Peek-a-boo
Another Tortoise rock face greets us up near Toms Thumb. It was a flat image so I applied a little color/contrast punch using Topaz filters.
Posts from the ‘McDowell Sonoran Preserve’ Category
Jan 21
Jan 20
Fire
I’m late with my photo this morning because I forgot I was leading a couple of friends out to the Marcus Landslide. Thank goodness they sent me a note to let me know they were leaving their house or I would have been sitting at my computer in my PJs when they came 🙂 (Fire devastated most trees in the Landslide area leaving these skeletons. I captured this one using my infrared converted Canon 5D. The color is result of a custom white balance.)
Jan 18
Over the McDowells
I went on a wonderful 8 mile hike yesterday in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with two fellow wanna-be botanists. We had a blast locating particular species that grow at elevation. My two friends had not done this North to South over the mountain trail so they were ooing and ahhing at the vistas. The scenery was spectacular, as you can see so I’m still in awe every time I do it. This photo shows approximately the half way point as we’re heading down to the trailhead. All in all……a fantastic day with plenty of flower sightings. I think we’re in for a great Spring!
Jan 17
Anemone Tuberosa
Went on a hike in Cave Creek with the Desert Foothill Lands Trust people on Saturday. It was an extra treat because Steve Jones (MSC’s favorite botanist) was along! He identified this sprouting plant as being Anemone Tuberosa aka Desert Anemene. It’s difficult to find in full bloom because they close early in the morning but I’ve been lucky the last couple of years.
Jan 14
Female Phainopepla
A female Phainopepla. Two images combined using Multiply blend mode.
Jan 13
Marcus Landslide Rocks!
The boulders in and around the Marcus Landslide trail are humongous! Just compare these with the Paloverde and the giant Saguaro growing among them. Construction on a new North Access parking lot starts soon and this trail is expected to be officially opened in the Spring of 2012. Because it is relatively easy hiking with spectacular views of the Superstitions and Mazatzals and has incredible geology, I predict it will be one of the most popular trails in the Preserve.
Jan 10
Early Morning
View of Superstitions from Marcus Landslide Trail captured yesterday morning.
Jan 9
Sunset Ride
The rider didn’t quite make it to the top but his riding skill was impressive non the less! This is near the junction of the Tom’s Thumb Trail and East End Trail. One of our many favorites for a sunset hike.
