Jurrasic

The San Andreas fault line in Carrizo Plains national monument. Stunningly beautiful yet deadly. Road tripping for the day. Road tripping for the day Junk food buying at the pit stop...check...IMO if you're not buying snacks like a unsupervised 10yr old with $100...are you even enjoying your trip? I diddn't think so...Here making my way up Hwy 58 towards carrizo...see some nice blooms on the way yellow/purple/spots of orange...5 miles from Carrizo...the road is closed!! WTF...the guy sitting in his truck "oh yeah we paved the road it will open later today between 12 & 3..." there were no other signs posted anywhere in the previous 2 junctions we passed, where I could've taken the alternate route...Uturn and head back 30 miles and then few more miles to get to the entrance of Carrizo...was hoping to avoid using that entrance...make the right turn off the hwy...ooh lookie...line of cars...people...its Fri...don't you work? Anyways, shortly after entering the park, take the 1st offroad road and get away from the loonies. Get up to the top and see this really awsome spread of flowers with another offroad road there...its several miles away, figure out a way to get there, an hour later and I'm there...the place looked much steeper when I looked at it from top of the hill...still a cool place, only saw 3 other cars pass by..so far so good...pull out the sammich...enjoy it in peace and quiet...you could hear the noise from the crows flapping their wings 20-30 feet away...that was a good sammich...Club sammich. Do my customary poses, watch this lady drive her jeep up a very steep road...kudos to her... Sammich done, photos, vidoes done...drone done...so now me & my buddy..we take the dirt road allllllll the way to the other side of the park...I had underestimated where we were, took a bit longer..going 20mph thru ditches, and where the F is the road after going up steep hills...oooh shit look at that dip...phew...some dude in a camry wanted to know how far Hwy33 was...told him...in the car..you ain't making it, best to uturn and head back to Hwy 58, glad someone listens. We finally get closer to the other side and I'm glad that hwy 58 was closed, if it wasn't, i woulda prolly not liked the light in the morning and meh..moved on to the otherside..so woulda been on the wrong end of the park. Someonetimes you get a sign...just adjust and go with it. The light was just stunning, the sun moving in and out of the clouds, filtered light...calm winds...and soon there are bunch of other people pulled over where we were...there goes the peace & quiet..but i'm glad they got to witness the amazing show nature put out. Spent about 2 hours here... This is a drone shot...shots from land later on.

Valley of Falls

Carrying on with the adventure.... After returning from Komodo Dragon / Labuan Bajo the night before, this day's adventure was the Sekumpul waterfall in North Bali, I was not looking forward to this drive, having to set out at 3AM to get there early enough to beat the traffic and other tourists, I made it there early enough before they opened and chowed down the breakfast packed from the hotel. I was dead tired and having not fully recovered from the hit&run accident a week earlier, the ticket counter guys were generous enough to offer me motorbike taxi to the starting point of the hike which is about 1.5 mile away on a paved path wide enough to walk in single file and pushing against the wall in case motorbikes are coming. What a fun ride it was, holding onto the bike so you don't fall off and videoing....the instagram influencer i am....not. Just before you start the hike, there is a little shack, coffee shop where you can buy snacks, coconut water and rest up. This is also an ideal spot to fly the drone. I hadn't realized there were so many waterfalls down there, if you pull up the map or read up on it, the other waterfalls are not mentioned or shown. As I went up higher I got the lay of the land and was amazed to see so many waterfalls in close proximity. Once I got down there, was able to visit each waterfall and it was just stunning, the sheer energy and the cool water was great to soak in to escape the heat as the sun was coming up. The hike back up wasn't as bad as the one Tumpak Sewu.

Patchwork

Most of the rice fields were already harvested and new plantation was in process. As such, most of the beautiful rice terraces were just full of water and not the lush greens like you see on instagram. Just the day before I had to leave, I was flying over some rice fields wanting to take the sunrise photo with Mt. Augung in the background. Happened to spot this patch which had not yet been harvested but was going to be in a day or two. I was almost 1/2 a mile out with my drone and quickly shot some compositions that I liked just as the sunlight started to hit the fields. Low battery warning shortly after. It was too hot to stand in the sun and fly again, so the pool and beer it was for the rest of the day.

