Mobius Arch and My Arch in Alabama Hills

There is so much to explore near my favourite new campsite in Alabama Hills, California. So many amazing rock formations, piles of boulders, and green plains, all with the majestic Mount Whitney and the Sierra Nevada Range in the background.

There was even a slight dusting of snow remaining on the mountains during my visit.

But even with so much to explore, I just had to make the iconic shot of the well known Mobius Arch. I like icons. Even though the photos aren’t as unique as the ones that come after, I still have to make the icon shot. It’s like I have to get it out of my system.

Please click the images to view larger versions.

But then the fun really starts when I get to go exploring and make my own new discoveries. Not that I’m the first one to ever see or photograph anything I discover, but somehow it’s different when I didn’t find out about it in a guidebook, or through someone else’s photograph, and just came across it on my own.

One evening I went exploring around the campsite. I just started walking out towards the mountains and I came across this gorgeous arch! It was such a delightful surprise and so much more rewarding to photograph than Mobius Arch because it felt like my very own.

I like to call it “Anne’s Arch” although I’m sure it has a proper name. Still it feels like my arch because I discovered it without any help 🙂

And the best part was that I didn’t have to share my discovery – I had the arch and the evening all to myself.

Do you seek out the icons when you go to a new place? Or do you prefer to make your own discoveries?