Those who know me, know that I'm a nature lover who enjoys exploring the wilderness and camping in remote places off the beaten path. Spots where the only thing you hear is the sound of the wind, and wild animals in the distance. I find that by spending some "quiet time" in these place, it allows me time to relax and think. I want this blog to not only show the professional side of my photography but also show the personal side. Most of the time I don't like hiking around with a lot of heavy camera gear, so you'll find that all these images were create with my Canon G9 and Sony DSC-828 cameras. Plus I have to remind myself this trip was more about spending time with my son, his friend and dad.
In the past few weeks many of the San Diego County children were out of school for Spring break. My son which was one of those kids, loves the camping in the desert and he needed something to do, so we decided to plan a small three day trip to the desert. Also in an effort to make things more exciting we invited my son's neighborhood friend and his dad to join us. So we set a date, did some grocery shopping, loaded up the truck and off we went on a off road, 4-wheel drive trip into the Anza-Borrego State Park.
When I hike I like to keep my camera accessible as possible. I find that when you keep your camera in you bag or backpack you're less likely to take it out when you see something that catches your eye. If you look closely you can see I'm holding my Zero Image 6x12 wooden pinhole camera. I'll try and post some of the images from that camera in this post when I get those photos processed.
While four wheel driving through the expansive section of the Anza Borrego desert called the Badlands, we came across some great slot canyons. We all had a lot of fun hiking through these canyons and at times had to squeeze ourselves through some tight spots. The boys couldn't have been happier.
While we were driving into the desert I told the boys that the desert is full of things that can hurt you. The heat of the sun, sharp prickly cactus, getting dehydrated, sharp rocks and yes, rattlesnakes. While we were hiking through the slit canyons in the Anza Borrego Badlands we almost stepped on this poisonous Red Diamond Rattlesnake. Fortunately this snake is rather docile and isn't as interested in striking like his friend the Southern Pacific Rattler. Since I spend a lot of time hiking in the desert people often ask me what you do if you ever get bit by a rattlesnake. Do you carry a snake bite kit? I tell them this. If someone gets bit by a snake especially kids, you isolate the wound, pick up the child or person and get them to a hospital as soon as possible. Often more damage is done and time is wasted using a snake bite kit. So I would only use that as a last resort. Before the snake disappears, take note of what it looks like or take a picture, so you can better describe to the doctor what kind snake it was. Fortunately this snake was spotted by the other day before the boys round the corner. Needless to say, we gave this bad boy the courtesy of hiking up and around it. The boys were shook up, but the lesson of dangers of the desert were solidified in their minds.
When I go camping, I normally bring a set of Bocce Balls. I truly love this game and the sandy washes of the desert make for a perfect playing field. Since the car was pretty loaded down with gear, I decided to bring a set of Pétanque balls in stead. They're smaller and easier to pack. Years ago I bought the set in small town in Southern France and carried them home in my checked luggage. Might be kind of hard to do now with all the airline restrictions.
Once we all got back to camp, it was time for a cold beer and a margarita. We relaxed from the days hike, sipped on our drinks, got the fire and dinner going all before the sun went down. During our trip we were blessed with an almost full moon. Being a long exposure lover, I love it when the moon comes out like this and lights up the sandy washes and hillsides. After the boys went to bed, out came the single malt scotch and the tripod. One night all of us went on a night hike... we brought flashlights, but you really didn't need them to see where you were going.
Before heading for home the boys hadn't had enough of the desert, so we headed to the palm grove of Mountain Palm Springs. The weather was warm that day so it was nice to walk around and chill underneath the palms.
Everyone walked away with memories I'm sure we'll all have for years to come.
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Great wide angle images. I liked them very much, wide angle lens is my favourite.
Friday, April 24, 2009Great wide angle images. I liked them very much, wide angle lens is my favourite.
Saturday, April 25, 2009Ooops, should have added great post! Waiting on the next one!
You have motivated me to get a better camera.
Monday, April 27, 2009We usually go the cheap route but we are kind of tired of the lag time of the lower end Canons.
Would you reccomend the G9?
Thanks,
Bob
Hey Bob --- I like both the cameras I used on this trip, the Canon G9 (which is now discontinued and replaced by the G10) and the Sony DSC-828 (8 mega pixels with a Japanese Zeiss lens). I really like the small portability of the G9, it's compact design and GUI interface really works well. Keep in mind neither one of these cameras are pro quality. You will experience noise at high ISO settings, so I keep them at 100 or 200 ISO. As for the Sony camera, I really like that camera too and it's built WELL. I have lugged that thing all over the place. Had it at the beach, in the mountains, etc. I like the tilt lens feature and it's ability to take 30 second exposures and night vision capabilities. I hope this helps. -Chris
Monday, April 27, 2009Great thanks for the advice.
Friday, May 1, 2009I will look at the Sony also.
Your pics are awesome.
Bob
What a nice pictures. This camera takes really nice pictures. Is it a Canon?
Thursday, May 14, 2009Thanks - Some are taken with a Canon G9 and some with a Sony DSC-828
Thursday, May 14, 2009