A Little Closer to the End - First Reflections

Sitting in Sea-Tac airport, waiting for a flight. So far everything fine and on-time. Have some (a lot of) time so thought I would reflect on the trip.

Location

I originally applied for the residency at Newhalem on the west side of the cascades; Stehekin seemed too remote, accessible only by boat or float plane. When I didn't get the residency at Newhalem, they called and asked if they could forward my application to Stehekin, I said yes, and when Stehekin offered I accepted.

It is apparently a very different environment in Newhalem on the west side of the Cascades, with much more rain, mossy trees, etc. The east side of the Cascades at Stehekin is in the rain shadow and much, much dryer.

After applying to Newhalem it occurred to me to check how much it would cost to get there. The actual flight wasn't bad, but at $200+ per week for a rental car, and probably close to 4 weeks, the rental car would have been a killer. As it worked out, although I had to pay about $200 (RT) for car service from Wenatchee to Chelan, the Stehekin trip turned out to be much more affordable; although I did have an additional $45 cost for the ferry. Mark (the park service lead on the residency program) tried to arrange a ride with park service staff, but nothing worked out. I think there might have been a much cheaper public shuttle bus, but I would have needed to find the station or get a cab there, follow their schedule, shlep luggage, etc. It was probably worth the cost to get the direct car service.

Working at Stehekin was probably for the best in some ways, certainly less rain probably meant more effective working days, less expensive, and the truck provided by the Park Service really made a huge difference and greatly increased my productivity (thank you all). On the other hand I would eventually like to try the west side because I really like those biologically rich wet environments. Might have been better sunsets too: since Stehekin is in a valley, the mountains just block the sun and you never really get those red/orange sunsets. In terms of the overall experience however, the community involvement at Stehekin was probably greater and a very positive experience.

One issue that came up was a relatively large amount of snow on some of the upper trails. There was significantly more snow than usual the past winter and a cool spring, otherwise there might have been more trails readily available. (Given my aching hips I am not sure whether to classify that limitation as a plus or minus.)

Living

The "Imus" cabin was fine. One thing I wished I had known: they had a microwave. One thing I missed was a toaster or toaster oven. Probably should have brought some music CDs, and better hiking boots. A heavy hooded sweatshirt with a rain jacket/wind breaker worked well for the first week and a half when it was relatively cool, with some afternoon rain.

Ordering groceries through Safeway (ph. 509-682-2615; fax 509-682-0235), with pick up by the ferry service (just tell them you have a "boat order") worked fine. If possible go the first time, or if you have Safeway at home, get a safeway club card in advance. I saved $30 on my first order. Saved on second order too. It costs about $7.50 for each order on the ferry and Safeway may post an additional service charge to shop for you. If you order by phone be as explicit and specific as possible (brand names, sizes, acceptable substitutes, etc.) . I heard a story several times of someone who ordered hummus (a middle eastern spread) and ended up with humus (compost). Overall the service is necessary, and generally well-done, if not perfect. It is a full-sized Safeway with all of the name brand products you would find anywhere.

Camera Gear

Usually I use my 70-200/2.8 extensively for landscapes, much less so here because the mountains are so close. After some experience what I usually put in the camera pack was:

12-24/4.0 mm Tokina
35 - 70/2.8 mm Nikkor
105 mm micro Nikkor
1.4 tele-extender (Soligor)
24 mm 2.8 Nikkor
polarizer for all lenses
diffuser

Towards the end of the trip I did use the 70-200 mm more often and was glad I brought it to isolate some peaks and/or capture a narrower light/tonal range.

I brought a 200 mm micro which is great if I didn't need to walk too far from the truck because of its weight, but it really diffused the backgrounds and made smaller flowers like the Calypso orchids pop. I used a diffuser for flowers fairly often because you often get patchy sunlight through the trees. The 100 mm was half the weight and much easier to handle on narrow trails where a greater working distance could actually be a disadvantage.

The 24 mm had a much different perspective than the 12-24 at 24, and is much more rectilinear with less distortion. I often took similar shots with the 12-24@24 and the 24 for later comparison.

My new Gitzo tripod (GT3530S) was great, really worked perfectly for me even on the narrow trails and the ground level ability was great. (I'm short, so I didn't need the taller version.) Used the circular bubble level frequently for pans. The lighter 6X carbon fiber really helped with the weight while hiking too. I have Markins ball head which worked fine.

