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.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is just gorgeous

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is just gorgeous.

It's shared by both Utah and Arizona and it's a very special place whether enjoyed from the land, the water or the air (I thoroughly recommend that way as detailed in a previous post).

The signs around Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are almost as impressive as the natural beauty which they highlight.

I left my campground and went for a drive around part of the lake until I came to this spot at the Coves. The painted part of the sign is mirrored in the stone which supports it.

Very creatively designed to make a statement about the place.

Photographing signs on a trip actually defines where the photos were taken, breaks up the series of photos taken e.g. all landscapes, and some are just worth photographing anyway.

Click on the photo to enlarge it and enjoy both the sign and the scenery behind it.

I can definitely feel the urge to create some interactive jigsaw puzzles about Glen Canyon and Lake Powell. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, check out my "Canyon Country" post.

London's Historic Buildings Make Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles

London, England, is a vibrant place and its historic buildings have many interesting tales to tell. They're also a photographer's delight and I've made their photos into interactive Jigsaw Puzzles which can be done on a computer or laptop.

In this series of CDs there are 5 different photos which have been converted to jigsaws of 12, 24, 40, 104 and 260 pieces each, making a total of 25 jigsaw puzzles.

This range of puzzles can be used both by children with different skill levels and adults. Jigsaw puzzles are easy to do with the click of a mouse button and can be played over and over.

Puzzles are not printable, they're designed to be used on a computer or laptop or even on a large screen via a data projector.

Internet access is not required.

London Buildings Jigsaw Puzzles CD

Australia (incl. P&H) $29.00 AUD Overseas (incl. P&H) $33.00 AUD

These photos are of some of London's iconic buildings like the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the National Gallery and Admiralty Arch.

If you would like to try a sample jigsaw to see how it works, email me at
fran@franwest.com.

Travel Australia: Find Out How

Travel Australia, published by Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd, looks to be the ideal companion for planning a trip around Australia. I used several of these type of books to plan my flight around the coast of Australia and detours inland to even more beauty spots. Check it out.



Travel Australia

It's a vibrant mix of road maps and essential touring information with beautiful photography. It includes over 200 crystal-clear, up-to-date road maps of the entire country plus 98 town and city maps, route-planning maps and trip diagrams to make planning your trip a breeze.

Fran's Backpack - Travel Photography

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is Travel Photography, by Steve Davey.

Many of the visitors to this site come via clicking on "images" in the search engines. For those who want to know more about taking their own images check out this book.


Travel Photography

"Footprint Travel Photography" is going to change the way that you travel. Written by acclaimed author and photographer of 'Unforgettable Places to see Before you Die' Steve Davey, it covers everything that you need to know about travel photography including preparation, exploring with a camera, all of the technical stuff as well as hints and tips about virtually every travel photography scenario. There is even a comprehensive section on post-processing your pictures using some of the most popular computer software, and tips on making money from your photography.Whatever camera you use and whatever your level this book is packed with information for you. There are Pro-Tips, information about shooting in RAW format, as well as specific information for users of film SLRs, digital compacts as well as Digital SLRs. Broken down by technique and photography style, rather than destination, the layout of this book makes it easy for you to decide what kind of picture you're trying to take and find, at a glance, the right techniques for you. As well as taking pictures, this book will inspire you to head out and see the world. Packed with inspirational pictures and anecdotes from Steve's years on the road, this book is a call to get out and explore.

Fran's Backpack - When Giants Roamed: The Golden Age of Steam DVD

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is When Giants Roamed: The Golden Age of Steam DVD.

I love my train journeys and while in the USA a couple of years ago I travelled on the Grand Canyon and Verde Canyon Railways in Arizona and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad in Colorado. This DVD does look rather interesting with a 4.5 star rating by customers.

