Trip Reports: Death Valley & Lake Tahoe

This spring I had the opportunity to visit Las Vegas for a conference. Figured while I was there I’d hit the area a few days early and do one of my typical photo blitz tours of a couple areas I’d never been to before. So a friend and I met up with one of my other long time friends and fellow photographer, Monte Trumbull, and we logged some windshield time!

Unfortunately the weather and conditions just didn’t cooperate at Death Valley.  While I didn’t get any images, I still had a great time and got some good scouting in for future trips.

We left Death Valley heading for Lake Tahoe.  Drove out of the desert and into a full on snowstorm for two days.  I love being in the mountains when it’s snowing!

Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, California

First Blush : Prints Available

Early morning light on a beautiful and serene Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe.  

Pastel Shores : Prints Available

 First light on the famous Bonsai Rock on Lake Tahoe.

Funny (almost not so funny) trip note:  Always make sure you have gas when you’re in the middle of nowhere!

Heading into the mountains from Death Valley towards Lake Tahoe we encountered a full on snowstorm that was making blizzard conditions heading into the mountains.  Pass closures forced us to make a detour.  We coasted into a town (if you can call it that…) on vapors to the gas station that was on the GPS only to find out it was closed!  Another small gas station in the town was out of gas because their fuel truck didn’t show up.  The next town was 25 miles away.  No way we would make it.  Fortunately the owner sold us 5 gallons from his truck to the tune of $8 per gallon.  Most expensive 5 gallons I’ve ever purchased, and worth every penny!

Trip Report: Southwest – Spring 2011

A few images from my Spring 2011 trip to the Southwest. A whirlwind trip covering over 2000 miles on the road, 3 states, 3 National Parks, some backcountry camping, and a lot of bald blue skies! Even though the skies were less than ideal I had a great time showing one of my friends around and scouting some new locations for future visits.

Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona

Burning Bright : Prints Available

 Antelope Canyon is an amazing sight. The narrow slot canyons of sandstone are breathtaking to walk through. If you are there at the right time of day, at the right time of year, and in the right place, you will be treated to a spectacular light show as rays of light pierce down into the canyon. The sandstone glows as if it's on fire for just a few minutes as the sun passes directly overhead.

Page, Arizona

Whisper : Prints Available

 
Wahweap Hoodoos, Utah, Backcountry, Tents

Minutes To Midnight : Prints Available

We hiked nine miles into the backcountry to some hoodoos I had scouted on a previous trip. We had some awesome clouds and wind, so I was hopeful I’d get the morning shot that had eluded me on my previous attempt. Unfortunately by morning, all the clouds had blown away and the shot I had been planning escaped my grasp.
Storm, Cheyenne, Nevada

Chasing The Tempest : Prints Available

As we were returning to Vegas the dynamic weather I had been looking for all week finally showed up. It continued to taunt me as we left the area to the point where I finally had to get out of the car and take a quick shot!

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