Incoming

The only colorful sunrise I shot while in Indonesia. The common theme was rain and fog everyday I was out shooting and sunrise with clouds on days I wasn't. Early morning sunrise before I had to hop on the ferry to go to the main island for the plane ride back. Papannga Island, small idlyllic island with no people. Great for going snorkeling and just relaxing. Papannga Island: A Paradise for Photographers Papannga Island is a small, idyllic island located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and breathtaking scenery, Papannga Island is a paradise for photographers looking to capture stunning images of natural beauty. One of the most popular spots on the island for photography is the famous Papannga Beach. With its soft, white sand and turquoise waters, this beach is a postcard-perfect location for any photographer looking to capture the beauty of the island. The beach is also surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, providing the perfect backdrop for any nature photographer. For those looking to capture stunning underwater shots, Papannga Island is home to some of the most diverse and colorful marine life in the world. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities on the island, providing photographers with the opportunity to capture amazing images of coral reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine creatures. Another popular location for photography on the island is the Papannga Lighthouse. The lighthouse, built in the early 1900s, provides a stunning view of the island and the surrounding ocean. Photographers can capture beautiful images of the lighthouse itself, as well as the panoramic views from the top of the tower. For those interested in capturing the local culture, Papannga Island is home to a vibrant and welcoming community. Photographers can capture images of the traditional dances, music, and clothing of the island's people, as well as the local markets and businesses. Papannga Island is a paradise for photographers looking to capture stunning images of natural beauty, marine life, culture, and architecture. With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and breathtaking scenery, this idyllic island is a must-visit destination for any photography enthusiast.

Land of Dragons

After getting picked up for the tour, they take you to 4 islands and couple of snorkeling spots...it is almost 2-hour boat ride to Pedar island...as my luck had been on this trip...Rain...and lots of it...that I posted in the last post here. Passed through 30 minutes of pouring rain and it started clearing off, I was just hoping for the clouds to stay around so its not searing sun baking me like a tuna on the beach. You get to this island, which is part of the Komodo Dragon National Park but is not the main island, this one has roughly 20 dragons, herd of deer's (I was surprised too), and actually got to see a few. First thing the rangers tell you..."there are 850 steps..." may as well be 2million steps...cuz of heat and 6billion percent humidity. Make my way to midway point...drink gallon of water...go up few more to another vantage point...view is even better....I'm thinking...hmmm..maybe it's better from further up...JACKPOT....it was! So, I shoot off a few panoramas...and climbed almost all the way to the top of the island, only to be stopped by a hand painted "stop" sign propped up by rocks and a ranger chilling in the chair, apparently there were some young dragons there and they are "not friendly" ...and the view sucked anyways. The unique thing about the spot was that you could spot 3 beaches from there and they were all different colors...right side is white sand, left side is black soil and the top one is pink sand, can't tell much of a difference in the photo...but it's there.

Serenity

Pink Beach, located on the island of Pedar, is one of the most mesmerizing destinations in Indonesia. What makes this beach unique is its naturally pink sand, which is formed by the accumulation of microscopic red coral fragments. This beach is a visual treat for tourists, and it is not surprising that it is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Pedar Island is a small island that is located in the Komodo National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular destination for travelers who are looking for an adventure and want to witness some of the most spectacular sights of nature. The island is known for its beautiful coral reefs, exotic marine life, and its rugged terrain. The beach is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, which is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The calm water is also perfect for kayaking, and you can rent kayaks from the local vendors. The beach is also a great place for sunbathing and enjoying the tropical breeze. There are some shaded areas under the palm trees where you can relax and enjoy the stunning view. Apart from the pink sand and the beautiful water, the beach is also known for its spectacular sunsets. The sunsets at Pink Beach are breathtaking, and the pink sand glows in the warm light of the setting sun. The best time to visit Pink Beach is during the dry season, which is from May to October. During this time, the water is calm, and the weather is pleasant. It is important to note that the beach is located in a remote area, and there are no facilities such as restaurants or shops. So, make sure to bring your own food and drinks. In conclusion, Pink Beach on Pedar Island is a paradise on earth. It is a place where you can experience the beauty of nature, soak up the sun, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. It is an excellent destination for those who are seeking an adventure and want to explore the beauty of Indonesia.

