It was just another evening in the desert.
My Dad and I, along with another friend, were visiting the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness along the Arizona Strip for a couple of days of photography and hiking. Although it was August, the heat wasn’t too bad, if you stayed in the shade during the hot part of the day. With evening coming on, we emerged like lizards from our burrows to enjoy the final vestiges of our vacation.
The plan was to hike back to an interesting rock formation we had found earlier in the day for some night photography. After shooting sunset, and moving into position, we waited for darkness to fall. In August, that happens slowly, so after our cameras were set up, we went for a short hike.
As stars began dotting the sky, returning to “our spot” seemed like a good idea. Cresting the final ridge, and looking down, we saw a very unusual sight. The rocks near our equipment were glowing red, and we could see small red lights moving around them very quickly! Watching in amazement, the lights moved faster and faster, and although we could see no figures, it seemed almost as though the lights were dancing in the evening light.
Almost as soon as they began, the lights disappeared. For three grown men, it took us a while to get the guts to return to our gear. Without any discussion at all, it seemed like a good idea to pack up and go. Although we’d marked GPS waypoints to help us over the two miles back to the car, we didn’t seem to need them, and we sure didn’t look back!!
When I got home, I began looking at the files on my memory card and saw the most curious thing–whatever it was making those lights, also made a few images. A supernatural photographer? Perhaps. I did some homework, and found reference to a group of spirits in the area–los espectros de las animas–the specters of lost souls, who sometimes haunt visitors in the area, although they’re seen rarely.
The next time you venture into the wilderness and think you’re alone, you might think again. You never know what may be lurking under the cover of evening skies….
Supernatural, August 2011
Happy Halloween from Alpenglow Images!
Wild image Greg – and perfectly timed post!
Love the image! Fantastic light! I had a similar experience in Big Bend, shooting the last light on a formation known as The Chimneys, which is 3 miles from the closest road. After wrapping up once the sun was completely down, we started the 3 mile back through the desert under a moonless sky. As my cohort and I rounded the edge of the chimneys, two bright lights caught my eye on top of the formation. And before I could tell my friend, they disappeared. Very bizarre and no explanation for it.
great pic once again!
Thanks Russ and Derrick. I appreciate your comments!
Derrick, you never know what’s out there…although its always a good idea to keep one eye looking over your shoulder. 😉
Happy Halloween again!
🙂 Brilliant, what a stunning sandstone… man, we gotta come west…, or is that east from here!
Yes, please do come out west, Alister! It would be great to meet and shoot with you.
I don’t know why *anyone* would want to waste their time in Bali anyway…pffft. 🙂
This made me smile, Greg. You had me going there for a while! 🙂
Sharon
Mwahahahahaha 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Just a little Halloween fun…
That is a very creative photograph. Perfect for Halloween. But, one question, how do you know the spirits didn’t instigate you to make that image and write this post?
Greg, very cool light painting but the story is even better!
Cheers!
Thanks, Steve! I appreciate it!
Great Story Greg and also a Great Picture