Editorial Reviews
In the first half of the 20th century, America's railroads were transformed by the coming of giants. Pushed by the need to haul ever longer and heavier trains, the nation's locomotive works responded with the awe-inspiring articulated engines. Delivering up to 7,500 horsepower, these steel giants could haul trains a mile long and weighing over 15,000 tons. WHEN GIANTS ROAMED journeys back to the golden age of steam for an up-close look at these legendary locos. See the Union Pacific's famed Big Boy in action and ride the rails of the Chesapeake & Ohio and Norfolk & Western, eastern coal-hauling railroads with an unquenchable thirst for power. Meet the men who drove engines like the Allegheny and Yellowstone, and visit the museums and yards where the largest steamers ever built are preserved today. It's a historic excursion sure to set any railfan's heart pounding.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, Really is Captivating

Capitol Reef National Park, one of the Utah parks in the south, really is captivating. It's a long skinny national park accessible between Torrey and Hanksville. Or if you're doing a clockwise trip around the national parks like I did, it's between Bryce Canyon National Park to the west and Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park to the east.

I love photographing different signs. The national parks, in particular, have a clear welcoming sign that lets you know that you're in for something spectacular. Photographing signs also indicates where the next photographs have been taken.

It's also not a bad idea to photograph the sign when you leave a place (for obvious reasons).

The Visitor Center very fittingly blends in well with its surroundings. It's well worth a visit to pick up maps and information, look at the exhibits, watch a short video, buy souvenirs and use the rest rooms. The location is at the junction of the Scenic Drive and Route 24.

I really only had time to travel along the Scenic Drive and back and then continue east along the main road. However, the park really needs a couple of days to explore.

Looking at the photos, you can see that Capitol Reef National Park is one of those really rocky Utah parks. It's comprised of 378 square miles of towering landforms, canyons, mesas and folded rock layers and it's a photographer's Paradise (most of my photos of Utah are rocks, rocks and more rocks!). Stay tuned for more posts later.

Here's more information about Capitol Reef National Park.

Amazing Arches is Absolutely Awesome

Arches National Park, in southern Utah, USA, is absolutely awe inspiring. So much so that the state has actually put an image of Delicate Arch, located in the park, on vehicle number plates. I'm obviously not the only one gobsmacked by this national park!

It's easy to get to being not that far out of Moab, action capital of Utah. Just take US 191 and travel for about 5 miles north of Moab - a national park situated so close to a major town. How good is that?

After you've picked up your information at the Arches Visitor Center, you then head up the winding road to really enter the park.





Obviously there are many arches in the park to give it its name. You may think a dozen or so but you'd be wrong. Apparently there are over 2,000 arches and they vary considerably in size from something a few feet across to the largest, which is Landscape Arch. This one is 306 feet wide and so skinny too!

Check out the Arches National Park website for further information.

Squirrel Stands Up To Snake in Zion National Park, Utah

A hike along the trail in Zion National Park, Utah, led to several discoveries of wildflowers and also wildlife.

Walking in a group may allow for socialising but the noise made by the group can often scare away wildlife and it sometimes drowns out the sounds of nature, like running rivers, bird songs and animal antics.

I'd just left the trail to escape the endless number of noisy hikers and have a closer look at the river and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. On my way back to join the trail I heard this commotion in a fenced off clearing. I thought it sounded like a rattle (I may have been mistaken though).

However, when I looked closer I saw a squirrel and a snake having a go at each other.

The snake definitely didn't like the squirrel in its patch and there was dust flying everywhere with the squirrel artfully dodging the snake's strike. However, it didn't matter how angry the snake was (click on the photo to zoom in on it), that squirrel was determined to stand its ground even if it meant being bitten.

I took several photos (without tele lens unfortunately) before the snake gave up and retreated from the dust bath created by the squirrel. I've always thought squirrels were cute and quick but this particular one was a feisty little critter as well!

A couple of observations:

• if you're going to enjoy nature en masse, then keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut
• watch where you're walking (as an Aussie, part of bushwalking is watching out for snakes on the trail anyway)
• cute and cuddly doesn't necessarily mean weak and lacking courage (perceptions can often be wrong)
• even if you think you're facing insurmountable odds you can sometimes achieve success through sheer determination

Giant Worms Found on King Island, Bass Strait, Australia

I thought I'd found giant worms on King Island, Bass Strait, Australia.

