Bonnie Rannald's Photo-Explorations in focus with nature. : Summer Solstice

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Wildflowers bloom on Summer Solstice at Corey Peak, Nevada

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.

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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http://www.bonnierannald.com/

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Monday, July 7, 2014

Wildflower Adventures and Summer Solstice

Exploring Further up the Mining Trail on Spring's Finale

Still determined to go all the way to the top of the mining trail, I choose a day when calm winds were in the forecast. Around these mountains, changes in pressure systems may come with strong winds which can be dangerous to be caught outside.

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.