Mojave Desert, Part 4

[hschnee]

At long last, I am finally getting around to posting the last set of photos from my trip to the Mojave National Preserve. These were taken in Caruthers Canyon, one of the higher elevations in the preserve, accessible via a very rough dirt road. It's also one of the wetter parts of the preserve (relatively speaking--it is a desert, after all), which creates conditions for some different plant life. There are honest-to-goodness forests there, with Pinion Juniper trees growing upwards of 12 meters. The area is also known for fascinating and seemingly impossible rock formations.

This was my favorite part of the preserve, so I was disappointed that my knee injury limited my time and access there. From what passes as a parking area, a hiking trail extends for over two miles, but I was barely able to begin it. And the entire area is designated as wilderness, so one is free to roam anywhere on foot. I was also disappointed that many of my photos turned out more documentary than artistic. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to go back someday. Here I'll show the best artistic photos and the most interesting of the others.

A view of the mountain that forms a side of the Canyon, a short walk from the parking area.


My favorite of the impossible rock formations that I saw.


A broader view of the same formation.


Looking down into part of the canyon--not terribly deep, but still interesting.


Another view from the same area.


My most artistic photo of the series. This was right near the two previous photos, though the scenery looks vastly different, especially in B&W.


All taken with a tripod-mounted E-410, 12-60 SWD, and polarizer. Enjoy!

- Hal -

[Mrs T]

Hi Hal,

Another interesting collection. I like the B&W final photo. It still looks arid and inhospitable even if it isn't as dry as the rest of the dessert.

I hope you still enjoy looking at these in the future despite your knee troubles rather than thinking you missed opportunities.

Amanda

[Barr1e]

I think you have saved the best 'til last Hal - love the detail and patterns.

One of them would fit the current challenge of Shirley's I think. However, knowing what you have displayed here over a such a long period you have many to choose from.

Regards. Barr1e

[shirley]

Hi Hal,
I am sorry to hear about your knee problems. I know a photographer, who is more senior in years and is struggling with mobility, who now says that she is convinced that anything further than a few yards from a parking spot automatically becomes 'unphotogenic' !

I have enjoyed looking at your series, it is an environment I have no experience of and looks almost alien. I think you have captured the landscape very well and particularly like the B&W image.

Thanks for letting us see this part of the world.
Shirley

[hschnee]

Thank you for the comments, everyone. The desert was quite alien to me as well. Most of the mountains I'm used to are lush, green, and quite wet (and filled with mosquitoes, ticks, . . . ) I found the desert much more photogenic than I expected, with interesting scenery just about everywhere. Like any photography, it was a matter of finding good compositions and light. My mom lives fairly close to the preserve (though far from me!), so I should have opportunities to visit again.

My knee has been healing slowly, but steadily since the surgery three months ago. Comparing how it felt then to now, I'm almost surprised I could walk at all on the desert trip! So yes, I'm grateful for the opportunity I had, and pleased with many of the images I brought home.

- Hal -

[John Perriment]

You did well to get these shots, Hal, whilst suffering from a knee injury; it doesn't look the kindest terrain on which to walk. I love those crazt rock formations and my favourite is the B&W picture.