BajaNomad

Ocotillo

Skipjack Joe - 7-31-2011 at 10:29 AM

... during rain storm.

Mulegena - 7-31-2011 at 12:01 PM

"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen.
The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez

Your photo depicts that rarified air and play of light that is unique to the peninsula and articulates deeply in the human heart's instinctive resonance with nature.

Thanks, Skipjack. Mulegena

Natalie Ann - 7-31-2011 at 01:49 PM

What a lovely image, Igor.

From a photographic sense, it is perfectly composed and the light is just right.

More importantly, it speaks to my heart of the true beauty, the wondrous simplicity of Baja.

Is this from your recent trip South?

nena

Skipjack Joe - 7-31-2011 at 05:37 PM

Thank you for the comments ladies.

It was the last image of our trip this year. We stopped to see the shrine at Catavina for the first time and the ocotillo was right next to it. It was actually a challenge to find a rock without grafitti in that area.

Below it the image of the Virgin. Actually it was taken from as far back as I could stand because there was a stack of bottled candles about 3 feet deep. I can't understand why these candles are left in the enclosure unless there was some belief that the worshiper somehow benefitted from this.

This Virgin has been filmed by many better photographers than I but this is my version.

Roberto - 8-1-2011 at 08:18 AM

Great shots! I've been told that the plants in Baja are Palo Adan, and not Ocotillo. Does anyone know if this is true?

Udo - 8-1-2011 at 08:27 AM

They sure look identical.
Plus, when they dry out, the wood looks the same.

Our Lady of Roses

Mulegena - 8-1-2011 at 08:34 AM

Again, Igor, thanks for this photo. I love the detail that's apparent here, the rock "canvas" adding quality to the composition.

I'm not religious but deeply spiritual and really do enjoy the beautiful little "Maria houses" that dot the roads down here. Even on some remote dirt traks through the mountains you can find little shrines. There's an intrigue I find in a culture that would hold so dearly the female aspect of divinity-- that's my take on it.

Mulegena - 8-1-2011 at 08:37 AM

EcoMujeres, are you reading this?
She's the go-to plant person on this board.
Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Great shots! I've been told that the plants in Baja are Palo Adan, and not Ocotillo. Does anyone know if this is true?

tripledigitken - 8-1-2011 at 08:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Great shots! I've been told that the plants in Baja are Palo Adan, and not Ocotillo. Does anyone know if this is true?


Roberto,

I went to our resource, "Baja California Plant Field Guide" by Norman Roberts........

page 210, .....Palo Adan..........is often confused with Ocotillo....a short trunk before branching occurs....the leaves are more leathery and thicker, and the flower cluster is a more pinkish red............In the region of Bahia de los Angeles and Punta Prieta, Palo Adan and Ocotillo occur together.

Ken

[Edited on 8-1-2011 by tripledigitken]

Skipjack Joe - 8-1-2011 at 09:18 AM

Palo Adan's are more branched than the ocotillo, whose stems usually reach upward without any branching at all. Personally I find the ocotillo to be a more beautiful plant and am always looking for photo opportunities with it. I like it's linear quality.

Ken Bondy has often posted an image of San Francisquito with the Adan tree in the foreground. Unfortunately he doesn't use the SF label so it's not coming up in the search.

Found it ....

Natalie Ann - 8-1-2011 at 12:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Below it the image of the Virgin. Actually it was taken from as far back as I could stand because there was a stack of bottled candles about 3 feet deep. I can't understand why these candles are left in the enclosure unless there was some belief that the worshiper somehow benefitted from this.


Generally candles are lit on altars as a form of prayer for a particular person. Many churches provide prayer or vigil candles for this purpose, although one is expected to make a donation for them.

Guadalupe watches over us in our travels and often we see her image by the side of the road. We pay tribute to her with prayers and candle light. We ask Her blessings for us or for another.

Always takes me awhile to land-travel in Baja due to my need to stop, say a prayer, add to the light at most every Guadalupe altar I see.

And so's you know.... I think your photo of this altar is wonderful.

nena

[Edited on 8-1-2011 by Natalie Ann]

Ocotillo vs Palo Adan

Skipjack Joe - 8-1-2011 at 03:06 PM

My impression is that the 2 plants really prefer different habitats. The ocotillo likes to grow on hillsides, not too steep, and PA is usually found on level ground.

For example, the road from BOLA to San Francisquito is almost lined with Palo Adans. Mile after mile of them. On the other hand the road that takes you from Laguna Chapala to Coco's Corner passes great stands of ocotillo. Lots of them at Cuest De La Ley also.

One of baja's great vistas is dusk with stands of ocotillos silhouetted against the evening sky. Never get tired of seeing that.

luv2fish - 8-1-2011 at 03:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Natalie Ann
Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Below it the image of the Virgin. Actually it was taken from as far back as I could stand because there was a stack of bottled candles about 3 feet deep. I can't understand why these candles are left in the enclosure unless there was some belief that the worshiper somehow benefitted from this.


Generally candles are lit on altars as a form of prayer for a particular person. Many churches provide prayer or vigil candles for this purpose, although one is expected to make a donation for them.

Guadalupe watches over us in our travels and often we see her image by the side of the road. We pay tribute to her with prayers and candle light. We ask Her blessings for us or for another.

Always takes me awhile to land-travel in Baja due to my need to stop, say a prayer, add to the light at most every Guadalupe altar I see.

And so's you know.... I think your photo of this altar is wonderful.

nena

[Edited on 8-1-2011 by Natalie Ann]


Agreed, good to hear we have people of faith on the Nomad. B.T.W. 12 years of catholic school (Salesians of Don Bosco )