If you’re familiar with some of Utah’s history, then you’d know a bit about the Mormon pioneers.  They were some of the earliest settlers in the area save for the native peoples.  So, naturally, they set up homesteads for survival.  With time, subsistence farming became less necessary so those remaining homesteads were converted for other purposes.  However, at least one remains relatively intact.  Capitol Reef National Park keeps the Gifford homestead for historical purposes.  This means you can visit and tour an actual pioneer homestead for yourself.

There are few things more iconic to Capitol Reef National Park than the Gifford barn.  It’s right on the road close to the entrance of the scenic drive.  You can’t miss it.  If you’re lucky, then you might catch a glimpse of the horses they keep there.  This barn and homestead, built by the early pioneer settlers, has a picturesque setting.  You almost couldn’t ask for better.

I started this photo expedition with another shot in mind.  I wanted an elevated view of this same barn.  So, I did the research and made the trek.  Thankfully, I found my spot.  I also prepared some secondary options as well knowing how close they were to the primary place.  Then I waited for sunset.

When sunset arrived, I hiked back up to where I planned to shoot and got to work.  On the way, a stag or buck came down the trail.  Thankfully, he had no interest in me.  Still, it was quite a surprise to say the least.  After his departure, I made the climb.

Upon setting up and shooting a bit, I noticed a van sitting in the parking lot for the pioneer homestead house.  I assumed incorrectly that it would leave.  As I watched below me, I noticed a young couple wandering around and taking a few pictures themselves.  They interfered with my shot so I waited until they disappeared from the shot to click the shutter.  They kept reappearing.  Finally, they made their way back to the van.  I thought I finally had my moment.  I was wrong.  It seems they were setting up camp for the night along with another vehicle which wasn’t in my view.  I don’t think they were allowed to camp there either.  I seem to recall signs saying no overnight camping allowed.  However, I could be wrong.

Being frustrated with the van and its occupants, I gave up on the elevated shot I wanted and tried for one of my secondary shots.  It seemed the best way to salvage the day and the shoot.  That’s when I positioned myself for this shot.  I carefully hid the van and campers out of frame and clicked the shutter.

If you look carefully, and know where to look, you can see that stag which descended earlier.  He joined a few others and the horse for an evening meal grazing in the field.