Natural Bridges National Monument Bridges the Gap Again

Although Natural Bridges National Monument isn't a huge park, it's still worth visiting. You may like to read the previous post about it before continuing on with this post - click here! This is Utah's first National Monument, declared in 1908, so it's been open for business for over a hundred years. It's famous for its bridges, naturally, but there's more to the park than just those. The rest of the terrain and the flora are outstanding.  

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West

The wildflowers and shrubs (above) are colourful as are the rock formations in the distance (below).  

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West

Wherever you drive or walk, there's something to enjoy and photograph. However, with all of these parks, to really appreciate what nature has to offer, you must spend longer than a few hours or even a day there.  

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West

In this desert country, as well as your trusty camera, camcorder or mobile phone etc., remember to take snacks and plenty of water. Sightseeing is very hungry and thirsty work! Many people have emailed me about my photos and where they're available for purchase. I've started loading a lot of the photos already onto CafePress where you can buy them on mugs, T-shirts, magnets, clothing etc., so here's the link to that - Fran West photos on CafePress. If you want to be more specific about Utah photos here's the link to those.

Fran West Photos Available as Kindle Books from Amazon.com

Many people have emailed me about obtaining photos which have appeared in this blog and several of my other blogs.

In addition to the DVDs, CDs and photo downloads, some of the photos are now available as Kindle Books.

You can go to my page on Amazon to check them out.

Below is a movie clip of which photos are in each of the Kindle Books. Enjoy!

Bryce is Beautiful - Bryce Canyon National Park That Is

Bryce Canyon National Park is just beautiful. This national park is one of the highlights of southern Utah and one of the USA's most memorable parks.

Since I was driving in a clockwise direction to visit the state's national parks, I travelled about 90 miles from Zion National Park in the southwest to Bryce Canyon.

Scenic Byway sign, Utah, USA - Fran West

Some of the route was along National Scenic Byway 12. I highly recommend planning your trip along these byways when possible because the scenery is well worth it. 
These Scenic Byways are well marked as you can see from the sign.

There's a whole list of these in a little booklet which was sent to me in 2009 from the American Park Network - "Utah's National Parks: your complete guide to the parks".

When I arrived at Bryce Canyon it was pouring with rain, not a good omen for taking photos.

However, the weather cleared up at times with a few sunny patches here and there, revealing the scenery in the two photos below.

Quite an adventure walking the muddy trails after rain as it was slippery in sections and sometimes each step was like pulling my feet out of glue as I squelched along the track. I just love having my boots caked in mud!

Nevertheless, there's nothing like walking in amongst the multihued rock formations. 

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA - Fran West

As you drive further into the park, you'll come across several lookouts like the one below. 

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA - Fran West

To really explore Bryce Canyon you need more than the two and a half days which I had. The colours of the rocks change depending on the time of day, particularly sunrise and sunset, and you need to experience the park in several ways by driving, walking, biking or riding a mule into one of the canyons.

Here's a link to more information about Bryce Canyon National Park.

There are two photos of Bryce Canyon in my kindle book on Amazon. Just click on the photo for more information.

"Free Internet Marketing for Small Business" ebook out now

Free Internet Marketing for Small Business, by Fran West and Hilary Thompson, is an ebook full of practical tips for sole proprietors, home-based operators and small to medium enterprises.

It is a "must have" for anyone who is starting up a new business or trying to attract more clients/customers to an existing business.

Written in an easy to read and understand style, this ebook is an invaluable how-to manual with loads of illustrations and templates.

Testimonials

“I think your eBook will be most helpful to get all the Indie business owners out there started on internet marketing. It was all very clear and most importantly the links worked, making it easy to navigate. As an independent international publisher we already make use of some of your recommendations, but are pleased to know about all the others. We tend to cover just some of the ones you suggest because we are often just under overwhelm most of the time, what with all the other vital tasks that have to be covered. You make it easy for your readers to choose their own favourite tools and make an easy start on this most important activity.”

Robin Beck, Managing Director/Owner, Kima Global Publishers, Cape Town, South Africa, www.kimabooks.com

“Well done ladies. Simple, clear and easy to read. Our company is in the midst of a marketing facelift … change in strategy, website, brochure … work in progress. It is strange how at times things we need fall into our lap … it really is a lot about timing! I needed to be pointed to read the Google+ Guides to Business.”

Michelle Bassanesi, Resource Broker, Chief Operations/Financial Officer, Event Services, Rome, Italy, www.eventservices.it

“There's a lot of excellent information in these pages. The internet and modern communications have advanced beyond all recognition in the last 10 years or so, and your book gives an excellent overview of the techniques for marketing a small business in the 21st Century. There are many free resources that can help to make the difference between success and failure as a small business starts out. I've never really got to grips with Pinterest or Vimeo, but your book led me to the relevant information in a click! As a result I'm getting some ideas about how I might incorporate them into my site.”

