I watched this episode with my high quality headphones - I really appreciated the soundscapes of Death Valley by doing this. The soft thudding of a slot canyon hike, the wind across the valley. Amazing. Also, I look forward to your revised book “If you can’t get Between the Wind, get an umbrella”
Thanks as always James! There is something very powerful about sound! I'm looking forward to what I'll be able to capture on my upcoming backpacking trip, though for that one I won't have my fancy stereo mic.
There are idiots everywhere Ben, just like there is flying trash everywhere, that final image is a winner, simply stunning my friend, thanks for sharing.
"We need less idiots." Truer words have never been spoken. Some people just feels so entitled that rules do not apply to them, and I love how you handled the situation. Well done sir and keep fighting the good fight and taking those great images.
Thanks Craig! It is rather disturbing to see more and more of this type of behavior. I'm very much a rule follower so it makes my skin crawl to see people trying to get away with stuff like this just because they can.
"Little river"? That's the mighty Amargosa River! Runs south, from Beatty, down to Saratoga Springs and north up The Valley to Badwater. Little river, sheesh. ;) Thanks for reporting the Nimrod in the Jeep, with the RTT! That WAS an interesting "stream" of mud cracks. Great find! I know where you're headed next! (Or at least in the exit clip.) Can't wait for that part of the adventure!
The might Amargosa indeed! I was pleasantly surprised to find water in that section, and it looked the same as what I saw on the satellite imagery. I think there will be some wonderful compositions to be found there. Hopefully I can set up a photo at that location next year!
An other great video, showing us the beauty of Death Valley. The closeup details of those mud cracks look stunning, love all those shapes in the left bottom corner!!!
A good one, and coincidentally timed... we spent Friday marching around General Sherman and on the Congress Trail. It became such a distraction and bummer to see people everywhere hopping the railing to climb on the Sequoias for selfies we packed it in and left early. I went in without B the next day to catch the sunrise and then a waterfall, but was out of the park by 10am... on the hike back noting many people having driven right past the "Road Closed" signs blocking the road to drive back and park in the campground (that was closed due to being covered in snow.) Just wanted to take a shower after the whole experience. Especially enjoyed hearing only the sound of your footsteps... give your production team trio a special treat for an excellent job well done.
Thanks Mitch! It really is sad to see how self-centered our society has come, and so much of it is undoubtably fueled by the influence of social media. It seems that many people simply want to use the outdoors for their own gain without thinking twice about the impact of their actions.
Great Ben, I love the whole space of nothing really - space and times of peace which we could all do with. The mud giving us all a stunning image.. thanks
Like all of your videos, I really enjoyed this one. And I particularly liked some of the video shots you included like the slider effect as you walked into that first canyon.
Thanks! I have a new ultra-compact slider I've been using on this trip and also my previous trip. It only has about 8 inches of travel, but that's enough if I get close to something. My previous one was a bulky 2 foot long model. Thanks for watching and commenting!
The blue hour shot of the mud turned out great, plus your right about so many idiots out there, I see them daily! Always love your videos and keep up the good work!
Thanks Michael! And it really is sad how entitled of a society we've become. There is very little thought of how our actions affect others, and this mentality is without a doubt fueled by social media.
Thanks Sonho! It sure was an interesting formation of mud. I revisited that area in the days that followed and found yet more scenes to photograph. There's something very satisfying about photographing the dried mud. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
I love that you pick up the mylar balloons and that you reported the idiots in the jeep. It frustrates me so much how many idiots are out there who don’t care about the land or the wildlife. As nature & landscape photographers, I feel we have an obligation to be stewards of the land and the wildlife - perhaps obligation is too strong a word here but I am passionate about this. Thank you for being so aware and responsible about this.
I very much share your view on that, and it really is sad to see how many people don't feel the rules apply to them, and are more interested in using the outdoors for their own gain without thinking of how it affects other people or the environment. We've become such a self-centered society, and it's truly sad to see.
