Fire

Yesterday’s trip was to the Valley Of Fire, Nevada. Just an hour outside Las Vegas and the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen–and I have been around the world countless times. I can only compare it to Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the Olga’s (Kata Tjuta) — except better (sorry, Oz friends) and bigger.

I have never regretted not having two cameras as much. Every other shot needed a lens change. The above shot was taken with the 70-200 lens. This one with the 16-35:

That National Geographic “wrapping around me” feeling that only a wide lens can give you.

And the crisp, undistorted feeling a long lens delivers:

What was critical in the shot above? Yes, time. I had a few minutes. In 30 seconds, the sun was gone. What happens in mountains under a clear sky.

One more from the wide lens:

And the sun eventually sets.

Not that the fun stops after the sun sets. Beautiful colors come out:

And here finally is the native gas station that I drove a Korean college student, her mom, and her two kid sisters to yesterday, after they had a flat tire in their Kia rental. And I am here to tell you that those “temporary fix” kits they use now instead of a spare tire do NOT work. (the kits that comprise a compressor plus some substance). After the “fix”, 6km later it was flat again. Fortunately, I had a van so was able to drive them 15km to the gas station, where they waited for the rental company.

I could spend a week in that park and only scratch the surface. Instead, I use photography and I am quick.

This country is so beautiful, I am thinking more and more I belong here, the southwestern USA.Now all I need is a green card and an income…

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4 thoughts on “Fire

  1. re: “I am thinking more and more I belong here, the southwestern USA.”

    Michael, I live in New England and living any place else is unthinkable. Long winters and all. Too much history, mountains, skiing, ocean, Boston, New York City, all within a few hours. I love it! But if you like desert (open country, long horizons, warm), spend some time in New Mexico.

    I’m sure the United States would welcome you. But trust me, you’ve got a pretty good thing going in Canada. For a few years I was in Mississauga once a month. Drove, mostly took the long way. Crossed at the Thousand Island International Bridge. Toronto is arguably the most international city in the world. Restaurants of any flavor you can imagine. Of course as you know, the problem with Toronto is traffic. Impossible.

    Next summer I’m planning a month or more trip up around the Gaspe Peninsula and visit all the little fishing towns as I work my way down to Nova Scotia. Any points of interest I should not overlook? (fyi.. I’m retired, time is not a problem)

    paul kramarchyk (Barkhamsted, Connecticut, USA)

    • I’ll think about recommendations.

      And I do love the desert. Used to work in deserts in the Middle East and North Africa. Deserts are for me. Toronto: sure, but only in summer, which means way under 6 months a year.

      I don’t do a lot of landscape work, and that is because generally speaking, landscapes bore me. The ones that don’t, I get inspired by – such as these here in Nevada and California.

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