The 35-70/2.8 was very heavy although probably sharper than the 35-70/4-5.6 I used previously. I bought it specifically for this trip beause I thought I would probably use it a lot - and I did. But with all of the hiking, the weight was a killer. A better, although much more expensive purchase would have been a 24-70 mm because on more than one occasion I really wanted that slot between 24 and 35 mm.

Talking about weight and hiking- that was a big difference from my photo trips that are usually car-based. I did some physical conditioning before leaving, wearing a 25 lb weight vest while on the treadmill at about 3.5% incline. Should have done more of that at a 4% incline, but it probably helped. The hiking also got easier as I did more. Should have done more biking because I tried to use the bike the NPS also provided unless I needed to carry something. Which reminds me, I brought a small day pack that came with my LowePro PhotoTrekker AWII. Should have thought of it sooner for biking to carry small items or as I shed layers.

Speaking of the PhotoTrekker - it probably would have fit in the overheads, but exceeded the official measurements, and I was afraid to take a chance that they would stop me at the gate, so I put lenses in cases when I had them, and wrapped the camera and other lenses in bubble wrap, and put it in a standard overnight carry on. It worked well. I shipped my backpack, with backup camera and spare lenses back via parcel post. It is also very heavy by itself. However, it worked flawlessly with the hip belts and chest strap helping a lot to distribute the weight, even going up steep trails. For transport, it would have helped a lot if the very bulky hip belts could be detached.

I was really glad I brought a printer so I could readily share prints. The Park Service provided a wall in the Visitor's Center where I could put them up with double-sided tape. Except next time, instead of shipping my big, heavy Epson R2400, I would purchase a less expensive 8.5 x 11 photo quality printer and what I saved on shipping would pay for most of the printer. Unlike the Maine residency, here I brought only letter sized paper, and printed two 5 x 7" proofs on each page. That seemed to work well.

Because of the TSA restrictions and strict carry-on policies by the airlines, I really don't like to fly with photo equipment, although there really weren't any significant problems. However, in the future, I am probably going to apply only for residencies that I can drive to. In addition, I expect that my job would be reluctant to allow me take almost a month off again. Overall, in both Washington and Maine the Artist-In-Residence Program has been a very positive one and I will continue to apply for such opportunities. The next one I would really like is in Florida where I would like to do a lot of macro work or in Michigan at Pictured Rocks. I could take the car train down from Virginia to Florida or drive to Michigan in about a day and half. We will see what the future will bring.

If you are considering a residency at Stehekin feel free to comment to me through this blog or contact me directly at richeskinphoto@verizon.net .

Beginning of the End

Just about over. Started for home today. Printed one final image this morning then packed and cleaned up. Talked about which image to make for the Visitor's Center with Kerry. She favored the calypso orchid. I was favoring a landscape. Kerry seemed to get it right, for shortly afterward some visitors took a look and focused right in on the orchid. I said I would send her several examples because the one I put up in the Visitors center was the first one I did, and I thought I had several, shot subsequently, that were better. I left the pictures on the wall for visitors for a while until they wanted to take them down and send them to back to me. She agreed to do that. Also that would give Kerry a chance to get input from Sarah and Mark before making a final decision.

Just as I was getting on the ferry, I noticed that my bag, left at what I thought was the luggage area hadn't been loaded. No problem getting it aboard, but would have been a problem if I hadn't noticed. Got a ride from the landing to the hotel Tom from the NPS staff. Had a great calzone and some hard cider at Local Myth pizza right across the street. Mike Scherer the proprietor called asking how my trip was and about the accident in Stehekin.

Will re-do some earlier posts, including inside of the Imus Cabin, and work from May 17-19 when I get back and review files.

Saturday and Sunday

Had a good trip up Company Creek Trail on Saturday. Very steep and dry. Except for a chipmunk, mostly did macro work along the trail: lupine, Indian paintbrush, more calypso orchids, etc. until I reached the meadow. It looked like it was from the sound of music. Did a couple of pans and shot some more arrowleaf balsamroot.

Stopped again at the Pastry Company and was invited to the Trillium Festival, a sort of community festival with performances by the school's students and community members. About an hour in to it, bad news came: there was a plane crash at the lake and two people were badly injured. The performances were cancelled and many went to the landing to see if they were needed; I just tried to stay out of the way. Although I didn't know the injured, I felt badly for the tragedy and concern expressed by the community. It seemed that community as a whole was wounded by the accident.

Later that evening shot some sunset shots up the lake. Stayed up late to finish backups and write a disk for Ron Scutt of the Festival, until it broke up.