Thanks as always Stefan! It sure was an interesting trip, and I'm already looking forward to heading back there next year to do some more exploring. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Headphones on, (wifey asleep in the next room) Loved your homage to the Death Valley Steam Railway between 1:35 & 1:58 😂Ben I know your were troubled by wind on this episode but it did make for some nice atmospheric listening as I sat here watching you ply your trade. 1 out of 3 is better than none out of 3, I have not looked but I am sure someone must have commented "cracking image" (lol) because it is . When you showed the complete image it had the feel of a pattern left over by a snake that had shed it's skin. Atb Al
Thanks! Although the wind can be frustrating from a large format perspective, it it a wonderful thing to experience. There's something about feeling that rush of energy that is truly invigorating. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
I'm impressed the sharpness of the third image. I'd figure the wind would become a challenge dirt movement and camera shake for long-exposure shots. Thank you for picking up the mylar balloons. Mylar balloons are not just a problem for litter, but can pose problems for power companies when hung up into the wires.
Thanks Bryan! Yup, we've had quite a few fires here in my neck of the woods from balloons shorting power lines, and I can only imagine the damage done to critters who try to eat them. They are truly a plague on the environment. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Ben, thank you for taking a stand against idiots. Excellent composition of the dried mud. It reminds me of the texture of a large snakeskin. It's a very cool photograph. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels -Craig
There could be 2 - 3 different t-shirt variations with the idiot statements, and on any given day I'd be torn on which one I'd want to wear first. Gold. Great video too, by the way! Love the image in the blue hour. Unique take on the typical mud cracks that everyone photographs in DV.
Thanks Brian! Those mud cracks sure make for a very interesting subject, and I love how they change so much from year to year. I suspect that area will look completely different next year. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
It seems that you’ve started a movement and awareness of the mylar balloon scandal; Myballgate. At the Salton Sea this winter I was picking them up too. Congratulations on your patience to capture those remarkable mud cracks!
Thanks as always Keith! It really is quite disturbing how many of those balloons are out there. Finding 4 in one day is sometimes the norm, and I can only imagine how many are snagged on remote mountain peaks that are seldom visited. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
I find those balloons in the Cascade mountains once in a while during hiking/backpacking trips. Every time I see one flying in the air, I know it will end up in the mountains and that's very annoying.
It really is sad how far they fly and how they are often times released intentionally. People seem to have no regard for the impact of their own actions. Thanks for watching and commenting Randy!
i spend lots of time in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. I often collect dozens of balloons in a single day, and also use the term "flying trash". will the balance tip? I wonder ...
It really is quite startling how prevalent mylar balloons are out in the wilderness. When one can find multiple balloons in a single day, even in a small area, it makes me wonder how many are littered throughout the rugged mountains and other areas that people never visit. It's so very sad to see.
When I was about 7 0r 8 I got a balloon from a fair my family attended. Dad gave me the idea of attaching a postcard to it and sending it off. I got it back about 3 months later from a lady who found it on the far side of our state.
I also remember events as a kid where messages were tied to balloons and released. Thankfully we live in a different sort of world now where we look at things like that in a different light. Thanks for watching and commenting!
You have me picking up those balloons too, I find them all the time. Did that Jeep have Casy 250 on it, because he just uploaded a video where he spent 72 hours in Death Valley?
Thanks Andrew! I did indeed find a wonderful composition to return to on perhaps a future trip when there are some clouds in the sky. There's a wonderful area where all the elements align quite nicely.
"Don't be an idiot" is what I said inside my head as I told a family group that drones aren't allowed in the Grand Canyon or other national parks. Thankfully, they complied; and the young drone pilot replied, when I told him the rule was to keep national parks natural for both visitors and native species, "Yeah, that makes sense." So, I hope I reduced the national idiot count by at least one. Great video and images. Thanks.
Thanks John, and I'm glad to hear the drone owners were receptive. In most other instances, I'm sure they would have pushed back with a sense of anger and entitlement. It seems so many people these days think the rules don't apply to them.
@@BenHorne thanks. Those guys hadn't bothered to even check the rules. They were literally clueless. Not to mention, the teen pilot and his dad had ventured way off the viewing platform at Yavapai Point to a narrow ledge with a 2000 foot drop. So, I might have saved a life or two as well.
Idiots seem to like idiots... I like that one. I always enjoy figuring out where you were, this one was pretty easy, I think I photographed that same mud cracks. The very sharp edges looked so different to the mud I have seen in the park before. It was unique and interesting.
that image is STUNNING !!! the detail is remarkable i wish fuji would make tilt shift lenses for my gfx 100 system dont get me wrong i would love to shoot 8x10 film its just harder for me ..but anyways Ben you have become a master at large format photography ..GOD BLESS n thank you for your beautiful work !!
