Shot early in the morning before sunrise.
The same stream of life that runs through my veins
Night and day runs through the world
And dances in rhythmic measure
It is the same life that shoots in joy
Through the dusts of the earth into numberless blades of grass
And brakes into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers
It is the same life that is rocked in the ocean cradle
Of birth and death
In ebb and in flow
I feel my limbs are made glorious
By the touch of this world of life
And my pride is from the life throb of ages
Dancing... in my blood...this moment.
Namaste'
-- Rabindranath Tagore
@bluechameleon: Thank you, Sharon. My wife and I were there about an hour before sunrise. We would describe the experience as quite spiritual.
@Toni: Arches NP is one of my favorite places on the planet, Toni. I always feel like I am on holy ground (and, of course, I am).
@Jen: You're right, Jen. This was taken in 2007. We were back with our kids and granddaughter last March and it was a zoo. However, for Fiona, it was one magnificent sand box. (Generally when I go to Arches, I prefer to photograph from about an hour before sunrise until an hour after sunrise. Then I skip the rest of the day. I don't even go for sunset; too many people. There are other places in the area where you can get some excellent photographs during the rest of the day.)
@Linerberry: Thank you.
@jamesy: Thank you, Jamesy. I much prefer the tonalities before the sun comes out.
@zOOm: "a natural temple," Florence, is exactly right. That is why it is best to be there early in the morning when one can be in a state of solitude and humility; yes, even a state of reverence.
@Sof: Sof - certainly it is through photographs that I am able to visit such beautiful places as Switzerland.
@Kyle: No, Kyle, it actually is in Southern Utah (just a few miles from AZ).
@Cricket: Tammy, I'm really glad I posted this one. A number of people have seen animals (especially polar bears) touching noses. I never noticed it before, but now I can't miss it.
@Rosso: Grazie
@Emilio Garcia: So far, the bears are winning out over the dinosaurs!!