Monday, August 29, 2016

Wonderland in Black and White

We got up early and went over to this area next to the turn for the Keys Ranch Tour in Hidden Valley. As soon as you make the turn, there's a large parking lot and a trail leading out to the surrounding rock formations. This is a popular area for the climbers in the winter, but today we had it all to ourselves. We wandered in and around the rocks for a couple of hours, then it started to heat up and Margie said she was a bit 'peckish' and I started thinking about coffee...


Rock Face


Wonderland of Shapes


Entrance to the Wonderland


Sphinx Rock


Sky Scratcher


Joshua Tree Paws



Monday, August 22, 2016

Off The Beaten Trail by Wonderland Ranch

I intended on walking out to The Wall Street Mill the other morning, but was side tracked when I saw the old truck off the trail by the Wonderland Ranch. We always used to bring our guests out here and get their pictures sitting in the truck. There was more of the truck in those days. Over the years, people have gradually stripped the truck down to it's bare bones, someone even sawing off the steering wheel for their collection. Some people just can leave well enough alone. Anyway... after perusing the truck, I saw a trail along the hills into a horseshoe valley which I had never explored, so I just headed off and spent the morning rambling around. I didn't get that far, but I had fun photographing the rocks, so I'll have to go back and do the whole loop next time.







Monday, August 15, 2016

Rambling Around The Rocks Near Barker Dam

I kept seeing this long slab of rock face each time I passed on the way to Barker Dam and I thought it would be fun to explore, so I got up early (you have to in Summer) and did a little rambling around there. I thought it would be easy to get over to the larger rocks on the left but the chasm between was a little more than I could manage, so will have to go back and seek an alternative route. Not to worry, there was a nice view of the valley and plenty of rocks to crawl around in. Another fun morning in Joshua Tree National Park.







Monday, August 8, 2016

The Clouds Stole The Show

We got up early and went over to an area near Split Rock, intending to hike around in the rocks and take some pics of the rock formations, but the amazing cloud displays 'stole the show' as it were. It was nice and cool up in Joshua Tree National Park, but the rocks were all in shadow, so I ended up with some nice cloud shots. In Summer, the mornings can't be beat.





Monday, August 1, 2016

A Great Afternoon of Cloud Chasing

The clouds have been out in force lately, so the other afternoon I jumped in the car and drove into Joshua Tree National Park for a look see. Here's what I found. Enjoy.