Cast Away

One of many islands in the Flores Sea. One of the main attractions in Labuan Bajo is the Komodo National Park. The park is known for its unique fauna and flora, and is home to the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. Visitors can take guided tours to see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, and also explore the park's stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs.

Tumpak Sewu - A Thousand Waterfalls

I had wanted to go to this waterfall ever since I saw a photo of it couple of years ago. It is even more stunning in person. I didn't get the ideal conditions where Mt. Semuru visible in the background, and truly, that completes the picture...guess I'll just have to go back. Mt. Semuru is an active volcano, as my luck would have it, the day before Mt. Semuru had a small eruption that created ash cloud around the middle and rain clouds did the rest by covering the top of the volcano and making visibility almost nil. Ash+rainfall also made the main artery flow brown instead of usual white. I flew into Surabaya and then headed to Bromo Crater first, in hindsight, I should've done Tumpak Sewu 1st and then Bromo crater so it was less of a drive back to the airport instead of the 7+ hours it took. Bromo did not want me to see it, it did it's best and won...more on that later in a different story. After having a hearty breakfast of Nasi Goreng and hot coffee, made my way to the starting point where I was met with my guide, nice young dude. Walked down this slippry paved path down the hill to the top of the waterfall viewpoint and realized I'm carrying the whole camera bag and coming back up will be extremely difficult, so I took out the camera, 1 lens and the rain sleeve (lesson learned in Bromo...) and sent the bag back to the starting point. I am so glad I did. So it begins... It's almost like 2KM (1.5mile I guess) to get down to the bottom, it starts off nice enough with some stairs, easy path...few minutes later you're in the canopy of the forest and things start to get hot...the trail tricky...mind you..to the guides...all the trails are "easy to moderate"..pretty soon you come across the area where the path has washed out and has been replaced with a handmade bamboo bridge, there are some very steep areas where you have to go down using the steel stairs, some loose, 1-2 missing here and there...was easy enough. Come across a waterfall on the side of the trail, stepped into it to cool down and you notice a rope going down the path of the waterfall...thats the path you have to take, so you almost repel..sit on your ass (if you want) and slide...pssh...grab and rope and climb down...few minutes later another...same excercise..and 2 more after that but a little less dramatic. You get to the area by the river and think you're there...no sirree...if you're not paying attention, you can easily go in the wrong direction, make my way with the guide to the bank of the river and then have to climb up a little to the rest area, there's a little shack where you can order hot soup, coconut water, snacks etc...past it you go down to the riverbank...and this whole time...you hear the thundering waterfall...its just amazing. Now to cross the river...hop onto a rock..and another..and then a steel grated bridge that is being held there by using rocks as weight...cross it...walk up the bank...and cross another bridge to get over to the ledge. There is so much mist...ever been to Niagara falls...yep its like that...but much warmer. There are a few photo spots down there and you just take turns taking the photos. Originally I had not planned to be in the photo, but when I saw someone else there and it clearly enhanced the scale of the waterfall, I decided to be in it. Setup the camera, told the guide which buttons to push for focus/trigger and here I am. Oh yeah...hiking back up...it was stunning...tiring...very tiring/hot/humid...but stunning, you cross through 4 different waterfalls and a cave as a side trip..something did bite me on my ankle in the cave...still have the scar. I had to stop quiet a bit as I am not used to hiking in humid weather..but I did make it out...I would do it again... Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Indonesia, located in the Lumajang district of East Java. The name Tumpak Sewu means "a thousand waterfalls" in Javanese language, which is apt considering its stunning and breathtaking view. It is a unique and beautiful waterfall with water cascading down the rocky cliffs, creating an amazing scene. The Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is about 120 meters high and 100 meters wide, making it one of the biggest and most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia. The waterfall is located in a steep valley, surrounded by high cliffs and lush green forests. The scenery is awe-inspiring and the fresh air is invigorating. Visitors can enjoy the view of the waterfall from several different viewpoints. One of the best viewpoints is located at the bottom of the waterfall, where visitors can see the water cascading down the cliffs and feel the cool mist on their faces. Another great viewpoint is from the top of the waterfall, where visitors can see the vast greenery and the beautiful valleys that surround the waterfall. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is not only a place to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also a perfect spot for adventure. Visitors can hike to the waterfall and explore the surrounding forest. There are also various activities such as trekking, camping, and rafting that can be done in the area. The best time to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is during the rainy season, between October and May, as the water flow is at its peak during this time. However, visitors can still visit the waterfall during the dry season, as the view is still stunning, but the water flow is reduced. In conclusion, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is a unique and beautiful natural wonder that is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Indonesia. Its breathtaking views and adventurous activities make it a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Monumental Sky

