I left the sanctuary of the Atomic Inn on the Nevada - California border at 04:30 today and made my way into Death Valley to catch the sunrise. I had no idea about a specific location within the park as I didn't intend to be there so early, but as I was awake I decided to get going.
As I entered the park I was talking to Sarah on the phone as she made her way to work (Calgary is and hour ahead of California) I noticed the star filled sky and decided to stop and make a quick shot of the milky way over the mountains, it was weakened by the morning blue hour but worth a hit all the same. Next I decided that as I didn't know where the best place for sunrise was I should climb something in the dark and be at the top for sunrise. I found a likely looking ridge and with the added energy of sea level oxygen I scrambled my way up, in the dark, hauling two cameras, 4 lenses, a tripod and numerous spares in a hefty backpack. My head torch picked out the route and I made the top in good time with only one grazed leg to moan about. From the top I made a long exposure of another early bird making their way into the park. Whilst sunset was not spectacular it was enough to allow me to make a few shots from my lofty perch with the telephoto lens. I enjoyed the morning scramble but wouldn't want to do it every day. The main image today is one of the telephoto shots of Death Valley sunrise. The descent was much easier than the ascent and soon I was making the long walk out to Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the US) to shoot the salt flats there before continuing through the park stopping every few minutes to shoot something else. The cacti were flowering in places and looked beautiful against the stark rocky background. After 7 hours I exited the park only to be distracted by a massive 'off road' area of impressive looking dunes so made a detour to investigate. The wind whipped up the sand and stung my face but the area is definitely one for the memory bank, a sunrise or sunset would go well here. From there I crossed the Mojave Desert where more flowering cacti put in a welcome appearance. Soon I was through the Mojave and into the town of Twentynine Pines on the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park where my hotel awaited. After a lovely shower and change of clothing I still had a little daylight left so I drove half and hour through Joshua Tree National Park to Keys View for an impromptu sunset shoot. At the site I met a Geordie bloke who was working in California for a week and had also come out to shoot the sunset. It was nice to share stories with a northern lad so far from home. We had an enjoyable natter and made some nice shots too, so it was worth going out again. I'm now writing this blog 19 hours after leaving the Atomic Inn, so if there are mistakes in here they are to be expected. No sunrise shooting for me tomorrow, I'm laying in and enjoying a late breakfast before returning to Joshua Tree for the morning. Tomorrow afternoon I head to Phoenix Arizona ready to meet Sarah on Friday, it will be nice to be out together in the deserts of Arizona, I'm really looking forward to it.
4 Comments
Mum
13/4/2019 07:31:32 pm
What a curious colour the hills are, they look almost like rusty iron.
Reply
Chris
15/4/2019 12:32:45 am
The morning in Death Valley was lovely, peaceful and cool. I really enjoyed this whole day, it was long but great.
Reply
Mum
13/4/2019 07:32:11 pm
Forgot to say have a lovely break.
Reply
Chris
15/4/2019 12:33:47 am
Thanks:) It's almost over now but we've had a fantastic time this weekend....then comes the long drive home ;)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWe arrived in Calgary, Canada on 29th December 2011 to continue our journey. This blog is intended to keep our family and friends informed whilst we explore Canada.You can use the RSS feed below to stay updated. Categories
All
Archives
January 2024
The Shaman, West Texas
|