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DSKWanders, Phoenix, AZ (2026)

05/21/2026

• How Much Longer in the Wilderness? •

Today I decided to share one of my black & white pics. This was another one of those times where I was taking a bunch of pictures out the window as we drove along. One of my daughters was needing to drive to Nashville and so I went along. It let me get more photography time while she drove (which she did most of).

After a very quick stop at Wall Drug (had to say we've been there even if we didn't get out of the car) we swung down through Badlands National Park. The scenery was amazing, the wildlife didn't disappoint, and it was a great, if not a long day with over 600 miles on the road (Montana to Sioux Falls Falls. It didn't help that I was getting sick this day - but it didn't manifest until the next.

I've driven / ridden across the USA several times and flown a couple more. Each method has its advantages but I think the times of driving with family are something extra special. I attribute my love of the journey of travel, to doing so in my youth with parents and siblings. I'm glad I've been able to share that with my kids - "are we there yet" and all.

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• Jun '22

• Nikon D610 | f5.6, 1/4000s, ISO-2000, 70mm | Tamron SP 24-70mm f2.8 Di VS USD G2 with K&F Polorizer filter & Variable ND filter
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

05/14/2026

• Ending the Day in Warmth •

As I look at this picture of "Hole in the Rock" (an apt if not too imaginative name) my mind started wandering and like if you look at clouds, what do you see? I think I see the eye in the rock. Or maybe it looks like the eye of a dragon? Too bad this feature (though close to) isn't part of Camelback mountain or it could be the Camel's eye. But it's not so it's just Hole in the Rock.

This is part of Papago (PAH-puh-goh /ˈpɑːpəɡoʊ/) Park which is at the Phoenix, Arizona zoo. The "hike" up to the hole (from the back side from this shot) is quite easy hence all the people enjoying being in the alcove.

And as I remember, this was a rather pleasant evening in the Valley of the Sun. It had "only" gotten up to 108 deg F (42.2C). But once the sun goes down it starts to feel so much cooler (like only 100) and a bit of breeze starts up (like using a hair drier in your face). But honestly, the evenings do feel much better and it's the time to enjoy such activities.

I had actually tried to get over to the Superstitions this evening to see what scenes might come but was running late so stopped here. It turned out to be a very nice stop for the day. It had been some long weeks before and I was glad to just be outside cherishing what time we had - and remembering my brother-in-law.

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• Jun '22

• Nikon D610 | f7.1, 1/250s, ISO-1250, 310mm | Sigma 150-600, f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

05/07/2026

• Alaska by Air •

In this day of drone pics (which I like but I don't have) I think many would expect this to be one. But even though I may some day get a drone, I like to fly (even when it makes me motion sick). And so I would rather being flying myself to get my aerial shots. To see first hand what I can see.

Besides, drones are notoriously relatively short fly time and therefore range. Go up in an airplane and you've got more of an experience. But then, drones are a lot cheaper than airplane rides. So I guess it all depends.

But if you're going to fly for pics, then the tour flights over scenic places are pretty great. Much larger windows to be able to get pics through. Though the smaller planes are prone to more bounce and turbulence. The main thing I learned while taking these pics was to move a little slower and keep yourself oriented to not get motion sick. I caught myself just in time from being really bad, but the 2nd half of the flight I was a LOT more still and breathing fresh air.

This is the coastline along the Alaskan Inside Passage near Ketchikan on our way to the Misty Fjords National Monument. I was so grateful to be able to tag along on a tour flight as we were early in the season and there weren't that many flights. I can't afford these tour flights very often (almost never), but I do like them when I can and the perspective is great! Being able to fly over the park, far less time than a boat tour, and a landing on a lake with some time on an island. A great experience!

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• Jun '21

• Nikon D610 | f5.6, 1/80s, ISO-50, 120mm | Nikkor 24-120mm, 3.5-5.6 ED AF
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements | Topaz AI Sharpening

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

05/04/2026

• May the 4th •

May the 4th be with you. Of course I had to share a Star Wars pic on Star Wars day.

