“Say Hello to my Little Mule”

Picture: Toyota 4-Runner on the sand dunes at the Imperial Sand Dunes State Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area, near Brawley, Imperial County, California

Who forgot the rake?

One thing about taking pictures: Sometimes you see something after you took the photo that you wish you could have changed. Sometimes, maybe you could have done something about it at the time – had you discovered it. Other times, there’s nothing you could have done given the circumstances. After I processed this shot, I noticed all of my footprints near the car door. Of course, this is a completely natural occurance. Yet, if you tried to envision this as a car ad – you’d never see footprints. In fact, the ground would look so pristine, that it would look like the car was dropped in by helicopter. The less dramatic truth is that the ad agencies hire cleaning crews who’s sole job is to prep the car to ultimate cleanliness on site, and then rake the ground of all human traces. I never would have thought to bring a rake on my trip. Now I wish I’d brought one, or better yet had my own detailing crew.