On our end-of-the-summer camping trip to the Sierra Nevada I noticed many of the aspen trees at the higher elevations beginning to change color.  Even though its been brutally hot here in southern California, I can *sort of* feel fall in the air, and its making me wistful for the change of seasons.   In the spirit of the winter to come, this month’s photo is of Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly National Monument.  Spider Rock–Tsé Na´ashjéé´ii–is an impressive 800 foot tall monolith rising out of the floor of Canyon de Chelly is sacred to the Navajo people; Spider Woman, who taught the Navajo how to weave supposedly lives on top of the rock.

Spider Rock, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, December 2008

I was able to get this photograph on a somewhat grey afternoon, after driving from my sister-in-law’s house in Phoenix.  Although I wanted a low-contrast shot, I was thinking that some color would be nice.  Luckily, right before the sun dipped below the horizon for the day, it lit up the far cliffs giving me the splash of color I hoped for.  I think (but am not sure) that the red sandstone here is part of the de Chelly formation, and I do love the glow it gets in late afternoon light.

Here’s to the a change of the seasons soon!