The Grim Reaper

Happy Halloween!

This Grim Reaper was standing outside the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Since today is Halloween, I thought this was a perfect day for the Grim Reaper to appear.

Have a safe and fun Halloween. No tricks, only treats!

Check out the underwater world of Aitutaki at Viva la Voyage!

Halloween Nightfall at a Church and Graveyard

The lone tree stands against the eery sky.

Hear the wind howling as nightfall comes.

Will Icabod Crane ride through this area? Will bats start flying at dusk? Who will be walking in this area on Halloween.

Tomorrow on my site see who lives in places such as this and on a night such as the one in this photo.

This photo was taken on a stormy night at San Xavier del Bac in Tucson, Arizona.

Check out the underwater world of Aitutaki at Viva la Voyage!

Calavera (Skull) for Day of the Dead

A common symbol for Dia de los Muertos is calaveras or skulls. The artist for this detailed and bold skull is Augustin Galicia P. from Mexico.

Arizona has many local Day of the Dead celebrations in Guadalupe, Tucson, Phoenix, Mesa and more. I will go to one on Saturday. The Scottsdale arts scene features Mexican art, as well as Native American art, modern art, and more. Scottsdale has very diverse art galleries. Also, The Ranch markets here in the Valley have many Day of the Dead items, from sugar skulls to food and more.

Altars or Ofrendas include sugar skulls, orange marigolds (cempasuchil), pan de muerto which is egg bread made in many shapes, photos, memorabilia, and toys made of plaster paris or other materials that show skeletons (calacas) playing drums, riding bikes, or riding in cars. Families select those items to add to the alter that best symbolize what the person who passed on enjoyed doing or was known for doing. In this way, people remember that Uncle Ernie liked to play in a band or Aunt Maria liked to make tortillas. It is a great way to annually remember family members and friends who are no longer here.

Sometimes people might be taken aback by all of the skulls, but I found once I understood the symbolism, the history, and the joy in the celebration, I quite enjoy the life, spirit, and memories expressed in the skulls and skeletons.

Dia de los Muertos is Close

An entirely different celebration occurs at this time of year besides Halloween, it is Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.

Day of the Dead is a special time of year where many people build altars, clean cemeteries, and remember loved ones.

I always like this celebration. It has occurred for thousands of years dating back to the Aztecs, Olmecs, Zapotecs, Mayans, and Mexicans and more cultures.

It culminates on November 1 when children who have passed away are remembered and it is sometimes called Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) or Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Angels). November 2nd is Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) when adults are remembered.

I have many wonderful Day of the Dead art items in my home office. The photo today is one of my favorites and shows a couple of guys and their dog being lead by a guide on their way to Mictlan, the final destination after death but one that requires a long time and lots of travel and obstacles to overcome to eventually arrive. This piece of art is very tiny (about three inches high and five inches long).

We have underwater photos on our travel site at Viva la Voyage!

Graveyards and Churches Evoke Eeriness at Halloween

The dark cloudy sky at dusk creates an eery Halloween ambience at the churches and graveyard at San Xavier del Bac in Tucson, Arizona.

Wait for nightfall for the ghosts and goblins to come out! Happy Halloween!

Spooky Halloween Sky and Tree

Halloween is upon us with scary skies and spooky nights.

I will share several Halloween themed photos this week to help us all get in the spirit (or meet the spirits if you so desire!)

I took this photo of this barren tree against the sky at dusk when I was in Sedona two weeks ago.

I thought this photo screamed Halloween!

See the underwater world of Aitutaki at Viva la Voyage!

Colorful Sedona Sunset

I was in Sedona two weeks ago and saw the sky turn magical with these colors of fuscia and magenta streaking through the sky.

This is exactly as I took the photo. I have never seen colors in the sky quite like this before.

It was as though an artist was painting the sky for just a few short minutes. Enjoy!

I will start posting Halloween photos starting tomorrow. Today is Sunday so new travel photos of iridescent clams from Aitutaki in the Cook Islands are at Viva la Voyage! You will not want to miss seeing these unique creatures.

Rock Tower at Lee's Ferry

Lee's Ferry is what many people think if when they envision Arizona.

The unusual mountains like the one in this photo certainly caught my eye.

This photo of this unique iconic mountain turning into sand reminds me of the Sphinx in Egypt. I wonder how long this mountain will last and how did it retain such an interesting shape.

Lake Powell and Wahweap

The enormous and majestic mountains at Lake Powell.

The boat skimming away from the mountain shows the size and scale of the area.

Lake Powell and Wahweap Marina is a great place to play in the water, whether it be on a boat, jet ski or merely swimming.

The strata and color of the rocks and mountains provides dramatic and scenic views.

Check out Tahiti photos at Viva la Voyage!

Rare Dime-Size Cactus

These little dime-sized cactus in the photo are on the endangered species list.

They are called Brady's pincushion cactus (pediocactus bradyi). Common names also include Brady's hedgehog cactus and Marble Canyon cactus.

They only live at Marble Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs on windswept land.

These little cactus survive by the small rocks that provide cover and shade from the sunlight. The rocks also protect the cactus when people walk over and on them.

