) of precipitation each year. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest. The Hoh Rain Forest is a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and the ecosystem have not changed in thousands of years making it one of the best preserved rain forests in the northern hemisphere. Admission & Hours Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, although some roads, campgrounds and facilities are open seasonally. The park entrance fee is $20 for a private, non-commercial vehicle, $10 for individuals entering on a motorcycle, or $7 for individuals entering on foot or bicycle. Entrance fees are good for seven consecutive days. Annual, interagency, military, senior and access passes are also available. Additional fees are charged for camping, wilderness overnight use, and commercial use. The visitor center is open daily during the summer, closed December through early March, and generally open Friday through Sunday during the spring and fall seasons (hours may vary according to season.)   What to Photograph: The majority of the rainforest is lined with nurse logs, ferns, moss, and other temperate plant species. Near the visitor center is the Hall of Mosses Trail, a short trail—0.8 miles which gives visitors a feel for the local ecosystem and views of maples draped with large growths of spikemoss. Olympic National Park is home to the largest un-managed herd of Roosevelt elk in the Pacific Northwest. Best Time for Photographers: Anytime is a good time here, there is enough variety and different angles to be able to shoot all day long.  With the area receiving over 12 feet of rain per year, chances are it will be raining or at least misting.  This is a good thing when photographing the rain forest, as it will provide a soft light and the moss will be very lush and green. Getting There: Driving Directions The Hoh lies on the west side of Olympic National Park, about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks. The Hoh Rain Forest is accessed by the Upper Hoh Road, off of Highway 101   Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Facilities Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center Rest rooms Open Daily in summer; open Friday-Sunday remainder of year. Hours vary according to season. Visitor information, exhibits about Olympic’s temperate rain forests. Self-guided nature trails; one accessible with some assistance. Wilderness use permits and animal resistant food containers available. The Hoh Rain Forest has a campground that is open year round, with 88 sites located in the old growth forest along the river. Location Contact Information: Visitor Information (360) 565-3130 Road & Weather Hotline (360) 565-3131 Olympic National Park Visitor Center 3002 Mount Angeles Road Port Angeles, WA 98362 Mailing Address 600 East Park Avenue Port Angeles, WA 98362 Nearest City or Town:  Forks Hoh Rain Forest Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in Washington: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Great Sand Dunes National Park Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve conserves an area of large sand dunes and an adjacent national preserve in the Sangre de Cristo Range, in south-central Colorado, United States. The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America, up to 750 feet tall on the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley. The dunes cover an area of about 30 sq mi and are estimated to contain over 1.2 cubic miles of sand. Sediments from the surrounding mountains filled the valley over geologic time periods. After lakes within the valley receded, exposed sand was blown by the predominant southwest winds toward the Sangre de Cristos, eventually forming the dunefield over an estimated tens of thousands of years.  Ecosystems within the mountain watershed include alpine tundra, subalpine forests, montane woodlands, and riparian zones. Evidence of human habitation in the San Luis Valley dates back about 11,000 years. The first historic peoples to inhabit the area were the Southern Ute Tribe; Apaches and Navajo also have cultural connections in the area. In the late 17th century, Diego de Vargas, a Spanish governor of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, became the first European on record to enter the San Luis Valley. Juan Bautista de Anza, Zebulon Pike, John C. Frémont, and John Gunnison all travelled through and explored parts of the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. The explorers were soon followed by settlers who ranched, farmed and mined in the valley starting in the late 19th century. The park was first established as a national monument in 1932 to protect it from gold mining and the potential of a concrete manufacturing business. Visitors must walk across the wide and shallow Medano Creek to reach the dunes in spring and summer. The creek typically has a peak flow from late May to early June. From July to April, it is usually no more than a few inches deep, if there is any water at all. Hiking is permitted throughout the dunes with the warning that the sand surface temperature may reach 150 °F  in summer. Sandboarding and sandsledding are popular activities, both done on specially designed equipment that can be rented just outside the park entrance or in Alamosa. Visitors with street-legal four-wheel drive vehicles may continue past the end of the park’s main road to Medano Pass on 22 miles of unpaved road, crossing the stream bed of Medano Creek nine times and traversing 4 miles of deep sand. Hunting is permitted in the preserve in the autumn, but prohibited within national park boundaries at all times. The preserve encompasses nearly all of the mountainous areas north and east of the dunefield, up to the ridgeline of the Sangre de Cristos. Where it is: To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot, Visitor Center, and Pinyon Flats Campground, take Highway 150 from the south or County Road 6 from the west. Both are paved highways. From Denver, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo, the most common route is south on I-25 to Walsenburg, west on US 160, north on State Highway 150. For a more mountainous drive from Denver (same mileage as the I-25 route), you may also take US 285 south, then State Highway 17 south, then County Lane 6 east from Mosca. From Albuquerque, drive north on I-25 to Santa Fe, then north on US 285 to Alamosa. From Alamosa, take either U.S. Highway 160 east and State Highway 150 north, or State Highway 17 north and County Lane 6 east from Mosca. