chicagochris

Does anyone know a good way to go, or has tips on going to Monument Valley? I am a avid photographer hobbiest, and will have a video camera as well. I want to take panorama photos and video....The time I have reserved off of work is late August to early September. Thanks, and tips as far as lodging, balloon rides, etc...guides tours, and places to take photos would be great! Chris

I just wanted to say I am glad I found this forum. I love road trips, not jut the journey is important, but the destination. I always get a little sad when I have to turn around, and make my way home. I work full time much like almost every responsible person in the world, and I find my vacation time is gold. Every second should be enjoyed. I choose to enjoy myself on the road...driving. I know that the US as a country right now is having it's hardships and pain with the leadership of this nation, but one thing that remains..the natural wonders and the beautiful places epically out west. Anyway, I had the opportunity to travel Route 66 August-September 2010. It was awesome! I had a new car and it was it's first run across the country. Now, being a guy from south of Chicago, I often adapted my photographic eye to the rust and steel, and abandoned machinery and ornate buildings that are left to decay in certain areas of Chicago-land and Northwest Indiana, however I have developed another eye, and that is for the natural beauty of the American Southwest. I started out by trying to drive every mile of Route 66, but found that was really tedious. I elected to drive a portion in each state of the mother road. It was fun, I actually fashioned a dash cam to my rear view mirror and took video along the way. I suppose what I was looking for on my trip along Route 66 was something from the past in America, the innocent times of this land, the old stories, the old ways. Anyway, I hope to take a road trip to Monument Valley this August, if the gas prices don't get to crazy. If your ever bored and want to see some of my photos, videos etc on Route 66 and out west...you can check them out here. One dream I have is to finally be able to move out to the American Southwest and find a solid job in photography, landscape, etc...and digital media. I am already 39 and it seems like I never got out of the starting gate.... www.christrott.com 10 Minutes east of Amboy, California http://www.christrott.com/2010/08/24/morning-in-the-desert/ A wonderful place to stop on Route 66 (a must) http://www.christrott.com/2010/08/27/seligman-arizona-a-very-friendly-place/ A video tribute to Route 66 http://www.christrott.com/2011/01/12/route-66-remix/ Take care enjoy :-) Chris