It was early evening when we exited the caves at Carlsbad Caverns. We still had a few hundred miles to go before we reached our new home in Arizona, but we decided to stay and watch the sunset. Traveling up the primitive road to a location one of the park rangers suggested, we pulled over and took in the expansive high desert landscape. In front of us, various cactus and other desert plants filled the groundscape. It the distance, separated by a small valley, the low desert mountains anchored the horizon. This was very different than anything we had in the Northeast.

As the sun set behind the far-off mountains, we marveled at the diversity of both the landscape and the flora in front of us. This was a special place.

Setting up this shot taught me my first valuable lesson about the desert. Everything, even the ground, has thorns! I thought I was in a clear patch but learned that nothing is clear of these vicious skewers. It was an interesting ride in the car as I gingerly tried to adjust in my seat to the multiple injections I received. I wouldn't change a thing. We were able to witness and capture more of Gods magnificent beauty this day. That is always a great blessing.
Shoot Date: November 26, 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Aperture priority ⅓ sec at f/16 1 EV
Lens: EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 16 mm
ISO: 100