December's "Cold" Moon

 I finished my hike a little after 3:30pm. Perfect timing, as December's full moon (called the "cold" moon) was scheduled to rise at 4pm. I had positioned myself behind a boulder covered hillside out in the remote Pinto Basin in Joshua Tree National Park, with a goal of capturing the moon rising over the rugged desert boulders. It seemed like a good plan! However, I noticed a dense layer of cloud cover on the horizon. If this cloud cover thickened or raised higher on the horizon, it would spoil my chances of getting the photo I wanted. So I waited. 

 

And waited. 4:15pm: Nothing. 4:30pm: Nothing. 5pm: Still nothing! I was getting stiff, bored, and impatient. By about 5:20pm I gave up. I packed up my camera gear and headed back to the car. As I left the sandy shoulder and pulled onto the highway, I almost immediately spotted it. I pulled back off the road (I had only driven about 100 yards), parked the car and grabbed my camera.

What a gorgeous moonrise, and how lucky to be in the right place at the right time! My lesson from this outing: BE PATIENT! Don't rush. Take your time. Enjoy the moment.

 

The next morning, the same full moon was now setting and was keeping me company as I drove back home from the desert. Driving west on the 10 freeway, I could see the Cabazon dinosaurs and just couldn't resist exiting the freeway for a quick photo.

Santasaurus!

 

Wishing everyone who reads this 

Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas!

Linking with Skywatch Friday.

More Coyotes

 This time I didn't see them, but I sure heard them! Turn up your volume, and then click play:

I was hiking on the trails while my granddaughter was at soccer practice, minding my own business. It's after dark, so I'm using a headlamp. You can see the soccer and baseball fields off in the distance. I hear a distant ambulance siren and all of a sudden I seem to be next to a bunch of coyotes!!

 

Did you know coyotes were called "song dogs" by Native Americans? According to Mr. Google, Coyotes have the most varied vocalizations of any mammal in North America. Coyotes can produce at least 11 different vocalizations, including barks, howls, growls, yelps, and greeting songs. They can be heard calling to each other at any time of day or night.
 

The headlamp lights things up nicely at night.

 

Thanks for stoppy by, and stay safe out there!

Linking with Skywatch Friday.