Strange Day

It rained today. This is odd because it rained nearly all day, from 7:00 am to just after 4:00 pm. This does not happen in Phoenix. Typically, it doesn’t rain in autumn at all. We do get seasonal rain. The summer monsoons bring some fantastic storms, which can cause flash floods. The soil here can’t absorb much water so during a big storm the dry riverbeds fill up and streets flood. The storms are short and the water disappears quickly. The sun breaks through, burns off the clouds, and everything is back to normal.

Today was very different. This rain reminded me of Michigan. It was quite cool all day and the rain never let up. I spent my breaks at work just standing outside enjoying the cool air and wonderful smell that water brings to the desert. Like water for the desert, where have I heard that before?

Four Peaks

four peaks
Originally uploaded by Matt Callahan.

Not a bad picture

Another Great Morning

The one thing about the desert that surprises some people is the amount of life in it. There is a misconception that the desert must be dead, that nothing could live in such an inhospitable environment. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I went to sleep last night feeling a little beat up. I wanted to get up early again and head for South Mountain but after working on refinishing the kitchen table most of the afternoon, I wasn’t feeling up to an early morning. I didn’t set the alarm but woke up at 4:30 anyway. I figured that meant I was supposed to go. I knew I wouldn’t make the hike so I drove to a spot I thought might work well for some photos. Bad choice, too many power lines in the way. I drove to the parking area for my favorite trail and walked a bit. Once I left the parking lot, the stillness of the desert set in. There were no planes overhead, no cars driving past, just silence. I stood in the dark, looking for a good spot and heard coyotes calling to one another. The birds started to chirp, waking up to meet the sun. It was as though they kept quiet, hiding from me until they knew it was safe to make their presence known.

I found a decent little hill and started up, avoiding the cholla cactus. The spines of this plant will penetrate through your shoes. Once at the top, I found a nice flat area to enjoy the sunrise. Sitting cross-legged I listened to the sounds of the desert waking. A gentle breeze started to blow from the west. As the light started to grow from the east, the clouds on the horizon started to take shape. This should make for a good show.

To the south, beautiful shades of pink, red, and purple started to appear against the mountains. Fewer clouds there made for better color. Straight ahead of me, the sun played in the heavier clouds. Rays of light would shine through and in a moment, disappear. I leaned back, watching the puffs of white clouds drift across the perfect blue of the sky. I could do this every day for the rest of my life and never tire of it. This seemingly dead place replenishes what you didn’t realize had worn low. You can stop and watch the world go by.

I did get some pictures. Hopefully, they will capture the same feeling I was able to experience first hand. As soon as I can, I will post them here.

Morning Adventures

All week, I’ve been planning to get some pictures of the sunrise from my favorite spot. Friday night’s sunset was incredible so I was inspired to get up early Saturday and meet the day with a camera. South Mountain, here in Phoenix, is the largest municipal park in the country. This mountain is cleverly named as it lies south of the downtown area. The view from the north side of the mountain allows a fine view the greater metropolitan area. The south face is my favorite as it overlooks the open desert. I know of a great spot on the south side that allows a fantastic view of the sunrise this time of year with no city lights to ruin the effect.

I left the house just after 5:00. I figured I would have plenty of time to set up and enjoy. As I reached the road leading to the park, I see a road sign indicating that the park is closed. Now, I want you to recall the scene from National Lampoons Vacation. The first one, with the Griswold family traveling to Wally World. Once they reach the gates of Wally World, they’re greeted by John Candy who advises that the park is closed. Are you with me? I just couldn’t accept the fact that the park was closed. You can’t close Wally World! I drove to the first entrance and, sure enough, two park rangers were waiting to give me the bad news. They did however explain that only the road to the top was closed and I might be able to take a few shots from another spot.

Feeling somewhat relieved and hoping to salvage my trip, I followed their directions and scouted a few spots. I wasn’t what I wanted but I found a decent area so I started climbing. Did I mention that it’s still dark? Do you remember that this is the desert? Even in October, there are still snakes lurking around. I think to myself, “Hey, I owe it to my internet friends to get some pictures. I need to spruce the blog up a bit.” So, braving any unseen dangers, I made my way up to the most likely looking place. The sun rises quickly here in the southwest so it wasn’t long until the first rays of light began creeping over the horizon. The color looked great, a few clouds were hanging just above the sun. I guessed just a few minutes remained until I would get the shot I wanted. Then, as quickly as what I thought would be another perfect sunrise started, it turned to crap. The colors faded and all I got for my trouble was a plain yellow orb popping over a mountain in the distance.

As I sat, disappointedly staring at an unused camera, I carefully considered that even a “bad” sunrise from a quiet spot in the desert is better than any magically colored rays of sun viewed from a car stuck in traffic.

I will try again tomorrow. There is a trail leading up to my spot. They couldn’t have closed that. Sure, it takes an hour to hike up there but it might make the experience all the more rewarding.

Exhale

I took a short drive a sunset tonight. There were no dramatic colors, just the gradually changing blue sky. The road I took separates housing developments from the open desert. At this time of year, the daytime highs are still near 100 degrees but the evening temperatures are quite cool. As the sun sets and the colder air settles to the ground, the trees and plants seem to exhale, releasing the breath they’ve held all day long. The result is intoxicating. The smell of mesquite and creosote isn’t overpowering, like fresh cut grass, but if you look for the scent it’s there.

I drove under the speed limit with the windows down, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the wind. I could have driven back and forth down that road all night.

Elysium

I've been walking upright for some time now but, when introduced to this word, I had to look it up. Webster's defines the term as any place or condition of ideal bliss or complete happiness. The word was introduced to me through Ottmar Liebert's fantastic CD, Innamorare. The track in question is titled Desert Elysium and the desert is the place where I find my bliss.

I figured this would be a good place to start my ramblings.