Monument Valley is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the heart of the Navajo Nation, spanning across the Arizona-Utah border. It is a collection of iconic sandstone formations that have been sculpted over millions of years by the forces of nature, creating a unique and awe-inspiring landscape that has captured the hearts of photographers and visitors from around the world. Monument Valley offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities, from sunrise to sunset, and from sweeping vistas to intimate details. One of the most popular times for photography is during the golden hours of the day, when the sun casts a warm glow on the landscape, and the shadows add depth and texture to the formations. The sunrise and sunset at Monument Valley are particularly stunning, with the sun rising and setting over the iconic Mittens and Merrick Butte formations, creating a beautiful contrast of light and shadow. In addition to the natural beauty of the landscape, Monument Valley also offers a unique cultural experience, as it is home to the Navajo Nation, one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. Visitors can learn about Navajo traditions, history, and culture, as well as visit traditional hogans, see Navajo weaving demonstrations, and meet local artisans. When photographing Monument Valley, it is important to be respectful of the land and the people who call it home. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails, and obtain the necessary permits before setting up equipment. With proper preparation and a keen eye for capturing the beauty of this natural wonder, photographers can create stunning images that showcase the timeless majesty of Monument Valley.

Selfie

Took almost 2 hours to make this selfie... Rare to have the DV dunes to yourself and 3 other people...it was my lucky day. Very few footsteps, peaceful...which also meant I couldn't use someone else as the model on that dune and had to do it myself. Using the 70-200 on this one, hmm...I should go on that dune, so set the camera on timer to take shots every 1 min while I walked over to the dune...it was lot farther than I anticipated and took about an hour to get there....and almost same time to get back. The National Park System is one of the best in the world. California having the most National Parks of all states. One thing about the National Parks, the people are different. They come into the place, awed by it's beauty and it changes them. I have had left my camera and wandered off, only to have someone find it and return it to me the next day after they spotted me in the crowd getting lunch. Be Good...Do Good. Let Karma take care of the rest.

House with Light

The morning looked pretty drab while I was having coffee on the balcony...happened to lean over the railing to look east and saw a tiny sliver of orange glow...and I'm sure I woke up the neighbors on both side "Lets go Lets go...its gonna get lit...lets GOOOO" Grabbed my bag and ran down the stairs...flung the door open to the yard ...walk onto the beach...realize I'm not wearing shoes...the sun peaked thru...and it just kept getting better and better.

