Larry Arrington - Personal Page on MyParkPhotos.com, The Best Photography Community for Friends of Public Lands

Larry Arrington

Member since Sep 2004

United States, Florida, Plant City

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Larry has posted 604 photos and 702 comments

Offline, Last Logged on Nov 25, 2009 19:37:58

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Zion National Park, Utah, United States

Category: Landscapes
Date Shot: Tue, Mar 23, 2004

Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: n/a
Filter: n/a

Submitted: Sun, Aug 9, 2009
Viewed: 123 times
Rating: 7 ×

Member Comments:

There are a number of national parks in Utah, and lots of reddish backgrounds for your photos. Zion is my favorite of these parks.

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Homosassa Wildlife Management Area // Aug 17, 2008

This is a wonderful park to visit, for the whole family. If you are photographing the animals, realize before going that some of them are not very accessible. When you do find open shots, be patient and take plenty of pictures at each station. You'll want to capture the eyes, if possible, and some unusual expression that will set your photo apart from the usual. One other hint: Take one or two towels with you for summer shooting. It is very hot then and you will perspire heavily.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park // Aug 16, 2008

Probably the best time to visit the Alligator Farm is during the nesting season - around February, March, and April. The aviary is a great place to shoot, with a long, steady boardwalk where you can place your tripod. The only thing you have to watch is the tripod shake from the hundreds of children who enjoy running on the boardwalk, especially on the weekends. On the other hand, there are birds every five feet (or so it seems). Bring a telephoto lens, although some nests are within 10-20 feet and shorter lenses can be used.

Babcock State Park // Jun 11, 2006

Now I know why Babcock State Park in south central West Virginia is a favorite of many photographers. I visited the park in early June of 2006, without a hint of the types of pictures I could take there. I found that Babcock, one of West Virginia’s first state parks, contains 4,127 acres of the most beautiful terrain that I encountered in all of my travels. Located in Fayette County, the park contains a fast-flowing trout stream that tumbles down its small canyon-like pathways, all strewn with large boulders. I also found that Babcock is a good place for landscape photographers, with several scenic overlooks scattered throughout the park. You can take numerous pictures of water tumbling down the stream, of course, but you soon find out why so many photographers come to the park – the Glade Creek Grist Mill. The mill lies adjacent to a rustic administration building. Rhododendron bushes grow here and in other parts of the park. The Glade Creek Grist Mill is perhaps the most photographed structure in all of West Virginia’s magnificent state park system. Take your pictures of the mill from a nearby bridge, from grassy spots across the creek, or from one of many spots downstream and near the administration building. The more you get your feet and tripod wet, the better angle you seem to have for that once-in-a-lifetime shot. And try to visit the park in the fall during the peak of color for memorable photos of the mill. Actually, this particular mill is fairly new, completed in 1976; however, it is a re-creation of Cooper’s Mill. Stones, logs, etc., were brought from nearby Cooper’s Mill and reassembled to create the Glade Creek Grist Mill. The water wheel was donated from the Spring Run Grist Mill near Petersburg and other parts of the mill came from Onego Grist Mill near Seneca Rocks. The new structure is fully operable, occasionally being used to provide freshly ground cornmeal and buckwheat flour which park guests can purchase. The mill is a living monument to the 500 similar mills that existed in West Virginia at the turn of the century. Don’t cut short your visit to Babcock State Park. It’s easy to drive in, take pictures for a couple of hours, and move on; however, this park has a lot of opportunities for other forms of recreation. Why not try whitewater rafting? After all, Babcock sits next door to the challenging and beautiful New River Gorge National River. Stay one or more nights in a park cabin or take your RV or tent to the park’s 52-unit campground (with warm, welcome showers). You and/or the kids can use the swimming pool for a refreshing dip on a hot July day. How about horseback riding for adults, and pony riding for the children? Or visit the 19-acre Boley Lake that is nearby and experience the joy of floating the waters on a paddleboat, a rowboat, or even a canoe. You can also fish on the lake or in a nearby stream, but only with a valid West Virginia fishing license. If you are not very energetic, just take the family out to one of the recreational areas for a nice picnic. If you are a hiker, you might want to try the park’s Manns Creek Gorge Trail. It’s only three miles long, but it’s a very scenic path. You’ll find numerous rocky ledges along the way and a great view of the 1000-foot-deep Manns Creek Gorge. I didn’t have a chance to try the trail, but they say it’s particularly pretty there in the fall. You’ll descend an old mule trail to Manns Creek, where the water tumbles quickly over smooth rocks as it strives to reach the New River. There is a terrific waterfall spot along the trail, so you may want to take your camera.

