a long time ago, in a galaxy far faraway 2013

[Gordsmith]

Our man Pete sussed out location and hotel for this stage of our 2013 trip. We headed toward Death Valley with the intention of having a look at Rainbow Canyon where we hoped to see some low flying. Our first stop was at the view point where we made use of the facilities and, having scouted around realised we were not at the optimum point for photography. However we were able to see a few people further down the canyon and there was a small lay by area where cars were parked. Off we set, it was in the direction of our hotel anyway. Having parked up we were faced with a climb over pretty loose rough ground, but there was a pretty obvious path worn by other climbers, so up we went. We made it to the top and although I could not do it now, not that it matters these days as there was a fatal accident a few years later which caused low flying in the canyon to be ceased.
We were told by the guys already sat up on the canyon edge that movements were hit and miss and one just had to sit, listen to the radio and wait. The following are some shots from this, our first, but by no means our last visit to what we soon learned from the radio calls, was Star Wars Canyon and those making a pass called up as Jedi. There were few passes on this day so I have tried to give an impression of the location and why it is called Rainbow Canyon. Some aircraft passed along the far ridge before diving down to exit into the desert, others started low down and passed from dark shadow into the light.
Enough chatter, enjoy, Gordon.

IMG_2061 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2129 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2125 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2124 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2088 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2093 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2097 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2100 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2104 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2107 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2106 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

[paddyboy]

Hi Gordon

What an amazing location

Yet another superb set from your good self, this time from a place I suspect few of us have ever, or will ever, see in person

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[Gordsmith]

Thanks Patrick, you are correct, apart from our little group, I have never met,or spoken to, any one from the UK who went up to that ridge. Having been up there this once, it was always one the first items on our to-do list for the following few years. As I said way back when I first started posting, I was very lucky back in the day and I know many others could not make it across the pond.
Have a good New Year. Regards, Gordon.

[F3]

Obs well worth the effort!

[mancman]

Looks a bit warmer than the Mach Loop.