Joshua Tree National Park Rock Formations...

Ironcically, I have spent more time photographing the rock formations and panoramas, than the Joshua trees themselves.  

These images were taken during my visit to the park, earlier this month.  

The image on the left intrigued me, because the huge slab on the right side of the photo seems to have been knocked over; as though it was just a domino.

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

Nikon D7200. 1/60th sec. @ f/14.  ISO 100.

                                                               Above:  Although these crumbled rocks look rather small,                                                                      they are, in fact, large enough to climb on.  In my view, this                                                                    photo illustrates the eternal patience of nature.  In the coming                                                                 millenia, these rocks will be reduced to dust.

                                                               

                                                              Photo by Scott Schwartz.  1/40th sec. @ f/20. Nikon D7200.  

                                                              ISO 100.

                                                  Jigsaw puzzle-pieces that don't quite match.

                                                  Photo by Scott Schwartz.

                                                  Nikon D7200.  1/40th sec. @ f/20.  ISO 100.

Left:  Life takes hold.

1/15th sec. @f/20.
ISO 100. 
Nikon D7200.

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

                                                                                                           

I always try to be as observant as possible when I'm exploring.  I know that the word "exploring" sounds dramatic.  But exploration can simply mean looking for new sights, angles, and shadows in places that we're quite familiar with.  Here, the shadows of a yucca's leaves splayed out on this rock caught my eye as I was walking around the Lost-Horse campground.
                                                                       1/250th sec. @ f/8.  ISO 100
                                                                       Nikon D7200
                                                                       Photo by Scott Schwartz.

This tree poking out from the top of this formation, looks like the claw of a giant creature that is climbing over the rocks.

1/50th sec. @ f/20.  ISO 100.  Nikon D7200.  Photo by Scott Schwartz.

Joshua Tree National Park...

Here's a group of jumbled rocks that I shot, along one of my many sojourns along the Geology Tour Roaa.

Photo by Scott Schwartz

Snippets of Keys Ranch...

One of Keys' children remarked that the only toys available to the kids were pieces of wood and iron!

Here, a hidden cabin peeks out in a remote corner of the ranch.

Arrastre.  

Photos by Scott Schwartz.

All rights reserved. 

Snippets Of Keys Ranch...

I couldn't resist taking this; another perspective on one of the old cars at Keys Ranch.

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

All rights reserved. 

Keys Ranch- Snippets...

This old car appears to be peaking from behind a rock.

View through the crazed glass.

Photos by Scott Schwartz.

All rights reserved.

Keys Ranch.

Joshua Tree National Park.

Snippets Of Keys Ranch....

Two views of an ore-crushing machine(at least, that's what I think this machine is.)  Keys Ranch.

Joshua Tree National Park.

Photos by Scott Schwartz.  All rights reserved.

Snippets Of Keys Ranch....

Keys and his new wife (a Los Angeles department-store sales clerk) moved to the ranch in 1918.

The newlyweds had a rough existence ahead of them; they eventually had seven children.  Three of those children died, and they are buried at the ranch.

This old Mack truck is parked outside a workshop on th ranch. Are the wooden blocks used to prevent flat-spots on the tires?  Photo by Scott Schwartz.  All rights reserved.

What could be the reason for just leaving three oven-ranges outside like this?  Were they too hard to dispose of, after they no longer worked?  

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

All rights reserved,.

To be continued...

Snippets of Keys Ranch: Joshua Tree National Park...

A wanderer of the Southwest for most of his early life, Bill Keys arrived in Twentynine Palms at the age of 30.  He was made superintendant of the Desert Queen Mine, but the company operating the mine went bankrupt. 

In lieu of back-pay, Keys was given the deed to the mine, and he then built a ranch on 160 acres of homesteaded land.

It was a rough life.

The light coming through the gaps in the wooden walls of a workshop at Keys Ranch shines on this old coil of hose.

Close-up of an old trunk inside the workshop at Keys Ranch.

More to come...

Drone Photo Essay: In Flight USA Magazine -

A short photo essay, titled:  "Elevating Art" at the back of the magazine.


In Flight USA March 2020%20

Drone Flight Over The Rock Formations Near Lost Lake...

Lost Lake is a small, marshy lake that is located in California's Cajon Pass.

These rock formations are located at the north end of the lake.

Equipment:  DJI Phantom 4.

From my latest excursion...

Guess where I was?  

There'll be more to come, within the next several days.

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

All rights reserved.