Last post, I left off hiking somewhere south of Ojo Oro arch, enjoying the weird rock formations and taking photos as the mood struck. My ultimate goal was to loop back north and photograph Ojo Oro at sunset.
Yet another interesting arch. This one is long and low, and I've never seen it before, so fun to happen upon it.
I call this desert milkweed. Not entirely sure that's accurate, but it's the best I got. Interestingly, I only see it out in this area of Joshua Tree National Park, never in the other areas that I hike. It grows really tall and spindly in this land of almost no rain.
Que "Jaws" theme music! You can see the sun has moved a little lower on the horizon. I have a decision to make. I have an arch I spotted off to the north, but not sure I have time to go check it out and still get to Ojo Oro by sunset. What the heck, let's go take a look!
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| I wonder if many years ago this was an arch, and it collapsed on itself? |
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| Sky cross |
I knew this would happen. On the way to the arch I want to check out, I run across all kinds of interesting arches and rock formations that I simply have to photograph. It's a nice problem to have. I even manage to find time to check out a really interesting pictograph in the area. |
| Color enhanced using dStretch. |
Ah, finally, there it is. It can be seen for quite a distance because it's large and up high on the boulders. I wonder if there is a way to climb up to it without killing myself?
After much huffing and puffing and cursing, I manage to climb up to the arch. Look at those two little pointy things at the top of the arch opening. They remind me of fangs, and the name "Vampire Arch" jumps into my head. It's quite large. I can easily walk underneath it to the other side.
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| One of my favorites: Looking through Vampire Arch! |
The views from Vampire Arch are beautiful, but as you may have noticed, the shadows are getting long. Yikes, I'm going to have to really skedaddle if I'm going to make it back to Ojo Oro by sunset. Is skedaddle still a word? You know what I mean!
Please join me next post to see if I make it in time, and thanks for joining me for this part of the adventure!!
that was a fun hike - glad you were inspired to take lots of photos - looking forward to next week
ReplyDelete...these are gorgeous, thanks for taking me along.
ReplyDeleteYour views from inside a cave are always terrific - the first one: a hand from the side:) and the vampire arch - all worth the trip, Peter. Have a good one, Emille
ReplyDelete#5 looks like a dinosaur´s head resting!
ReplyDeleteI like your problem very much :-)
Ohhh, those two in #12 look like they´re kissing each other, a nearly timeless kiss.
And the window, great shot! skedaddle - new word learned - thank you for sharing the beauty again!
Beautiful photo's, the first one reminds me of a guy doing a back flip off the rock into the sand or a headless person pushing the rock. Looking forward to the suset
ReplyDeleteIf I can still use catawampus, you can still use skedaddle. (The Oxford English Dictionary never retires any words. They only add. Because if it was once a word in English that has fallen into disuse, it is still a word from English.)
ReplyDeleteThe best part? The looks that people give you when you use words that they don't think can possibly be words.
Great shots. Love the one with the sun peeking behind the rock.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, you find great things on your way to great sights. Arches on your way to arches. You the man!!
ReplyDeleteLooks stunning, great shots
ReplyDeleteI see some lens flare on the first one. Just wondering what lenses do you use on your new old Camera. Great set of pics, as per usual.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots.
ReplyDeleteMagnificant pictures
ReplyDeleteI never tire of your desert scenery. Especially enjoyed the last three pictures.
ReplyDeleteWe always enjoy the hikes, makes me want to hike in the desert. Great shots as always. ;-)
ReplyDeletewow! You do accomplish amazing climbing feats ~ and get fantastic photographs ~ Wonderful post ~ Xo
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
These rock formations look like monsters and/or creatures from another age. Each shape is intriguing, as if it can spring into action at any time! Haha ... be careful out there. :)
ReplyDeleteVampire Arch is a very apt name. And now I can't wait until I can skedaddle along to your next post! (yes, we use that word too)
ReplyDeleteMxx
Again, the most amazing photos! The skies are so clear there.
ReplyDeleteI would love that hike too.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
Beautiful captures! Love the header too!
ReplyDeleteThe only rock arches I know in the UK are collapsed caves, where the roof of the back part of the cave has fallen in leaving just the arch of the opening. And some coastal arches of course. You have such a variety of arches in the desert and each has its own character. Ojo Oro at sunset sounds perfect; if my very limited Spanish has served me correctly.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome place this would be to see (and photograph) the upcoming blood moon!
ReplyDeletePlease walk carefully pal! We worry about you out there
ReplyDeleteYes, "skedaddle" is a word lol. I'm glad you braved the coming dusk. Those photos are such a treat! -Divers and Sundry
ReplyDeleteIt is like a playground of rock formations there! One more amusing or interesting formation than the next. The Vampire arch was cool.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think "skedaddle" is a word from our era...lol...not sure the young-ins would know what it means unless they watch old westerns.
Wow, fantastic images of amazing features!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots as always and like them also as always.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the cyber tour. "Skedaddle" is a word I still use but who knows if it is still used. I'm old school. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying this adventure. You always make the desert look so inviting. I LOVE the star burst sun shots.
ReplyDeleteAdoptan unas formas espectaculares , las zonas rocosas de esas tierras.
ReplyDeleteQue tengas una excelente semana.
That arch is massive! And what a beautiful but scary post this is. I may see the vampire fangs in my sleep tonight. And then must worry whether the hero of the story makes it to his goal by sunset )) Can't wait for the next chapter!
ReplyDeleteSkedaddle is a terrific word! Thank you for using it. 🙂
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking photos! You have real adventures...
ReplyDelete