Slickrock and Shadow

Rock Creek Canyon with Scenic Small Waterfalls Rock Creek Canyon pierces the Hurricane Cliffs just south of the town bearing the same name.  Water flowing in Fort Pearce Wash several weeks after any active rain made me question where this originated.  The main tributary to this was Rock Creek.  This canyon goes back about 2 miles before a pouroff.  From satellite images I figured I could explore back at least that far and then see about further exploration. Another big storm forecast on my hiking day gave me hope for some waterfalls.  Mud and slippery rocks would be hazards.  I parked my car above the wash, not liking the rocky slick mud section with a storm coming.  I didn't want to get stuck with no help nearby. The trail up-canyon has clearly been used by cattle.  Once past the canyon mouth, the scenery closed in around me and I did find flowing water.  Plenty of enormous boulders had rolled far into the canyon.  They rested...

Yellow Wildflowers growing among Lava Rock Unexpected beauty in the bleak desert is the reward that "desert rats" have come to love.  On a Sunday evening I went out for a casual drive to Joe Blake Hill.  Never knowing what I would find, I got out and looked around.  In the peak of bloom these yellow flowers popped with color.  The black lava rock provides a natural dark contrast to the lovely yellow.  I adjusted my ISO to allow a quick enough exposure to prevent wind from blurring my flowers.  Then I composed my shot and pressed the button.  Sometimes I just don't know if a shot will be any good but I shoot with hope.  This was one of those moments.  I believe there are several stages to photography. 1.  Planning the excursion. 2.  On-site photography:  composition and camera settings to capture the moment. 3.  Post-processing to polish and develop what I saw in step #2. On this occasion I only saw the p...