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Rightfully named because there's a bird perched on the bolder! This sunrise photo was taken from Scottdale's McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Tom’s Thumb trail. Looking south-east towards Weaver's Needle and Superstition Mountain (as seen in the distance).
“Four Peaks” Four Peaks is a prominent mountain range and landmark that adorns the eastern skyline of Phoenix, Arizona (it’s located in the Tonto National Forest’ 40 miles (64 km) east-northeast of Phoenix). The highest of the four peaks is Brown’s Peak, with an elevation of 7,657 feet. In hoping to get a good shot of Four Peaks, I had (on a previous occasion) explored the Saguaro Lake recreational area but really couldn't find the view I was looking for; the mountain range was so far away. Then one day I was told about the Four Peaks Wilderness area and I was super excited to check it out. When I pulled off of the Beehive Highway I was immediately saddened by what I saw; the desert floor had been ravaged by fire. I was both saddened, and disappointed. Regardless though, I continued on a sometimes narrow, dusty and rocky road and as I did, my sadness grew by the enormity of the fire. I was elated however to come across an area that was untouched; “yay, greenery!” I exclaimed. There where saguaro trees everywhere, all around me but because I was in a ravine I couldn’t see Four Peaks anymore. So, I decided to stop and climb up a (cholla infested) slope in hopes I could get high enough to see over the opposite hill.... and I did! AND what a view! I absolutely love the three distinctive color layers (that nature created) in this photograph; along with the dark shadows of the rocks, which adds contrast. I love the variety in pattern; the vertical lines of the saguaro trees in contradiction with the roundness of the rocks. Importantly, there's a very strong sense of flow; the viewer’s eyes are easily led to through the photo graph and finally to a resting place, the Four Peak mountain range. All these things combined makes this an exceptionally composed photograph, one I’m proud of and feel very blessed to have. No matter where you are, any outdoor activity creates an adventurous life and many great stories to share! * The Four Peaks Wilderness fire was started by a vehicle fire in June of 2020 and is one of Arizona’s largest fires.
Death Valley (California) is known for extremes; it is North America's driest and hottest spot with fewer than two inches/five centimeters of rainfall annually and a record high of 134°F. It too has the lowest elevation on the continent (282 feet below sea level) and yet is only 76 miles from the highest point in the country, Mt. Whitney (at 14,505 feet) and two hours west of Las Vegas. I intentionally composed this photo to make you ( the viewer) question, "What is that?”. It's a barren mountainside, as seen from Zabriskie Point. From here the point offers a stunning and impressive panoramic views of the badlands; it’s various metals have oxidized the clay creating eye-popping reds, yellows, greens, blues, and purples. What a sight to see! There's a 2.5 mile loop trail that leads you through gullies and gulches, however because of our time restrictions, we weren’t able to explore it. We’ll have to go back!
