My wife and I were driving around in the Valley of Fire State Park north of Las Vegas where we would periodically stop and take in the magnificent desert scenery. I saw a car along side the road and decided to stop as there was a spot that overlooked a valley with promising views for a photo op. There was a giant of a man standing at the same overlook seemingly lost in thought. I debated about going over to talk with him as I did not want to intrude. Curiosity got the best of me and I headed over and struck up a conversation.

He was from the west coast and came here often as a place to reflect, to heal and feel the ancient presence of the Native Americans that inhabited this place many generations before. He said it was the most peaceful place he had ever been to. He loved the quiet beauty of the desert and the painted rocks that enveloped him.

You see he was a prison guard and had experienced the brutality and hopelessness of those incarcerated in a high security facility. He was within a few years of retirement and looking forward to the day he could move on with his life. While he felt he was trying to do good and help those on the inside, the toll had been hard on him and he was weary.

We talked a bit more of our surroundings and then said our goodbyes. While our encounter was brief, I will not soon forget him.

Be safe, and may it pass quickly, my friend!

Tags:   Valley of Fire State Park Nature Asphalt Road Nevada Rocks Desert Nikon D810

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When I look at this desert bighorn ram, all I can think about is how harsh its surroundings are and how difficult it must be just to survive. That coupled with the battle scars he prominently wears means he is a survivor, one who could make it through just about anything nature can throw at him. And, oh, the stories those horns could tell!

Thanks for your visits and comments - they are much appreciated!

Tags:   Valley of Fire State Park Desert Bighorn Sheep Ram Wildlife Mammal Nature Nikon D750

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Valley of Fire is such a breathtaking place. The rock formations, desert fauna and the sense of peace and tranquility I get from being here makes it a must stop. I really like the twisting and turning of this road as it meanders between the rock formations. I know it has been said many times, but I find the comparison of a road to life in general very fitting. There are twisted and turns (yes, even dips). We get lost only to find ourselves again. We move on in wondrous anticipation of what lies ahead.

Sorry for waxing philosophical, but this is what places like this do to me.

Thanks for your views and comments!

Tags:   October 2015 Trip Valley of Fire State Park

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A desert bighorn ram takes a break at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada.

As we were driving around the park, we were hopeful of seeing some of the desert bighorns that inhabit the area. I just marvel at how they have been able to adapt to the harsh environment. We had seen a small herd on our last trip here in May, and this time I was hopeful to capture a ram with a large set of curled horns. We saw a couple of cars parked along the roadside and started to scan the hillside. As always, my wife saw him first (she is amazing!). I could barely make him out, but she assured me it was a ram. We stopped the car, got out and saw where a few other people were photographing this magnificent animal. We slowly made our way to where they were shooting and stayed with them for a good 15 minutes watching and shooting. He spent most of his time with his head turned away from us. He finally turned and we were treated with this display. I was hand holding the 80-400 hoping that I was steady enough for good images (I left the 600 back at the motorhome - lessons always learned the hard way!). As he was in no hurry to move and not wanting to disturb him we headed back to the car as we were not parked in a "legal" spot and I did not want to end this moment with a ticket.

Thanks or your views and comments!

Tags:   October 2015 Trip Valley of Fire State Park NGC NPC

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While there is skill or experience or whatever you want to call it involved in getting the exposure and composition right, there is also a fair amount of luck to getting the right shot. As fast as these little guys flitted around, it was sheer luck that I was able to catch him posing like this. I was captivated by the antelope squirrels in Valley of Fire State Park. Their tiny ears make them look so different than the squirrels I am used to seeing, but that is part of what made this moment special. I was again struck by the diversity of the wildlife found in such a harsh, desert environment.

As always, thanks for your views and comments!

Tags:   Valley of Fire State Park Antelope Squirrel Nevada Wildlife Mammal Nature Animal Desert Nikon D750 ngc NPC

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