Hawks Nest State Park // Jun 8, 2006

I visited Hawks Nest State Park in early June of 2006. The park is nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country and covers approximately 275 acres that border a rugged section of the New River Gorge National River. When entering Hawks Nest, I first saw a modern 31-room lodge for those wishing to stay overnight. Walking out the rear door of the lodge, I encountered a panoramic view of the Hawks Nest Lake and surrounding mountains. I understand that near this lake, a narrow canyon and rushing waters create one of the most challenging whitewater boating trips in the United States. Outside the lodge’s rear door is an exciting tramway, which takes a few people at a time to the marina below. The tramway, which charges a small fee, is operated on weekends through the month of May to Memorial Day, then daily until Labor Day. It is closed on Mondays. At the lake, you can rent paddleboats, stop to eat your picnic lunch, or take advantage of a photo opportunity by riding an exhilarating jet boat. The boat (Miss M. Rocks) will take you upstream on the world’s second oldest river to the New River Gorge Bridge. Take a photograph of this unique structure, which towers 876 feet above you. The ride is six miles long and takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Another feature of the park that you will not want to miss sits high above the canyon. It’s the outstanding park museum, originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. In a rustic log building, you’ll find displays of Indian and pioneer artifacts from the area. Admission is free. The building and nearby snack bar are open from April 1 through November 1. There are many outdoor activities in the park, such as tennis, outdoor swimming, golf on a beautiful nine-hole course, hiking, and water excursions. Photography can consist of easily obtained panoramic shots, or you can hike one of several trails. I did not get to make these hikes because of time restrictions, but the official park brochure lists no less than six of them. Lovers Leap Trail (covering the location of legendary stories of romantically-inspired suicides by young lovers who could not be together due to family and cultural obstacles) begins at the tram office and goes to the overlook of the New River and marina. Cliffside Trail starts at the Midland Trail Shelter and goes to the overlook area. The park’s G.S.Y.P. (Governor’s Summer Youth Program) Trail provides a scenic trip from the lodge to the New River Gorge. The Fisherman’s Access Trail begins at the far end of the lake parking lot and follows the north side of Hawks Nest Lake and has an excellent view of the dam. The Loop Trail begins at the shelter of the lower park, then circles through a wooded area and returns to the starting point. Finally, you can walk the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, the newest trail that completes its travels near the park Nature Center. Many say that Hawks Nest State Park, on West Virginia’s beautiful Gauley Mountain, is one of the most underrated state parks in the country. For photographers, the entire area is stunning. Hawks can be seen flying overhead along the cliffs that rise 585 feet above the New River. In fact, the name Hawks Nest derived from the many fish hawks, which inhabited the massive cliffs at the point where the park now sits.

Kodachrome State Park // May 27, 2006

Utah’s Kodachrome Basin State Park displays remarkably vivid colors in its many cliffs, canyons, and 67 photogenic red-rock chimneys. Some of these chimneys reach more than 150 feet in height and all are particularly beautiful in early morning or late afternoon light. Located about eight miles south of Cannonville, not far from Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin contains more than 2,200 acres of land. If you have only an hour or two to take photographs here, simply drive the main roads that lead through the park. Along these roads, juniper, red spires, and vertical rock walls surround you. Take a side road to the right not far past the park entrance and you will find a particularly interesting tower called Chimney Rock. The road also leads to the Shakespeare Arch Trail area. To encounter even better photographic opportunities, however, leave the roadways and hike one of the park’s numerous trails. The author, for example, discovered Angel’s Palace Trail that began just across the road from the bathroom building. The narrow, medium-difficulty pathway leads across a small rivulet of water and upward through a corridor with tall rock walls on either side. Eventually, after a steep climb, you will find yourself in the open with access to even better photographs. On the left of the main road, between the park entrance and the general store, a walk across the field and through red chimney formations brought better camera angles and fascinating subjects and backgrounds. In fact, when you leave the main road, you will be mesmerized by unusual and colorful geologic formations that will make you appreciate the time you spend here with a camera. If you would like to extend your stay, consider the solitude of the park’s small campground, which has tent and RV spaces along with shower facilities.

