Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are at the northern end of the valley floor and are nearly surrounded by mountains on all sides. The primary source of the dune sands is probably the Cottonwood Mountains which lie to the north and northwest. The tiny grains of quartz and feldspar that form the sinuous sculptures that make up this dune field began as much larger pieces of solid rock. In between many of the dunes are stands of creosote bush on the sand and on dried mud, which used to cover this part of the valley before the dunes intruded.
Shadows on Death Valley Sand Dunes
The Castle at Capitol Reef
One of the wonderful National Parks found in the West. A majestic view of Capitol Reef from Panorama Point.
Waves at Sunset on Rabbit Key
A beautiful Gulf Coast Sunset from Rabbit Key in Everglades National Park. Storms had moved passed and provided splendid color and light in the western skies over the Gulf of Mexico.
Mangrove Tree Off of Rabbit Key
One of the cool aspects of exploring Ten Thousand Islands in Everglades National Park is the plethora of Mangroves that are present there. The Gulf of Mexico is very shallow in the area and tides can expose large expanses of beach when they recede. Trees can thrive out in these sections as long as the top of their roots remain exposed to the air. This presents some interesting opportunities for unique subjects in photography that are not available in other locations.
Drying Nautical Map on Rabbit Key
When we made it to Rabbit Key (camp site) in Everglades National Park, it is time to unpack the gear from the kayaks and dry things out. This includes the essential nautical map for the area. We all have electronic GPS but it is important to also have a secondary map in case you run out of power or your GPS is malfunctioning. You must know how to read the map and use a compass.
Sunset Peaking through Clouds on Tiger Key
Listening to the waves roll on to the white beach and looking up through the mangroves to see the sunset happening on Tiger Key was a fabulous moment. Everglades National Park has numerous locations to get away from Florida’s crowds and just absorb nature's beauty. Ten Thousand Islands is a prime location to experience the setting sun dip below the Gulf of Mexico.
Morning Breeze in Death Valley
On our last morning in Death valley National Park we sauntered around the salt flat near Badwater which is the lowest point in North America at -282 feet below sea level. The winds were kicking up pretty good and Teig had his fur flowing with the breeze. It was very quiet on this morning and we were on the west side of the valley which only has a rough dirt road with hardly any tourists.
Reflective above Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is one the most spectacular views in America. Looking down into the orange and red banded canyon made me feel inspired with the beauty of nature. This young woman appears to have a similar reaction to viewing the canyon.
Capitol Reef Afternoon
The views you can enjoy on a beautiful afternoon in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park.
Green Arroyos in Badlands
Badlands National Park in South Dakota has some green areas. One of those areas is in the arroyos in between the hills in the park. This vast badlands is broken by the lush green areas in these low lying locations that gather moisture and rain from the hills.
Green Arroyos in Badlands