Before getting to this weeks desktop, there's a couple of things I wanted to remind you about.  First, expect the next update to be on time.   Second, the previous weeks wallpaper is always still available by clicking the preview to the left found on this page.  Enjoy!

Above is this weeks free desktop. Back once again to south-central Utah, this time from a park that most of you probably have never heard of, Capitol Reef National Park. The main, intriguing feature found at Capitol Reef is a 100 mile long wrinkle in the Earth's crust called the Waterpocket Fold. This buckling of rock was created around 65 million years ago and today the eroded jumble has created a multitude of colorful cliffs, domes, spires, canyons and arches which provide an environment well worth exploring. There is no doubt in my mind that the view of Waterpocket Fold from the air is amazing as I've seen a nice aerial picture at the visitors center at the park, on the park brochure, and on the NPS website to base this on. Being as I personally work under the restraints of a limited budget, I've only viewed it from the ground and can still say it to be quite impressive. (; There are some excellent vantage points one can find from the ground, they just require a bit of searching to locate (ask a park ranger, they'll help you out). The photo this week was taken September 2005 while walking the Chimney Rock loop trail which offers a nice elevated view of the area and one of the nice vantage points I've managed to find. This is looking southeast, back to the Waterpocket Fold which just so happens to be the prominent feature in the distance. The foreground is also part of the fold and you can easily see the many different layers of rocks. This park does have a lot to offer as there are many miles of hiking trails (both easy and challenging), adventurous driving routes which open up the back country for those seeking to enjoy the off-road experience, and the opportunity to take a peek into the past through the Fruita Historic District. Some real treats can be found here definitely making this somewhat out of the way park well worth a stop if you find yourself in the area! Check the links section for more info on Capitol Reef National Park.