I’m on my way heading north. My first big destination for photography is Death Valley National Park. I have never been there and am looking forward to spending some time there photographing the beautiful and varied landscapes.

I stayed one night in Page, Arizona. I love this little town that sits right next to the Colorado River. I arrived later in the day. I found a wonderful parking spot for the night. I parked next to the Colorado River right across from Glen Canyon Dam. It was a short walk over to the river. It’s quite a deep gorge where the dam is located.

It was a wonderfully warm evening so I set up next to the cliffside to capture a sunset photo of the Colorado River. Maddie came along to keep me company and keep me safe.

I tried several angles to capture the river and sunset. I thought this angle was the best.

The next morning I got up early and took a short hike. The Hanging Garden Trailhead is located right where I parked. I’ve wanted to hike this trail many times in the past when I’ve gone through Page. It was always too hot to hike this trail as there isn’t any shade. So I was finally in the area in winter.

The trail takes you to a unique spring that comes out of the sandstone rock. It seeps from the sandstone giving a constant water flow for ferns to live attached to the rock. I wonder how these ferns even got there to grow. They aren’t found in the desert so why are they there???

As you come around the bend you can see the shelf that houses the spring and hanging garden.

The grotto faces north so it never gets direct sunlight. A perfect environment for the ferns.

I wish I could see this grotto in the summertime. I think it would be so beautiful when everything is green.

From here I will be heading north through Utah and then into Nevada. Death Valley National Park here I come!!!