This past Friday I had the joy of participating in a photography workshop with Bob Greenburg. "Ranger Bob" has, for the past 15 1/2 years, worked as either a volunteer or a "flat hat" (ranger) for the national park service at a number of national parks. He has been an official park photographer/interpretor at many parks throughout the United States. Most of his time has been spent at Death Valley and Yellowstone Parks.
Last spring Vic and I attended a ranger-led interpretive walk with Ranger Bob which is where I first met him.
This year I have a new camera with more capabilities than I can begin to comprehend. Two friends here at Ash Meadows also have great cameras and have been in the same predicament. I approached Bob a few weeks ago and asked if he would consider doing a workshop for the three of us. Right then and there he scheduled us. We three were so excited for three weeks just waiting....
And what a grand day it was. The weather cooperated beautifully. Bob gave us a full day - from
morning until past sunset and even calibrated my camera!
None of us believes how much we learned in the course of that one day. And we had so much fun, laughing and learning.
I'm going to break with my past format and begin labeling beneath photos rather than above. Sorry if this causes much confusion. I hope you will find it an improvement.
This photo was taken while we were in Golden Canyon by Kathie Taylor. It is actually the back of Zabriskie Point with Red Cathedral to the left. This is one of Bob's "secret" spots that he shared with us.
Exiting the canyon we had this lovely view of the snow-topped Panamints across the valley.
From atop that high "secret" spot looking back down the canyon to the valley floor. This is another canyon carved by the force of water.
Some of the rocks from which the canyon got its name.
Next stop was Badwater where we were 282 feet below sea level. Lake Manley occupied this arid region thousands of years ago. Normally dry now it has perhaps 6" of water from the El Nino winter. At last count there has been in excess of 3" of rain since the beginning of the year. The average annual precipitation measures 1-2"! Thus the return of a smaller Lake Manley and the beautiful green life beginning to emerge.
Helectites - thread-like salt formations that grow in any direction.
What appear from the distance to be potholes in the salt.....
Kathie and Cyndi Souza practicing what we have learned.
More salt deposts
Kathie, taken by Cyndi
Looking north up Death Valley in the late afternoon light.