Jon Fryer, Proprietor, Coffee Berry, Sheffield, UK, coffeeberry.org.uk

“This is an excellent resource that has been crying out to be written. My congratulations to the authors for their clear and detailed instructions that will appeal to the most nervous or unsure new business owners who wish to gain maximum exposure for their enterprises. You are led through the process by means of screen shots taken directly from the most relevant websites. Each stage has working links to the pertinent pages so the value of each practical suggestion can be checked immediately. Where there is cost involved for extra services from those sites, this is clearly pointed out, but you may never need the extras. When the authors say "free" they mean "free." I recommend this eBook without reservation.”

Penney Hughes, Special Education/Early Intervention Teacher, Adelaide, South Australia

“This book saved me hours of research time, and with the explanations of how sites work, it saved me even more time by trying to work out how to use them.”

Annie Waddington-Feather, Freelance Writer and Communications Consultant, Adelaide, South Australia, www.wadders.co.uk

“I have been waiting for a book like this for over 30 years, it debunks the myth that IT specialists are the only people who can teach us this medium. It is easy to follow and for a person like me it unlocks the mysteries of some of the software I have difficulty understanding how to use. Well done to the authors for such a great initiative, may I wish you all the success you deserve.”

Ken Wood, Interventionist, Optimist, Educator, Adelaide, South Australia, www.kenwoodspeaking.com.au/

“Free Internet Marketing for Small Business gives me practical information based on practical experience. Parted the waves for me through the ocean of free internet marketing opportunities deep enough to drown me - and which I couldn't spare the time to explore. Now I have my own easy-to-follow internet marketing bible. Thank you Fran and Hilary.”

Peter Nicholls, Australia's People Gardener - Growing Better People, Adelaide, South Australia, www.australiaspeoplegardener.com.au

“This is great! I can't believe how many great ideas are packed into this little e-book. It covers a wide range of internet promotion techniques and sites, and the screen shots show you exactly what to do. Even if you have never used the Internet to promote your business, this book gives you everything you need to make a start. Best of all, the authors walk their talk and talk their walk - you can easily adapt what they've done to suit your own needs.”

Shelley Dunstone, Innovation in Strategy, Adelaide, South Australia, www.legalcircles.com

To purchase at $9.95 go to:

Rritjarukar (Willy Wagtails) Ngarrindjeri Choir at Wooden Boat Festival, River Port of Goolwa, South Australia

The Rritjarukar (Willy Wagtails) Ngarrindjeri Choir featured at the Wooden Boat Festival, river port of Goolwa, South Australia.

This was my second Wooden Boat Fesival at Goolwa, South Australia, held on the last weekend of February, 2013.

A fine hot summer's day was forecast so I decided to be in Goolwa before the crowds arrived. It took me less than an hour to drive from my home in Adelaide through the rolling hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula to Goolwa.

With such a brilliant day for photography I took almost 2,000 photos. Some of these will appear in my "Alzheimer's Products" DVDs, photo downloads and interactive jigsaw puzzles. They'll also be turned into kindle books for Amazon.

The programme was filled with plenty of activities  - some on the water and others on the land and I was fortunate to be on the wharf where I could photograph both areas.

One of the highlights of the day was the song and dance performance of the Rritjarukar (Willy Wagtails) Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Choir led by Rita Lindsay (pictured below).

Rita Lindsay, leader, Rritjarukar (Willy Wagtails) Choir

The outfits and face painting set the mood for the performance which illustrated traditional activities and aspects of life in the lower reaches of the River Murray.


Rritjarukar (Willy Wagtails) Choir

 As you can see from the photos, the performance (in the Ngarrindjeri language) was full of action.

Rritjarukar (Willy Wagtails) Choir

 What impressed me most was the age range of the group extending from young children up to the elders. The Ngarrindjeri culture is not only being passed on to the younger generation but it's also being presented in such a way that the wider community can enjoy it too. 

Rritjarukar (Willy Wagtails) Choir

 Listen to a podcast with Rita Lindsay.

Soar Beyond Your Wildest Expectations

Dear Readers,

Posting more articles and images to this blog will resume in a week or so.

For the last couple of months I've be collaborating on our new ebook - "Free Internet Marketing for Small Business". This is due for release towards the end of February 2013.

In the meantime, please enjoy "Soar beyond your wildest expectations".



"Soar beyond your wildest expectations", Ridge Top Tour, Arkaroola,
Gammon Ranges, Outback South Australia

This photo was taken during the Ridge Top Tour at Arkaroola, in the Gammon Ranges, in Outback South Australia.

Here's the link to Dropbox so you can download it for use as an inspirational poster or for use on your computer as a desktop wallpaper.