Sunday

Lazy day, very quiet outside. Will go for one more shot at the Rainbow Loop Trail because the views were so good. This time I will come back down the way I went up, because it will be shorter. Plan to go later in the afternoon for different light.

Did some final printing to put up since we will pick the image for the NPS tomorrow. Did a couple of B&W and like they way they came out. Plan to pack the printer tonight, unless I am too tired from the hike.

Will post pictures for the last few days, revise earlier blogs, and do a summation and recommendations when I return home.

Assessing

Was feeling a little tired, so I slept in a little later and then did some printing. Posted those at the visitors center and then packed and mailed one box of stuff I didn't anticipate needing for the next three days to get that out of the way.

Spent some time looking at the work I already had up and talking to folks about what I missed. Apparently there are some great waterfalls up in Agnes Gorge, but I couldn't get to them because of the snow. I was told that there was a coyote at Silver Bay, so I will get up early tomorrow and see what I can see. There were mule deer there yesterday. I think some of the best shots are sunrise shots along the Lakeshore Trail, so that will be Sunday morning. Will try Company Creek Trail, which is on the other side of the River, tomorrow afternoon, because the light should be better then.

The River is really coming up, and things seem to be changing rapidly. The area "greened up" almost overnight and the overcast weather has been consistently replaced with warm dry weather. Dust and wind coming down the valley has been a little bit better the past several days.
Went up to the Pastry Company for lunch. Had a chicken and cheese pastry and iced tea. Brought back a carrot cupcake for dessert tonight. There is a new showing in gallery with a reception at 7 and talk at 7:30. Apparently there will be light refreshments.

Nice stuff last night at the Orchard. Went down Bruckner Lane, mostly to do macro because I had seen lizards, snakes, fiddleheads and other stuff on an afternoon scout. Got side-tracked with the moon over the mountains. Didn't have optimal lenses, but that happens everytime I leave something back.

9:00 PM

The reception was very nice, with three different artists. One worked in textiles, one did oils and the third, Roxanne, who also does some back country ranger work (she has read Nevada Barr) did some very nice work in multi-media, but I like her acrylics the best. Sue Walker is an art teacher from Chelan and this was her first show. They had punch and cookies, and little talks from all three artists.

Buckner Lane was also pretty good. Lots of macro including a very cooperative fence lizard, some nice ferns and fiddleheads, and some dogwoods that might have turned out very nicely. Better start downloading.

Agnes Gorge Trail - Yesterday 5/14/08

Didn't post yesterday right after the hike; too tired and spent time processing images.

The day started off really overcast, but cleared by the time I got to High Bridge. The first part of the Agnes Gorge Trail (5 miles round trip; 300 ft elevation gain; rating moderate) was gorgeous. Lots Fawn Lillies (here they call them Glacier Lilies), trillium, including some in the purple phase, more snow morels (look like brain fungus), and these great little yellow and black millipedes. I chased a couple around with the macro lens.

There was still patchy snow on the trail, but it was passable. Saw a bear (well a bear's butt) scampering away when it heard me. Great wildflowers all along the trail. Probably took close to 3 hours to go up, and about an hour and half to make it back down. Only took another shot at the Gorge on the way down, otherwise it was a straight walk.

The Gorge itself was a little disappointing photographically; might be better in diffrent light. Continuing on the trail past the Gorge about a quarter of a mile was a nice waterfall on the left, and trail ended shortly after in the snow. There is apparently access to another trail which brings you to the waterfall and edge of the Gorge somewhat more easily, but it will probably have to wait. There was one stream crossing where I went in over my boot tops and there was no log or anything to walk on. Today is supposed to be hot (apparently predictions up to 90 degrees, so if anything that stream will be worse from increased snow melt. I am sure that by mid-summer it will be easily crossable.

One thing I noticed is that the streams along this trail had more moss, more like eastern streams in Shenandoah and the Smokies. The steams down in Stehekin are all bare stone. I wonder if it is because the lower altitude streams are more intermittent, too flashy and all the moss is rubbed off and washed away, or if there is some other reason.

Revised 5/31/08

Went down Buckner Lane toward the orchard in the evening; Sarah said it was nice walk. Planned to do some macro, but got side tracked to the orchard where I shot the mountains near sunset. Got the moon in some pictures. Unfortunately I can't get good sunsets in the valley because it shades the sun and you don't get the refraction that results in the reds and pinks.

Overcast - Good day for cascades

It was overcast all day, with a little light rain starting about mid-morning. Good day for shooting cascades because there are few reflections and hot spots.

