Last Saturday I returned from a quick visit to the Southwest. The primary reason for the travel was to explore the state of the industry at the yearly National Association of Broadcasters Show where all things dealing with broadcasting - television, radio, Internet and now mobile - take center stage.
The previous Wednesday, after spending six hours on two flights and passing three time zones which conveniently added 3 hours to my schedule, I step off the plane and head directly to the Las Vegas Convention Center. There I immerse myself in the business end of this fast-changing and exciting technology. This year’s show drew more than 85,000 attendees who listened to industry experts in conference sessions as well as some 1,500 exhibitors displaying new video and audio equipment, accessories, consultation, training, software. The LVCC was bustling both inside and outside as attendees shuffled between the various halls.
But this story is not about the NAB, nor broadcasting. Instead this story is an addendum to an earlier blog about one of my best photographic investments to date. More about that shortly.
As I’ve completed most of my NAB business, the following day (Thursday) I’m up at dawn, hop into the rental car and head first North and then West from sin city. Along the way, the only two points of interest are Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs where I spot a few Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs) sitting on the tarmac and Beatty, a town close to the infamous Yucca Mountain, the proposed nuclear waste depository.
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For the most part, the winding drive takes me through high desert scrub land with slightly rolling hills. About two hours later, I am at the east entrance to Death Valley. |
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I’ve visited Death Valley several times before but as I descend from the surrounding mountains into the valley I immediately notice that something is different. Instead of the hard packed dirt on each side of the road, what greets me are thousands of bright yellow and purple flowers as far as my eye can see. It’s wildflower season and I’ve arrived at a plentiful time. Before I reach the valley floor, I’ve stopped the car a dozen times to get an up close view of the spectacular color. Here are a few flowers that I’ve captured on film. |
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Upon reaching the valley floor, I point the car towards the ranger station at Stovepipe Wells. For those of you who haven’t read my earlier blog, I claimed that my most valuable photographic investment last year wasn’t for new or additional photography equipment. Instead it was the $50 that I paid for a yearly National Parks Pass. However, my valuable pass has expired and so I’ve stopped by to renew for another year. The friendly ranger tells me that next year I’ll be eligible for a lifetime Senior Pass for only $10 - age does has it’s benefits.
Here’s what I did on the first day of my reinvestment:
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Surprisingly the park is crowded on this warm (actually hot) but gorgeous day. In between hops at the various sites, I take a quick lunch break at Furnace Creek to enjoy some cool shade. The parking lot is jammed with cars, campers and dozens of motorcycles. Apparently, I’m just one of many who have come to enjoy the park. Inside the General Store, the clerk tells me that the wildflowers have drawn so many visitors that the three lodges inside the park are nearly full for the week.
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In all I spend about six hours in the park. The stark majesty of Death Valley make me feel that my investment is definitely worth the expense…and I still have 11-1/2 more months to enjoy other parks as well. In a few days, I’ll be heading up to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, so I’ll be sure to get a lot more enjoyment. |
Shortly before boarding my flight back to Grand Rapids on Saturday, I pick up the local Las Vegas Review Journal. On the front page is an article “A Fantastic Bloom” about the Death Valley wildflowers. I read with amazement that this is the third best year in recent history for the colorful wildflowers. I learn that past winter brought 3 inches of rain instead of the less than 2 inch yearly average. This accounts for the abundance and variety of the flowers. I feel lucky to have visited the park to experience these extraordinary views. And I feel just as lucky to be able to bring some of them back on film. What an investment!
One final note. To really enjoy the photographic hobby, doesn’t require you to visit a national park. All you have to do is get out in the open air and click, click, click. For most of us, it’s not the amount of equipment that gives you the enjoyment. Rather it’s the experience of capturing your surrounding - whether it be outdoors with nature, in an urban setting or simply at home with the family. Don’t let your camera collect dust.
