We hope you enjoy our 2022 wall calendar! Here is a little additional information about each month’s photo.
Desert Sandstorm
A sandstorm is raging through Amargosa Valley in Nevada, just outside of Death Valley.
We had recently left the second windiest area in the country and were surprised to still be exposed to sandstorms.
Devil’s Garden
No, that’s not the Devil in the Garden. The Devil is in the Detail.
This amazing area is off the beaten path along the “Hole in the Rock” Road in Southern Utah, which they proudly call “the best washboard in the country”. The road must be a great source of income for local car repair shops.
Catching Light in the Canyon
There are many deep canyons in the SouthWest. Most of them are barren at the bottom. Every once in a while you come across a small tree, like this Palo Verde. It knows how to catch the light and glow.
More than just Sticks
Ocotillo look just like a bunch of dead sticks in the desert. Most of the time. After a good rain, they can grow small leaves.
Looking a little closer (proceed at your own risk), a new world opens up.
Standing Strong and Tall
This Yucca stands in the Kodachrome Basin State Park in Southern Utah.
Just a simple reminder for us to go back there. Lots more to explore.
Whimsical Ocotillo
With lots of rain, Ocotillo can even grow flowers.
The plant is actually not a cactus (as commonly believed) and more closely related to the tea plant. Is this why its flowers are sometimes dried and used to make tea?
Rebuilding
Sandstorms erase footsteps of tourists, re-building and cleaning the dunes. Is it rebuilding or erosion?
Sand from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is blown far into other areas of Death Valley. By the truckloads. Who brings it all back?
Masks required if you want to experience it up close.
Rock Glow
Southern Utah is famous for its Red Rock formations. I did not know they can glow, until I saw it with my own eyes.
Another great example of beautiful erosion. The tree branches only give the illusion of a sense of scale. You have no idea!
Backlit
Light shining through a Palm Leaf in the Living Desert. What’s behind and what’s in front?
Sweet Erosion
Erosion happens. Slowly but surely. Few places are as beautiful as the rock formations of Zabriskie Point in Death Valley. Do you have any sense of scale?
The four colors seem to have taken directly from my favorite Layered Nougat. That’s a lot of Nougat!
Devil’s Garden II
We had this large area mostly to ourselves the whole afternoon. The rock formations are surreal. Definitely closer to heaven than hell.
Artist’s Palette
Not your usual view of Artist’s Palette. You may even have thought this image is mis-titled.
A look behind the famous Death Valley attraction reveals a canyon that is worth meandering. This must be the drain where the palette is washed clean and all the colors combine.