SWFeral Loc: SWNM

A few weeks ago I posted "Wrong canyon, right idea" after I biffed my attempt to find Silver Creek Canyon, which enters the familiar-to-me Gallinas Canyon pictured here. I didn't locate it yesterday either, but I was on a mission to move a trail camera, not to mount an exploration; now that I know where it is (after rescrutinizing the map and realizing my error) I can get to know Silver Creek another day.

The Spanish word "Gallinas" (gah YEE nas) refers to wild turkey hens, but there is all manner of wildlife in the Black Range, and of course cattle, the evidence of which is pretty much everywhere, yuck. So I know who some of the critters on my trail cam will be.

This area saw a large and intense wildfire in 2013 which incinerated the forests on the higher and very steep mountain slopes, resulting in widespread flooding that still occurs after significant precipitation. There are downed trees and logjams everywhere which makes hiking a bit dicey in spots. The good part is that very few hikers wander down there.

Here are a few scenes from yesterday's ramble, which I hope you enjoy.

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NMGal Loc: NE NM

Really nice. Bet you get a workout on your hikes.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I really do, and I need it. I want to be in reasonable shape for a long time to come. And if I stuck to level trails I'd soon be bored, because there aren't a lot of those!

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Those are some really interesting photos. You picked up some great character with those gnarly trees and rock formations. What an interesting place. And no cow patties included. Thanks for sharing.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I love those arthritic old trees and their roots. Many of them have the bark beaten off their upstream side from rocks being transported by floods. As I make my way farther downstream the cow pasture look will be more obvious. I've gotta hand it to those cattle; they are tough and hardy! I don't dislike them, just their presence along streams in the forest. Thanks for looking.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I like your approach to landscapes. It’s different and interesting.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Yes, Really interesting approach.... I really like your closeups and included foreground shots. Do you use any type of tripod/phone clamp etc... I need to put together a little lightweight kit for my phone cam. I DO now carry my small tripod and QR phone clamp in the car with me.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Your good eye at work! Are #1 and #6 shots of the same area?

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Beautiful set. Water means wildlife

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Thank you.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

No, just the phone and my hands. I do often use boulders or trees to steady the camera against, or I use my own body as a tripod (bipod?) by propping my elbows on my knees. It's partly that the landscape itself is interesting; I'm often trying to decide what NOT to include rather than what to include. I find that the more stuff I carry (hiking poles, bear spray), the more I lose. Thank you for looking.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Yes, one with the regular lens setting and one with wide angle. I love the wide angle because things look so dramatic, and bigger than they really are. Don't be fooled by what you see in my phone photos. You're used to the views with my crop sensor DSLR, which are more accurate but less sensational. Thanks for looking.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Yes, it does. It means life.

johnny1950 Loc: Palm Coast, Florida

Excellent set of photos. You put a lot of work in to get them and it shows in the finished product. Like the composition, knarled trees, vivid colors and that they are tack sharp.
Johnny

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Thank you; that's a generous compliment and it means a lot to me. I'm lucky to have such a landscape to work in.