Thursday, December 30, 2010

A Frosty Morning At Covington Park

I got up early the other morning and went over to Covington Park, next to the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and the ground was covered with frost. Here are some 'still lifes' of the frost on the ground cover there. I love the subtle colors, rhythms and textures I found in these leaves. Each season brings something new, something different.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Winter Reds

During the cold winter months, the Desert Trumpets and Buckwheat turn a magnificent reddish hue. They appear to be on fire when the light hits them. The other day, before the huge rains, I went in search of pictures of these beautiful, native plants. This is what I found. Enjoy.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Taking A Walk At The Cholla Garden Just Before The Rain

A 'wall of rain' was forecast for the area, so we thought we'd drive down to the Cholla Garden and take a walk before the deluge. The light was quite dramatic, going in and out of the clouds like a spotlight, hovering over the ground the whole time. The Cholla Garden is always an adventure, full of grotesque yet strangely beautiful shapes and textures everywhere you look. From here, you can see far down into the Pinto Basin toward Cottonwood, an inspiring view. When you go, just be careful where you step, the area is littered with pieces of 'jumping cholla' that love to get stuck to your shoes and clothing. Ouch!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

A Beautiful Day Hiking At The Desert Queen Mine

It was a perfect winter day, so warm and bright you could see forever. We hiked up to the overlook of the Desert Queen Mine, got some photos of the old stone miner's cabin and did some hiking around and up the other side of the mountain. It's a great hike, a nice amble really. There's a nice mix of vegetation, rock formations and beautiful views along the way. Don't miss it when you visit.