Weekly Photo Challenge: Earth — as seen at Capitol Reef

20Apr
by Oh, the Places We See
Storm brewing at Capitol Reef.

Storm brewing at Capitol Reef.

With innumerable glimpses of this earth we live on, selecting one location has its limitations.  But Capitol Reef offers a spectacular earthly view not just on Earth Day, but every day:  rugged rocks rising tall from the earth; shades of red that change with the light; and rows of orchards offering nature’s bounty in a majestic setting.

The grandeur of Capitol Reef

The grandeur of Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef didn’t officially become a National Park until 1971 even though its geologic features were recognized as a National Monument in 1937.  And because you can drive through this park, almost close enough to reach your hand out the window and touch the bare-faced rock, you get the sense that you are part and parcel of towering red rocks where a river runs through.

Hiking Capitol Reef, Utah

Hiking Capitol Reef, Utah

The unexpected bonus of Fruita, an area of orchards on the level grounds among the rocks, elevates Capitol Reef to the top of our list of Places We’d Like To See Again,  seasonal changes being what they are.

Fruita -- Capitol Reef, Utah

Fruita — Capitol Reef, Utah

But nestled among all this earth, Fruita Schoolhouse stands alone, an inside haven of learning among nature’s grandest outside elements.  Who wouldn’t want recess to come at last when the world offers such majesty beyond the door?

Fruita Schoolhouse, Capitol Reef

Fruita Schoolhouse, Capitol Reef

It’s earth at its finest — raw, elemental, and unchanged by time.

Capitol Reef, Utah

Capitol Reef, Utah

It’s Capitol Reef. In Utah.

For more entries in this week’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Earth, click here.

And for more on Capitol Reef, visit this National Park Service site where you can download brochures and information to help you plan your own Earth Day — anytime.

 

35 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: Earth — as seen at Capitol Reef”

  1. Jeff Bell

    Capital Reef is one of the most underrated parks in the country, and that camp ground is very cool with the apple trees and deer. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You are so right about Capitol Reef being underrated! We read a lot about Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce and Zion, but not much about CR nor about Escalante. But both of these latter parks had much to offer in the way of scenery and interesting pockets of unusual sites – like Fruita with the apple trees and deer. If you get a chance, go see for yourself. Beautiful in their own rights!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      The schoolhouse was an unexpected find. Inside, it’s set up like a schoolhouse would have been back then, but the doors are locked. So all you can do is peek inside the windows. A great place to visit!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks, Tina. We loved the schoolhouse also. You had to peek in through the windows to see the minimal furniture, but it was fun anyway. Gorgeous scenery in Utah. And, by the way, I went to your site with the photo gallery. You are one talented lady! Best wishes for a beautiful spring.

      Reply

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  5. Curt Mekemson

    Some great photographs of Capitol Reef, Rusha. And the storm photo was really dramatic. I love that whole area and seeing you photos makes me want to return, now! Thanks. –Curt

    Reply

      1. Curt Mekemson

        “although we’ve seen only a small part, we’re in love with it!” That’s a good thing, Rusha. It means that there are always new places to explore, and return to. And the best of spring to you and Bert as well! –Curt

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We have something in common! I love the first one also. It was accidental, of course, that we would pull in at the Visitor’s Center right when a storm was brewing overhead. But it made for a great remembrance! Thanks for stopping by and taking a look.

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. Of course, when you’re traveling through long spaces of country, you have little control over the weather. So, this stormy picture worked out great considering how much depends on happenstance! Thanks for taking a look!

      Reply

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    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We had no idea that we would love this park so much. You don’t hear about it like you do Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce and others. But it’s spectacular in its own right. Thanks for taking a look.

      Reply

  17. The Showers of Blessing

    Those are amazing photos. When we think of Utah, we think of Salt Lake, I watched a family came out from the lake. Our daughter and her husband went canyoning at Zion National Park and I asked her to do a blog:
    https://theshowersofblessing.wordpress.com/2017/04/16/tuesday-travel-highlight-guest-blogger-mercy-rossi/
    Thank you for sharing. I’ll follow your blog and read more of your travel! Congratulation for 47 years of strong marriage!

    Reply

      1. The Showers of Blessing

        I was retired 6 years ago, and my hubby was retired 6 months ago. We are talking about taking a road trip. So it’s possible that we are going to that direction! Thank you for the tips!

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