To celebrate Earth Day, here are some images I have taken over the years of our beautiful planet. The top one is, of course, the Grand Canyon.
Painted Desert, Arizona
Haleakala Crater, Maui
Monument Valley, Arizona and Utah
New earth forming, Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Northumberland National Park, England
The Olgas, Australia
Champagne Pools, Rotorua, New Zealand
Focused Moments 
Such dramatic scenery, Rachael. Once again, beautiful photography!
Thank you very much, Tricia. I had to load the last few in small size as they are scans of old 6×4 prints from my pre-digital days. I wonder if that’s an excuse to go back to those places? (As if one were needed!)
🙂
Yes, I’m impressed by the many exotic locales you’ve made it to. Was it for business or pleasure?
All pleasure. I did a lot of backpacking in my younger days.
Beautiful photos Rachael, a lovely post for Earth Day 🙂
Thanks, Karen. 🙂
So beautiful! All of them. I was just at the Grand Canyon, in that exact same spot you took your photo. Because I have a photo from that exact spot. It’s so gorgeous there.
Thanks! Yes, it is an amazing place. We have been there twice but would be happy to go again. And again.
Same here. We’re a 5 hour drive and we’ve been up there 5 times now, and are planning another trip in the fall. It never gets old.
We have a 10 hour flight so can’t go quite that often 😉
Enjoyed these, Rachael. Ashamed to say I’m Australian and haven’t seen the Olgas yet! You’ve certainly done some miles in some amazing locales – very envious.
One of my great memories is my first trip to the States in 1993, buying a car, living in it for over three months with a girlfriend, driving all over the country. Arriving at the rim of the Grand Canyon just before sunset – magical. Can’t wait to go back and hike down into it one day. Monument Valley also, as a John Ford fan, is a must.
Thanks! I find it is often the case that locals know their country’s ‘sights’ less well than visitors. I had a very enjoyable 5 weeks exploring Australia, way back in 1989. Just me and my backpack. Great fun, even if it did rain almost non stop. On the upside, the waterfall at the head of King’s Canyon was in full flow, which doesn’t happen often. Swimming in the pool at its base was one of the highlights of my trip. And I got to see rain pouring off Uluru. Again, not a frequent sight.
My trip to the American South West was more recent, with sprogs in tow. I have planned a return trip. Love it there. And I share your John Ford fandom. We stayed at Gouldings and rented She wore a Yellow Ribbon to watch with the kids on the evening after exploring the Valley.
I don’t know what to say but WOW! That shot on Maui deserves a double WOW!
Thanks, Barbara. I like it too. Sadly it is not quite sharp enough to make a big print. What the image can’t show is the gale force winds blowing up there. There’s no protection at 10,000 feet. Way too strong for a tripod. Way too strong even to hold the camera steady! A few seconds after that shot as taken the heavens opened as well.