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. GPS: 37°44’5.2304″ N 105°30’29.0459″ W Cost: Entrance Fees Visitors will be charged only one of the following fees. Fees are charged only when the entrance station is open in the spring, summer, and fall seasons or when the visitor center is open in the winter season. Basic Entrance Pass (good for up-to seven consecutive days) Non-Commercial Vehicle and Occupants (normal car): $25 Oversized Vehicle, 15+ passengers, age 16+ (large van): $15/person Motorcycle and Riders: $20 All National Park Access passes are accepted Hours: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. Visitor Center hours: 9-4:30 Labor Day – Memorial Day Weekend 8:30-5:00 Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Facilities: Visitor Center Open daily, the building and rest rooms are fully accessible. Convenience groceries, camping supplies and firewood may be available during warmer months at a Campground Store located between Loop 1 and 2 in Piñon Flats Campground. A few convenience foods are available at the Visitor Center year-round. The Oasis Restaurant and Store, located at the main park entrance, is the only restaurant within 25 miles of the national park. The Oasis is open April through October. Location Contact Information: Visitor Center 11999 Highway 150 Mosca, CO 81146 Call: Visitor Center (for general visitor inquiries) 719-378-6395 Main Number (to access specific extensions, or listen to recorded park information) 719-378-6300 For administrative and business correspondence, write to: Administrative Office Great Sand Dunes National Park 11500 Highway 150 Mosca, CO 81146-9798 Fax Numbers: Administration and Fee Office: 719-378-6310 Visitor Center, Interpretation and Visitor Services: 719-378-6340 Great Sand Dunes National Park Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in Colorado Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
  Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a U.S. National Monument created to protect Mogollon cliff dwellings in the Gila Wilderness on the headwaters of the Gila River in southwest New Mexico. The 533-acre national monument was established by President Theodore Roosevelt through executive proclamation on November 16, 1907. It is located in the extreme southern portion of Catron County. Cliff Dwellings Trail The one-mile loop trail to and through the cliff dwellings climbs 180 feet above the canyon floor to an elevation close to 6000 feet. Allow a minimum of one hour for the round-trip hike. The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Views of the some of cliff dwellings are possible after a 1/4-mile hike in the canyon bottom. The trail that continues to the dwellings is steep and rocky in places and can be muddy or icy at times. Wear sturdy shoes, pace yourself (use the benches), and carry water. The trail to the cliff dwellings is open starting at 9 am. Visitors must start the trail by 4 pm and exit the monument by 5 pm. Considered by archaeologists to be on the northernmost portion of the Mogollon People’s sphere of influence, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is home to two prominent ruins sites among a collection of smaller sites located within the Gila Wilderness inside the Gila National Forest. The Monument landscape ranges in elevation from around 5,700 to 7,300 feet above sea level and follows the branches of the Gila River. The terrain around the ruins is rugged and arid, and contains steep-sided canyons cut by shallow spring rivers and mesas and bluffs forested with Ponderosa pine, Gambel’s oak, Douglas fir, New Mexico juniper, pinon pine, and alligator juniper (among others). The area geologic history stems from the Oligocene epoch and volcanic activity that subsequently covered the area with ash. The Monument’s hot springs are remnants of this volcanic history.   Where it is: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is located in the southwestern part of New Mexico, near Silver City. Although the monument is only 44 miles north of Silver City on New Mexico Highway 15, the narrow road is over windy, mountainous terrain. Travel time is approximately one and a half to two hours one way. The roads approaching the monument are not plowed or maintained at night or on weekends, please use caution if traveling at these times. By Car Most visitors come from Silver City. Begin in Silver City on US Highway 180/Silver Heights Boulevard should take Pinos Altos Road which becomes New Mexico Highway 15 North. NM 15 begins in Silver City and only heads north. Continue for 42 miles until you reach the Gila Visitor Center. To reach the dwellings turn left just before reaching the visitor center and continue for 2 miles until the road ends. The first 25 miles of NM 15 are narrow with steep sections of 10-12% grade for several miles and no center dividing line exists. Vehicles should use lower gears when driving to avoid overheating brakes and stay as far right as possible, especially on tight curves. An alternative route is New Mexico Highway 35. Maps: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.   