Thunder Storm Crossing Death Valley

I drove north on Saline Valley Rd, in predawn gray. I wandered over Hunter Mountain pass and through Hidden Valley. I was chasing hopes and thunderstorms, both born above the Sierra and flying across Death Valley. 

At Tea Kettle Junction, I turned left towards “Racetrack” (in my opinion an unfortunate name for an ancient and beautiful place). I made a few exposures under heavy skies. There was a soft illumination revealing the playa and rock in dark gray and silver. 

I packed up the 8X10 and realized I was tired of rough road and wanted nothing more than my room and a shower at Stovepipe. I passed “The Uhebehe Volcanic” formation around 3:30-pm and after 9 hours; I was back on paved road. 

I came up to the junction of Rt. 190; a powerful thunderstorm was about to cross the northern portion of Death Valley. Realizing there was little time, I raced along the highway looking for something to place in front of the sky and storm. I parked and carried the 8X10 onto the valley floor. I figured…death by lightening bolt, would be quick. 

You can see the salt creek formations in the foreground winding into the valley. The crossing thunderstorm was about to disappear very near Telescope Peak. I missed by seconds a chance to photograph my first lightening bolt. It struck during the exposure just outside the frame… “the one that got away”.

I pulled into Stovepipe’s registration desk to let them know I was back…I was 90 minutes late. “Well…we were just about to send out the rangers and bring back what ever was left”. I thanked them and apologized for being late… They watch out for folks, at Stovepipe, especially photographers as Death Valley is well named.