I recently came across Jenny Matlock's blog and her Alphabe-Thursday where one letter of the alphabet is featured every week. I happened to come in time for O -- just perfect to choose Old West. Even as a child I dreamt of the American West and in the 1990s, I had the chance to see some of the Old West myself, feeling like a pioneer woman searching for the promised land. Manifest Destiny. I have definitely left a part of my heart in the American West, loving the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, friendly people, wide open spaces, culture, and, of course, history. The Old West. Let me take you on a journey out west. All the photos were taken by yours truly -- with a "real" camera back then. I could tell lots of stories along the way, but I rather want you to experience the deep beauty of the region, so I will only mention where the photos were taken. Try to imagine the sense of wonder pioneers must have felt seeing those places and sights for the very first time.
Bodie, CA
Monument Valley, AZ/UT
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, CA
Valley of Fire State Park, NV
Petroglyphs in the Valley of Fire State Park, NV
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, UT
Goblin Valley State Park, UT
Taos Pueblo, NM
Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM
Chilies, Albuquerque, NM
Fort Davis National Historic Site, TX
Medicine Wheel, WY
Coyote in Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, CA
Squirrel in Yosemite National Park, CA
Acoma Pueblo, NM
Fort Union National Monument, NM
Butterfly in Pecos National Historical Park, NM
Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM
Mission San José, TX
Sauer-Beckmann Farm, TX
Old ranch, TX
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, CO
Buckskin Joe, CO
Cowboy in Buckskin Joe, CO
Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, AZ
El Santuario de Chimayó, NM
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, CO
Old gold mine, CO
Indian summer in CO
Silverton, CO
Can you understand now why
I have left part of my heart in the Old West?
amen...excellent photos.. :)I love the coyote one. I am a true lover of the "West" too!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful!!! You have done a wonderful job of capturing the American West. Your photo of Canyon de Chelly is especially gorgeous! (I have been there too.)
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to any of those places, but your photography is beautiful and makes me want to visit those wide open spaces.
ReplyDeleteStunning scenery and fabulous pix.
ReplyDeleteLoved visiting the Old West with you today.
~Maggie~
Some breathtaking shots there! Wow!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great reminders of how the Old West would have looked.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and to think they aren't digital ;-) I couldn't imagine living in those days. It seems it was a really tough existence. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful scenery pictures of the Old West. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeletei would have made a horrible pioneer LOL :D
ReplyDeletedo so love all those pics :D
These are beautiful pictures! Lots of places I've only heard of!Thank you for sharing -oh & this is my first time with the Alphabe!
ReplyDeleteClass...please welcome our new student to Alphabe-Thursday.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow. Aren't we lucky you came?
What an absolutely outrageously gorgeous and compelling set of photos. Beautiful, beatiful photography.
Your pictures are all so evocative and haunting.
I like your style girl.
And I love that you're here with us.
Thanks for an outstanding link on our little journey through Alphabe-Thursday's Letter "O"!
A+
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThere is just something mysterious and romantic about the old west. I often wondered if I would have survived then. I am glad I was born now and can just think about the hardships. Beautiful pics!
ReplyDeletehappy O day! I love the old west too and you sure did take some stunning pictures.......
ReplyDeleteI not Only understand but I live in in ColoradO and my heart my friend wishes deeply I was not in the part I was in but rather a more natural setting.
ReplyDeleteWow, your photos are stunning! Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for reminding us of the beauty and rich history that surrounds us.
ReplyDeleteAnd I forgot to say, welcome to Alphabe-Thursday!
ReplyDeletegorgeous photos! welcome to alphabe-thursday...it is lot o' fun!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there were so many beautiful places to visit in this country.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are amazing. They look like the pages of a lovely landscape book of the Old West. What a talent you have. I grew up in the states and have not seen the glorious places and images you share here. Thank you so much for taking me on your journey.
ReplyDeleteStunning photographs!
ReplyDeleteI just love your blog! Thanks for sharing with us!