JPG: Photos: "The American West -- Which Way?" by Richard Knight

The American West -- Which Way?

Hot! In Juxtaposition

by Richard Knight

Uploaded 29 Sep 2009 — 29 favorites

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[For John Linton and the "Dipsticks" -- You know who you are!]

Zion National Park, Utah, August 2009

“What you see often depends on the direction that you are driving.”

When driving a 3,000-mile loop in a week to ten days, time is precious. Such a demanding schedule leaves little room for error. There are no second chances.

That is why it is so important to select the right routes, because there will be no time to go back. To illustrate the point, consider Zion National Park.

Zion should be entered from the east (Mt. Carmel Junction). The descent to the valley floor is spectacular. You miss that effect when entering Zion from the southwest (which is what the daytrippers from Vegas do).

In the diptych that accompanies this essay, the photo at left captures a point along the dramatic descent to the valley floor. The photo at right (taken from the exact location, but in the opposite direction) depicts a point along the ascent to the plateau.

So, what’s “wrong” with the photo at the right?

(1) The valley floor is over your left shoulder, behind you; (2) your view to the right is restricted by a rock formation; (3) there are no “scenic” turnouts on the right, so you really can't stop; and (4) the “holes in the wall” in the very long tunnel beyond the ranger station are on the left, but the angle and oncoming traffic block the view through those iconic portholes.

Before booking a tour, find out what route the driver will take. If making your own plans, don’t always be guided by the tour books. Ask around.

Selecting the right route can make a big difference in your enjoyment . . . and in your photos!

[Note: Diptychs are not eligible in the juxtaposition category.]

29 responses

Judy Wanamaker gave props (29 Sep 2009):
This is wonderful, Dick. The differences in the direction obviously makes all the difference in the world. A great diptych and essay. You should enter this one in the stories.
Susan Littlefield gave props (29 Sep 2009):
Great points to consider in your informative essay. John and the Dipsticks....hmmmm must be a new group; I haven't heard any of their music LOL. Well done!!
Andrea Petersen gave props (29 Sep 2009):
Good examples shown between the two pictures of why the route taken really determines the better view in traveling... the rock formation on the right definitely blocks the view...Interesting comparisons.
Dawn Duffield (Deleted) gave props (29 Sep 2009):
Magnificent diptych, Dick! Incredible! Hmmmm...As I mentioned in a comment to Alicia (after she uploaded her diptych) I feel that after coming out of the closet about my being diptychly challenged, it seems the diptychnomenon is spreading like a wild fire! Either that...or there is a dipspiracy against me!
Steve Baker gave props (29 Sep 2009):
Cool. And a great tip.
Regenia Brabham gave props (29 Sep 2009):
A great dypstich!!!! A very cool tip too!!!
John Linton gave props (29 Sep 2009):
All killer, no filler (as they used to say about great record albums).
Karen Roberts gave props (29 Sep 2009):
But you still managed to get some great shots!
Sonia Adam Murray gave props (29 Sep 2009):
A fabulous diptych and description, well done Richard!!!!!!!!!
Kathleen Mercado said (29 Sep 2009):
This is terrific Richard:)
John Tanner gave props (29 Sep 2009):
wow another fantastic photo!!! well done again my friend!!
Litz Go gave props (29 Sep 2009):
I have to try D. Awesome shot and info, RC!
Ann Reece gave props (29 Sep 2009):
Lotsa great info if we ever get that way again!!!
dp * gave props (30 Sep 2009):
This works for me, interesting read and photo. dp
peggy gardner gave props (30 Sep 2009):
fabulous
Michael Ball gave props (30 Sep 2009):
Awesome work!! You are so right about what might be missed!! Great shots!!!
Anne Worner said (30 Sep 2009):
The thing right about the image on the right is the cute person crossing the walkway ;-)

Regards,

A Dip
Andrew Lorimer gave props (30 Sep 2009):
Go west young man go west :) love this well captured !!
Mary Brown gave props (30 Sep 2009):
Congratulations on your first diptych!! Well done! Your narrative is very helpful and I'll have to remember your advice! Good job, Dick.
Elaine Manley gave props (1 Oct 2009):
wonderful and beautiful shots !
david ong gave props (1 Oct 2009):
ah.. thank you for the info and the beautiful shots!
Latrenia Bryant gave props (2 Oct 2009):
FANTASTIC!
elfriede fulda gave props (2 Oct 2009):
Great shot, and very interesting,,...
Maurie A gave props (4 Oct 2009):
Wow... awesome shots....... awesome essay!!
Leanna Lomanski gave props (6 Oct 2009):
This is great information -- I've been trying to get to Zion for a couple of years and this is what I need to know for when I finally get there! Great pairing too.
Desiree Adams gave props (6 Oct 2009):
I agree with the others all is wonderful darlin!
eithne mythen gave props (7 Oct 2009):
Brilliant Richard, the essay and the diptych, well done..
Jo Haberman gave props (10 Oct 2009):
LOVE this!
Gail Anderson said (13 Oct 2009):
great diptych. You have given some sage advise here. We happened to enter from the East this trip, because we looped up thru Cedar City, thru Cedar Brakes, Duck Creek and on to 89 and around. But we've also come in thru the West entrance and driven up to the east entrance and back again (since we're from Vegas). The upper portion of the park is so amazing! I'm more a vista girl and the canyon, while beautiful, doesn't "do it" for me like the upper portion of Zion.