Horseshoe Bend
Open Edition
This majestic sight is reached by the most unassuming parking lot I have ever seen. Leaving your car you climb up a ridge and then descend down the hill towards the sheer rock ledge. This place has remained unspoiled for years despite the tourists it draws. There is not even guard rail or fence to keep you from falling over the edge, just your own common sense to not get too close. This makes for a wonderful picture opportunity for a wide angle lens. I put my tripod as close to the edge as possible, one leg barely an inch from the oblivion. I sat and observed the scenery as the sun sank in the sky. I was almost ready to pack up and head home due to the sunset being dull when suddenly a few clouds started to pick up light. This was one of the sunsets that leave color in the sky for over an hour, like echos of light. I hiked back out under these light echos which over time turned less pink and more brown. It was a gorgeous night in the Arizona desert and despite some fellow photographers I really felt moved by this experience. The beauty that nature creates is often beyond words, and it is times like these I am glad I lugged 30 pounds of camera gear around the desert for one picture.