GPS: 33°13’45.948″ N 108°15’53.94″ W Cost: Entrance to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is free. Hours: The trail to the Gila Cliff Dwellings is open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm. All visitors and staff must be off the trail and out of the Monument by 5 pm. The Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila Visitor Center and Gila Cliff Dwellings Trailhead Museum are open every day of the year except: Thanksgiving Day (the 4th Thursday of November), Christmas Day (December 25th), and New Year’s Day (January 1st) . Facilities: The Visitor Center contains a Park store operated by the Western National Parks Association. Many items related to the park, the Wilderness, and to the Continental Divide Trail are available; as well as hand made pottery, stone fetishes, and jewelry crafted by Zuni, Apache, Hopi, and other regional tribes. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are outside the main visitor center and are always open for use. The Gila region is PACK IT IN–PACK IT OUT. There are no trash cans or dump stations. Please take all of your trash to a nearby city that has garbage recepticles and recycling. Available Facilities The Trailhead Museum is wheelchair accessible. Four vault toilets are placed around the parking lot. The trailhead to the cliff dwellings starts next to the Trailhead Museum. Location Contact Information: By Mail: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, NM, 88049 By Phone: Visitor Information (575) 536-9461 By Fax: (575) 536-9344 By E-mail: Click here to e-mail us. (If you have difficulty with the link, our e-mail address is gicl_information@nps.gov.) Other Information: Fire Information for Gila National Forest: (575) 388-8271 Gila Wilderness Ranger District Headquarters: (575) 536-2250 Gila National Forest Supervisor’s Office: (575) 388-8201 Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery   More Photographic Destinations in New Mexico Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State    All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Fort Union National Monument Fort Union was established in 1851 as a guardian and protector of the Santa Fe Trail. During it’s forty-year history, three different forts were constructed close together. The third and final Fort Union was the largest in the American Southwest, and functioned as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest. The site preserves the second of three forts constructed on the site beginning in 1851, as well as the ruins of the third. Also visible is a network of ruts from the Mountain and Cimarron Branches of the old Santa Fe Trail. Take the self-guided walking tour complete with push-button narrations at each stop to learn about life at this frontier outpost during the early days of American settlement of the West. As a key stopover point for travelers along the Old Santa Fe Trail, Fort Union was witness to countless expeditions, Indian raids, and commercial gatherings during its short but storied existence. Cost: Entrance Fees – Individuals 16 years of age and older $3.00 for 7  Days. Details – entrance fee also valid for 7 day use at Pecos National Historical Park Best Time to Visit: Anytime would be good to visit.Open daily except  Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.Winter Hours: Labor Day to Memorial Day 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Summer Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Where it is: Fort Union National Monument is located north of Watrous, Mora County, New Mexico, USA. Directions: From Albuquerque (156 miles), Santa Fe (94 miles) or Las Vegas, NM (28 miles) take I-25 north, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161.From Denver (313 miles), Colorado Springs (243 miles) or Raton (95 miles) take I-25 south, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161. Map: Click here for a  map of Fort Union Links: National Park Service Web Site Contact: Fort Union National Monument P.O. Box 127 Watrous, NM Phone: (505) 425-8025 www.nps.gov/foun/ Tips for the Photographer Equipment: Any camera or equipment will work well to photograph the fort.  The trails and open setting allow shooting from about any distance. What to Photograph: The ruins of the old fort order ambien no rx buildings, but also the open meadow in which the fort is located.  Something that is quite rare to find these days is a historic subject that is not surrounded by modern buildings, power lines and other distractions.  At Fort Union you can shoot almost any direction and have nothing but nature in the background of your photo. Photography Tips: Shooting a location like this is going to depend upon the weather, more important is the sky.  If you have a lot in interesting clouds in the sky including a lot of sky will improve your photos.  If however you have only a clear blue or worse gray sky you will want to keep it to a minimum in your photos.For a better composition, try not to have the horizon across the middle of your photo.  Keep the horizon low in the photo if you have great sky, for at the top of the photo if you have poor sky, showing more of the grassland around the fort. Fort Union Photo Gallery Click Here for full page gallery More Photographic Destinations in New Mexico: Interactive Google Map Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page. Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State   All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.   Great Places for Great Photos   Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!     Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos. Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group. All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two. If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...