Day 133: February 5, 2005 - Views at Sunset

by Christian Williams

I hiked out to Coal Pits Wash to enjoy the views of Zion at sunset. The fading light brings out the red in the towering rock formations.

by Christian Williams

The sun had set, and it was time for photography fun with flashlights!

Day 93: December 27, 2004 - Coal Pits Creek

by Christian Williams
I spent the previous two days camping above Coal Pits Wash alone, because Karen went to visit her family for a few days. Early in the morning, I followed the small creek that runs through Coal Pits Wash, enjoying the solitude of an icy winter's morning. Spending 93 days in Zion was amazing, but trying to find something unique to photograph everyday was proving to be difficult. Some days we spent more time in Zion than others. With several days all to myself, it was nice to simply wander around the park, without worrying about how much time I had available to shoot a good photograph. Within a few minutes of coming across this lovely scene, I knew all the hard work had been done, and I just had to setup the tripod and push a button.

Day 92: December 26, 2004 - Zion Panorama

by Christian Williams
I went camping in the Coal Pits Wash area, which affords beautiful views of Zion from a different perspective. This panorama shows the back side of the cliffs which make up the main canyon of Zion, a spectacular and awe-inspiring sight.

Day 14: October 9, 2004 - Mt. Kinesava in the Fall

by Karen Williams

Star Flower

While hiking this strange "flower" caught my eye because of its unusual shape and texture. The morning light casts a warm glow onto the plant, giving the photo of this interesting plant a mystical quality.

by Christian Williams

Mt. Kinesava in the Fall

In the morning we hiked around more in the backcountry, finding beautiful mountains, valleys, and fall leaves that provided a multitude of warm colors to contrast the bright blue skies.

Day 13: October 8, 2004 - Coal Pits Wash Snake Encounter

by Christian Williams

Coal Pits Wash

Off to the side of Highway 9 is a dry wash called Coal Pits Wash. We decided to take a two day backcountry hike along the wash. It was a dry, hot day and we started late in the afternoon, making the hike a little challenging - not in essentials, but because we were unfamiliar with the area and unsure of how long it would take us to find a suitable place to get water and camp. However, the area is beautiful, rugged country, and well worth the time we spent exploring.

by Christian Williams

Rattle Snake

Of course this picture was taken by Christian, because Karen was standing far away, saying, "Get away from the snake, you are going to get bit, and I can't carry you once you do!" This was my one and only encounter with a rattle snake other than at the zoo, and it was indeed frightened of us, and trying to slither away, while Christian followed it to take this shot of the snake sticking its tongue out at him.