Angel Arch, Morning, My Last Photograph

(Click image to enlarge)

Angel Arch is one of the most spectacular arches to be found anywhere. Together with numerous cliff dwellings, pictographs, and other arches this wonderland of stone is definitely the most beautiful and amazing place I have ever experienced.

This image, captured on film in 1987, shows Angel Arch on a clear morning after the sun had found its way to the bottom of Salt Creek Canyon. I finished photographing the arch some time ago and then and sat for a while taking in the scenery before heading back to my campsite around 3 km (2 miles) away. As I was leaving I noticed this scene along the trail and photographed it as a souvineer of my visit. I had no idea that it was the last photo of Angel Arch I would ever capture.

Getting here requires a 40 kilometer (25 mile) round trip in deep sand with innumerable crossings of Salt Creek. Capturing a few early morning photographs here plus some very minor exploration is a difficult exercise that takes several days. I always thought I'd return, but time, life, and age had other plans. I am very lucky to have visited three times. Now old photographs like this take me back whenever I like.

Other photographs of Angel Arch can be viewed here, here, and here.