Thanks Juan! I suspect that if I were to ever need to go digital, a medium format back on a technical camera would be quite appealing. It would be tough giving up the controls of a view camera since they make so many things far easier than the equivalent digital darkroom techniques. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks Robert! I believe the last time I was there was back in 2011 or so. It's a nice area, but I've also heard from many people that there has been rampant vandalism there in recent years, and I find myself drawn more to locations where I can get away from people.
Brilliant shot, Ben! The composition and the light are absolutely wonderful. It's a shame the wind ruined the exposures with the direct light. Anyway, we can't get all the shots. As always, I enjoyed the video quite a lot! (ps. and I fully agree with you, we need less idiots). Ciao Ben :)
Thanks Andrea! Even though it's very difficult to work in the wind, it sure is invigorating being out there and feeling the force of the wind. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
I haven't, but to the best of my knowledge, they are dormant during that time of year and become more active starting in the spring and more toward the summer.
Hi Ben. I noticed the comment from the guy wondering about the difference between moving a rock and bypassing multiple signs and driving through sensitive areas to camp in a prohibited area. I like your response, but it's sad that it's not self-evident. Like you, I have an SUV. Mine's a Jeep Wrangler, probably like the guy (I assume it's a guy, it almost always is) who defiled that part of Death Valley. I look at my Jeep as a tool and a means to an end, that being delivering me to a point where my feet can properly and legally do the work. Unfortunately, much of the marketing of these vehicles is slanted toward the kind of behavior that you saw in Death Valley. There's a current ad by Toyota that has four celebrities, none of whom have likely ever driven anywhere other than on pavement. It shows them (or their stunt doubles) hot rodding through an area much like Death Valley, going off road, ripping through mud, and generally endangering themselves and the land they are driving over. I think it's pretty inevitable that this kind of depiction is going to appeal to people who don't seem to have any connection to or love of the land, and who now own a toy that can allow them to behave the way those folks do on TV. I decided years ago that the ability to do a thing is not the moral justification for doing it. I hope that a judge helps these people understand that.
Thanks for the comment Paul! That's very true about the marketing behind off road vehicles, combined in part with social media culture that normalizes bad behavior where people are rewarded for doing increasingly outlandish and harmful things. There are some areas in Death Valley where people drove off road many years ago, perhaps over a decade ago, and those tracks still remain. It's quite disappointing to be far from any road, yet come across an area where someone decided to go for a joyride. It seems that many people these days feel the rules don't apply to them. It truly is a sad mentality. When I photographed the jeep early that morning (well before sunrise), I had to step off the boardwalk in the protected area to get a clear photo of the license plate. I felt guilty as hell stepping off the boardwalk even to do that, so the thought of driving through an area like that is completely beyond me. In any case, I hope they got a significant fine. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I see at least 100 idiot's everyday driving to and from work. Covid has made things significantly worse. Love the quote. Truer words were never spoken. Regarding the mud crack image, the LLC is just insanely good. Love the color rendition of the third shot as well.
Thanks Dave! Yeah, for some reason covid sure emboldened the idiots. Those incredibly self-centered individuals are a detriment to our society. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Dave!
Ben: If you look at TV, movies and 90% of RUclips videos, they are done and watched by idiots. I'm afraid the idiots way outnumber those of us with any common sense. The cars driving by at about 14:30 took away the aura of you way out away from anyone or anything. ;-)
Yup, we live in a world surrounded by idiots, and it seems social media only further encourages their behavior. It truly is sad to witness. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Danny!
I'm probably going to catch hell for this comment but here goes anyway. What is the difference between the "idiots" in the Jeep and moving a rock to set the tripod on? Regardless of the scale, it all boils down to impacting the area does it not? My sin is not as great as your sin? Seems a tad hypocritical to me.
There is a difference between moving a rock, and what this person did. They drove between signs that say no vehicles allowed, signs that say no camping is allowed, then drove past an informative sign talking about a specific type of highly endangered fish that lives in this small specific area, a fish that exists nowhere else in the world. Then after driving past all of those signs, they drove through the stream and did a three-point turn in the stream just so you can set up camp along a boardwalk in a highly protected area where everyone else must remain on the boardwalk while in the area. All of this when there is a campground with plenty of available sites only maybe 15 minutes away. If you don't see the difference between that and moving a rock, it sounds like the issue is with you. Your comment is incredibly disappointing.
