Delicate flowers bring gentle beauty to a rugged mountain pass
My quest to record photographically the rare occurrence of desert wildflowers that bloom in the spring has taken me to very remote and interesting locations. Timing is critical and best planned after there has been some rain. However, trekking out on dirt roads after a desert rain can be tricky and must be approached with caution.
On a calm, fair weather day, just before Summer Solstice, I made a day trip to Corey Peak in search of wildflowers. Corey Peak is the second highest summit in the Wassuk Range, at 10,520 foot elevation (3206 m) and lies to the east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
After turning off from Lucky Boy Pass. the road to Corey Peak is not as well maintained or as wide as the Lucky Boy Pass road.
Ascending higher, the road becomes narrow with large rocks and ruts that must be carefully negotiated.
Looking down at the switchbacks that made for an interesting and challenging drive!
The view from the summit is breath-taking with dormant volcano peaks rising up and the Sierra Nevada Mountains with traces of snow in the background.
To my delight as I climbed in elevation, I began to see clusters of wildflowers on both sides of the winding road that were thriving in the rocky terrain. The fragrant, yellow flowers of Bitterbrush seemed to be everywhere, creating a garden setting in the rugged landscape.
The Desert Milkvetch was in full bloom, with its pale purple flowers.
The deeper purple Newberry's Milkvetch shared its space with yellow flowers of Woolly Grandsel.
A beautiful bouquet of red Paintbrush accented with lavender Milkvetch flowers stood out against green and grey desert plants. What an arrangement of nature's artistry!
As the day progressed, clouds started moving in from the west. I was thankful for the diffused lighting, however I also had to keep a close watch on the weather changes these clouds might bring. Driving down this narrow, rocky road in a downpour would be next to impossible.
Rounding a curve and I noticed a graphic rock-outcropping. I stopped for a photo and the the moon began to rise in the east, coming up behind the rocks. Feeling at peace with this awesome landscape, I imagined welcoming the summer solstice with the ancient ones. What a fun and inspirational adventure this wildflower quest turned out to be.
Check back and follow my blog where I will be posting more details about the wildflowers from my Corey Pass Wildflower photo shoot.
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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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.
"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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