Last year I went to California for a business trip so one of the evenings I took the time (and spent too much money) to visit Disney - mostly because I hadn't been to Disneyland in quite a few years and hadn't been since the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, let alone the Rise of the Resistance ride had been built.

It was worth it!

If you're a Star Wars fan, you already know anything I could tell you. If you're not, then I will say that despite the crowds at Disney which means long lines of waiting, this ride is an immersive adventure. Galaxy's Edge, the area of the park lets you feel like you're in a Star Wars movie. Even much of the line to get in the ride gives many props that the fans can geek out over, but you might appreciate the detail they went to. And the ride has multiple stages which prolongs the experience with sights, sounds, movement, acting, and well, just total immersion. I agree that this is certainly the best theme park "ride" in so many ways.

For taking these pics from a moving "car" in rather low light I love the detail, color, and overall image of my full frame camera and f2.8 lens.

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• Sept '25

• Nikon z6iii | f2.8, 1/160s, ISO-22800, 24mm | Tamron SP 24-70mm f2.8 Di VS USD G2
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed

04/30/2026

• Where to Stop & See •

How would you like to crash land here? Though it's picturesque, if you hadn't planned on falling from the sky (or space) and found yourself here I'm not sure I would enjoy the rugged beauty. Of course, where I actually took this pic isn't far from civilization (a mile or two at the most), but as this lake is almost 200 miles (300 km) long, depending on where, you could find yourself rather lost and alone.

The reason I asked the question is because this lake has been used as a backdrop for various movies including 3 that used it as the crash site for astronauts returning to earth under less than ideal conditions (Planet of the Apes 1968 & 2001 and Gravity 2013). Though none were at this exact part. The texture of the area just lends itself to great images - which is why I took my pics! This isn't very far from Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend (I bet you've seen pics of both even if you don't know it). Beyond that, you can go hundreds of miles and see lots of magnificent terrain. Though this is a somewhat isolated part of the USA, it's also one of the most scenic. So next time you're in the area, don't stay on the interstate (that doesn't go through here) but plan some extra days, get onto the old highways, and enjoy the journey.

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• Jan '21

• Nikon D610 | f13, 1/2000s, ISO-800, 120mm | Nikkor 24-120mm, 3.5-5.6 ED AF
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

04/27/2026

• Gateway to a Winter Lining •

One of the days I spent at Bryce Canyon National Park a few winters ago started with snow and freezing weather. At about 6,600 ft (2000 m) at the upper rim of Bryce and it goes up from there, they certainly do get winter conditions - sometimes closing the southern stretch of the park. I wasn't too sure how far I could get this morning, but it turned out the whole main road was open - though travel with caution.

And so I was able to get to the Natural Bridge where I saw this. The Hoarfrost on so many trees was amazing and I was glad to be able to capture it in this scene. Way back soon after this visit I shared a pic of the frost on some pines that won first place in my local fare last year.

I will say the ice did cause some driving issues such as coming down the rather icy slope just above this parking area which is at 8600 ft (2600 m). Slow and steady. As I came back up that slope I saw a car stopped at the top debating whether to attempt it or not. I stopped and gave my perspective, but as always, be safe and don't try something you're not comfortable driving.

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• Jan '21

• Nikon D610 | f16, 1/100s, ISO-320, 50mm | Nikon 50mm, 4.5 AF
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

04/21/2026

• Popular Splendor •

It's not hard to understand why Zion National Park is the second most visited National Park in the USA. I think the only reason it's not number one is because it's more remote for most of the population. Though Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are 3 & 4 and about as remote. Let's just say, there's something really special about these places to make people travel a fair distance to see what they have to offer.

That said, with around 5,000,000 people trying to fit into a relatively small canyon each year, plan your trip to Zion carefully and if at all possible go off season like I did in Jan or 21. Far fewer people. Easier access to the major attractions. And the weather is usually still fairly nice (though winter storms do happen). Let's put it this way, I didn't have to use any AI "remove people" to get this shot on one of the most popular trails in the park. There were other people, but not enough to feel crowded by any means.