A couple of years ago I visited King Island, located between northwest Tasmania, to the south, and the Victorian coast on mainland Australia, to the north. Although there are some spectacular spots around King Island, the island doesn't feature any high mountains. It's mostly beef and dairy cattle (grazing on gently rolling hills), kelp and fishing.

Three days were spent on the island, with a flight around the coast and the rest of the time touring by car. On one of the days, I headed towards the southern end of the island, and saw these long green things in the distance.



With my weird sense of humour, I immediately thought of the Giant Worm Museum at Bass in Victoria. It's a structure which depicts a giant earth worm. Gippsland is apparently the only place in the world where these creatures can grow to about 3 metres in length (good food for nightmares I think).

Or, they could be giant wichetty grubs. In reality, they are only big round bales of hay covered in plastic (silage or haylage bales which begin to ferment with the moisture). Still, it makes for an interesting picture and a very tall tale.

The track that I was driving on was very windy and narrow and fortunately I didn't encounter a kelp truck which would have been around earlier in the day. I'll post about the kelp later on.

Check out the penguins on King Island too.


View Larger Map

"Float Planes of Alaska" DVD coming soon

For people who live in North America especially, I've decided to produce a DVD devoted entirely to float planes in Alaska.

This would certainly bring back memories for so many who have flown as a part of life and an easy way to travel from place to place. There are over 200 float planes in this DVD but as you'll see red is my favourite colour!

While I was in Alaska a couple of years ago, I spent a day and a half walking around Lake Hood, near the main Anchorage Airport. I also did some float plane training from Lake Hood and Trail Lake at Moose Pass, south of Anchorage.

Many of the photos have appeared in "Awesome Aviation" but there are quite a lot which are new. As usual I'll be producing in NTSC and PAL format and the price will be the same at $25.00 plus postage.

If you'd like to reserve a copy, email me at fran@franwest.com.

Fran's Backpack - Zion National Park , UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 214

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is Zion National Park , UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 214 [Folded Map]

To get the most enjoyment out of a national park, you need a good map. Check out this one.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Covering all of Zion National Park, our Trails Illustrated map contains detailed topography with shaded relief, up-to-date trails, roads, and points of interest, plus trail summaries and useful information to get the most from your visit.

The North side of the map covers the popular Zion Narrows with a companion hiking timetable, plus Kolob Canyons, La Verkin Creek Trail, Hop Valley Trail, Wildcat Canyon, the West Rim Trail, and more. The South side of the map details the park headquarters, Floor of the Valley Road, East Rim Trail, Telephone Canyon Trail, and the Virgin River.

Printed on durable, waterproof, tear-resistant and environmentally friendly material that will stand up to any outdoor condition. Both sides feature a UTM and Latitude/Longitude grid for use with a GPS, plus compass rose, scale bar and legend for easy interpretation.

Approximately 4 1/4" x 9 1/4" folded; 26" x 38" fully opened
Scale = 1:37,700

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.
Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society s non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

Pichi Richi Railway on Track Again near Quorn, South Australia

The Pichi Richi Railway, based at Quorn, in the southern Flinders Ranges, is one of the favourite train journeys in South Australia.

The line extends from the historic little township of Quorn to Woolshed Flat. When I was on "Off the Beaten Track", photographing for the "Outback Adventure" DVD, it was in the spring after such a lot of rain. The grass was green, instead of brown, making everything look especially lush and the wattles were also in bloom adding splashes of yellow to the countryside.

From the train we could see rolling hills, dams, huge gnarled gum trees and fast flowing creeks. Just a pleasant view of the country including the Devil's Peak.

After we'd been on our train journey, we continued on to Wilpena Pound, in the Flinders Ranges, and also to the Gammon Ranges. On the way back we were fortunate to have a roadside view of the Pichi Richi Railway again.



We saw a group of cars parked near the railway crossing and knew that the train was bound to be along shortly. A great photo of the train crossing the road appears in "Outback Adventure" DVD. However, I like to photograph more than just the engine at the front.

Here's a photo of the guard's van at the back of the train. Note the old lamps at the rear of the van.

Modern technology is here to stay with the solar panel in the background providing the power for the railway crossing signals.

