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You might be a little surprised to know that the edge of the technological universe is Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley National Park, CA. So close to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, yet so far from everywhere. Phone service = negative. Internet Service = negative. But let’s start at the beginning… A late start meant that we had to pass through Las Vegas at the height of rush hour. It’s been about 25 years since I last visited Las Vegas. Wow! Back then; it was the strip, plus a few hotels on the major connecting streets. Now, well let’s just say that I’ve already plotted a return route using the ad hoc beltway that avoids the megalopolis.
We entered the park technically after sunset. Filled the gas tank at Furnace Creek. Raced for Zabriske Point in the ebbing light. The parking lot was literally still full of cars – we got one of the only empty two or three spots. We dashed up the walkway to the Point. Light was just awful, but nevertheless there were half-a-dozen shooters working – I suppose this to be a harbinger of a future sunrise shoot. It’s really pretty up on the Point, but shooting in that light, nah, too much work in the post-processing!
As curious than the weak light and the people trying to use it, was the demography. Walking around the broad circle at the Point, I was chatting out load in the general direction of the HP; who as usual, was very politely pretending to listen and care. The other several dozen people were giving me the curious glance. I dismissed it at first, thinking that, as usual, they are unused to my uncommon good looks and subtle coolness. But, as I listened to their conversations I realized that virtually everyone else was…German!!! Gads, I immediately remembered that I’d had this feeling before, and that it was in Amish Pennsylvania – I’ve suddenly become the ‘English’!
Lot’s on the shooting agenda: Shooting the Park from 4/10 through 4/12 – The dunes around Stovepipe Wells; Zabriske point at dawn; the perspective from the heights on the way to Rhyolite and Beatty; Dante’s View, Golden Canyon, Artist’s Palette, and much more.
Tags: Death Valley NP, Stovepipe Wells
