Bonnie Rannald's Photo-Explorations in focus with nature. : Piñon pine

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Alum Creek, Mineral County's Unique Ecosystem

Photo-touring in Nevada's Back Country

Far off the beaten path and nestled in the rugged canyons of Central Nevada lies a unique ecosystem of Piñon and tall Ponderosa's pines, where nature seems to thrive against all odds. A small stream flows down between trees that are so huge; they must be over 100 years old.

This stream is Alum Creek and is located south of Lucky Boy Pass in Mineral County, Nevada. Around the mid 1800's when mining was in it’s hey day, a creek in the Lucky Boy area flowed from Poison Spirit to Cottonwood Creek. The presence of alum in solution was discovered in this creek so it became known as Alum Creek. During this time, the Lucky Boy mines that were located in the Alum Creek district were producing yearly over a million dollars of silver and lead.

In present times, only a small trickle of water still flows down the creek bed. With the severe drought that has been plaguing both Nevada and California, I am very surprised the creek has not completely dried up. Over winter, even the snow pack that replenishes the ground water has become less significant.

With the climate warming and drying, will the pines that have created this unusual habitat still be able to adapt? The piñon pine, Pinus edulis, native to the Southwestern U.S. will survive on available water and is drought tolerant. Piñon can grow to 15-35 ft (4.6-10.7 m) tall and 12-24 inches (.3-.6 m) in diameter. They produce the edible pinyon nuts which were a staple food source for the Native Americans.

The Ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa is found in mountainous topography at elevations 3,000 and 9,000' (914-2700m) where there is moderate rainfall. Mature trees can reach from 60-130' (18-39 m) with a diameter of 30-60" (9-1.7 m).

Alum Creek which at one time was a favorite area for family outings and picnics still offers a peaceful mountain retreat from the high desert landscape.

While I sit and admire the green pines that reach for the deep blue sky, two lizards come out to warm in the sun. As I watch them I ask a silent blessing on this unique pocket that time seems to have overlooked. I hope against all odds that the unique ecosystems of Alum Creek will have the tenacity to adjust and that we will continue to enjoy its peace and oneness of nature for many generations to come.

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.

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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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Exploring Central Nevada along Rabbit Springs Road

Outdoor Cathedrals, Pinnacles and Nature's Artistry

In celebration of Easter and Earth Day, I made a sojourn to observe nature along Rabbit Springs Road through the Gabbs Valley Range in Central Nevada.

Turning off US highway 95 just before reaching the dry lake and the small town of Luning, I traveled up highway 361 for less than 10 miles.

In the distance, colorful rugged mountains with lines, swirls and curves accent the landscape giving a breath taking view and a feeling of reverence.

Driving north on the dirt road, sculpted rocks stand out to the east with features that remind me of the pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttress of a Gothic cathedral.

A glimpse of white by the road side causes me to stop for a closer look. A tiny cushion phlox is just starting to bloom in the rocky soil.

Continuing on, to the west I notice a distinct group of pinnacles accented against the clear blue sky. Piñon pine and Junipers grow well in the lower rock strewn slopes.

As I come to the pass, the distinctive shape of a volcanic cone stands out in the distance. I decide to turn around; otherwise it would take me all the way back to Walker Lake. There still remains a lot of daylight and much more to explore.

Something red catches my eye on the west side of the road and it’s a nice grouping of Desert Paintbrush!

Across the road, a colorful rock has a tiny yellow flower growing in its crevice, what an inspirational reminder of nature’s artistry.

Speaking of nature's artistry, it's like a master landscaper was at work placing a cliff rose at the base of such an interesting rock.

As the day begins to wind down, I stopped for a break and just as I turn off the road I spotted a coachwhip stretched out to catch the warm sun. Fearing that I would scare the snake, I quickly grabbed my camera and lowered the truck window. But no worries, the snake posed for several frames and I then slowly backed up, respecting its space.

What a wonderful day this was and I feel that I was in nature’s cathedral. Sometimes it's the small things that give the greatest rewards. To be out in nature as an observer, one also becomes a participant. As a participant, tread lightly and go reverently for you will be awarded with nature’s wonders.