The new camera, a D5600 refurbished by Nikon, arrived last Wednesday late in the afternoon so I planned to go out exploring the next day, first of two days off work. So far, I am happy with it.
Old D5100 left and new D5600 right
First I had to charge the two batteries for the new camera. Of course they are subtly different than the previous batteries even though the charger itself is the same. The D5600 is slightly smaller and lighter, until I put the big 18-200mm lens on and then barely noticeable difference. Took a little while and reading the manual to get the new camera settings where I want them.
Wilson Peak from SR12 west of Bryce
The new camera is still too big to use while driving so I shoot Auto with the small and slow Nikon P600 for that.
Thursday, I drove just west of Red Canyon on the Dixie National Forest. After a quick stop at their visitor center for maps and information I turned off SR12 north a few miles towards Losee and Casto Canyons, plus hoped to find nearby Agate Hill.
I was initially worried this would be a dust storm area as I saw many OHV near the turn off but thankfully didn’t see more after that. Also discovered a few nice places to disperse camp not far from the trailheads.
Stopped at the Losee trailhead and walked part of the short Arches Trail. I enjoyed the dead and twisted trees every bit as much as the redrock hoodoos.
As it was a warm day I didn’t feel like a long hot hike so slowly sauntered a bit until the trail took a steep climb where I turned around. Landscape always looks different when facing the opposite direction.
Continued a short drive to the Casto Canyon trailhead and didn’t hike there at all. Yet I will return to both these quiet canyons.
Somehow I missed Agate Hill which should have been at a junction to another road west that would take me to SR89 and ultimately to Panguitch. Guess I’ll have to go back.
I honestly wasn’t sure I was on the right road but was headed in the right direction. Pretty drive descending through the Juniper and Pinyon Pines with more possible camping.
As I approached the Sevier River valley the landscape changed to private agricultural ranches. (Sign reads “The Dream”)
Had a good lunch with lousy service at Big Fish in Panguitch then bought a few groceries at Joe’s Market, which I am not impressed with.
Before heading back into the park I drove a short ways on SR22 north towards Antimony because the stormy clouds above the Table Cliffs called my name. It had threatened rain all day but none fell.
Sunrise Point Bryce Canyon NP
Storm clouds continued to hang out for days yet very little rain fell. However, the wind brutally blew gritty dust enough to cancel the 4pm Rim Walk on Friday when I returned to work. Also been cloudy enough to make viewing the comet difficult so I still haven’t even seen it.
50 million year-old limestone lake deposits weathered and eroded beginning about 16-5 million years ago
The next day, a man showed up at my hoodoo geology talk and wanted to argue about the million year-old ages of rock in the Grand Staircase. I said to him, “I respect your right to believe what you want, but I believe in the science. These sedimentary rocks are dated by the fossils. I am not a geologist.” Rather diffused his need to argue and he went away but returned for another similar talk by another Ranger a few hours later. Why would someone do that?
Boat Mesa, valley, and Aquarius Plateau from Sunset Point
Monday was an early day opening then later a co-worker and I went to Rainbow Point to present Grand Staircase geology talks. Sadly, after only one talk a huge storm blew in with lightning nearby, 10 miles down to four miles away. So we packed up our props and spent the next hour telling people to get off the rim so they didn’t get struck by lightning. One guy, who claimed to make a living on his cell phone photography, would not leave and got obnoxious. Although I had my camera in the truck I did not pause to risk my life for the amazing sky.
On the return drive to the office we stopped at Fairview Point as we’d heard on the radio about a lightning strike below the overlook where smoke could be seen. Fire folks were going to check it out and I haven’t heard any more.
Rangers get paid in sunsets (phone shot)
We are seeing an increase in visitation, and general stupidity. With all the available information in this age why are people so ignorant. All these new RVers who don’t have a clue. People visiting parks with no knowledge about the place or even why they are there. I know this COVID19 year is difficult, but really folks. Best thing is to stay home. I so much want to travel myself, even a long weekend on the North Kaibab would be awesome. But instead, I’ll stick closer to home.
Yesterday, my Friday, was a late start and ended with my evening program on the wildlife at Bryce. A visitor asked about how many bears in the park. Only one documented, so we’re calling it Covid Bear because it’s in isolation and honors social distancing. (Not my photo)
I’m back to enjoying carrying the new camera around and making photos. Though I’m still using the small Nikon and phone sometimes. The best camera to use, is the one you have with you.
Think I’ll go sit outside in my Sonoran Desert yard, possibly in the shade of the overly trimmed Palo Verde tree that somebody even screwed a board into which makes me sad. But the beautiful world around me makes me smile.