Exploring Further up the Mining Trail on Spring's Finale
I wanted to make my trip on the Friday before the Summer Solstice and catch the moon just as it was setting over the mountains, which would be around 13:10 PDT. Summer Solstice for the western U.S. would occur on June 21st 3:51PDT when the moon would not be showing.
On this morning the summer heat was arriving early and it was already beginning to feel hot. However, it was a clear day and the moon was hanging high in the deep blue sky.
After turning off the main highway and putting the Jeep in 4wheel drive, I noticed the moon just beginning its descent over the canyon. I was hoping to get a view of the moon as it was hovering over the top of the ridge. Just as I approached the entrance to the canyon, a red-tailed hawk began to circle. What an awesome photo this would make if the hawk came down closer to the moon. Sure enough, by the time I was set up the hawk flew lower over the top of the canyon. From all indications, it had a nest on the back side of the rocky slope. In respect and appreciation to the hawk's space, I slowly drove off after several photos and was thankful for getting to observe this unique moment.
Heading higher up the trail I reached the point where I was level with and across from the Slim Pickins Mine.
The landscape appeared barren and the dry heat was taking its toll on any plants that might have bloomed.
Off to the trail's edge, a Grizzly-Bear Prickly Pear was enduring the harsh environment and striving to produce one flower.
Reaching a higher elevation, Sulfur Buckwheat was doing well and many were showing yellow blooms.
The Rabbitbrush were also in full bloom and
accenting the desert with bright yellow.
As I turned to walk back on the trail a single white flower caught my eye. It was the stunning Sego Lilly that blooms in early summer. Native Americans roasted, boiled and made the bulbs of this Calochortus species into porridge.
Stretched out across the trail was an interesting arrangement of Leafy Spurge that was turning shades of red, perhaps due to its water source drying up.
The day was moving on and the heat was becoming more intense. I was beginning to feel like the Leafy Spurge, red and dried out. Whether to turn back or keep heading up was the question for the moment.
I always remember some good advice from an older flight instructor, "You've had a good day when you return to the destination with a safe landing". So I didn't reach the top this time, I did have some interesting adventures and I can plan a return trip in late summer when it cools down. Just like in the airplane, you get to fly another day if you set your limits and don't go past your abilities. I was looking forward to a nice cool shower and some cold lemon tea when I arrived back home.
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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