When I got to Moab I was, shall we say surprised, that there was not a single spot available in any local campground. Seems that it was a 4-day weekend for Utah students (which I was aware of in the back of my mind but didn't think it would affect me), a huge mountain bike race ("The 24 Hours of Moab"), and that Moab is a mecca for off-roaders. So after a bit of scrambling I decided that Grand Junction, Colorado wasn't a bad choice (and fairly close) and headed that direction. I took the opportunity to take a drive on Friday over to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This image is from water level at the East Portal looking west into the entrance to the main canyon. (For birders looking for American Dippers to add to your life list I saw 6 on the far (north) side of the river in about the first 1/2 hour I was there - one even sang and danced for me,)

The only wildlife that was cooperative enough for me to photograph was this Least Chipmunk and even it was a bit of a chore. They are hyperactive to say the least. In addition to the aforementioned dippers, birding wasn't too bad; species I saw included Western Scrub-jay, Common Raven, Chickadees (not sure on exact species), Canyon Wren, Steller's Jay, Black-billed Magpie,American Robin, Blue Grouse, Bald Eagle, American Kestrel, and a possible Peregrine Falcon.

I do not know why it is but I have this thing about photographing these trees (Pinyon?) in this state (dead). I always seem to be looking at them and it is probably because of their interesting twisted and gnarled appearance which, though not quite as drastic, is not unlike some of the ancient Bristlecone Pines.

Today I am going to be going back to Utah and try (again) for a few days in the Canyonlands and Arches (yes, I have a site reserved and paid for). Weather is touch and go; what is odd is that I saw mention in one of the forecasts about "monsoonal rains". I lived in Colorado (southeast of here) and "monsoon season" was in July and August. Things are kind of goofy weather-wise . . .