Forward:

It was my fortune and privilege to be among these highly regarded contemporaries touring the Zion, Grand Canyon North Rim and Bryce Canyon National Parks. I enjoyed it thoroughly because everyone was like a family member and kind toward each other. Credits are due the planners for lodging, food, transportation, excellent photography instructors and coordinators/staffs. They are the best!

I felt very much at home with everyone and totally opened with unrestrained attitude when opportunities present for some laughs. Thus on several occasions, I acted as "a committee of one" to provide few quick and readily available out-pouring comical remarks to entertain and to lessen the boredom while on our way to different points of interests. I made many friends during this photo trip. Many of us even shoot through the tinted bus window when the urge to fire away becomes overwhelming.

After many editing and inspecting variations, I decided to upload this group of images for sharing with my friends. These photos represent my humble impressions. Some of these are self-explanatory and some have extra commentary.

The post-processing with software allowed me a degree of freedom and liberal interpretation to stretch the imaginary mood and color within the image. After all, a pixel that represents the embedded light value is quite conditional and illusive. The viewer is the final judge for both the content/meaning and value of an image; thus the value belongs to "the eye of the beholder." Of cause, we all heard this many times.

Without delay, the first thirteen photos are my first impression of St. George, Utah, where we embarked for this adventure. Please share with me and do feel free to comment. I welcome your thoughts for further enhancements. Thank you for viewing.

Min Mar

Phoenix, AZ - September 27, 2007

For my other friends: This photography excursion was under the auspice of Elderhostel organization and Dixie State College of Utah at St. George, Utah.

October 20, 2007. An extraordinary additional 12 photo essay - embedded with text follows my last picture in this gallery. I'm please to present Mr. Tom Jones' creation, "The Happy Trails." Tom finished his masterpiece during the wee hours in the morning of our departure for home. It was intended as a farewell gift to the group. Here is Tom's statement: HAPPY TRAILS - This is a very brief recap of the time we have had together this past week.

Epilogue

10/28/07: It is only proper to round up this gallery with an Epilogue. I have the pleasure to present the following group of photos contributed by Dale Wong, members in our group. Each image therein has a voice to communicate to the viewer. Please enjoy and if possible leave a comment for the respective artists. I appreciate those who take the time to leave a message in the questbook. Thank you again for viewing. Min Mar