First a note: I finally realized that those looking for images might be disappointed with all the text. Please just scroll down to reach the images or click on older posts at the bottom.
I have started a new website at www.pbase.com/richeskin to provide greater flexibility in editing and revising than at my previous website. I hope that you will try it out. It has a gallery devoted just to this trip.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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 .
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 .
Monday, May 19, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Friday, May 16, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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 ri
ver 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.
I went back up to High Bridge and started with the ri
ver 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.
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