When I read the words, “It’s snowing in Pioneertown” on my friends Facebook status, my ears perked up and I got all excited. For some “snow falling” is a dreaded occurrence of winter. But not for this Native Californian who lives in the desert, snow usually happens once a year, if we’re lucky. And even then, its not much. So If I wanted to capture snow falling in the desert with my camera, I was going to have to move quickly. Threw on another layer of clothes, grabbed my hear, a bottle of water and left my family in the warm comforts of home (and the football games) for the snow.
As I rolled closer to Pioneertown, I began to see white along the road. The excitement was building. And then a moment of disappointment overcame me as I discovered no snow actively falling as I reached my destination. Mane Street. There was still a light dusting of snow on the ground so I got out to explore.
Soon I was capturing snow covered subjects of interest as I strolled down the dirt road. And then it came. Snow!
And then my mind was racing in two different directions. One, capturing as much as I could while the snow was stilling falling. And secondly how to protect my camera from the elements. It is the only camera so I have to take care of it.
And I was not the only one crazy enough to venture out in freezing temperatures with my camera. Down the road I could see another gentleman out and about with his camera. Though he quickly disappeared inside where it was probably warm. Smart person!
After about an hour of walking around, I could no longer feel my fingers or my legs so I sought out the warmth of my 4Runner. But I didn’t go home right away. I went trolling through Yucca Valley looking for some picture perfect moments. Never really found any other than this American Flag whipping about in the snow as darkness descended over the valley.
So the first snow storm of 2011 never really materialized in Yucca Valley but I did manage to capture a few momentos of Pioneertown as the sun set on this western movie stage of yesteryear.