We have all heard … or seen in movies … or read in books … of the terrible sand and/or dust storms in the desert. Well, we are in one. Really! In fact, this blog was ready for publication last night, but the Internet was down, no doubt choked up by all the dust. If they have satellite, the dishes were probably filled with sand!

Dust and sand are oozing into the rug around the bottom corners of the door. The desk is a slight shady of gritty. I’ll definitely close my computer when I’m through here.

The wind howls outside. We have elected to eat leftovers (turkey wraps and shrimp cocktail) along with a nice bottle of 2007 Chianti Classico, rather than get sand blasted going to the local saloon.

The electricity has blipped off several times. The front desk told of that happening several times earlier today.

Internet service, iffy at best in this desolate-but-beautiful land, has been in and out. Dust storms are so thick that even 3G gets stymied.

When we stopped off at one of the park ranger stations this morning, we were reminded of the high winds that might come in. Small-craft warnings, thought this sailor. 25-mph winds at a minimum. Gusts from 40-65, perhaps higher. Definitely more than small-craft warnings, and according to our rental car, more than standard-size SUV warnings!

So often, the images one sees from Death Valley involve sand dunes. There is so much more to this area than that.

Many of the craggy mountains contain a riot of color. Backlit subjects glow as in this scene from more than 100 feet below sea level.

Yes, below sea level. It’s hard to remember that this was once part of the Pacific Ocean. We remember that it was under water, for sure, but part of the Pacific? Well maybe not so for sure!

In other parts of the United States, we see evidence of ancient times in fossils. I am sure they are here, but they are not so evident, at least to us thus far.

Complementary colors abound, as they do in so many areas we visit. So do graphics. Simple, diagonal lines for me are compelling. Perhaps it is because I am ambidextrous. Both artistic and mathematically inclined. Raoul and Ludwig!

What many people do not realize is that many photographers are also good in music, philosophy (if A, then B …), and mathematics. There is often a rhythm to photography. Complementary colors are a form of color math. So are design elements.

This photograph drew me in instantly because of the colors and graphics.

When I looked out the window this morning for the second time, I saw red skies. Never a good sign.

“Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.” In the lush area where my English Granny lived, it was shepherds, not sailors. Either way, those skies did not bode well.

As the afternoon progressed, so did the haziness in the sky … er … dust in the sky.

Both Arnie and I wanted to capture one of the amazing dust storms, but one needs something to set it off.

In one valley, the sun became a hazy ball. Light was subdued, but there were plenty of graphics to photograph.

Here, I found some flats with some wonderful patterns. The mountains on the other side were disappearing into the dust storm. I loved the way one played off the other.

We disappeared into one of the many canyons. Everything was subdued because of the high winds and dust. It gave a different look to the landscape, something we usually don’t see in images from the area.

For us, this was perfect. We pulled the car over in one spot, and Arnie walked down the road. I found some images where we had stopped, then got in the car and followed Arnie.

We always tell people to look over their shoulders. One can get so embroiled in a shot that one forgets to be aware of what else is around. When I drive, walk, sail, canoe, whatever, I am always checking behind, in this case, because the road was on the narrow side, in the rear- and side-view mirrors.

The car suddenly pulled over, clearly obeying my peripheral vision. I scrambled out of the car, because this is what I saw.

So, when you next go out shooting in a familiar place, one that has been oft photographed, look for less-common scenes. Make your image different. Make it yours!

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