I went back up to High Bridge and started with the river right off the parking area. The river narrows so there is constant white water in that area. Went on the Coon Lake trail to try for some shots of the seep I saw yesterday. On the way up I saw the best arrowleaf balsamroot I had seen so far. Blossoms in good shape, with a nice gray rock as background. Continued on to the seep and spent more than an hour there. Several lenses, several angles. Did a little on a flower and fern as well. Met a birder looking for the "owl guy" but I wasn't it; met him later at the Visitor's Center. Then took a walk up to the Agnes Gorge Trail. Walked past the trail head again - need to remember it is just past the first "speed bump" in the road (actually a hump of dirt to re-direct water). Went a short ways up. Did a tiny cascade and a short pan of the mountains. It was raining just enough to discourage me from staying. Saw some nice orange flowers (they were Indian Paintbrush) on the way back, but haven't identified them yet.

Went up to the Visitor's center and chatted with a hiker who just come up the 17 mile Lakeshore trail. He said he takes about 2 overnights and there are several campgrounds on the way. Two have shelters, but he said he prefers not to use them since they often are infested with mice. Showed him my pictures and we talked.

The gentleman asking for the owl guy came and we chatted about flashes of all things. He said up a Coon Lake several deer showed up and one walked out into the Lake on log before jumping in the water. Sounds like it could have been a good picture. All I saw were bear tracks and a hummingbird that disappeared immediately. He did clear up one thing. I heard a sound on the trail that sounded sort of like blowing across a bottle - a deep ughhh! with a repeated pattern. He said it was probably a grouse. He asked about the owl guy, but the ranger said she hadn't seen him for a couple of days, but suggested where he might be found.

Will probably start dinner right after this blog. Will print this evening and maybe add a few images to the Stehekin School presentation.

Coon Lake

It seems like weather in Stehekin more or less alternates, a bad weather day, yesterday was cold, windy and overcast, with a good weather day, today was warmer, sunny, and less windy.

Left early (about 6:10) for High Bridge to take the Coon Lake Trail. Stopped for shots off the pier right down the road where the peaks were just catching the sunlight. Got to High Bridge abut 7:05. Found the trail head and went back to the truck for my camera. Took about 70 minutes to hike the Coon Lake Trail which is listed as 3.2 miles round trip with a 700 ft increase in elevation.

It was awesome early in the morning, unfortunately where the trail hit the lake, the sun was right in front of me, causing a lot of glare. The were lots of small birds active by the trail, and ducks in the water. I walked around to the left, probably about a third of the way around the lake where I lost the trail in the snow. At one point I sank to mid-thigh in the snow, but managed to continue a little further. Tromped down to the lakeshore and was able to photograph the Beaver lodge. By that time, they didn't seem to be active. Made my way back, and around the other side. Saw bear tracks in the snow. McGregor Mtn. seemed to be sitting in my lap -- it is huge at that point. Went back to where the trail hit the lake, found a comfortable rock, and sat and waited for the sun to be in the other direction; popped off the occasional shot. Saw a hummingbird, but it was gone in a flash. Ate lunch about 12, and started back around 12:50 after deciding that, as beautiful as it is, I didn't want to sit there until 4 or 5 PM for better light.

There is great seep about two-thirds of the way down, but the light was wrong, so maybe tomorrow, when I plan to go back to High Bridge and take another shot at Agnes Gorge.

Workshop Day

As part of the residency I am supposed to give at least one workshop (actually I thought it was one per week), but everyone seems fine with this one. Decided at the last minute (yesterday afternoon) that a powerpoint might be best to show images that illustrate the points I was making. They had a projector, so I spent a few hours putting it together. I brought a paper outline handout with me, and cut-outs to help with composition. Had some anxiety that no one would show up, but had a decent turnout all things considered. Four staff (one stayed for just part) and four from the community. Did the show, went out, came back and chatted with two of the men until almost 11:30 (we started at 9). I thought it went well.

Came back and spent most of the afternoon editing images from yesterday, posted some on yeserday's post and here are the rest.

Orchids and Rainbow Loop Trail

Slept a little later than usual and had breakfast before I left. Started off slow, shooting down the river from the marshy area about three quarters of a mile from Stehekin. Did a couple of pans, with and without polarizer. Went back to Rainbow Falls for Calypso orchids, this time with the 200 mm. Much better background, but of course the depth of field was much narrower. I am more pleased with today's than previous shots.

