Onion Valley

Carol Freshley May 27, 2018

One starts up the canyon which for some reason is called Onion Valley. But, it does not smell like onions and they are not grown in the area! I am sure there is a story but I could not find it. It is a popular recreational area that usually opens up about mid-May. Trails from Onion Valley provide acces to the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park. There is a campsite at the end of the trail that has 29 campsites for tent camping or RV type units less than 25 feet in length. The road up the canyon is so narrow, winding, and steep that no one in their right mind would take anything longer up anyway! We had a great drive up and down as the weather went from nice pretty white clouds to stormy dark clouds.

On the way home we stopped at the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery. Founded in 1917, Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery provided fresh trout to the Sierra Nevada region for nearly a century. After a series of natural disasters in 2008, the hatchery closed and the focus shifted to preservation and education. The hatchery portion is no longer operational but the building houses an interesting museum and is photographically interesting with its early 20th century archetcture.

In times past, fingerling trout were transported by mule to small and big lakes all along the Sierra Nevada.

Wildflowers to Globe

Carol Freshley February 24, 2015

Many are hoping for a bumper wildflower season. It just may happen. We drove to Globe, stopping along the way to photograph roadside wildflowers, weather and a green desert . . . and a few other things!

There are a few poppies in Miami, but the background is not stellar.  With the rain and cold wind, only a few poppies were even open.  Elaine captured a rare one! — There are a few poppies in Miami, but the background is not stellar. With the rain and cold wind, only a few poppies were even open. Elaine captured a rare one!

Wait!!!  This is not a wildflower.  That Tom!!  Follows his own drummer. — Wait!!! This is not a wildflower. That Tom!! Follows his own drummer.

Of course, once in a while you have to look up. When we did we were treated to some awesome scenery. Elaine was going to 'get her bird'. She did, of course. Two of them. A little bit of courting going on to boot!!

Mom, don't ask!  Really.  From the middle of the road! — Mom, don't ask! Really. From the middle of the road!

Chiricahua Mountain Part 2

Carol Freshley November 8, 2014

As we headed up the scenic road to Massai Point we were treated to spectacular views of Wonderland of Rocks as it was called when it first became a National Monument. The descriptive name is most appropriate. At first we imagined a hike into Echo Canyon. But, we were realistic. We were getting a late start and the drive to the Echo Canyon Trailhead was not going to happen quickly. That 8 mile road is a stopper . . . again and again. Even shooting from the car meant slowing down a bit.

At Massai Point you can see at least 180 degrees of the hoodoo panorama spread out below you. In many ways this panorama reminded me of Bryce Canyon and one day I want to return during the late afternoon Golden Hour to check out the change in color. We were there about midday and the colors were harsh, the shadows not helpful and the sky easily blown out. But that is not all that you can photograph! Rocks close at hand offer their own photographic challenges and opportunities.

A not too difficult walk from the parking lot gets you to the Massai Point Overlook.  It is from this point that many of the images above were shot. — A not too difficult walk from the parking lot gets you to the Massai Point Overlook. It is from this point that many of the images above were shot.

We returned to the parking lot at the Visitor Center to pick up our hikers, Greg and Ann and then drove to Tucson where we would overnight. Before leaving this post, however, I would like to thank the Civilian Conservation Corps of old for the great work they did in getting this Monument ready for thousands to enjoy. Their contribution is noted at the Monument . . . in photos!!