"Idiots like idiots. That's how we get more idiots." - Ben Horne. Quote of the year so far. LOL
Thanks Brent! And sadly those idiots make a lot more idiots. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I watched this episode with my high quality headphones - I really appreciated the soundscapes of Death Valley by doing this. The soft thudding of a slot canyon hike, the wind across the valley. Amazing.
Also, I look forward to your revised book “If you can’t get Between the Wind, get an umbrella”
Thanks as always James! There is something very powerful about sound! I'm looking forward to what I'll be able to capture on my upcoming backpacking trip, though for that one I won't have my fancy stereo mic.
I watch your videos to keep me relaxed and sane. Thank you
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Robert! There's something about the open space and silence of Death Valley that sure is conducive for that.
There are idiots everywhere Ben, just like there is flying trash everywhere, that final image is a winner, simply stunning my friend, thanks for sharing.
Thanks John!
"We need less idiots." Truer words have never been spoken. Some people just feels so entitled that rules do not apply to them, and I love how you handled the situation. Well done sir and keep fighting the good fight and taking those great images.
Thanks Craig! It is rather disturbing to see more and more of this type of behavior. I'm very much a rule follower so it makes my skin crawl to see people trying to get away with stuff like this just because they can.
Loved this one, Ben. An old mate of mine used to say, "I hate everyone equally." Probably hated me, too.
Haha! That's actually a wonderful phrase. :-)
Excellent last photo. It's been said below, but i'll say it again, loved the soundscape on this one, felt like being there. Very calming at times.
Thanks Medwyn! Those windy days sure are fun from an audio perspective.
Wow, the photo of the mud cracks is stunning. And thanks for inspiring us to take care of the environment!
Thank you so much Robert!
If you ever do a gallery show you should make a print of this one that is 8ft high.
That sure would be fun to see. Thanks for watching and commenting!
"Little river"? That's the mighty Amargosa River! Runs south, from Beatty, down to Saratoga Springs and north up The Valley to Badwater. Little river, sheesh. ;)
Thanks for reporting the Nimrod in the Jeep, with the RTT!
That WAS an interesting "stream" of mud cracks. Great find!
I know where you're headed next! (Or at least in the exit clip.) Can't wait for that part of the adventure!
The might Amargosa indeed! I was pleasantly surprised to find water in that section, and it looked the same as what I saw on the satellite imagery. I think there will be some wonderful compositions to be found there. Hopefully I can set up a photo at that location next year!
The quality of the light and the composition in that third image are stunning. Bravo.
Thanks Peter! It sure was a wonderful scene to find.
The last shot it"s simply fantastic!!
Thanks Alberto!
An other great video, showing us the beauty of Death Valley. The closeup details of those mud cracks look stunning, love all those shapes in the left bottom corner!!!
Thanks Sander! It sure was a fun scene to compose.
A good one, and coincidentally timed... we spent Friday marching around General Sherman and on the Congress Trail. It became such a distraction and bummer to see people everywhere hopping the railing to climb on the Sequoias for selfies we packed it in and left early. I went in without B the next day to catch the sunrise and then a waterfall, but was out of the park by 10am... on the hike back noting many people having driven right past the "Road Closed" signs blocking the road to drive back and park in the campground (that was closed due to being covered in snow.) Just wanted to take a shower after the whole experience. Especially enjoyed hearing only the sound of your footsteps... give your production team trio a special treat for an excellent job well done.
Thanks Mitch! It really is sad to see how self-centered our society has come, and so much of it is undoubtably fueled by the influence of social media. It seems that many people simply want to use the outdoors for their own gain without thinking twice about the impact of their actions.
Looking forward to that photo on the wall. Nice episode.
Thanks so much!!
Great Ben, I love the whole space of nothing really - space and times of peace which we could all do with. The mud giving us all a stunning image.. thanks
Thanks Mark!
LOVE those fractal shapes in the mud
Thanks Zach! They sure were interesting to find!
Like all of your videos, I really enjoyed this one. And I particularly liked some of the video shots you included like the slider effect as you walked into that first canyon.
Thanks! I have a new ultra-compact slider I've been using on this trip and also my previous trip. It only has about 8 inches of travel, but that's enough if I get close to something. My previous one was a bulky 2 foot long model. Thanks for watching and commenting!
The blue hour shot of the mud turned out great, plus your right about so many idiots out there, I see them daily! Always love your videos and keep up the good work!
