More climbing

Ron Niebrugge California, Photos, Travel Leave a Comment

Thomas Vetsch stops near the top of a route in Joshua Tree.

Thomas Vetsch stops near the top of a route in Joshua Tree.

I had to do one more climbing post because I hadn’t included a photo of Thomas, and didn’t want to leave him out.  Thomas was the least experienced of the three guys I hung out with, but every bit as motivated and passionate.  Actually, this was the first time Thomas had lead up a route or placed protection, it was cool to have photographed this milestone in his progression as a climber.  The pride he took in his accomplishment was evident when I saw him looking back at the wall after the climb was done – it was cool to see the satisfaction in his expression.

Rock Climbing, Joshua Tree National Park

Ron Niebrugge California, Photos, Travel 14 Comments

Matt Van Biene getting ready to climb, Joshua Tree National Park, California.

Matt Van Biene getting ready to climb, Joshua Tree National Park, California.

It was  treat to be able to photograph this quite, contemplative moment as Matt prepared his gear and his mind.  Matt was a great guy and excellent climber – I really enjoyed watching and photographing all three of these guys.

Matt Van Biene working his way up a wall.

Matt Van Biene climbing in Joshua Tree.

Matt has an interesting blog where he shares his climbing experiences – be sure to check it out:  Matt Van Biene’s blog – This Journey.

Matt tossing a rope off the top.

Matt tossing a rope off the top.

Matt suggested this shot – great suggestion, kind of a classic climbing image of the rope being tossed over the edge.

Climbing in Joshua Tree

Ron Niebrugge California, Photos, Travel 15 Comments

Ernest Sierras climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, California.

Ernest Sierras at sunset climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, California.

It was amazing watching Ernest work his way up an almost vertical wall with the help from just a tiny little crack in the rock.  I had a great time working with Ernest and two other great climbers in Joshua Tree on Friday – more to come.

Joshua Tree at Sunset

Ron Niebrugge California, Photos, Travel 6 Comments

Jushua Tree at sunset, Joshua Tree National Park, California.

Joshua Tree at sunset, Joshua Tree National Park, California.

I think the unique, graphical shapes of these trees just cries out to be used as a silhouette.  Having a colorful sky was a bonus!

Coyote, Joshua Tree National Park

Ron Niebrugge California, Photos, Travel 7 Comments

Coyote, Joshua Tree National Park, California.

Coyote, Joshua Tree National Park, California.

It was a treat watching this coyote as he passed by my location on a nice evening earlier this week.  Being outdoors in a place like Joshua Tree is always a treat, but having the opportunity to observe wildlife in it’s natural environment, substantially enhances the experience.

Right after the coyote pasted by this spot, a chipmunk ran out from under the rock you see above the coyote’s head – I suppose the chipmunk didn’t enjoying the coyote’s presence as much as I did.

Coachella Valley Photo

Ron Niebrugge California, Photos, Travel 24 Comments

The Palm Springs area in the Coachella Valley, California.

The Palm Springs area in the Coachella Valley, California.

I was excited to share some more sunset images from Joshua Tree National Park, that was until last night’s sunset – without a doubt, one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen in the desert!  I photographed like mad in every direction, the light was absolutely fantastic.  This is pretty much straight out of the camera with a 3 stop graduated neutral density filter.

Now I must confess, I tend to be an easy going person who doesn’t handle confrontation well.  Truthfully, I usually do what I can to avoid confrontation, probably to a fault.

I say that to help set the stage for what happened next.  As I photographed from this amazing location, a women with a small child pulled up in her large, black SUV and began changing her child’s  diaper.  Somehow I knew what was going to happen next.  I watched her walk across the parking lot with her child and diaper – by the way, the LCD screen on the back of the camera makes a great rear view mirror, I use it all the time.  Anyway, she appears to look for a trash can, and then tosses the diaper over the decorative wall that surrounded the parking area!

I think she may have known I saw her because she stalled for a long time before returning to her vehicle, at which time I asked if she intended to leave that diaper behind.  She said, “what diaper?”, I said “the one you dropped over the wall”.  She claimed to not know what I was talking about.  I then as nicely as possible told her that I couldn’t believe anyone could do such a thing in such a beautiful place, that I found it very disappointing.  She looked at me but didn’t respond, so I turned back to the sunset, all the while watching her in my “rear view mirror”.

Well, she put her child in the vehicle, walked across the parking lot, climbed over the wall and picked up the trash and put it in her vehicle.  I thanked her, and told her I really appreciated it – and sure felt a lot better about speaking up.

Joshua Tree

Ron Niebrugge California, Travel 12 Comments

Joshua Trees at sunset at the appropriately named Joshua Tree National Park, California.

Joshua trees at sunset at the appropriately named Joshua Tree National Park, California.

Since we have been up since 3:30, I’m going to keep this short because I need a nap.  We had a great time there – saw my first bobcat this morning!

Las Vegas Pano

Ron Niebrugge Las Vegas, Nevada, Photos, Travel 4 Comments

Panoramic photo of the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada.

Panoramic photo of the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada.

I’m on an endless search for new and different vantage points for photographing the Las Vegas Strip, in the hope of improving on our Las Vegas photos.

I’m sorry to say that a few days of high winds and some business activity keep me from visiting Valley of the Fire, so to make up for it, tonight we are grabbing the tent and heading into Joshua Tree National Park – should be nice timing with the nearly full moon, warm weather and all.  Should be a big change from Las Vegas!