Photos from this past weekend that as tight shots provide interesting and arty textures.
What do you think?
The first picture was in Kimball Wash north of I-70 crossing the San Rafael Swell in central Utah.
The second picture was taken in Nine Mile Canyon, northeast of Price, Utah.

February sunrise light is best for the classic Mesa Arch photo pioneered by Tom Till.
As far as standing on the arch it looks like a pretty sturdy arch and the greatest threat would be slipping of the edge.
Many years ago people drove Jeeps across Gemini Bridge Arch. Then some teenage driver, not paying attention, drove off the edge and parached. That put a stop to driving across the arch. The latest issue of Utah Life Magazine has an article and photos of flying a small airplane through several of the larger archs.

I love trivia and the highway name is an interesting piece of information. Thanks for contributing.

Two other area that you might consider that are less crowded that the National Parks are San Rafael Swell area west of Green River and Nine Mile Canyon which is noted for its prehistoric rock and pioneer history. Guidebooks are available for both these areas in local museums and bookstores. Also avalable from the author directly.

I passed through Thompson on the 9th of January and it hadn't changed much from last summer or a year ago. It is a symble of the past hence the topic title "the past in the present". It has happened in a lot of places as circumstances change. The pictures speak for themselves.

Before I-70 US Hwy 6 was the major route between Denver and Salt Lake City. Thompson, Utah was a major stop for fuel, food, and lodging. The Interstate highway changed the importance of the town and it has become a demenstration of the past.

Well done photo work

Canon 24-105mm L

I would liked to have seen your suggestons.
I am glad you liked the images. I will go back and play with them after reading a couple comments.
Come visit Nine Mile Canyon, It is noted for its consentration of prehistoric rock art and pioneer history.

Thank you for your comment.

Due to a cancalled appointment in Price, Utah I decided to take an afternoon drive through Nine Mile Canyon. I have spent a lot of time in Nine Mile Canyon over the years, but never on the shortest day of the year. The low elevation of the sunlight created some excellent photo opportunities. I will share six of my favorite photos are submitted for your review and comment.

That petroglyph is correctly called "Coyote Placing the Stars", it is located at Nine Mile Canyon mile marker 33.6. This Petroglyph is a different style than the adjacent petroglyph panels along the canyon ledge for several hundred yards to the south of this image. A coyote scattering the stars appears in Navajo legend. A similar ledgend also exists in the Hopi Indian culture. Nine Mile Canyon has over 10,000 prehistoric rock art images and a facinating pioneer history. The best available guide book is titled "Discover Nine Mile Canyon" which is available at the museum in Price, Utah.

A really nice photo and thanks for shareing it with us.

A really nice photo and thanks for shareing it with us.

A really nice photo and thanks for shareing it with us.