Thanks Michael! And it really is sad how entitled of a society we've become. There is very little thought of how our actions affect others, and this mentality is without a doubt fueled by social media.
fractals for the win!
Thanks Sonho! It sure was an interesting formation of mud. I revisited that area in the days that followed and found yet more scenes to photograph. There's something very satisfying about photographing the dried mud. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
I love that you pick up the mylar balloons and that you reported the idiots in the jeep. It frustrates me so much how many idiots are out there who don’t care about the land or the wildlife. As nature & landscape photographers, I feel we have an obligation to be stewards of the land and the wildlife - perhaps obligation is too strong a word here but I am passionate about this. Thank you for being so aware and responsible about this.
I very much share your view on that, and it really is sad to see how many people don't feel the rules apply to them, and are more interested in using the outdoors for their own gain without thinking of how it affects other people or the environment. We've become such a self-centered society, and it's truly sad to see.
Exploring canyons and organizing mud cracks, sounds like a satisfying day! Love the video.
It sure is. Thanks Caleb!
What a great shot on the end of a great video.
It's the best time of the year, when you post a series of your trips.
Please do more :)
Regards
Stefan
Thanks as always Stefan! It sure was an interesting trip, and I'm already looking forward to heading back there next year to do some more exploring. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Beautiful image Ben. Really nice mudcrack patterns!
Thanks Ed!
Headphones on, (wifey asleep in the next room) Loved your homage to the Death Valley Steam Railway between 1:35 & 1:58 😂Ben I know your were troubled by wind on this episode but it did make for some nice atmospheric listening as I sat here watching you ply your trade. 1 out of 3 is better than none out of 3, I have not looked but I am sure someone must have commented "cracking image" (lol) because it is . When you showed the complete image it had the feel of a pattern left over by a snake that had shed it's skin. Atb Al
Thanks! Although the wind can be frustrating from a large format perspective, it it a wonderful thing to experience. There's something about feeling that rush of energy that is truly invigorating. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
I'm impressed the sharpness of the third image. I'd figure the wind would become a challenge dirt movement and camera shake for long-exposure shots.
Thank you for picking up the mylar balloons. Mylar balloons are not just a problem for litter, but can pose problems for power companies when hung up into the wires.
A problem for animals too. If the eat them they will die in agony from a blocked gut. Horrible!
Thanks Bryan! Yup, we've had quite a few fires here in my neck of the woods from balloons shorting power lines, and I can only imagine the damage done to critters who try to eat them. They are truly a plague on the environment. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Ben, thank you for taking a stand against idiots. Excellent composition of the dried mud. It reminds me of the texture of a large snakeskin. It's a very cool photograph. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels -Craig
Thanks Craig!
There could be 2 - 3 different t-shirt variations with the idiot statements, and on any given day I'd be torn on which one I'd want to wear first. Gold. Great video too, by the way! Love the image in the blue hour. Unique take on the typical mud cracks that everyone photographs in DV.
Thanks Brian! Those mud cracks sure make for a very interesting subject, and I love how they change so much from year to year. I suspect that area will look completely different next year. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
It seems that you’ve started a movement and awareness of the mylar balloon scandal; Myballgate. At the Salton Sea this winter I was picking them up too. Congratulations on your patience to capture those remarkable mud cracks!
Thanks as always Keith! It really is quite disturbing how many of those balloons are out there. Finding 4 in one day is sometimes the norm, and I can only imagine how many are snagged on remote mountain peaks that are seldom visited. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
I find those balloons in the Cascade mountains once in a while during hiking/backpacking trips. Every time I see one flying in the air, I know it will end up in the mountains and that's very annoying.
It really is sad how far they fly and how they are often times released intentionally. People seem to have no regard for the impact of their own actions. Thanks for watching and commenting Randy!
Fabulous last image, amazing cracks and perfect light capture
Thanks Phil! I'm definitely glad the wind cooperated on this one.
Gorgeous composition on the mesmerizing mud cracks Ben!
Thank you Juanita! It sure was some fun mud to find.
i spend lots of time in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. I often collect dozens of balloons in a single day, and also use the term "flying trash". will the balance tip? I wonder ...
It really is quite startling how prevalent mylar balloons are out in the wilderness. When one can find multiple balloons in a single day, even in a small area, it makes me wonder how many are littered throughout the rugged mountains and other areas that people never visit. It's so very sad to see.