Davis Mountains State Park // May 27, 2006

Located not far from a famous Texas landmark, Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains State Park was one of the earliest CCC projects in the state. Inside Davis Mountains, the photographer will find excellent mountain vistas of the park and beyond. A road leads from the entrance to the beautiful, historic, 39-room Indian Lodge, which also contains a restaurant with great food. Make sure that you take the scenic drive that takes you to several points overlooking the Davis Mountains and their canyons. Limpia Creek, with its lush vegetation, bisects the park and provides a tributary called Keesey Creek. Wildlife is abundant, and you may see animals ranging from rattlesnakes to quail to mule deer. The rangers also tell of mountain lions in the area. For thousands of years, Native Americans inhabited the park. An oasis in what is generally an arid desert land, Davis Mountains State Park has always offered food and water for both humans and animals. Photographers will find that the park is an interesting blend of scenic mountains and trails (including a four-mile trail leading to Fort Davis National Historic Site, an equestrian trail, and one for mountain bikers). After exiting Davis Mountains State Park, take a short drive south to the popular McDonald Observatory, or turn north for a short distance to visit beautiful Balmorhea State Park.

Dead Horse Point State Park // May 26, 2006

Many say that Dead Horse Point is Utah’s most spectacular state park. Located on 5,200 acres near Moab in the southeastern part of the state, the park contains a picturesque, narrow peninsula of rock which is barely 30 yards wide at the neck on the way to the point. The point itself sits some 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and the outstanding features of the Canyonlands. When you arrive, start your visit by roaming through the interesting visitor center. It houses interpretive exhibits, memorabilia, nature books, and limited food and drink. Check with the knowledgeable Rangers in the center, who will give you lots of information about the park (including the legends that gave the park its name), and where best to take your pictures. Most of your photography will consist of beautiful panoramas of pinnacles and buttes. At one point, in addition, you can photograph the winding Colorado River as it snakes through the canyons below. Several mountain ranges provide interesting backdrops. You will want to hike much of the distance along the cliff’s edge on clearly-marked trails, giving you about a 270-degree view of the surrounding areas, but no trail leads below the rim. Be forewarned, however, that the time of day and the direction and angle of the sun will be critical in taking good photographs. Many animals roam throughout Dead Horse Point, although you may not see these animals during your visit because most of them are nocturnal. On the other hand, the author did encounter four rather tame mule deer that nibbled plants near the point and posed nonchalantly for the camera at a distance of 10 yards. If you are a camper, try the park’s well-maintained and secluded campground. Each site has hook-ups, including drinking water, with modern bathrooms and a disposal station located nearby. Here and throughout the park, in addition, are many sheltered picnic tables.

Living Desert State Park // May 26, 2006

In the Ocotillo Hills just north of Carlsbad, New Mexico, sits the popular Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, from which you can see parts of Carlsbad and the Pecos River valley. You first enter the attractive visitor’s center and can roam among rock and mineral displays or purchase memorabilia in the gift shop. Your trip through the park, however, will be on foot along a secluded 1.3 mile walkway that meanders through the park’s gardens and zoo. The first part of the trip features terrain and plants (some in greenhouses) that are native to this part of New Mexico. You will see sandhills, an arroyo, trees that thrive in the dry desert soil, and many types of cacti and other succulents. One of the most interesting parts of your walk, however, will be the long segment through the living zoo. All of the animals on display are indigenous to the area. Some are in cages or enclosed behind glass or wire fencing for their safety, or yours. You will enjoy seeing the poisonous snakes, wolves, birds, and small nocturnal creatures (kept in subdued lighting). Other large and small animals roam in spacious pens. In particular, the author enjoyed photographing the mountain lions, bison, deer, elk, and the playful prairie dogs. There are plenty of opportunities for photography along the 1½ walk and the park is open every day of the year except for Christmas. You may want to consider visiting the park in the spring when the flowers are beginning to bloom. For other photographic opportunities, check to see when in May the park holds its annual Mescal Roast and Mountain Spirit Dances. During this time, the Mescalero Apache tribe brings activities to the park that range from the tasting of American Indian foods to ceremonial dances and Native American art.

Ybor City Museum State Park // May 10, 2006

The Ybor City Museum State Park can be found in an older section of Tampa previously occupied by many Cubans. There are no outstanding opportunities for photography at the site, but I will describe what I found. Inside an old main, brick building are historic exhibits showing how early residents lived and worked. There is not much room in this building, so be prepared to use a wider-angle lens. A flash is essential. Adjacent to this building is a very nice, large courtyard. The area contains statues and, depending upon time of the year, some very pretty flowers. On the grounds, you'll also find several older structures which formerly were used as housing for cigar workers' families. Groups can arrange for tours of these facilities. Nearby in the Ybor City area there are wrought iron balconies, old-fashioned streetlights, walkways made of bricks, examples of early-century cigar factories, social clubs, and other unique buildings. It's an area rich with culture and history - a shopping, dining, and entertainment favorite of Tampa natives and thousands of annual visitors.