Sometimes it’s hard to find just the right words to describe a landscape so when a friend of mine described a place as a “melting strawberry sundae” I knew I had to see it for myself.
It was in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. Ray and I planned on doing a two hour evening hike (after a day of hiking) and our friends decided to stay a little closer to the parking lot and explore nearby. We all agreed to meet back at the car after sunset.
The shots I made that evening were disappointing due to a number of factors, not the least of which was some unfriendly photographers who rudely left their bags and tripods all over the place so as not to share the spot. (But that’s okay, I had no problem returning another time when the light was better anyway, so there.)
What I did get out of that evening was two locations to return to: one was the place I just visited and the other was the melting strawberry sundae.
Please click any of the images to view larger versions.
Never have I been to a place with colours like these. I spent hours here photographing the textures, lines, colours and patterns in the rock. Here are a few of my favourites.
I can’t wait to return here on our next trip down south to do some more exploring in the Valley of Fire and the rest of Nevada.
On another note, my eCourse “The Compelling Photograph” starts in two days and I’m so excited about it! Unfortunately there’s no more room! I was very surprised that it sold out in nine days. But, if you want to be the first to be informed when registration opens for the next course, you can hop on the waiting list here. Just look for the box with the red dashes around it and enter your email address there.
Bella Bella bella
🙂 Thanks Michelle!
Aptly named, Anne. Fantastic photos.
Thanks Fred, I appreciate that!
These images are amazing, Anne! Extraordinary colours – the melting strawberry sundae is a very apt descriptor – and I love the lines in the rock.
Congrats on the e-course success!
Thank you so much Laurie! The colours in the rocks truly were extraordinary. I can’t wait to go back and explore some more.
Extraordinary name, extraordinary site (and sight)! I’ve never seen anything quite like it. First class job, Anne, on capturing some of the beauty of this place.
Thank you very much for your comment Andy. The “strawberry sundae” name sure did fit the landscape!
Wow that’s a great description for this spot. Glad you went back these are stunning Anne. I’m always trying to be considerate of other photographers when I’m out shooting making sure that neither I nor any of my equipment get in the way. I wish others would do the same.
Hi Edith! Thank you very much for your comments. Most of the time when I come across other photographers everyone is really polite and helpful but every once in awhile there are those that think they own the location. I have a much better time when I am helpful to others instead of trying to own the scene!
I am so glad I found your blog and specifically these posts in the Valley of Fire. I am so inspired by your photography. And I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to see some of the beauty out west next year. Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire. I will be watching for your posts this fall!
Hi Andrea, Thanks for your comments! You are going to find so many things to see in the American Southwest. I can’t even begin to list all the amazing rock formations. There are a bunch of national parks, but also the state parks are often just as nice. Check out Utah, there are some outstanding places to see there.