While I wanted to spend all day in the Valley of Fire and catch the sunset here, I had to make my way to Zion, about a 2 hour drive away. I was also getting up in the early AM to hike and beat the sweltering heat, so I had to get to bed early. Towards the north end of the park, on Mouse Tank Road, the terrain gets a bit more hilly with some elevation changes that add a nice flowing scenic rhythm to the vista ahead. Parts of the curvy roads tend to just float off into the distance, surrounded by this gorgeous scenery. I particularly like this shot, with the flatness of the foreground getting sucked into the ruggedness of the rocky terrain in the background. I wish I had more time to spend in this park, for I can only imagine sunrises and sunsets to be out-of-this-world spectacular! Don't miss going if you are nearby. Overton, NV, 89040 Google Maps Location: http://goo.gl/xqEE9G
The Kinkakuji Temple is one of the most famous, if not the most, in all of Kyoto. Sitting pond side, surrounded by this magnificent forest of trees, with koi floating around in the water, it is straight out of heaven. While it visually could take you to heaven, unfortunately the large amounts of tourists make it not as enjoyable. Get there early or stay late when it is about to close to avoid the crowds.
