Our trip to Arizona (broadband)

[TristanP]

We were in Mesa, Arizona last week for a family birthday. Here are some of the shots I was able to process already. This was my first chance to take some serious landscapes with my 717 (not much to shoot here in Delaware), so I'll take any and all criticism. Reshoots aren't possible (for a couple years anyway), but I'll take anything I can learn from.

Flight out on Sunday

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_plane.jpg


Early morning cactus outside the hotel

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_cactus4.jpg


Monday's sunset

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_sunset1.jpg


Some shots from the neighborhood for anyone who hasn't seen the landscaping

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/mesa_house.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/mesa_yard.jpg


We drove up to Payson (5000' elevation) Thursday afternoon. The views on the way are awesome. Here's Mt. Ord

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/mt_ord.jpg


An outcropping just north of town

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/payson_rocks.jpg


Late Friday afternoon I drove Ethan (my soon-to-be-2-year-old) out to Tortilla Flat along the Apache Trail. Some of the most incredible scenery I've ever seen in person.

This is Superstition mountain - still needs some work:

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/super_pano.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/apache_trail1.jpg


Just west of Canyon Lake

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/apache_trail2.jpg


The Canyon Lake lookout

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/canyon_lake1.jpg


Some Saguaros - they can grow to 50' and 200 years old.

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_cactus1.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_cactus2.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_cactus3.jpg


Late Friday afternoon and Tortilla Flat was closed

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/tortilla_flat.jpg


Returning from Tortilla (I really like the dynamic range on this one)

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/dodge_tortilla.jpg


On the way back, I got Ethan out for a bit again. He enjoyed being out of the carseat.

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/ethan_tortilla.jpg


http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_sunset2.jpg


Palm trees under the stars back in Mesa

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_palm3.jpg

More to come. Thanks for looking.

[DeanMcM]

I think they are terrific! Looks like you had some great weather! :thumb

I miss my F717, sold it last month. :cry

Thanks for sharing your trip.

[Maelyn]

Great pictures. I'm so jaded about the desert living in it but you've really managed to capture some of the desert beauty. :thumb

[TristanP]

Great pictures. I'm so jaded about the desert living in it but you've really managed to capture some of the desert beauty. :thumb
Thanks so much, both of you. Where are you living now?

[Andy]

very nice travel set, tristan :clap

love the shot of your kid peering out at the vista :lol3

[Shima]

Wonderful set, it really makes me want to go there!

[Drano]

Great set! Brings back memories, I used to do quite a bit of stomping around in the Superstitions when I was going to ASU. Reminds me that I need to drag myself back from AK for a visit - maybe this winter! Thanks for sharing!

[TristanP]

Thanks guys. The shot of Ethan peering throught fence I knew would be a keeper. If you haven't been, it should be on your list.

[Dani]

http://home.comcast.net/~sarahpanek/stf/az/az_plane.jpg


hhahahaaa.... is that a beechcraft???? I used to fly on mesa and southwest all the time on those little things... love them!!! so much fun.

Fantastic shots! i miss the desert :cry

[ChrisJ]

I'm an astral fan, so I really like the Palm Trees and stars. Great set all around though!

[TristanP]

hhahahaaa.... is that a beechcraft???? I used to fly on mesa and southwest all the time on those little things... love them!!! so much fun.

Fantastic shots! i miss the desert :cryThanks! Nah, that's a 737 if I recall correctly. I don't think a Beechcraft would be the right choice for a Philly to Phoenix flight. :D That would suck.