This is on the Temple of Sinawava Riverwalk trail before the trail becomes the river to get to The Narrows. A very easy walk (even for me) following the Virgin River. It was a most enjoyable experience as I meandered along taking my pics.

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• Jan '21

• Nikon D610 | f8 (-1.7), 1/160s, ISO-100, 24mm | Nikkor 24-120mm, 3.5-5.6 ED AF
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

04/16/2026

• A View to Amazing •

What are some of the most amazing places you've ever been? Where do you like to visit whenever you get the chance? For me, The Valley of Fire outside of Vegas is one of those for me.

Even within the state park, there is a variety of features, colors, and textures. Some of the most famous is the red iron sandstone formations stretching across the middle like here. The etching, carving, sculpting of the wind and rain has made it all such a magical place with coves, arches, and pillars of wonder to enjoy. Very close to here are silica formations as seen on other planets (at least in the movie ST: Generations). And elsewhere you can find layered sedimentary rocks with (small) waves and ripples. All in a (winter) day's visit.

This arch is near the end of the Rainbow Vista trail. Not a large arch by any means, it's still a nice feature to end at. It's almost a mile each way and much of it is on sand but otherwise an easy walk. The first of the trail was used in the opening scenes of the 80's movie: "Romancing the Stone".

It took a bit of work to get the highlights in the background to show well with the shadow of the foreground, but between that contrast and the depth of field focal difference I think it gives a great impression of the arch.

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• Jan '21

• Nikon D610 | f5.6, 1/640s, ISO-125, 95mm | Nikkor 24-120mm, 3.5-5.6 ED AF
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

04/11/2026

• Castles in the Desert •

As I look at this pic I think of Disneyland with their famous castle, but I will say that rather small structure has nothing on Vegas and the Excalibur Hotel Castle you see here. Now, the rest of the Disney park is definitely different, but this castle is certainly more extravagant.

I snapped this pic while walking to/from my hotel exploring "The Strip" (Las Vegas Blvd). Mostly just looking for interesting pics to take and though I'm not a good street photographer (generally meaning taking pics of people on the streets) there is certainly lots of things and people to take pictures of in Vegas. Of course, night photography means you need a pretty good camera and lens or else it will be noisy or pixelated from the de-noise process - or you limit your pics to places with lots of light - like the Excalibur.

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• Jan '21

• Nikon D610 | f5.3, 1/125s, ISO-4000, 70mm | Nikkor 24-120mm, 3.5-5.6 ED AF
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

04/02/2026

• Thoughts on Dinner •

Who remembers having meals in their school cafeteria? Generally for me they were noisy and bare (hard white surfaces are easier to clean). How many of you went to Catholic school and ate in the cafeteria? Well, this of course is Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting you've all seen of The Last Supper. The reason I asked those questions is because this was commissioned not for a school cafeteria, but for a monastery's cafeteria / dining area. Just a little different eating environment! The room itself is hard bare surfaces but they did commission a couple of paintings for the room including this one.

These days it is treated more like a chapel than a dining area. Everyone is fairly subdued while enjoying the artistry. The lowered illumination to help preserve the art helps set that tone.

Since today is the traditional Maundy Thursday, I thought it was appropriate to share these pics a got while visiting Milan last year. The first pic is my usual enhancement. The second is to give you an idea of what it really looks like. Note the blank ceiling is what was destroyed during the war - but they had built protection for the fresco itself. Alas, the more noticeable "damage" is simply from time as the detail and colors have not worn well. At least we now have pictures to preserve it. Maybe not as significant as having the original, but hopefully the knowledge of the work will live as long as humanity.

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• Feb '25

• Nikon z6iii | f2.8, 1/60s, ISO-5000, 50mm | Tamron SP 24-70mm f2.8 Di VS USD G2
• Adobe Lightroom enhancements

• These pics plus more are always shown on my general picture feed .

DSKWanders

05/21/2026

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05/07/2026

05/04/2026

04/30/2026

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