Thursday, October 18, 2012

Taking the Long Way Around via Desert Center

Folks heading out to Joshua Tree from LA or Orange Counties generally head east on the 10, then north on Highway 62. This is our usual route, but we decided to switch it around last weekend and did a big counter-clockwise loop around Joshua Tree National Park.
One of the highlights was the little town of Desert Center. An incredible place for photographers... don't miss it if you're in the area! Since this is a Skywatch Friday post, I'll only include photos that include some of the great skies taken in and around Desert Center. Be sure to click on the Skywatch link to check out great skies from around the world!
My wife and our chihuahua outside the Cafe in Desert Center
The old Kaiser Steel plant (now shut down) had a rail track and is just outside of town.
Desert bungalows 

On the road out to the mine, we stumbled across the Pentecostal Church (now just used for storage)
And a heads-up... there is no gas available in Desert Center! Top off your tank in Indio.
Nice open road and desert sky shot... heading north out of Desert Center on Highway 177.  Happy sky-watching, and have a great weekend!
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22 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 19, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    These shots are so beautiful! Do people live in those bungalows?

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    1. Spare Parts and PicsOctober 24, 2012 at 3:31 PM

      No, looks like they were used as garages or for storage. There are other bungalow homes in the area that might have been used by the workers at the Kaiser mine, but just guessing... I don't know this for sure. Thanks for your comment.

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  2. eileeninmdOctober 19, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    Wow, cool shots and beautiful skies. Looks like a fun place to take photos. Have a great weekend and happy skywatching!

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  3. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentOctober 19, 2012 at 3:37 AM

    That's quite some place! Your editing adds the the storybook feel of the scenes you present.

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  4. desertsandbeyondOctober 19, 2012 at 5:19 AM

    You know, I've never stopped there. We always just drive right by it! Next time we go to Arizona, in November, we'll have to stop!

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  5. AnonymousOctober 19, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    I just love your photographs!! How are you editing them?

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    1. Spare Parts and PicsOctober 24, 2012 at 3:41 PM

      Thanks, Danielle. I use mostly photoshop and nothing fancy, just basic editing. I also sometimes use Topaz Labs, which is a "plug in" for PS (meaning you can open it and edit while in PS).

      Delete
  6. GaelynOctober 19, 2012 at 6:14 AM

    Those desert towns are so ghost-like. I never depend on fuel stations anywhere in that area. Gorgeous skies.

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  7. TexWisGirlOctober 19, 2012 at 6:58 AM

    what a great set of shots. i think the 'church' is my favorite with the bungalows being a close second. :)

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  8. LOLfromPasaOctober 19, 2012 at 7:22 AM

    Oh how fun to see that drive through your lens. We travelled from Needles to LA taking up part of your route. Beautiful as are your photographs.

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  9. Gail DixonOctober 19, 2012 at 8:49 AM

    Love the HDR look. My fave has to be the one of your wife and chihuahua outside the old cafe. Very cool! Love those desert skies. :)

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  10. From The HeartOctober 19, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    Thanks for showing a part of the country I will probably never get to see in person. The pictures are great...all of them!

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  11. AnonymousOctober 19, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    Wonderful Wonderful images. Love your editing. Looking forward to next weeks post. Lynne

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  12. AiketaOctober 19, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    Wow, I love your photos!!! My fav is the last one... that straight long road, mountains on the background and these beautiful clouds! Just perfect! I wish I was there driving my on car!!!

    Thanks for these beautiful photos! I really enjoyed them!

    Regards from Barcelona.

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  13. JoyfulOctober 19, 2012 at 5:42 PM

    Wow! Beautiful :-) Happy SWF.

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  14. JanetOctober 19, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Your header photo is amazing...as are every single one of the ones in this post and the last....incredible shots, beautifully processed. incredibly beautiful!

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  15. Stewart MOctober 19, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Hi there - they look like film sets! Great pictures.

    Stewart M - Australia

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  16. SandyOctober 23, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    Super!=)

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  17. AnonymousOctober 25, 2012 at 6:34 AM

    Wow..your photos are stunning! I agree with Stewart's comment..They looked like film sets.

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  18. LizOctober 26, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    Great series of images! I love the way you've edited them to add a dramatic feel

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  19. Sallie (FullTime-Life)October 28, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    We've been there, your pictures are stunning and as amazing as the place is. Out of four trips to Joshua Tree (not enough) we've only taken this loop once, but it is definitely never to be forgotten.

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  20. AmandaNovember 21, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    this is very informative blog. nice shots i haven't seen picture like that. nice artistic work. Dubai Desert Safari

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