Right as the pandemic hit the US, my partner and I were worlds away on a long road-trip through the deserts of California and Utah.
We explored far flung nooks and crannies, climbed dune fields, and scrambled around big globs of rock. What strikes me most about the photos I took on this trip are the lines and textures. zig-zags, spiky prickers, fine sand glitter, and candy swirls.
Yant Flats, St George UT was our first stop.
A completely magical place that we had all to ourselves, camping at the trailhead and heading up the trail in the dark not knowing what to expect. Imagine our wonder happening upon these Dr. Seussian landscapes.
Next up was Death Valley.
It was around this time, beginning of March that news of the pandemic started to become more real. I remember meeting up with another photographer, shaking his hand, and for the first time realizing maybe I shouldn’t have done that. Despite our newfound anxiety for the global catastrophe headed our way like a tidal wave, we made the most of couple windy nights in the National Park. The landscape and weather were undoubtedly harsh but lines and textures were out of this world.
On our way to Joshua Tree, we stopped for a night in Alabama Hills,
a spectacular place I must return to. The best part was that it was like a giant playground for adults. Endless big round boulders strewn as far as you can see, with all kinds of holes and arches to find and easy rocks clamber around on.
We spent a week in Joshua Tree
mainly glued to our phones, as news of the pandemic became serious, Walmarts were emptied of all TP and sanitizer, and though we snuck in a few moments enjoying the nearby natural wonders of Joshua Tree National Park, we ultimately decided to cut our road trip short and high-tail it home.
… With one last stop in Valley of Fire, of course.
