Canyon X. Photography in slot canyons is cool. There is a lot of brown rock that, when shot correctly, produces images of amazing color. Many years ago we visited a slot canyon called, “Canyon X”. I have no idea why it is named so, as there is no “X” anywhere nor does it mark a…
Incredibolts!
Last night we experienced our first almost-monsoon. What makes a storm a monsoon? There is a super-fancy definition which you can look up (or google it). But, to us, this had all the feelings of a monsoon. There was some rain, heavy at times. Check. It was windy. Check. There was a lot of lightning….
We have clouds!
In the Arizona desert, we can go weeks and even months with cloudless blue skies. This is great for the tourist snapshot, but not for the dramatic landscape photograph. So when the forecast was for clouds and a chance of a thunderstorm, we couldn’t resist. Less than an hour from us is the rugged Superstition…
What’s so special about April 4?
For days we have been walking by a lot of Cereus Cacti waiting for the beautiful “Argentine Giant” blooms. Nearby, the local hospital (Mayo Clinic) has many plantings, all of which have many buds. Lately, these buds have looked like they are about to burst. Unlike most of the desert cacti, these bloom at night….
Enjoying the Desert Spring
Spring has come early to the desert and all the cacti are in bloom. Usually, we don’t see flowers until early April, followed by a staggered approach with one variety blooming, then the next (e.g., strawberry hedgehog, then prickly pear, then cholla, etc.) . This year they all seem to be blooming at the same time. Flowers…
Finally, the Wave
Hike to The Wave, Part 4: We are now up to seven miles into our hiking up and down buttes, through soft sand, and over large rocks, and we still have not visited The Wave. Our legs were starting to fatigue (remember we are also carrying a lot of photography gear in our packs). And…
Waves & Water in the Desert?
Hiking to The Wave, Part 3: The Second Wave Departing from Sand Cove, we continued on our loop traversing up a sheer sandstone rock face (good thing Jeff wore his knee brace) and around on the edge of a few cliffs. Jeff, with his fear of heights, was quickly loosing his enthusiasm for this trek. Finally, as we…
Sand Cove (a.k.a. Olympic Racetrack)
Hiking to The Wave, Part 2: Sand Cove Since we had visited The Wave the first time back in November of 2012, we had learned that there was so much more in the area. Upon winning the lottery again this year, we vowed to test our endurance and navigation abilities to search out these special…
Ever been to a boneyard?
Hike to the Wave, Part 1 A few years ago we visited the “Wave.” Ever since, we wanted to return, even with a long drive to the trailhead and a difficult 6 mile hike. Unfortunately, you can’t just go when you want. First, you have to win the lottery. Really. After three years of playing,…
Characters Out West
For awhile we have been looking for a reason to return to the old ghost town of Haynes, AZ (just near Jerome, somewhat near Sedona). We have been wanting to re-take pictures of the old cars that are littered around the ghost town. On a day-trip to Sedona with our daughter, Rebecca, and her friend…
