Nature Eases My Pain
Cleghorn Arches 1 & 2
There are a few nice arches in Joshua Tree National Park, but we spent most of our time exploring the nearby designated Wilderness Areas within and outside the park. One of those areas is the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area. In 1994, it became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, a system that generally prohibits the use of motorized vehicles. In this case, that and other regulations are not enforced. There are tire tracks throughout the arches site as well as other bizarre signs of human habitation, including a porcelain toilet, large folding tables and other assorted junk and garbage. The site features at least four known arches and probably a few more. In this photo, Cynny records the coordinates of Cleghorn Arch 1 (11S-614150-3791752). Cleghorn 2 is pictured to the right. Not pictured or previously documented is Cleghorn 4 (11S-614120-3791809), a significant double arch found by Glenn Rodriquez.
Nature Eases My Pain
It’s been more than six months since I posted a gallery, so I thought I’d share some of my adventures, none of which have produced a prolific portfolio of photographs, but all of which were worth exploration. I’m still hunting arches as I was re-elected as President of the Natural Arch and Bridge Society, am still fascinated by long hikes to waterfalls, am still learning new techniques to photograph the night sky and am still hiking here and there, especially there.
Some people age gracefully and some do not. I retired in time to join those who do not. Details aside, when physically challenged, I try to respond defiantly in kind. The more I'm hurting, the longer and harder the hike. One of my gastroenterologists recently said to me: “At some point you are going to have to put your medical care before your passion.” And I responded, “Or not.”
As I inferred, there is no cohesive theme to this gallery, so I named it, “Nature Eases My Pain.” At the very least, it's a distraction.
I hope you enjoy it and don’t forget to read the captions. Often, they are more interesting than the photographs. Sad, but true.
