Ice Cubes & Carbonation

RHODODENDRON EROTICA (Oregon)

Rebellious Stonemasons

Whether one studies up on the geological origins of such formations or not, one still shakes their head at the hundreds of unique formations in the Joshua Tree National Park.

Wildflowers in Juniper Flats

Beautiful wildflowers, not in expansive fields on a hillside. Rather each individual plant was barely in view of the next unique plant. Spread out over several hundred yards, stood beautiful splashes of color in the strong desert wind. My wife took these images, lucking out as the wildflowers danced about before the lens.

Simple Fascinations & Observations

It is a simple observation that many of you can see a palm tree outside your window right now or get to one within minutes. But for me, living in the Pacific NW of the U.S., a palm tree is a rarity. Perhaps our fir trees, alders and ponderosa would be an oddity for you if visiting Oregon?

I just enjoy that visual experience, when traveling, of unique vegetation (Joshua trees, palm trees, cactus, Sycamores, Bougainvillea). It is a simple observation, an obvious one, but fascinating still. Our mental ruts are altered in a pleasant way………..

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Weird Joshua Tree Event: Cremation at Cap Rock

Joshua Tree Weird Event: Cremation of Graham Parsons at Cap Rock

Birding: Finches at Desert Knoll

Mojave Desert Birds & Flora/Fauna

I enjoy the presence of birds like in the early morning. But, truth be told I can barely tell the difference between a seagull and a robin. I make the general effort to learn but I am usually caught guessing at best. Still I enjoy their presence unless I am on a lake playing a big fish in B.C. and the dastardly Loon arrives….but that’s another story.

Degrees of Beauty? Shades of Beauty

The search is often on to find those beautiful cactus blooms in that harsh environment. Splashes of color in an otherwise grey/green/brown landscape. But, both are beautiful to take in. One little vignette after another with beauty to behold upon closer inspection.

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All that sand………….

All that sand, of late, makes me think of water and that, of course, makes me think of fish…big fish, little fish, trout. The strong desert winds are typical of strong winds blowing across the lake or up the river canyons. This parched mind needs to secure ‘the moment’ once again.

Old Gate, Forgotten Back Road

A windy afternoon, a back road on the outskirts of a desert town you pass through in a hurry to somewhere else. The sun is lower and the old gate across the front of the abandoned building glows with rust and oxidized metal. Sand has drifted up against the foundation. Garbage is spread about out back. Old, hand painted signage suggests it was a motorcycle repair shop. But my eye was drawn to the old gate and the ornamentation.

An interesting variety of metal work by a welder with a vision for variety. I am often not quite sure why something visually appeals to me. Contrasts? What was then/what is now? Past dreams and ambitions being overtaken by nature? A state of mind to fortify in a harsh, isolation? I just see it, feel it and attempt to capture it.