The first time I was in a desert, in the Southwestern part of the United States, it felt right. I can’t really explain it much more than that, but it did, indeed, feel like I fit in with the heat. In a way it reminded me of Frank Herbert’s Dune Series (how I love thee, let me count the ways). I remember visiting Death Valley and enjoying the 124F (51C) heat. Death Valley certainly isn’t a sand desert, nor are most of the places I’ve been in the US. But the heat and the barrenness really struck a chord with me. So now I’m ready to go back.
Near the end of next month I’ll be traveling to New Mexico, a state I’ve only briefly visited and intend to take a good hard look at this go ’round. I’m planning to take the spider cave tour at Carlsbad Caverns which will undoubtedly be a physical challenge. Spelunking is something I’ve always been fascinated with, and I’m ready to give it a go at Carlsbad.
I also want to visit Roswell because, well, just because. The thought of the whole alien landing site and a town drenched in alien memorabilia makes me a bit giddy. I’m sure it will be a feast for my camera.
There’s a ton of other stuff to see in the state as well, but I’m only now piecing my itinerary together. Ideally, I’ll be able to find places to stay along the trip outside of the big cities so I can get some morning sunrise shots of the desert.
I know it won’t necessarily be *hot* while I’m there but I’m really not very concerned with that. The landscape of the Southwest is the draw for me, not the heat. I’m ready to pull out my camera and make some serious photographs.
Good times.