Nice one Ben
Thanks Paul!
Last photo really nice
Thanks Joan! It sure was a fun scene to find.
When I was about 7 0r 8 I got a balloon from a fair my family attended. Dad gave me the idea of attaching a postcard to it and sending it off. I got it back about 3 months later from a lady who found it on the far side of our state.
I also remember events as a kid where messages were tied to balloons and released. Thankfully we live in a different sort of world now where we look at things like that in a different light. Thanks for watching and commenting!
You have me picking up those balloons too, I find them all the time. Did that Jeep have Casy 250 on it, because he just uploaded a video where he spent 72 hours in Death Valley?
I looked it up and that wasn't the Jeep I saw. After reporting it, the park rangers said they would be reaching out to the owner very soon.
I’m impressed. Excellent image.
Thanks! It was a fun scene to find, and you'll see some more photos from that area in the days to come. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Ben, I love that final image.
Thanks Corey!
Wonderful watch as ever. Did you find a composition along the river you were following ?
Thanks Andrew! I did indeed find a wonderful composition to return to on perhaps a future trip when there are some clouds in the sky. There's a wonderful area where all the elements align quite nicely.
"Don't be an idiot" is what I said inside my head as I told a family group that drones aren't allowed in the Grand Canyon or other national parks. Thankfully, they complied; and the young drone pilot replied, when I told him the rule was to keep national parks natural for both visitors and native species, "Yeah, that makes sense." So, I hope I reduced the national idiot count by at least one. Great video and images. Thanks.
Thanks John, and I'm glad to hear the drone owners were receptive. In most other instances, I'm sure they would have pushed back with a sense of anger and entitlement. It seems so many people these days think the rules don't apply to them.
@@BenHorne thanks. Those guys hadn't bothered to even check the rules. They were literally clueless. Not to mention, the teen pilot and his dad had ventured way off the viewing platform at Yavapai Point to a narrow ledge with a 2000 foot drop. So, I might have saved a life or two as well.
Truly beautiful!
Thanks so much!
Idiots seem to like idiots... I like that one. I always enjoy figuring out where you were, this one was pretty easy, I think I photographed that same mud cracks. The very sharp edges looked so different to the mud I have seen in the park before. It was unique and interesting.
Thanks Travis! It sure is nice when the mud cracks are right off the side of the road like that. :-) Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
The same zigzag theme is going on in this and your FRACTURED photo!
Thanks Hideto! I hadn't thought about that until you mentioned it. It sure does go along the same theme.
Hi Ben ! Interesting video !!!
Thanks as always Evgeny!
that image is STUNNING !!! the detail is remarkable i wish fuji would make tilt shift lenses for my gfx 100 system dont get me wrong i would love to shoot 8x10 film its just harder for me ..but anyways Ben you have become a master at large format photography ..GOD BLESS n thank you for your beautiful work !!
Thanks Juan! I suspect that if I were to ever need to go digital, a medium format back on a technical camera would be quite appealing. It would be tough giving up the controls of a view camera since they make so many things far easier than the equivalent digital darkroom techniques. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Beautiful as always. Tell me, do you ever make the trek to the Racetrack and the Sailing Stones?
Thanks Robert! I believe the last time I was there was back in 2011 or so. It's a nice area, but I've also heard from many people that there has been rampant vandalism there in recent years, and I find myself drawn more to locations where I can get away from people.
@@BenHorne It is fucking typical that assholes ruin the environment. Humans are so stupid.
“I don’t hate all people…just idiots.” The title of your future book featuring discarded balloons.
Haha! Love it! Thanks for watching John!
Brilliant shot, Ben! The composition and the light are absolutely wonderful. It's a shame the wind ruined the exposures with the direct light. Anyway, we can't get all the shots. As always, I enjoyed the video quite a lot! (ps. and I fully agree with you, we need less idiots). Ciao Ben :)
Thanks Andrea! Even though it's very difficult to work in the wind, it sure is invigorating being out there and feeling the force of the wind. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Ben, you need a caddie! :)
It sure would help at times! Time to train my cats to be a sled cat team. :-) Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
On any of your trips whether Death Valley or Zion do you ever run across rattlesnakes or nasty creepy crawlies
I haven't, but to the best of my knowledge, they are dormant during that time of year and become more active starting in the spring and more toward the summer.
