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With clouds covering most of the sky, our sunset shoot in the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park doesn’t look too promising. But, the views from the overlooks , especially Grand View Point, make the drive worth it.

At one stop, we peer over the edge to see a road that winds sharply up the plateau. Alan asks, “If we come back with the jeep, will you take that drive with me?”

My reply, “Sure, I’ll just keep my eyes closed.”

We take a trail that leads out onto a peninsula of land jutting over the canyon. I walk straight down the middle, venturing slowly to each side for picture taking until my shaky knees force a retreat away from the edge. One of the group walks out to the end to get that perfect shot. The rest of us stay behind and take pictures of him.

At Grand View Overlook parking lot, it’s too cloudy for much of a sunset but the sunlight shining on the dramatic landscape more than makes up for the lack of color in the sky. We hike the rim trail almost to the end before dusk overtakes us. Walking back to the parking lot is a hurried affair but the brisk exercise feels good. Our only regret is not bringing a flashlight. By the time we reach the parking lot, it’s completely dark.

To read more about our photo workshop experience with Jim Altengarten, vist this page at my blog about baby boomer travel, My Itchy Travel Feet

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