LOL! that's no joke! I'm in Stockton CA.

Still on my "go back again list" is Antelope Canyon. On the Utah/Arizona border. Highway 89 Detour -- If you are coming from Grand Canyon South Rim (how could you take a road trip from Texas to Oregon and NOT see the Grand Canyon eh?) take East Hwy 160 then West Hwy 98. Google Antelope Canyon for inspiration!

I strongly second each of those recommendations! Michael Frye's book is a must. Purchase from his website though and not through Amazon or eBay. Significant difference in cost. Also recommend you enjoy the experience of this wonderous place and put "getting the shot" on the backburner so to speak. At least for this trip if it's your first. I've taken pretty good shots with wide-angle, tele zoom ... and my old cell phone. I have some posted on my betterphoto page if you want to check them out.

Have a great trip to Yosemite!

Recently traveled to Arches NP for a week of blissful, stress-free shooting ... especially wanted to try my hand at nighttime stuff. What a disaster! It rained 5 out of the 6 days there, clouds rolling in just about dusk, so zero stars out there, and wind during the day that worried me for sandblasting my equipment.

On the last night, about 3am, the rain stopped and I thought I'd get up and give it a go. I realized I'm more blind than I thought at night, and when your hands are seriously cold, they dont function as well ... and I dropped my camera attempting to attach to tripod!

I muffled my screams since my friends were still asleep, but I'm sure you can imagine my utter distress ...

As far as I can tell, everything is surprisingly "ok" with both the camera and my new lens. The impact must have been on the mode dial and down the left side of the body. There are two minor abrasions which I handled with a sharpie, but the mode dial (still functioning without issue) is badly dinged which bugs the bejeesus outta me.

Does anyone know if there is such a thing as replacing specific parts for a 7D? I've been to canon.com (nightmarish attempt), B&H, amazon, no luck.

I realize I should be happy the mishap didn't actually kill my camera and lens, but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway.

Maybe it should serve as a constant reminder to me to be more careful. *sigh*

Thanks for reading ...

Hi Tom, I'm thinking I'll get the most bang for my buck with my new Canon 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 which I love! I also have an uber-wide Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 in the bag. The 18-200 is going to be most versatile though ... I think ... for what I intend to do. We'll see!
Thanks for posting, Ann

This will be about the zillionth trip to Arches I've made over my lifetime, but this time I'm going to try to get some decent night photography accomplished.

Going out with a new lens addition to the bag, better intervelometer, sturdy tripod of course ... oh! and high topper boots after my son reminded me that snakes come out at night.

I didn't understand that when I posted the link, so sorry all to hell and back, sheesh! Meanwhile, I think it sounds like an awesome deal, so I'm going to order it up and think of you every time I use it (ya ornery old fart LOL)

It WAS a little hard to spot for me too! Here's a capture to show you where to click. That drops down a box where you can enter code which will change the purchase price on the next screen.

See image for details... makes this $249.95 with free economy shipping. Promo valid thru 8-31-12.

I got my Carry Speed Slim about a week ago and am in love with it! The "Pro" version I felt was a little too wide for my shoulder/neck.

hahaha... It wasn't until you provided your solution that I understood your question! Suppose that makes us a pair of Wallys eh?

No worries however, there are those who will struggle with the concept of aperture until they die, so good on you that you sorted yourself out quick :)

nice little trip around the world with my morning coffee ... thanks for posting

couldn't sleep last night ...remembered this link and watched it thru. in the quiet of early morning hours, a cool breeze thru the open window, the video was delightful to watch. i learned a lot about ansel adams that I didn't know before and so much more about his creative genius.

thanks so much for posting the link!

#14 lights the guys butt! LOL

excellent! thanks for posting this for us!