The moment when he realized that he has to juggle with four things... pause...well, who cares... 🤣🤣
Haha! Yeah, it was a tough one to juggle indeed, but it was also kinda fun. :-)
there's always idiots 😞
anyway, loved the mud crack image - almost a skeletal quality to the final result
Thanks! It sure was an interesting scene to find. That's one of the fun things about the mud cracks in Death Valley. They're always changing.
Hi Ben. I noticed the comment from the guy wondering about the difference between moving a rock and bypassing multiple signs and driving through sensitive areas to camp in a prohibited area. I like your response, but it's sad that it's not self-evident. Like you, I have an SUV. Mine's a Jeep Wrangler, probably like the guy (I assume it's a guy, it almost always is) who defiled that part of Death Valley. I look at my Jeep as a tool and a means to an end, that being delivering me to a point where my feet can properly and legally do the work. Unfortunately, much of the marketing of these vehicles is slanted toward the kind of behavior that you saw in Death Valley. There's a current ad by Toyota that has four celebrities, none of whom have likely ever driven anywhere other than on pavement. It shows them (or their stunt doubles) hot rodding through an area much like Death Valley, going off road, ripping through mud, and generally endangering themselves and the land they are driving over. I think it's pretty inevitable that this kind of depiction is going to appeal to people who don't seem to have any connection to or love of the land, and who now own a toy that can allow them to behave the way those folks do on TV. I decided years ago that the ability to do a thing is not the moral justification for doing it. I hope that a judge helps these people understand that.
Thanks for the comment Paul! That's very true about the marketing behind off road vehicles, combined in part with social media culture that normalizes bad behavior where people are rewarded for doing increasingly outlandish and harmful things. There are some areas in Death Valley where people drove off road many years ago, perhaps over a decade ago, and those tracks still remain. It's quite disappointing to be far from any road, yet come across an area where someone decided to go for a joyride. It seems that many people these days feel the rules don't apply to them. It truly is a sad mentality. When I photographed the jeep early that morning (well before sunrise), I had to step off the boardwalk in the protected area to get a clear photo of the license plate. I felt guilty as hell stepping off the boardwalk even to do that, so the thought of driving through an area like that is completely beyond me. In any case, I hope they got a significant fine. Thanks for watching and commenting!
It's okay for Jeep owners to camp on protected areas. Don't you know that? It's a Jeep thing.
It sure is sad that so much of the marketing is built around the "you can't tell me what to do" mindset. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
always jeep people. its truth dont hate
Rules? What Rules? :-) Thanks for watching Teresa!
I see at least 100 idiot's everyday driving to and from work. Covid has made things significantly worse. Love the quote. Truer words were never spoken.
Regarding the mud crack image, the LLC is just insanely good. Love the color rendition of the third shot as well.
Thanks Dave! Yeah, for some reason covid sure emboldened the idiots. Those incredibly self-centered individuals are a detriment to our society. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Dave!
I'm surrounded by idiots. 😂😂😂🤣🤣
Haha! Yup. It happens.
So cool Mud shot! #dontbeanidiot
Lovely crack Ben
Thanks as always Andrew!
Ben: If you look at TV, movies and 90% of RUclips videos, they are done and watched by idiots. I'm afraid the idiots way outnumber those of us with any common sense. The cars driving by at about 14:30 took away the aura of you way out away from anyone or anything. ;-)
Yup, we live in a world surrounded by idiots, and it seems social media only further encourages their behavior. It truly is sad to witness. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Danny!
I'm probably going to catch hell for this comment but here goes anyway. What is the difference between the "idiots" in the Jeep and moving a rock to set the tripod on? Regardless of the scale, it all boils down to impacting the area does it not? My sin is not as great as your sin? Seems a tad hypocritical to me.
There is a difference between moving a rock, and what this person did. They drove between signs that say no vehicles allowed, signs that say no camping is allowed, then drove past an informative sign talking about a specific type of highly endangered fish that lives in this small specific area, a fish that exists nowhere else in the world. Then after driving past all of those signs, they drove through the stream and did a three-point turn in the stream just so you can set up camp along a boardwalk in a highly protected area where everyone else must remain on the boardwalk while in the area. All of this when there is a campground with plenty of available sites only maybe 15 minutes away. If you don't see the difference between that and moving a rock, it sounds like the issue is with you. Your comment is incredibly disappointing.