Three Days in Hot Water

It's been two weeks since I last visited the El Dorado Hot Spring in Tonopah, Arizona. Last time I was here with a buddy. This time I got to enjoy it by myself!

On the way out, I couldn't help but notice an airplane doing aerobatics for no adequately explored reason. At first I thought it was an Air Force jet, since Luke Air Force Base isn't far away. But when I got closer it looked more like a little crop duster. Whichever it was, the pilot definitely has a pair.

After I got settled into my campsite (Mesquite West), I wandered a bit to catch photos of the setting sun.

This row of mountains rises to the north of the hot spring. I was captivated by the way the shadows of the setting sun fell upon them.

The campground is rustic, which is great since it keeps the snobs away.

The moon was just about full. I tried capturing it as it set behind the mesquite branches. The camera made it a time exposure, and got the trees brighter than it looked like in reality.

But it's easy to reduce the exposure afterwards.

Morning began with an appearance by Peaches, an invaluable member of the campground cleanup crew.

The grounds around the hot spring always have entertaining wildlife to observe.

Another day, another sunset! And the place becomes magical.

This is the general, public area, called Desert Pete.

But I still love Nature's magic the best.