The Wave: Landscape Photography in a Geological Wonderland
”Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better. ” - Albert Einstein
”Our first trip to North Coyote Buttes was full of uncertainty and the unexpected, mainly due to threatening weather conditions. We set out on this trip with a preconceived image of the main geological attraction, the “Wave,” awash in vivid color against bright blue skies. Instead, we encountered ominous skies with gray cloud cover and relentless chilling wind.
NIKON D70,f/22 @ 18 mm, 1/15
Under these conditions, the landscape was dark, colorless and rather foreboding.
Our party of photographers almost cut the trek short a couple of times, faced with periodic spitting rain and concerns about an impending storm. Instead, at Tom Gendron’s suggestion, we found a bit of shelter along the mountainside near “Wave Two,” where we enjoyed some hot tea and trail mix. This break gave us a second wind (no pun intended) and energy for a bit more exploration.
Late in the afternoon, we were pleasantly surprised to notice a bit of soft light glowing through the clouds in the otherwise gray threatening sky. Under this extra bit of illumination, the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone buttes came to life with rich color and texture. Hiking up to a plateau just beyond on the Wave, we were delighted to find a quiet reflecting water pools under the backdrop of the distant muted horizon.
Staying a bit longer in North Coyote Buttes, we were rewarded with some wonderful hiking and photography opportunities. We’re all a bit wiser for this trip better understanding the value of patience and openness to the unanticipated.
D70,f/22 @ 18 mm, 1/13
Although North Coyote Buttes is most well-known for the Wave, it is also home to a number of other fascinating geological features, including “brain rock” and dome like rock formations known as “teepees,” riparian vegetation and wildlife.
NIKON D70,f/25 @ 27 mm, 0.3s
At an elevation of 5,000 to 5,400 feet, the Paria Plateau is a natural habitat for rare and some endangered species including Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, California Condors and the Peregrine Falcon."
Related postings: White Pockets in Paria Canyon –Vermilion Cliffs, Glen Canyon Recreation Area - Ahlstrom Point at Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon (slot canyons), Arizona – Utah Border and Arizona and Utah landscape photography and Grand Staircase Escalante Photography.
NIKON D200,f/5.6 @ 34 mm, 1/125, ISO 100
Sad Final Note: In recent months, three people have lost their lives hiking near the Wave. While the deaths are being investigated, it appears that the hikers likely suffered from excessive heat exposure and dehydration. This book excerpt and photos from the Wave are posted in memory of the fallen hikers, with deepest sympathies to their families and friends.
Excerpted from Windswept Landscape: Images from the Arizona – Utah Border, Tom Gendron, Marcus W Reinkensmeyer and Steve Stilwell.
Marcus W Reinkensmeyer
NIKON D200,f/14 @ 24 mm, 1/125, ISO 200