It’s 3:00 PM and outside, in Yucca Valley, CA, it’s a pleasant 97 degrees with a humidity of 19%, so it feels like 94! You don’t get that in Charlotte, to be sure. 
I’m holed up in my hotel room, hiding from the heat of the day. I’ll resume my photography this evening, after about 6:00 PM.
I don’t know much about photographing the desert; however, I do know to stay out of the sun, drink lots of water – all day long, wear long pants, shoes, and socks … and watch where you step. That seems to keep me out of trouble. To many, the desert, at a casual glance looks dead, desolate; however, it is anything but. Upon closer inspection, you can see amazing plant life specially adapted to what we would call a harsh environment. They have waxy leaves that don’t allow moisture to be wicked away. Many of the succulent plants, such as cacti, have defenses such as very thick skin and needle-sharp leaves to discourage eating by animals. One can find dozens of holes in the sand, each housing at least one or more critters. I’ve seen rabbits, quail (I think), a road runner and, of course, a number of insects.
In my drive across the Mojave, you can see evidence of human ‘progress’ all through the desert. We parcel it up, fence it off, and restrict access. I saw a number mountains stripped bare of their surface. I have a great respect for the desert and also, honestly, a bit of fear as I’m not so familiar with it and the terrain, weather, and lack of water seem so unforgiving; however, through my photography, I hope to learn more about it, to come to appreciate it even more than I do now.
State and National parks help to preserve that possibility by restricting development on pristine desert, forest, marsh, or other types of lands. Every once in a while, our government gets something right. As they say, a broken clock is right twice a day and every once in a while, a blind squirrel finds a nut!
I’ll be returning to the park a couple of more times. Also, hopefully Bill and I will hook up tomorrow. He’s a big fan of the desert. I could learn a few things!
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Paul, luckily most of these parks were set aside some time ago. I don’t know they would happen in today’s political climate. I’ve never photographed the desert so add one more to my over-flowing bucket list. Lovely photos — keep cool and hydrated!
Earl recently posted..Venice to Florence, Italy, stops along the drive
Earl, you simply must get to that on your bucket list! The desert is a fascinating place … at the right time of day. The mornings are nice, cool, and dry, and the evenings tend to have very acceptable temperatures. I was out yesterday, photographing quite comfortably in 85 degree weather, of course, the humidity was in the lower 20% range, so it was very nice. If it were still 85 degrees in the evening in Charlotte, I’d have to skip it because I’d be sweating and swatting! LOL
You’re making me jealous, Paul. I can’t wait to get back to the desert again. Although I prefer to be wandering around out there during the spring or fall months. Regardless of humidity, 100 degrees is pretty hot! But you’re right – it beats places like Charlotte in the summertime.
I’ve only been through that part of California once (and found out later that I actually passed within a few miles of Anita’s house). I have to say that the Mojave seems like a different kind of “desert” than the area around northern Arizona and southern Utah. It’s interesting, but I think I prefer southern Utah. Lots more canyons, for one thing. And definitely lots more red rock.
Anyway, stay out of that midday sun………..
Hey, Paul. If reds are your thing, then the Mojave is certainly not for you.
Here, the order of the day is gold, yellow, brown, tan, with dabs of green and dusty red thrown in for some interest – a very neutral color palette. Having been to Utah around the Zion and Bryce area, in comparison, I find the Mojave, at least the tiny part that I’m seeing, a little bit more difficult to photograph. As you mentioned, there are lots of canyons and red rock in Utah and Arizona. That said, though, I am having a great time with those 3 or 4 hours per day that I get to photograph.
You’ll come home with some pretty amazing shots, Paul. I’m glad that you know enough to respect the desert and the daytime temperatures. We hear about folks getting lost in the desert all the time. That’s definitely not a fun time.
The colors are very nice in this photo. Beautiful and typical of desert vegetation.
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The parks in the U.S. impressed me no end when we were there (many years ago). I was amazed at how accessible they were and yet seemed to have minimal human impact. Roads, trails, bridges, boardwalks were always low-key and somehow did not detract from the scenery. When I return to the States it will be to re-visit the parks.
Thoroughly enjoying your photos by the way.
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Well, when you return to the States, wherever you land, I’ll do my best to get there! I don’t want to miss connecting a second time!
I believe in the parks system, state and federal. They have made some good and not so good choices but I do not want to lose them. As I’ve mentioned before the Metro Parks in Columbus were my places to run off to for quiet and peace. I’m also glad you are respecting the desert. I found Edward Abby’s book Desert Solitaire and good read, helping me understand the dry arid land we have. The ecosystem of the desert is full of life and beauty if we only take the time to look and understand.
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quality information People are bound to find this really important. I had no clue on some of the things you mentioned earlier, thanks!