In the desert, rock is ubiquitous, and seemingly everlasting. Wind and water, however–the forces that carve rock–are not so permanent in the desert. Water especially is ephemeral, coming in bursts throughout the year. Winter’s snowmelt feeds the rivers, but many are reduced to a small flow by summer. During summer, thunderstorms feed canyons, washes and rivers–anything that drains a watershed–in violent bursts. The spring water works to carve the landscape and sustains life; summer flash floods finish the job. Finally, any remaining water freezes during winter and expands in cracks, working to part rocks.
I made this image in Buckskin Gulch in southern Utah in January. Buckskin, combined with the Paria River, makes for an accessible backpacking trip through one of the nicest slot canyons in the southwest. I noticed the brown “bath tub ring” in my RAW images, and thought there was something going on with my lens, but then I realized that’s a high water line, probably from years of flash flooding. For scale, its about 6 feet off the ground.
- Buckskin Gulch, January 2011
Incidentally, this is my 200th blog post here at Alpenglow Images. I’m grateful for several things. First, I’m grateful for the participation, both from people who comment and those who don’t. Thank you for commenting, and for sharing your ideas. To that end, I’m also grateful for your inspiration, because you all have been with me on a continuing journey to define my vision in photography. Finally, I’m just plain happy this blog hasn’t been ephemeral. Thank you again for a great 200 first posts.
Such a great shot!
Greg, that is one of my favorite hikes in the southwest, a super spot! Congrats on 200 blog posts, yours is a blog “worth following”!
A fine photo for your 200th post Greg. I look forward to hundreds more.
I’ll echo Phil’s comment — Alpenglow Images is definitely worth following.
Thanks Greg, great photo. I haven’t been to Buckskin Gulch in more than 15 years. This brings back lots of fond memories.
Great post and image Greg – and congrats on the benchmark!
I love Buckskin Gulch and have probably spent more time there than the nearby (and much more popular) Paria Wave. Miles of beautiful southwest slickrock.
Some nice thoughts here Greg, water is the life-giver for us all. That tide line is really wild!
Thanks, all, for the comments! I think that you could make an entire water “portfolio” without even having a drop of water in any image. I’m glad you like the image, and idea.
Also, many thanks for the praise on the blog…its humbling to be coming from all of you.
Cheers,
Greg
What an incredible shot. I like having the perspective…what an awesome place that must be to walk through with those towering walls and sandy floor. Your steps must sound like whispers…
Sharon
PS.. congrats on 200 posts!
Thanks for the comment, Sharon! For me, its like walking the halls of a cathedral.
This WOWs me!
Really awesome capture!
Thanks, Kerri! Much appreciated!