More views of the Pichi Richi Railway are on the "Outback Adventure" DVD.

Outback Adventure DVD

Australia (incl. P&H) $27.50 Overseas (incl. P&H) $31.00

Fran's Backpack - The Fearless Flier's Handbook: Learning to Beat the Fear of Flying with the Experts from the Qantas Clinic

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is The Fearless Flier's Handbook: Learning to Beat the Fear of Flying with the Experts from the Qantas Clinic [Paperback].

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
As many as one in five people is afraid of flying. For some, the fear is so paralyzing that they have never boarded a plane. For others, flying is a necessary evil-they'll do it because they have to, but it's torture. They white-knuckle their way through the flights they have to take or avoid air travel and miss out on promotions, business opportunities, and the thrill of visiting new places with friends and family. This book provides a sensible, tested alternative, with proven strategies that have helped hundreds of people overcome their fears and head happily skyward.Based on the Australian airline Qantas's world-renowned "Fearless Fliers" course, THE FEARLESS FLIER'S HANDBOOK is filled with soothing facts and step-by-step exercises for turning fear into calm and confidence.

About the Author
Debbie Seaman is a freelance journalist who writes about travel and the creative side of the advertising business. She currently contributes to People, the New York Times travel section, and Advertising Age's Creativity magazine. She first wrote about her recovery in the Fearless Flyers program in an article in the New York Times.

Fran's Backpack - Reader's Digest - Great Wonders & Splendors of the World DVD Set

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is Reader's Digest - Great Wonders & Splendors of the World DVD Set.

This set reminds me of my bucket list because I've been to 11 of the places listed but I obviously have to keep going to visit the rest. These DVDs just whet the appetite for more travel.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Explore the world’s greatest creations, from the natural to the man-made, that have left indelible impressions on countless generations with their beauty, scale and style. From Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to China’s Forbidden City, the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Grand Canyon of the United States–travel to the world’s most breathtaking sights, monuments, palaces and natural wonders.

Disc 1: Wonders of Nature - Although nature’s many miracles evoke a sense of wonder, specific examples of magnificence are revealed to us in many different and special ways. The Grand Canyon, The Serengeti, The Sahara Desert, Iguazi Falls, The Amazon River, Ayers Rock, and The Himalayas.

Disc 2: Wonders Sacred & Mysterious - Experience six supreme examples of man’s attempt to honor the mysteries of life by creating monuments of astonishing beauty. Stonehenge, The Great Pyramids, Hagia Sophia, Borobudur, St. Peter’s Basilica, and The Taj Mahal.

Disc 3: Wonders of Man’s Creation - When the urge to build is combined with a vision of beauty, man leaves behind an enduring mark on an ever-changing world. The Colosseum, Machu Picchu, The Great Wall, The Kremlin, Versailles, The Statue of Liberty, The Eiffel Tower, and Mount Rushmore.

Disc 4: Splendors of Nature - Travel the world to experience splendors unknown to past generations. Witness the incomparable beauty of the natural world: Bengal Tigers of Autumn, Snow Monkeys of Winter, The Great Barrier Reef in Spring, Caribou of Summer, and Victoria Falls.

Disc 5: Ancient Splendors - Take a world tour of the wonders, mysteries and achievements wrought by long-ago civilizations. Temples of Egypt, Lost City of the Maya, Acropolis of Ancient Greece, and Angkor Wat.

Disc 6: Imperial Splendors - See rare and beautiful monuments of powerful empires and splendid courts. Ponder the bittersweet reminders of those who once conquered, ruled and flourished. Xanadu, The Forbidden City, Alhambra, Summer Palace, and Neuschwanstein.

Fran's Backpack - Lonely Planet Fiji

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is Lonely Planet Fiji (Country Guide) [Paperback].

I've been to Fiji twice. Both times have been different but beautiful in their own ways.

The first time was touring by hire car and this way gave freedom to go to the villages in the countryside and not just sightsee, or shop, around the main towns. The people are just so friendly and that's part of the attraction. The hotel offered heaps of different activities - tennis, golf, deep sea fishing, shore fishing (caught a few poor souls and threw them back), and had my first try at a Fun Tiger catamaran. Not bad for a person that's more at home in the air than on the water.

