Thursday, April 28, 2022

Pinto Basin Skies

 Pinto Basin in Joshua Tree National Park doesn't get much respect. It's at the lowest elevation within the Park, and is part of the "Colorado Desert" (as compared to the more glamorous Mojave Desert, which is at a higher elevation). There are no Joshua Trees in the Pinto Basin. It's the hottest and dryest area within the park, and you need to avoid the area on a hot day, or anything even close to a hot day. Chances are it will be hotter in the Pinto Basin than wherever it is you're coming from by a significant amount.


Until recently, I hadn't spent much time in the Pinto Basin. Now that I've hiked it a handful of times, I've grown to love it! I
t's beautiful in its openness, big skies, and solitude.


Have you ever seen the old sci fi movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still?" The original, not the remake. Seeing this made me think of that movie... as if a beam of light might shoot out of that slot in the boulder at any second and the whole world would immediately stop. Or perhaps it already had stopped, and I just didn't know it. Solo hikes in the Pinto Basin will really let your mind wander to strange and interesting places!
 
 

This guy seemed to be out enjoying the late afternoon skies as much as I was!
 
Big sky
 



Golden hour in Smoke Tree Wash
 
Linking with Skywatch Friday.
Thanks for stopping by!!

45 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks, Cloudia. Your comment provided me with a hardy laugh!

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  2. Wonderful photos and you have such an imagination.

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  3. It's hard to choose a favourite. Black and white are amazing

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  4. What a strange cutting in the rock. I wonder what caused it.

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  5. Wonderful pictures
    I've seen the movie the new one only

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  6. ...beautiful images, but the black and whites are spectacular!

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  7. Well you took some beautiful photos and the sky's are stunning, it looks like your using a wide angle lens in some but then know you it could well be that 400mm. Cant say mine are a patch on yours this week if the ever do get near

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  8. Wonderful skies - both the black-and-white and colour.

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  9. The skies are amazing - I had to laugh about the beam coming out of the rock but I have a great imagination. I'll let you keep the spider.

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  10. Dearest Peter,
    Guess you know rather well what to prepare for in order to stay hydrated in such heat.
    Dessert climate is different and this one without the Joshua trees gives you a wider view and indeed perfect skies.
    The spider obviously does find some prey for living on...
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  11. Pretty. But I can just imagine how hot it could get out there. Hopefully there'll be some more cool days so you can enjoy it some more.

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  12. Wow! It certainly is a beautiful place ~ gorgeous photos ~ Sci-fi wonder!

    Google is giving me fits with whatever they are doing ~ had to comment from my email as your comment didn't show up on my blog ~ sigh ~

    Wishing you love and laughter in your days,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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    1. Thanks, Carol, and sorry about the Google hassles. I was trying to comment from my phone the other day, but it would only leave anonymous comments. Seems to be working from my laptop ok (for now, anyway!).

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  13. I like the 4th one best. To me it seems bit phallic. Similarity with that tin can is obvious. Anyways nice shot!

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  14. I love the Big Skies of America (we don't get them here) - not so sure about the spider though!

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  15. Nature heals all ills, and these photos support that. Have a great day.

    https://calrat.blogspot.com

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  16. Exeptional landscapes and wonderful pictures. That was one hell of a spider :-)

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  17. Interesting still life exists in that hot, dry place, amazes me every time.
    Have not seen that movie - sounds interesting - will ask Ingo (he´s 8 years older than me).
    Please!!! Warnings before you post pics of insects... brrr...
    Otherwise very, very beautiful pics again!

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  18. Wonderful shots--- I wish I had gotten out there when I lived in Orange County or San Diego. I'm truly glad to have your images.

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  19. Beautiful as always even in a dry place like this. The spider and the stone are special indeed. Good work again.

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  20. You saw some great glyphs at cowboy rock! Speaking of hot desert hikes, we're going to Tucson next march, and it will be nice to be there when it is relatively cooler. Glad the robot rock didn't take you out!

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  21. Wonderful shots of the skies, I love the black and white sky photos best of all.. unique! Take care, the weather is quite hot in your place yet I love your adventures!

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  22. Love the black and white pixs! So artistic. Is that a tarantula spider?

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    1. Yes it is. I don't see them much anymore. This is a rare sighting.

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  23. Amazing photos! I love the black and whites, they look spectacular.

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  24. equally impressive in B&W as is in rich desert colour.

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  25. I don't think I have seen that movie but now that you've mentioned it I think I'll go look for it.

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  26. Beautiful skies seen from this valley! Your trip was worth the Sci Fi view - it does look like it:) Have another great weekend in the desert! Thank you for coming by:)

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  27. The coloured photos are awesome!

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  28. Greetings and Salutations! Your adventure at Pinto Basin was incredible. Two black and white format photographs were simply awesome. Desert seemed to move with the light and darkness. Rest were fabulous in color. I like the big sky and the big desert appearance for what it is. Thank you for sharing this beauty with us.

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  29. The Day the Earth Stood Still was a classic.

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  30. Klaatu barada nikto.

    There's a lot to be said for those places that stretch us a bit towards the extremes.

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  31. Can it be any wonder, then, why so many sci-fi movies are filmed in the desert southwest. :-)

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  32. I love the black and white shots.... but I don't love the spider! lol

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  33. Absolutely Brilliant Photographs There Brother Parts - Well Done

    Cheers

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  34. Gorgeous photos! Maybe not the spider but it looks good enough.

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  35. Los cielos de las fotografías son magníficos. Me gusta tanto la edición en color , como la que has hecho en blanco y negro.

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  36. The skies are quite unique. All around the landscape is essential and minimal.

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  37. Nice post thank you Josh

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