The Illusion of Control

 

West Fork Black River, Apache National Forest, AZ

These week-long camping trips allow plenty of time for contemplation.  Here's some of what I've been thinking.

Since the Dragon Bravo Fire, still burning in and north of Grand Canyon after almost two months, I’ve begun to question some of my assumptions.  Whenever I headed home from camping in the North Kaibab Forest, I assumed that it would be there in its usual state when I got back.  I’d make a list of places to revisit or explore next time, fully expecting to have that opportunity. After the last trip, in June, I did just that, and I was wrong.  I am not in control.

I never was.  Our futures are never guaranteed.  Of course, we all know this, but we’re quite skilled at denying the truth.

 Last week, though I longed to be in the Kaibab, we camped in the White Mountains (Apache National Forest) instead.  I had plans.  The weather had different plans.

 

A walk in the rainstorm.  The Raven (sprinter van) is just visible in the background

We love to see thunderstorms in Arizona, especially when the summer rainy season is delayed as it was this year.  On this trip we were confined to the van for big chunks of the day when I, Marco, and Gypsy the Wonder Dog would rather have been out doing our things (photographing, fishing, and sniffing around, respectively).  After the storms, though, it was spectacular.

 

Golden fog after the storm, Apache National Forest, AZ

Fog settled into the canyons on a couple of post-storm mornings, creating spectacular light and atmospheric effects.

 

Along a creek in the Black River watershed, Apache National Forest, AZ

I can't resist posting another fog image.

Lush Green and Reflected Sunset, Apache National Forest, AZ

One evening, after wrapping up a Zoom meeting, I looked outside and saw this sky in one direction and a rainbow in the other.  I knew it wouldn’t last long enough to pull out the tripod and big girl gear, so a ran down to the creek to catch it and the reflection with my phone.  I’m glad it’s 2025, and phone cameras are quite good.

 

Wild Hops,  Apache National Forest, AZ

In overcast conditions, rather than put a lot of energy into frustration, photographers often work more in black and white and shoot smaller scenes.

There are other conditions which remind us that we’re not in control.  I’m thinking of roads unexpectedly closed, and of a favorite camping spot (in my case in the Mojave Preserve) newly designated as wilderness.  No camping.

Favorite places can also become too popular.  I’ve whined about that before. I’d often rather not go than jockey for position. That, too, is not subject to my command. 

Hammock time.

I find that a hammock is an invaluable tool for settling down and relinquishing the need to manage situations.

More from this trip are in the Summer 2025 Gallery on the website.