The second time was to go on a cruise through the Yasawa Islands. Now that's a tropical Paradise. The ship cruised at night mostly and then stopped off at the various islands to explore, meet the people, go for walks, do activities like snorkelling and wind surfing, or just laze around on the beaches with picture post card views. The water is crystal clear and stunning shades of blue and green. Keeping track of the days was a bit hard though because the cruise took people away from their everyday hustle and bustle. Food for the soul.

Fiji - another recommended place to travel to.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Nobody knows Fiji like Lonely Planet, and our 8th edition offers the best of these island paradises. Whether that's surfing world-class breaks in the Mamanucas, island hopping in search of your perfect Yasawa beach, exploring the lush interior of Taveuni or discovering Suva's best nightspots - you decide.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:
Sailing information for yachties and tips on how to join as crew
Color highlights help you plan your trip
Green Index to help make your travels ecofriendly

Flyabout around Australia's Coast - Buccaneer Archipelago, Western Australia

The Buccaneer Archipelago, Western Australia, is one of the best stretches of coast around the Australian mainland.

As the name suggests, it's a sea of islands, with the most incredible shaped coastal landforms. It's situated northeast of Derby in the northern part of Western Australia, stretching from about Collier Bay to King Sound. This is outback Outback with the easiest access by water and air rather than by road.

William Dampier, the English buccaneer, visited the area on the "Cygnet" in 1688, but the archipelago was named after his buccaneering ways much later on. Phillip Parker King was charting the area in 1821 and named it in his honour.


This is one of Australia's remotest areas and I'm glad I had all the survival gear in the plane just in case something went wrong on my flight around Australia's coast.

If you want to see the area by plane, then take a scenic flight from Derby or Broome. You won't be sorry that you did. Spectacular with a capital "S"!

Sensational Sailing from City's Sands

When some people think of Australia's sandy beaches, they immediately think of Queensland, our northern most state.

However, Adelaide's white sandy beaches, in South Australia , are just superb, and they're not that far from the CBD.

As you can see from the photo, it's an ideal day for the sailing club to get out on the water. These craft are for one person and offer young sailors the opportunity to enjoy flying through the water.

On a weekend, the beach is teeming with life.

There are people in the water swimming, sailing or kayaking. People are walking their dogs, or their families, and generally soaking up the seaside atmosphere.


Close to the jetty there's the local pub and the cafe has the smell of fish and chips wafting down to the shore enticing walkers to stop and take a break.

Sometimes there are even kite surfers out on the water adding colour to the mix of sail boats and speed boats. It's so relaxing to sit on one of the benches and munch on fish and chips while watching the little flotilla in the distance.

Just South Australia being sensational again!

Check out "Maritime Mix" DVD for more snippets of South Australian waters.

Parks Pass Provides Plenty of Access to Wilderness Wonders

If you love the environment, nature, wilderness, wildlife, the Great Outdoors (sometimes known as national parks), then it would pay you to buy a national parks pass. Many countries have a national body which issues annual passes to their national parks.

Some states also have their own state pass. When I went "Off the Beaten Track" to film for my DVD, "Outback Adventure", I bought a South Australian National Parks pass. That will allow me access to my state's parks for a year.

When I toured America's Southwest in 2009, I bought an "America the Beautiful" National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass for $80. I kept it and when I visited Florida last year I was still able to use it.

"This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass and http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm."

Some state parks will also let you use this pass, so it's really good value and encourages you to visit as many places as possible.

Sensational Signs Keep Track of Your Travels

One very important tip I've learned from my travels is to photograph signs along the way as a means of keeping track of where the photos are taken.

They essentially jog the memory when writing the travel diary. You don't necessarily have to use the photos but they're like chapter headings.

They give an insight into the places visited, they often provide humour, and they definitely let you know where they are and what you can get.

No prizes for guessing that this place is in Virgin, Utah, and it's a native American trading post.


Very colourful, and the background isn't bad either!

Check out my other posts on "signs".