Everybody carries a cellphone and almost everyone uses it to take pictures, but not everyone is aware of the immense photo editing potential built in. Comparing iPhones and Androids there is very little difference between the two systems photo editing built into the cameras photo aps.
They both offer AI-powered editing features, that in Android are named Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur, accessible through the phones photos app, allowing users to enhance photos by moving, removing, or resizing objects, changing backgrounds, and more. Also included are adjustments for contrast, color enhancing, cropping and brightness.
If you haven’t explored this potential you really need to take a look. In modifying an image they both start by duplicating the photograph so you can always return to the unedited image. Without a lot of explanation here are a few of my recent exercises:
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Several years ago we spent a couple of weeks checking off items on our bucket list in the National Parks of Utah. We rented a car in Salt Lake City, toured the parks and dropped off the car in Las Vegas.
One afternoon halfway through the trip we left Capital Reef National Park headed for our next hotel in the town of Panguitch near Bryce Canyon National Park. We came out of Capital Reef on Route 24 headed west and soon hit an intersection with Route 12 and 24. At the intersection Rt. 24 headed to the north, which is the way we had been told to go while Rt. 12 headed south. Just looking at the map it seemed like Route 12 was a much shorter trip. We turned left and headed south.
At this point I should add that the older I get the more nervous I am about heights. Already on this trip I had driven a couple of roads that had given me reason to pause. The entrance road up into Arches National Park was a bit scary to me. I’m not sure where this fear of heights has come from but when I was much younger I was fearless. Today I find it hard to believe that decades ago I hung one handed off high catwalks and jumped out of hovering helicopters into the ocean. I must admit that my wife has almost no real fear of heights.
The Anasazi State Parkand Anasazi excavations
Anasazi village
Some distance along this two lane Route 12, near Boulder Mountain we came across the Anasazi State Park and archaeological site. This was a lucky find and well worth stopping for a visit. It is the site of an excavation of an ancient Anasazi village with an interesting museum*.
Back on the road we headed southwest again and soon came upon one of the scariest bit of road I can remember. Its called the Hogsback (or Hog Back) and it’s a narrow two lane road with, at times, barley any shoulder on either side. It rides along a ridge for about four miles with often steep drops of over a hundred feet on one side or the other and sometimes both sides at once. There were few guard rails and almost no room to pull off. The speed limit was between 25 and 35 mph and with my fear kicking in that seemed way too fast.
The good news was there was almost no traffic and the driver in the car ahead of us seemed really terrified. He crept along at 15 mph and never reached 20. Just fine with me. Not only did I feel safer but he gave me an excuse when eventually another car caught up to us.
A video of a drive along the Hogsback.
More AbouttheAnasazi State Park
Anasazi State Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a fascinating archaeological site that showcases the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans, commonly referred to as the Anasazi. The park features excavations of a well-preserved ancient village and showcases reconstructed dwellings along with artifacts that illuminate the lives of these early inhabitants .
The site includes a museum that provides educational exhibits about the Anasazi’s agricultural practices, architecture, and social structures, enhancing the understanding of their sophisticated civilization . Additionally, the park is known for its scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for hiking.
Visitors can engage in various activities, including guided tours and interpretive programs, which aim to foster appreciation for the cultural heritage of the region. Overall, Anasazi State Park serves as a vital resource for both education and recreation while preserving the rich history of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Who Were The Anasazi?
The term “Anasazi,” established in 1927, refers to the Ancestral Puebloans, an ancient Native American culture that thrived in the Four Corners region of the United States, encompassing areas such as Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. This term is often considered controversial, as it translates to “ancient enemies” in Navajo, and many prefer the term Ancestral Puebloans to honor their descendants.
At their peak in the late 11th century, the Anasazi, particularly those in Chaco Canyon, dominated a vast territory in the American Southwest, which was larger than many contemporary European regions. This cultural center was pivotal for trade and ceremonial activities, influencing surrounding areas. The Anasazi culture is characterized by its impressive architectural achievements, including multi-story dwellings and intricate road systems that allowed for commerce and communication across the region.
Overall, the Anasazi represent a significant chapter in Native American history, showcasing advanced societal structures and cultural practices that have left a lasting legacy in the American Southwest.
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Sydney International Airport (SYD) To Circular Quay And Beyond
When arriving at Sydney International Airport most visitors will be wanting to get into the CBD (Sydneys downtown). While there are a number of options
Fastest – Airport Link Train takes 12 minutes and costs US$11.00 to US$13.00. Trains run every 10 minutes
Least Expensive – Take the bus from the International Airport to Central Sydney that takes about 30 minutes and costs about US$1.00
Taxis – Take a taxi from Sydney Airport to downtown Sydney, takes about 14 minutes and costs US$30.00 to US$40.00
Uber (Ride Share) – In 2023 the Sydney City Council designated zero pick up and drop off areas in the Sydney CBD for Uber drivers. Ubers who use taxi, bus zones or delivery areas for loading can be ticked. That has resulted in fewer Uber drivers and those who are still driving have developed a questionable reputation.
Use The Sydney Airport Link
To get downtown from Sydney Airport using Airport Link, take the train from either the International or Domestic terminal station, which runs every 10 minutes, and disembark at Central Station, Museum, St James, Circular Quay, Wynyard, or Town Hall stations, depending on your destination.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
The Airport Link is a train service connecting Sydney Airport to the city center and beyond.
You can access the Airport Link train from the arrivals level of both the International and Domestic terminals.
You can either buy an Opal Card and load it in either terminal or use a credit card (Amex, Visa, or Mastercard) to tap on and off the train. Learn more about the Opal Card HERE.
Airport Link Stations
Central Station: The main hub for Sydney’s train network.
Museum Station: Located near the city’s museums.
St James Station: Near the Opera House and Circular Quay.
Circular Quay Station: Offers access to ferries, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.
Wynyard Station: A major station in the city center.
Town Hall Station: Located at the government complex.
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Discovered sculpture of a diver in Oslo harbour, Norway. The Dykkaren is a metal statue of a shiny scuba diver. It is located on the harbour promenade of the ferry terminal in Oslo. The diver looks out over the magnificent Oslo fjord and is fully suited in scuba gear. Have not discovered the sculptures name?
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Chefchaouen, Morocco is best known as the Blue City because of the numerous houses painted in shades of blue. Walking up through the old city there was this striking piece of street art. Her name is Fatima which is usual in Morocco to give the first born daughter the name of Muhammad’s daughter.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
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While walking around Alesund, Norway one rainy day we passed a second hand store with three tutus hanging in the window. The idea of 3 22s being funny was just obvious to me…
The Intentional Travelers Guide to over 150 cruise ports of call
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