Recent Wanderings in the Desert

[frank_b._baiamonte]

<p>I've spent a lot of time over the last few months in the California desert, more specifically in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, in eastern San Diego County. It's close enough that I can get to most of the trailheads in under 2 hours from my home. I really enjoy getting off the pavement and exploring at a leisurely pace, stopping often for pictures. Usually I'll go with a least one other vehicle (it's safer that way) but occasionally I'll head out alone and just wander from one photo op to another.<br>

<img src="http://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Explorations-Day/Anza-Borrego-Blow-Sand-041110/FB0138602/835508105_MGsqx-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="532" /></p>

<p>There has been a lot more rain than normal this year, so the whole area is quite green right now. I'm sure that won't last of course, after all, it is a desert. The wildflower bloom has been pretty good this year too, and the ocotillo have been just fiery red.<br>

<img src="http://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Explorations-Day/Anza-Borrego-Blow-Sand-041110/FB013653/835495389_h6puu-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="532" /></p>

<p><img src="http://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Explorations-Day/Anza-Borrego-Sandstone-032310/FB012881/819021415_2oCPW-L.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>I've been told that the Desert Five Spot is somewhat rare, or at least hard to find. I guess we've been lucky, as we found quite a few of them.<br>

<img src="http://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Explorations-Day/Anza-Borrego-Blow-Sand-041110/FB013771/835503383_dktUj-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="532" /></p>

<p>In addition to the flora there is some very interesting geology there, and the area is very seismically active as well. Since there is nothing in this shot to really help indicate the scale, that green plant on the left is sitting close to 7 feet off the ground. This is known as the Anticline, a set of pressure bends in the sandstone, at Split Mountain.<br>

<img src="http://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Explorations-Day/Anza-Borrego-Sandstone-032310/FB012627/819007589_pzsb7-L.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Driver's view of Sandstone Canyon. From what I hear this canyon was blocked by a large rockslide during the Easter Sunday earthquake. It may be a long time before we get to drive through here again.<br>

<img src="http://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Explorations-Day/Anza-Borrego-032710/FB013163/822127801_sTqDg-L.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>For more images and descriptions of trips check out my <a href="http://frankbaiamonte.blogspot.com/">blog here</a>. There are links at the end of each post to a SmugMug gallery of additional images.</p>

 

[marius_mirea]

<p>Nice, thanks for sharing!<br>

What was your macro set-up?</p>

[shots worth sharing]

<p>Striking scenery, Frank, and I think the first photo is very effective.</p>

[frank_b._baiamonte]

<blockquote>

<p>"What was your macro set-up?"</p>

</blockquote>

<p>DA35 Macro on a K20D, handheld usually. Sometimes I remember to use a tripod, but most of the time it stays in the truck because I get lazy or I'm off on a long walk.</p>

[MattB.Net]

<p>Wow, really nice. I love the desert and you got some beautiful images of it.</p>

[shaloot]

<p>That first shot is great. Just looks really good, and I like the view point.</p>

[heatherdoland]

<p>Great series! I'm thinking I'll head out there Sunday, I've been having too much fun in the city.</p>

[jgredline]

<p>Nice series Frank. I like the second one best followed by the first. :)</p>