An Inspiring Hike up to Inspiration Peak

I got up early the other morning and headed up to Keys View where you can hike up to Inspiration Peak. I hadn't done this hike in years and never did go all the way, so this time was determined to do the whole thing. As usual, I got on the wrong trail at the beginning, edging along the cliffs overlooking the valley below. I must have been following a coyote trail, because I realized that the real trail was probably somewhere up above me, so I clambered up to the top where I found the regular trail and continued on from there. This is a wonderful hike with great views in all directions and plenty to look at. I did it in the early morning, but it would be fun at sunset as well. I made it all the way out to the peak this time. I followed the trail back, but it seemed to peter out once you got down toward the parking lot, so I never did find out where it really starts. Try it some time. Let me know if you find where it starts

The famous tree at the edge. 

Beautiful light in the morning

Leaping out

Rocks and valley view

Lookouts

Inspiration Peak in the distance

Valley view

On the way back

A 'Vintage' Walk Along the Hidden Valley Nature Trail

We got up early to beat the crowds at Hidden Valley Nature Trail and since my regular camera is in the shop for a sensor cleaning, I decided to shoot with my I-phone. It's one of those 'freeing' and at the same time 'frustrating' experiences trying to take pictures with an I-phone. It was always jumping from photo to time-lapse, to panoramic, so I had to keep and eye on the controls whenever I wanted to take a picture. Other than that, it was fun to shoot with. The resulting pictures in color were a little bizarre, so I decided to process them as 'wet plate' images in black and white to give them a more 'vintage' look.

Hidden Valley View

Giant Rock

Joshua Trees and Rocks

My Favorite Pinyon Pine

The Rock

Rock Man

Blown Away