GoPro Stills, part 1 - Joshua Tree National Park
/Trek Date: May 31 - June 1, 2020
My trusty Nikon generally satisfies all photo demands whilst hiking out the in wilds, with a cell phone snapping the occasional instagram shot for later uploading (as the best treks are in places with no cell service). But every now and then, a GoPro’s unique perspective gives a cool outlook on subjects and landscapes that isn’t possible with the DSLR. Of course, a rattlesnake close-up is a bit more challenging with an ultra-wide angle fisheye lens…..but not impossible.
It was great to be back in the park, my last trip being back in December of 2019, on the day of the epic snowstorm. What a difference five months can make; it was toasty on this trip. Here are a few shots that turned out rather nice, most being from the Lost Horse Valley area (except when noted) and taken a couple hours before sunset. I think the camera did a great job and will probably become one of my ten plus essentials on future trips.
Rocks and Trees, trees as far as the eye can see.
Rocks and Trees, bonus points for tree shadow on Classic Curl boulder (thanks for the rock I.D., Robert!). And there’s a Moon in the Sky. It’s called the Moon.
Saddle Rock off in the distance.
It’s the way I see things.
So cool how a bunch of tall branches are growing straight up out of that trunk that has nearly gone horizontal.
There are a ton of Joshua Trees out here and some way cool rocks. Pictographs as well, some old homesteads and an old car. And probably some other stuff I haven’t found yet. Still looking for the horse. May it never crumble.
This next group of shots was taken around 11:00 am while wandering about the Wonderland…. it started getting hot. Thank goodness for Pinyon Pines and the shade they provide. Piñon: any of various small pines (such as Pinus quadrifolia, P. cembroides, P. edulis, and P. monophylla) of western North America with edible seeds.
Most Pinyon Pines of any good size usually have a nice, clear area under their branches for weary travelers to take comfort and rest.
There were a lot of beavertail cactus throughout the gulch that leads to Punk Rock, as well as Nolina. Even in late May/early June many of the Nolina plants had fresh stalks. It must have been amazing to see back in April.
South Astro Dome under a beautiful sky.
The Creature (unmasked). Probably not the typical view of this huge rock. Depending on your location, it can look like a number of different creatures.
Situated just next to The Creature, I’ve always called this one the Madonna. I’m not sure if it has any other name, but my guess is that it does.
That’s it for Part 1. Please feel free to download and use any of these images in any way you choose. Credit back to www.Cali49.com would be nice, and if you happen to make a ton of money with one somehow, please cut me in.
- Joshua Tree National Park
- JTNP
- Day Hike
- Gold Mine
- Rock Climbing
- Pictographs
- Bill Keys
- Native American
- Joshua Tree
- Rocks
- Petroglyphs
- Barker Dam
- Cali49.com
- Rock Scrambling
- Native Americans
- Gold Mining
- Wonderland
- Gold
- Lost Horse Mine
- Pinto Basin
- Lost Horse Valley
- Mining
- Hidden Valley
- Wildflowers
- Cattle Ranching
- Water
- Geology Tour Road
- Ruins
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Punk Rock was the Goal - Joshua Tree National Park https://t.co/jHbwyTjpwU -
They Lose Horses, Don't They? - Joshua Tree National Park https://t.co/R3JfkHhH09