People unfortunately move the rocks to take photos or look at the cactus and then cause the cactus to get crushed or get sunburned and die.

Lizard at Vermillion Cliffs Lodge

Here is a photo of a cute little lizard.

He is brightly colored and checking out the scenery as I sat at happy hour at Lee's Ferry lodge watching the sunset at Vermillion Cliffs.

You may need to enlarge the photo to enjoy the detail.

Also, we have Tahiti photos up at Viva la Voyage!

Sand Dunes and Mountains

One last look at a photo of the spectacular red mountains and sand dunes.

The sand dunes were a special place that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I learned so much on this photography tour and improved my skill sets tremendously.

I have a lot more to learn but have also gained so much from enjoying all of the photos and techniques shared by fellow city daily photo bloggers. Thanks to all for your comments and your tips!

Vermillion Cliffs Among the Sky

I just love this photo of the big sky and Vermillion Cliffs.

This open road is fun to drive and really makes you feel as though you are in the West!

My series of the slot canyons and Vermillion Cliffs is almost to an end. I then will move to Halloween week and I have captured some great images for the week of Halloween.

Tahiti photos are posted at our travel photo site, Viva la Voyage.

Purple Pods Living Amid Sand Dunes

While I was walking on the sand dunes admiring what lives on and in a sand dune, I saw these very interesting purple pods.

Look at the size, color, and texture. Very unique.

Enlarge the photo or look closely as ants are using these purple pods as a trail.

Today is Sunday, so we have new photos on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site. This week we are featuring photos of Tahiti. If you have not stayed in an over-water bungalow, click on the above link to see the view from Papeete, Tahiti to Moorea.

The Wedge

I love this photo of The Wedge! That is the name for this place.

The angle of the narrow road going through this small gap between the mountain that was cut in two to allow for the passage of vehicles is dramatic.

I had tried to take photos earlier of it, but the sun was too bright and there was not as much color to enhance the textures. I waited for the 15 minutes of rain to slow and then I ran out in the street with my camera and quickly took this photo to capture the vibrant red colors of the mountains, clouds, and sky.

I took this photo close to the red sand dunes I have been posting and this location is outside of Page, Arizona on the way to Marble Canyon and the Vermillion Cliffs.

Bush Penstemon with Raindrops

While I was taking photos on my photography class weekend, the rain started to fall but only a for a short time. I sat in my truck and waited for it to stop. It took only about 15 minutes.

Then I got out to take a photo of this beautiful bush of pretty pale pink flowers I saw on the side of the road. They are called bush penstemon.

If you enlarge the photo you will see the actual raindrops that have landed ever so gently on the petals and have held their shape. Such a lovely thing to notice in a place that does not get much rain.

As a person who has lived in the desert my whole life, I have not trained myself to notice these rare glimpses of rain drops on plants. Mostly, water evaporates so quickly in the desert, I would never get to see such a natural wonder.

Clouds on the Horizon at Vermillion Cliffs

A sky painting of clouds above the plateau.

Sometimes while I was at Vermillion Cliffs during my photography class the sky would just take over. I could only stand in awe of the big sky and the colors or designs above me.

To see the entire horizon and sky with no obstructions is rather spiritual, especially when the colors and clouds start adding to the rich tapestry of the big blue sky.

I would love to be there for a lightening storm and practice taking photos of lightening. I wonder if photographers get hit by lightening when using a tripod.

Check out the travel photos from Budapest, Hungary at Viva la Voyage!

Driftwood in the Sand with Flowers

The vibrant red of the sand with a unique piece of driftwood and flowers to grace the scene.

How many times has the sand covered and suffocated the plant, only to bring it to life at a later time.

Nature is so magical how pockets of plants can somehow cling to life in harsh, windy environments and the ever changing sand dunes.

Untouched Sand Dune With Ripples From the Wind

Here is a photo of a steep sand dune that has not been walked on by human or animal.

Look at the ripples from the wind. Amazing. It helps to enlarge this photo.

I looked at the virgin sand dune in awe. I chose not to walk on it, but to leave it as I found it.

And, if you like travel photos, we have photos posted from Budapest, Hungary. Just click Viva la Voyage.

Flowers and Red Rock Before a Storm

Here is a photo of the red rock, sand dune, colorful flowers, and a single white flower.

I like the variety of textures in this photo.

It is hard to believe that the plants can grow on the steep sand dune mound and with the intense wind that blows threw the area.

How many of you have enjoyed walking or playing on sand dunes? Describe your experience with sand dunes.

The Contours of the Slot Canyon

Look at the texture in the sandstone walls of this slot canyon, which is located on Navajo lands.

It feels as thought you could reach into this photo, touch the sandstone, and turn the corner of this path through Secret Canyon.

The one thing that was rather interesting about my adventure through the slot canyon was that the sand fell down upon me frequently and during the taking of photos. Anytime the wind was blowing above the slot canyon, sand would blow over the "slot" and fall upon me and my camera.

