Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Wandering in Joshua Tree

Ha ha, that could be the title for the majority of my blog posts! Although I usually have a specific destination or goal in mind for a hike, getting from point A to point B is more of a wandering process for me, looking for photo opportunities along the way. Since I rarely hike on trail, I can let my eye guide me to whatever interesting rock formation is around the next corner.
A good example is this shallow alcove. It's not too much of a detour, so let's go check it out.
A beautiful view from inside the alcove out looking out (south). I always enjoy the way the rocks provide a natural "frame" for photos when shooting from inside an alcove. And you never know, may be 1 in 50, or even 1 in 100, will contain rock art. But not this time.

A nice overview photo. Look closely and you might be able to spot the alcove we were just exploring. My car is parked along the highway between the near hills and the far hills. Let's continue on...
  
I like the way this flat rock is balanced on the rock pile!

The mask!
 
Let me pivot to B&W desert photography...
Carrot nose!

Occasionally I feel like I'm being watched!

Late afternoon in a desert wash.


Swiss cheese?

Cat ears.


I'll leave you with a sunset shot as I hightail it back to the car before it gets too dark to see!
Linking with Skywatch Friday.
Thanks for stopping by.
Stay safe and stay healthy!

46 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Some gorgeous shots here! YAM xx

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  2. Oh, that blue sky is so awesome...I thought photos don't come any better than this. Then came the monochrome/B&W or whatever you want to call them...the NOT color....they are so absolutely awesome.

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  3. I enjoyed seeing them all, It was the Mask that hit me. Love it.
    Sherry & jack on the first coast.

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  4. Love the way "things" can be seen in rock formations (just like in clouds). Sometimes the imagination has to be rather active but other times it is so obvious. Most enjoyable :)

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  5. I love all your pictures, but your monochromes are dyno-mite! Looks like the jets were busy that day.

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  6. It's always a pleasure to virtually walk along on your tours of discovery through the Joshua Tree park. Again nice pictures.

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  7. Superb shots, both in BW and color. I love 'carrot nose'!

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  8. Hello, beautiful views of the blue sky and rocks. One of my favorite is of the mask and sunburst. The last sunset shot is gorgeous. Have a great day!

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  9. Stunning and those B&W photos were just superb full of atmosphere and the sunset the icing on top

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  10. ...I never knew that rocks and sky could be so beautiful!!!

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  11. The second photo with the rock frame is my favourite.

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  12. I love the cat ears. The black and white is so dramatic. So is a desert sunset! I'll be exploring Sedona soon. Can't wait.

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  13. Difficult to know which I like best, the colour or the black/white. They are all wonderful shots.

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  14. Beautiful! I don't think I could ever get tired of your photos!

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  15. so much beauty today in your wanderings - love both the color and b/w photos - that last sunset takes my breath with its deep colors

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  16. I always love your shots! So vivid!

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  17. You are the desert wanderer. What a journey you took us on.

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  18. The clouds were interesting on that day. Kind of wispy.

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  19. Wow! Wonderful array of desert photos ~ awesome sunset one ~

    Be Safe, Be Well,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  20. Very nice shades of gray. You have to work on those in post not just point and shoot. Very impressive!

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  21. Have you ever been afraid a large rock would fall on you? The skies with clouds pointing in all directions come out so well in black and white! But the last one is the killer - stunning! Enjoy your weekend! It's probably safer in the desert right now than in L.A.!

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  22. A desert landscape is so beautiful. Love your black and whites and the sunset is spectacular!

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  23. Your pictures have splendid tonal contrast which depict story of the location. I need to learn the editing this way

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  24. ha, love your attitude:It's not too much of a detour, so let's go check it out. so worth it. gorgeous hike as ever.

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  25. Wow, stunning photos !!!
    Happy weekend !

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  26. Those clouds look Magical! On every single frame!!!

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  27. The first alcove looks like the boulder is yawning. Carrot nose LOL. You are a riot. I'm glad you posted black and white format too. Sometimes B/W can look more artistic. Hey, you may become another Ansel Adams if you aren't careful. Take care. Keep shooting! I really look forward to seeing your blog each week. You always are on an adventure and you take us city folk along for the ride.

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  28. An awesome display of photos, beautiful skies and landscape.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  29. I like the B&W treatment. Makes the clouds crazy or maybe they already were. Carrot nose, someone is watching---I like that you title what you see.
    Always an awesome post
    MB

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  30. The B&W photography was perfect but I'm happy you switched to color for your last one. I rarely engage in B&W photography and should try it more often.

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  31. What a great landscape! Your lucky, that you can stroll around there...
    #3 looks like plants in the sky and #11 looks for me like the skull of a gnome ;)
    Greetings from Germany

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  32. Another one of your classic posts. Only you can find such beauty when you are simply wandering!

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  33. Fabulous shots. Love the colours in that last one.

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  34. Beautiful cloud formation in the clear blue sky and interesting rock formation below.

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  35. Replies
    1. Where did you find such an exciting landscape - is it a national park - what state?

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    2. Thanks! Photos were taken in Joshua Tree National Park in California.

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    3. Mystery Cabin OwnerJune 8, 2020 at 10:51 AM

      What a beautiful place. I should go there sometime!

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  36. The Balck and White Pics and the pics labelled with The MAsk Pic looking Stunning.
    Thanks for stopping by at Lokendrapal Blog

    https://lokendrapal.blogspot.com

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  37. Gorgeous skies and rock formations and as always, your love for this environment shines through your photographs. Thank you for sharing, especially when I feel like we will never be able to travel and see things again!

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  38. Oh Brother, These Photos Took Me To A Whole New Dimension - So Thankful That You Are Out And About - Soak Up That Atmosphere

    Cheers

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  39. The clouds look like feathers in the late afternoon B&W shots ...seems like that whole scene should be part of an ancient legend. (B&W pictures always make me think “ancient” because they remind me of my childhood )). Thanks for taking us along on your wander.... for sharing both the beauty and the whimsy.

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  40. Your B&W photos are Ansel Adams quality and drama, but I am partial to the bright blue skies in yoru color photos

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