"Wrinkles of an Aging Earth"

The barren and desolate Anza Borrego desert! Interesting, that as barren and empty of vegetation as it is, it is a strikingly colorful environment, especially at dawn. The warm tones of the near rocks fade into the cooler tones of the distant ridges and mountains, finally capped with a deep red-orange sunrise sky. Looking closely, you may see a thin strip of lighter color just below the sky. That is the Salton Sea, some 35 to 40 miles away. The largest lake in California, it's water's surface is 226 feet below sea level. I had planned to drive to it's shores for at least one sunrise opportunity, but the numerous high vantages along the Sunrise Highway, which skirts the high ridges of the 6,000 feet Laguna Mountains overlooking the desert, distracted me from any longer early morning road trips. I prefer to revisit locations once I am familiar with the compositional possibilities. Our time spent in Julian was greeted daily with clear blue skies, yet on the three mornings I chose to get out, the skies along the horizon over the desert were cloud filled. My sister has been known to have a parking angel that finds unlikely parking spots close to her destinations. I sometimes feel the same way, only with a cloud angel to help spice up my dawn photographs. We are both blessed!!

Best regards Mark!

PDE

Gorgeous scene, amazing light, and lovely color, grace this beautiful image Mark! Superb work!

All the best,
Neil