Went back to Rainbow Loop Trail. Walked the whole thing, even all the way back on the road. The book says it is 5 miles roundtrip, with a 750 ft rise in elevation and rates it as moderate.

Probably close to my limit. Some great views from the summit. You can see the river below, and the orchard, and the mountains seem to be sitting in your lap.

Met a lizard up there too; my first reptile on this trip.

Failure @ the Falls; success on the ground

Started off the day trying to get a shot of Rainbow Falls from the Cool Mist Trail - no way! Although better prepared, I did worse than the last time. The flow has increased so much the lens is immediately covered with heavy mist. Mid-late summer is probably the earliest it would be possible.


After that miserable failure I found some more calypso orchids, and got some fair shots with the 105 mm. Want to go back and try with the 200, maybe even with the telextender for a narrow field of view. Blocked the breeze pretty effectively with the ground cloth and diffuser; used the plamp for the first time to hold the diffuser in place. That diffuser has come in very handy for macro photography of flowers.



Lunch was very pleasant. Two kinds of soups, homemade bread, cheese biscuits, and outrageous brownies. The crew was finishing up their spring cleaning of the visitor center. Washing, dusting, hanging pictures (from the Artist in Residence last spring; fall is still pending from a water colorist). The futon in the cabin was privately owned and returned, but a new one unexpectedly came in a few hours.


Printed a little bit, but thought about what to do next. Wanted to go up to Coon Lake, but was told that if Agnes Gorge is still snowed in, Coon Lake still higher would definitely have snow. Not quite ready to try snowshoes. It was relatively cool today, which is good because if the snow melts slowly enough, maybe there won't be flooding. They had about 7 feet of snow last winter; 4 feet is more typical. If we have a series of hot days there is apparently a real chance roads could wash out at some points. Might try Rainbow Loop again, maybe go all the way.

Heading North

Got up a little earlier today and headed north. The paved road stops at the Harlequin Bridge and it is unpaved road for about the next 6 miles to High Bridge. The road is washed out not too far above High Bridge, so that is the end of the line unless you want to walk; for the most part beyond High Bridge it is too steep to bike, at least for me. The High Bridge campground has a lean-to shelter, pit toilet, table, and fire pit.

View of High Bridge from Trail

The view off the bridge is impressive, and the river is still coming up. They had a lot of snow this past winter, so depending on how quickly the snow melts, flooding could be possible.

View From High Bridge

Just past High Bridge you can pick up the Agnes Creek Trail. I stopped by to visit the guys rebuilding the bridge that was knocked down by a tree a couple of years ago. They are building the ramp, and the 60' steel span is being built in Spokane and will be brought up by helicopter. A pretty big job.

My main destination was the Agnes Gorge Trail which is a little past the Agnes Creek Trail (confusing isn't it? too many similar trail names). I went about .75 miles when I hit too much snow to continue and started back. Lots of Yellow Fawn Lilies, a few Trillium, some OK views, and a fungus that looked like a brain coral.

"Brain Fungus"

Headed back down and briefly explored the Bullion Campground looking for the Loop Trail to take up to Coon Lake. No lean-to at Bullion. Found the lower end of the loop, but not the upper, which should be closer to the Coon Lake Trail. Needed to head back down to meet the boat for groceries.

Mule Deer

While waiting for the groceries I met a resident who said she had an old cabin on her property with some history behind it, would I be interested in photogaphing it. I agreed to go on up after lunch. It was mostly broken down, just parts of some walls are left. She is going to get more details from an 80 year old member of the Buckner family, who started an orchard there in the late 1800s. Coming off her property a mule deer was browsing. The deer are very habituated to people and let you come pretty close.

I have been invited to "social lunch" tomorrow with the Park Service. Looking forward to the social time and someone else's cooking.

Worked hard - took the bike

Was planning to go up lake to Bullion Trail, but the truck wasn't available. Started at Lakeshore again, trying to get good sunrise pictures. Came back for breakfast and took the bike. Stopped for some shots down river right to the mountains. Provides a good view of several in the distance. Went on up the road and was stretched on the ground to get some low level shots of flowers. A local resident came out to see if I was OK. They apparently have a cat; we had a little scratch and purr session and I went back to my flowers. She came up for more attention - typical cat.

Went on to the Rainbow Loop Trail, but started on the south trail head this time. Didn't make it all the way to rainbow creek. It was about 11:40 and the light was harsh, I was hungry and thirsty (forgot to bring water) so bagged it and headed back.