Million dollar view

False Kiva is a human-made stone circle of unknown origin in a cave in a remote area of Canyonlands National Park, which is located in U.S. state of Utah. It has been closed by Canyonlands National Park rangers in early August 2018, as a result of recent vandalism. Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah is home to numerous hiking trails and scenic vistas, but one of the park's hidden gems is False Kiva. False Kiva is a man-made stone circle that was likely constructed by ancestral Puebloans between 900 and 1200 AD. The site is located in a remote area of the park and requires a strenuous hike to reach, but the effort is well worth it. False Kiva is a small, circular structure with a low stone wall and a depression in the center. Visitors sit inside the circle, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park and the ancient history of the site. The view from False Kiva is spectacular, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding canyons and mesas. Despite its name, False Kiva is not actually a kiva, which is a type of underground ceremonial chamber used by Puebloan cultures for spiritual and religious purposes. The exact purpose of False Kiva is unknown, but it is believed to have been used for similar ceremonies or as a place of refuge. While False Kiva is a unique and awe-inspiring destination, visitors must take caution when visiting the site. The trail to False Kiva is not maintained by the National Park Service and requires a strenuous hike that includes steep drops and narrow ledges. Visitors should bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and be prepared for challenging terrain.

House on Fire

Driving the up the dusty, terracotta-colored road toward Mule Canyon in Cedar Mesa, you get a sense that this is a special place, though you might not be able to put a finger on why. As you walk into the rugged canyon, following the footsteps of Ancient Puebloans who ruled this area and scramble up slickrock it starts to become clear. The sweet, peppery scent of juniper hangs in the air, and all is silent, except for the hollow knock of a distant woodpecker. Overhead, hawks and golden eagles glide quietly, and the occasional jackrabbit and lizard scurry into the scrub. Gazing up at the high cliff walls, you spy the dusty site of a vanished civilization. This is a hypnotic place, quiet and calm, where a person can dwell in solitude and really absorb the beauty of the landscape and the creatures that call it home.

Moon Dog

Just when you're about to go to sleep and you lean back in the chair and see this. Run to the tent to grab the gear and then proceed to shoot for the next hour, sleep all gone. Amazing night of star gazing with friends, good whiskey and warm fire. Overlooking Mt. Whitney and Lone pine peak as the weather system moves in and starts dumping snow early in the morning. Moon Dog: A moon dog, moondog, or mock moon,(scientific name paraselene, plural paraselenae, meaning "beside the moon") is a relatively rare bright circular spot on a lunar halo caused by the refraction of moonlight by hexagonal-plate-shaped ice crystals in cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. Moon dogs appear as part of the 22° halo, roughly 10 Moon diameters outside the Moon. They are exactly analogous to sun dogs, but are rarer because the Moon must be bright, about quarter moon or more, for the moon dogs to be observed. Moon dogs show little color to the unaided human eye because their light is not bright enough to activate the cone cells

Reverse

I wanted something different from the cliche shots from this place of framing Lone Pine peak/Mt Whitney thru the arch. The vanilla blue sky sunrise helped get creative to walk away with something good from this location. Shot in the opposite direction with the rising sun spreading it's like across the rock formations and valley.

Mars

Colored formations in Utah

Hot Creek

Mammoth Hot Creek in California is a photographer's dream destination. The area is famous for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations, making it a perfect location for landscape photography. The creek is surrounded by hot springs and geysers that create a surreal landscape of steam and colorful mineral deposits. The contrast of the blue-green water against the vibrant orange and yellow rocks makes for an otherworldly scene that is both mesmerizing and unique. If you're a fan of wildlife photography, Mammoth Hot Creek is also home to a variety of animal species, including black bears, deer, and coyotes. You can capture these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and add an extra dimension to your photographs. To get the best shots, it's recommended to visit the area during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and warm, casting a magical glow over the landscape. You can also experiment with different camera angles and techniques to create unique and visually stunning images. In conclusion, if you're a photography enthusiast looking for a new and exciting destination, Mammoth Hot Creek in California is a must-visit location. With its natural beauty, unique geological formations, and diverse wildlife, you're sure to capture some stunning photographs that you'll cherish for a lifetime.