Flyabout Adventure Around Australia's Coast - Broome, Western Australia

Australia's coast from the air is quite fascinating because it varies so much. People tend to think of Australia as only having beautiful white sandy beaches stretching for kilometres.

However, some parts of the coast are loaded with colour. One such area is in Western Australia, near Broome. Really orange red sand and rock.

Cape Gantheaume, Broome, Western Australia

To appreciate the rugged beauty fully, there's no better way than from the air.

During my flight around Australia's coast I had the best seat in the house, flying over the sea and taking photos from the pilot's seat on the left hand side of the plane.

As you can see from the photo of Cape Gantheaume, the coast is even more spectacular framed by the brilliant blue of the sea.

Broome is located in the northwest of Western Australia not far from Derby and the Buccaneer Archipelago, the crinkly bits on the map of Australia.

It was quite a relief to land at Broome because my flight was over the ocean, the home of saltwater crocodiles from north Queensland to north of Broome. Thankfully I didn't have an engine failure and I was flying within gliding distance of the land.

The thought of crocodile infested waters was in the back of my mind during the flight. However, I didn't let it stop me even though it was one of my fears. I don't like flying over water either but to take photos from this unique perspective I had to do it.

To achieve your goals in life, sometimes you have to confront your fears. It's a matter of getting over it and getting on with it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I digress, so back to the coast of Broome.

Port of Broome, Western Australia

This Outback town is also famous for its pearls and as I was flying around the coast, several of the pearl farms were visible from the air.

As far as I'm concerned, Broome is the Pearl of Western Australia because it has a real mix of culture and natural beauty.

As you can see from this photo there's white sand interspersed amongst the orange red areas. Broome is famous too for its Cable Beach and spectacular sunsets.

Sun setting over colourful sand on a much quieter beach is quite something again.


Broome beach, Western Australia, at sunset

I guess you can take away two things from this post:

• go visit Broome (you won't be sorry) and

• confront your fears if you want to achieve your goals badly enough.

If you enjoyed this post please share it with others.

Monument Valley Really Is Monumental

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park really is monumental both from the cultural and geographic perspective. It's situated on US Highway 163 on the Utah/Arizona border just 25 miles south of Mexican Hat, Utah.



Monument Valley, approaching from the north

 This is one of the iconic places, with its recognisable and stunning landscape, that I just had to visit in America's Southwest.

I first came across Monument Valley when I watched western movies, directed by John Ford, with John Wayne. Below is John Ford's Point.

John Ford Point, Monument Valley

In 2007, there was also a Red Bull Air Race with aerobatic planes both negotiating the pylons and avoiding the rocky outcrops. A breathtaking event to watch.

So as a pilot and a western movie buff I just had to make the effort to visit and stay in the Monument Valley area.

I'd travelled down from Moab, Utah, to reach Goulding's Lodge on a very hot May day. The airconditioning was a welcome relief while I was waiting to board the tour vehicle. A hot and dusty afternoon tour followed but it was definitely worth going on because it included native American culture as well as a trip into the less well known areas of the valley.


Navajo woman with her craft, Monument Valley

Goulding's did have a camp ground and there is also a big and expensive lodge closer to the Mittens rock formations. However, at peak tourism time, it's a must to prebook your accommodation no matter what style of touring you prefer. What a blessing the internet is for reserving accommodation!

David, the Navajo guide on the tour vehicle, was a real gem with his extensive knowledge and sense of humour. He even called little old me "sassy" (maybe he liked Aussies who wear Akubra hats or tourists who believe in audience participation).


Goulding's Tours, Monument Valley

However, he was really tuned in to the fact that we were all wanting to take heaps of photos and he stopped the vehicle frequently for this purpose. With digital cameras and photo opportunities abounding, anybody should be able to take fantastic photos in Monument Valley.

David, tour guide, on the left, with his cousin in Monument Valley

Keen to make sure that we knew that this was Indian territory, David and his cousin entertained us with some native American music (above). He also treated us to some of the best vantage points for photographing the rock formations - very artistic and his enthusiasm and love of his country made the tour a truly unique experience.

If my itinerary had allowed it, I would have liked to have gone on a morning tour to capture the scenery in a different light. The afternoon tour was hot with strong sunlight and as time progressed there was the afternoon haze and long shadows across the rocks. Sunrise in the morning can be beautiful but sunset in the evening can also be superb.

One of the Mittens, Monument Valley

The Monument Valley airstrip was visible from the lodge and there was a plane parked there when we visited the Navajo Indian woman nearby. However, the flights to the valley come from neighbouring cities and there don't appear to be joy flights available at the airstrip. A real pity because this is a beauty spot which also needs to be seen from above.

Monument Valley really is monumental if you appreciate magnificent scenery and traditional Navajo culture.