Ordered more groceries this PM, for pick up around noon tomorrow. Mostly just running low on vegetables.

6 PM, time to start dinner, but I sure do miss the news on TV. Some pix to follow.

Easy Day - no shooting

Light was blah today, so I tweaked the images from the last several days. The scenery here is great, but the light is tough. Bright highlights in snow and deep shadows in the early morning make it hard to capture the range.
Orchid and fawn lilly looked good (on yesterday's post) and I posted them at the Visitor's Center. Sarah said that more orchids bloom on the Lakeshore Trail near a seep, but it may be too early. I might check that out tomorrow morning and go a little further on the trail than I have before.

Read through parts of "Stehekin: A Guide to the Enchanted Valley" by Fred T. Darvill Jr., MD. It is helpful, but somewhat outdated. It sounds like more of the valley used to be accessable by vehicle, I guess prior the washout in 2003(?). I think that over the next several days I need to hit the higher spots, particularly the Bullion Trail, Coon Lake via the Old Wagon Road, McGregor Mountain Trail and Agnes Gorge Trail. Also need to hit the south side of the Rainbow Loop Trail. While some of the work has had good lighting and I did one black and white image, I need to start thinking a little more creatively about the images, particularly in my last week. I am not sure what that means, but did do one that is a little outside my usual work (Stones5). The rocks "crowding" around the reflection of the moutain in the water seemed expressive to me. [Comments welcome!]

Maybe a bit more macro too, I enjoyed doing the spider. Effectively 12 days are left. Can still accomplish a lot.

How many ways can you say "Glorious Day?"

It was another gorgeous day. Despite that, I am starting today to make an effort to actually write each day's notes on that day, even if the images are delayed.

Started the morning along Lakeshore Trail again, trying for some good early morning light, and trying to redo the image with the flowers in the foreground, this time using some fill flash to brighten them up. Forgot my polarizer on the 70-300, which I didn' bring with me. Note to self, it is worth the money to get a second 77 mm polarizer for the 12-24. Oh, well!, will try again another day.

After breakfast, I found my way up the "Cool Mist" trail at Rainbow Falls. (Met Wendy and Phil, Stehekin residents. Phil was on the committee that selected me; he said he voted for and I thanked him for his vote.) It leads up a steep hill across from and about two thirds the way up Rainbow Falls. It is called "Cool Mist" for the obvious reason. It was really difficult to try and get a shot without getting the camera too wet. I fussed with the raincape and tried to take a shot the instant I lifted it. Between the narrow trail, wind and mist (more like standing on a tilted chair in a fine shower in a mild hurricane), I only took two shots. I gave up mostly because it was late enough that there were already bright spots that would blow out, so it didn't pay to keep trying. Need to come back early morning when the sun isn't on the water, and maybe the wind is less.

Moved on to a quick look-see at the Harlequin Campground, but couldn't find the Harelequin trail head. Need to ask. The camp ground seemed nicer than the others; quiet, well shaded. Then moved on to the Stehekin River Trail, starting just south of the airfield. Was already warmed up enough for just a tee shirt. Previously I had gone north and found lots of trillium, so today I went south -- good choice. Hit piles of yellow fawn lily, more trillium, and finally, just when I was ready to turn back, a calyspso orchid (Calypso bulbosa). I had heard they were common, but it is still exciting. There may be some near Rainbow Falls, need to look next time I'm there.

Returned around 2:00 and blew off the remainder of the afternoon reading and napping in the sun, till I moved myself to write this. Will download and backup later tonight after a light supper.

Big Photo Day

Yesterday was a big photo day -- from 6 to 6 and south to north. I started out on the lakeshore trail just after sunrise. I don't need to get up before dawn because it takes a while for the sun to get over the mountains. As I face the river, the sun in at my back, shining on the mountains across the river. Finally it wasn't overcast and there was some decent early morning light. I found one place where I could get some yellow flowers in the foreground and still have the background mountains in focus using a wide angle lens and stopping way down. The flowers are arrowleaf balsamroot.

There aren't too many kinds of wildflowers out yet, but I have seen some of the more common ones like misson bells (I think that is a great name). I also saw lots of trillium, dwarf waterleaf, and one past prime yellow fawn lily.

A lot depends on the light, otherwise the mountains start to look the same.

Today was mostly an indoors day, catching up on downloads, file naming, backups and printing. I will meet with the Park Service tomorrow and we will pick an image to put on the notice of my workshop and decide on what language we want to use.

More in a couple of days.