Jan. 4, 2008 - Calico Tank, Red Rock Canyon

Canon 5D, 24 - 105 mm f/4L IS @ 24 mm, f/11, 1/200 sec., ISO 400

It's certainly true that every photograph has a story in it somewhere. Even photographs that aren't all that great (like this one ) have a story. As viewers, we usually don't know what the story is unless the photographer tells us in some way, and sometimes we don't really care. Well, whether you care or not, I have an overwhelming urge to tell this particular tale.

Since moving to the Las Vegas area, I've become very fond of hiking. I find that I enjoy being out in the desert, discovering all those things that are foreign to a native of upstate New York. So I take the time to read about different trails - like the one that leads to this spot in Red Rock Canyon - and pick one that sounds interesting for my next outing. Being new to the area, I usually pick the ones that are described as "easy" or "moderately difficult", figuring I'll work my way up to those that are classified "difficult". This particular trail is listed as "moderate".

Initially, it was actually pretty easy. But eventually you get to a point where it ain't so easy anymore. For one thing, the trail starts to become more vertical than horizontal. It also becomes less clearly marked, so you find yourself in areas where there is no trail and have to find your way back. Then you have to do what's called "rock scrambling" (climbing up and over large, slippery rocks). Sometimes, you think that you can't possibly get by some obstacle. Just as you decide to turn back, a bunch of little kids run by both you and the "obstacle", as if neither existed.

Eventually, you make it to the end. You rest, drink some water, and of course take some pictures. It doesn't matter if they're any good or not. They have value simply because they required a lot of work.

Is that a good enough reason to ask others to look at them? Probably not. But it should be. In any case, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.......