Crepuscular Sunrise on Willow Springs Reservoir, Sitgreaves National Forest AZ
…And they say we’ll have some fun if it stops raining. Some of you might remember Alan Sherman’s
song, Camp
Granada.
Flower after the rain, Apache National Forest AZ
Around here we’re grateful for every drop of rain, and during our week in Arizona’s White Mountains, we got plenty. It was green and there were flowers everywhere. It’s even a bit of a gift to have an excuse to lie low in the van during the afternoons when the thunderstorms, predictably, arrive. I’m all for reading and napping, gin rummy and photo processing on the road. Gypsy the wonder dog is frightened of thunder, though, and that takes some of the fun out of storms.
East Fork Black River, Apache National Forest AZ
We took pains to do our exploring in the morning and, if the
storms cleared, at last light. I’m a
sunrise person so this is no hardship.
There wasn’t a lot of sunlight early and late, and so I ended up making
quiet images in subdued light most of the time.
Sneezeweed in bloom along a tributary of the Black River, Apache National Forest AZ
I’m sure I’ve said this before, but traveling with a fly
angler has some perks. I’m especially
excited to share some campsites near rivers and creeks with him. They’re photogenic and good for the soul.
Ponderosas reflected in the West Fork of the Black River, Apache National Forest AZ
Morning light in canyons can be tricky as it tends to arrive
long after sunrise when it looks harsh.
One of my favorite tricks is to time images when the river is in shadow,
reflecting something lighted on the canyon wall behind it. This works great with the grand and colorful
rock walls in the southwest, as well as things like the stand of conifers in
this image.
Morning light, Apache National Forest AZ
Very early light can be breathtaking, especially when there’s moisture or particulates which makes it dreamy.
Amanita Mushroom detail from morning walkabout, Sitgreaves National Forest AZ
I’ll say that my morning walkabouts, generally done alone or with Dogface, are the best part of these road trips. They’re a meditation, mostly about mindfulness and connection, practicing my version of Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," I have a blessed re-connection with nature through the senses. I think Gypsy does that every day – yet another thing I can learn from her.
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| Top-down drone view with flowers, East Fork Black River, Apache National Forest AZ |
I’ve had trouble finding my mojo these last few months for several reasons, but after this nice, quiet week, I think it’s back.
Bring on the rain.
There’s more in the Summer 2026 Gallery on the
website.
