Miner's Compass [Explore]

Deserts can seem nearly monochromatic in the day-time, but around sunset and sunrise the palette expands considerably...whether it be the blue haze below the mountain ridge lines contrasting against the clay colored rock and sand, or - as in the case of the Mojave pictured here - the bright flora, from yellow needled chollas to red needled California Barrel cacti.

 

The barrel cacti stand out among the variety of small vegetation, with their unique shape and coloration. They earned the nickname Miner's Compass because they point toward the noon-day sun in order to decrease the amount of heat and exposure on their needles. I really liked the look of this particular one with the Snaggletooth formation and Turtle Mountains in the background at sunset.

 

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#103 ⭐ April 18, 2023

Done