You’d have to live in a cocoon to not know about the rapidly spreading and potentially deadly coronavirus outbreak in China. Ironically, I am often accused of living in a cocoon, but I know a lot about this particular news topic. That’s because I have a highly vested interest. You see, I was planning to leave today for a two-week photography junket to China. Of course, upheaval in tourism ended this trip. Our intended destinations included the Gobi Desert in the northern part of China and the Yellow Mountains in east central part of the country. These locations have world class scenery and my companions and I would be camping and hiking and creating lots of amazing photographs. Not now. Coronavirus 1, Steve 0.
While it’s disappointing that the coronavirus prevented us from visiting these grand landscapes, the disappointments of some adventurous photographers pale in comparison to the impact on a larger scale. In less than a month, the coronavirus went from unknown to the point where it is affecting people worldwide and now even threatens to impact the global economy. I am no expert in viruses or infectious diseases, but it is amazing how such a little teeny tiny thing like this coronavirus can have such a huge impact a big planet. The numbers change on a daily basis. The latest figures I found are that at least 200 people have died in China with almost 10,000 cases of the virus. Yikes. That’s scary and sad and alarming. Although, here is something that might surprise you: in the 2017-2018 flu season, almost 80,000 people died in the US alone. Almost a million people were hospitalized. More scary and sad and alarming stuff.
While these are shocking numbers, I digress. Let’s get on to some pretty pictures. If you recall some of my posts last fall, you’ll recognize that these images are from the swamps around the Atchafalaya River basin. You may also remember that I said I would move on to other subjects. I lied. I’m just captivated by the bald cypress trees in these swamps. Two months later, I can’t stop thinking about them and I can’t wait to go back. You might say I’m obsessed. Fair enough. These images are all new. Enjoy!
Before I leave this post, I want to share my many, many heartfelt thanks to Juanli Sun at Available Light Images for doing everything possible bring my Gobi trip to life. I know she is just as disappointed as I am that it didn’t work out for us. I’ll look forward to the next time we get together, Juanli! Hugs to you!
Steve Zigler Photography 