Because I was taking many photos looking up, I would get sand all over my lens, camera, my face and the rest of me. I had quite a layer of fine sand dirt all over my skin when I left the slot canyon. We used a can of air to clean our cameras when we left the slot canyons.

I thought one more photo of the slot canyons might be welcome to those who loved the slot canyon series. Today is also Sunday, which means new travel photos of Budapest, Hungary so check out Viva la Voyage.

Cliff Rose

Here is a photo of an endangered plant called Arizona cliffrose, or purshia subintegra. There are other types such as Kearney cliffrose and Burro Creek cliffrose.

I like the very tiny fuzzy hairs. I used a high powered macro to capture this close up.

The details were so tiny I never would have seen the fuzzy hairs.

I found this plant on my way walking to the sand dunes on Navajo lands while on my photo tour near Page, Arizona.

The Brilliance of Sunrise at Vermillion Cliffs

The sunrise was fabulous and cast a gorgeous glow on the Vermillion Cliffs.
I was able to capture these bright pink bush penstemon flowers right in front for a nice contrast.

As you can see, I was very fortunate to capture all of the photos I have been sharing over the past few weeks from my long weekend photo class to the Vermillion Cliffs and slot canyons area.

Check out new travel photos on Viva la Voyage.

Condor on Top of Mountain at Navajo Monument

This California Condor looks like he is standing on the mountain.

The Condor is actually in flight over the Navajo Bridge and Navajo Interpretive Center with the Vermillion Cliffs surrounding the area.

In the late part of the day, I stood on the Navajo Pedestrian Bridge and watched three large condors soar from high to low, over and eventually under the bridge towards the Colorado River below. What a sight!

The magnificent condors soared within five feet of my head and were truly spectacular to watch. An awesome day!

Condor With Tag in the Big Blue Sky

These endangered condors can have a wingspan of up to ten feet. Condors can weigh up to 24 pounds, and they can fly up to 50 mph.

Nesting requires caves in inaccessible cliffs and mountains.

Vermillion Cliffs is a perfect place for the condors and they are thriving once again but are still endangered.

Enlarge the photo and you can see the tag on this condor. This condor is C4. The Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center provides information about the condor and you can follow the tag number on the condor you see to learn more about "your" condor.

Condor and Mountain

California Condors were introduced in the Vermillion Cliffs area in 1996.

Condors used to exist in the wild in the United States, but they became extinct by the 1980s. The last condor seen in Arizona was in 1924.

There was a small breeding program at the Los Angeles Zoo. Initially, the first releases were attempted in California, but they were too close to city living and did not work out. Condors require large areas that are remote and that have mountain ridges or cliffs to allow the condors to fly and soar.

Check out new travel photos on Viva la Voyage. You can see new photos of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Indian Paintbrush and Bush Penstemon

I like this photo of a grouping of wild flowers.

These flowers were in the middle of nowhere below Vermillion Cliffs. There was a little water leaking ever so gently from a pipe that was providing water from a spring to Lee's Ferry lodge, where we were staying.

This little bit of water caused these flowers to grow and made a very nice oasis in the middle of the desert.

You can see the red plant called Indian Paintbrush (castillejia chromosa). It is actually the state flower of Wyoming, but we have it in Arizona also.

I believe the top plant is bush penstemon, I do not know the name of the wonderful yellow and red flowers at the bottom right of the photo.

Gorgeous Sand Dunes Wedged Under the Red Sandstone Mountain

Such a stormy afternoon with the beauty of the red sandstone and untouched sand dunes with flowers.

I parked on the roadside and hiked into the sand dunes to see this wonderful site. It was off the beaten path. You will see some more of these sand dunes on Navajo lands.

Today is Sunday so we have new travel photos on Viva la Voyage. You can see new photos of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, a Unesco World Heritage Site. It was such a great place we wanted to share more of them with you. It is a very quaint historic place.

The Colorado River and Vermillion Cliffs

Look at the glow of the late sun on the Vermillion Cliffs.

It was a gorgeous view and I wish I was heading down the Colorado River.

Surprisingly, I have never rafted the Colorado River, but need to do so. I will have to make it a goal.

I can only imagine what it must look like to be on the river looking up at these gorgeous canyon walls and the condors soaring down.

I will have to figure out a way to keep my camera dry, however.

The Rock at Old Rancher's Camp

Now this is an interesting rock. Look at the character in this rock.

I saw this rock near the old rancher's camp called Cliff Dwellers on Highway 89(A) in the Marble Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs area.

If you took the road further, you would eventually reach the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

I am so glad that I went on this photography tour as there were so many different and wonderful things to experience. I still have more photos coming up from the photography tour.

Speed and Stillness

Look closely to see if you can figure out what is in this photo and determine how it get there.

Today is theme day for all City Daily Photo Bloggers and the theme is Contrast. I have chosen to photograph Speed and Stillness in a southwestern setting called Cliff Dwellers.

You can see the stillness of the scene at twilight in contrast to the speed of the passing car. The car is not visible but has left its trail of headlights and taillights. I took this photo on a long exposure at twilight.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

If you want to see travel photos from Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, click Viva la Voyage.