This photo really grew on me when I returned the following year and found all the trees on the far ridge burned. The fire was "contained" a few miles away when I took this photo. (Nikon F100, 35mm lens, 3-stop grad, Velvia).
I just returned from my first Cascades backpacking trip of the season. I went to Bays Lake in Jeff Park, where I expected to find throngs of people. No one was there. Not one other person camped at Bays Lake Saturday. It's hard to believe for one of the most trammeled locations in the Pacific Northwest. It was probably an anomaly, but it did reinforce what I've read in Sunset Magazine lately about the decline of backpacking and national park use. Admittedly, I love and seek solitude in nature. That said, I'm concerned that backpacking is declining while our population grows. In the short run, it's good for plants and animals. But in the long run, it could lead to apathy. I want fellow citizens who protect wilderness and advocate for more. If kids are growing up without car camping or backcountry experiences, what importance will nature and wilderness hold for them? Thanks for enduring the ramble.
My thoughts echo your own regarding backpacking and park use, Ian. I'm teaching a backpacking photo workshop in Jefferson Park next week, so their will be at least five other people there! I try to get people to realize the beauty of actually being part of nature for a while, rather than just rushing back to their own homes each night. I know I get better pictures this way more often than not too. Jeff park is just a prime example of how much more the Cascades have to offer if you don't have to go home for a while. Almost all of the best photo locations in this range can only be accessed after several miles of hiking.
The image here, while not of Jeff park, is quite enjoyable. I like the treeline shadows and excellent exposure control. Goat Rocks?
Marc, I think your guided backpacking/photo trips are an awesome idea, and Jeff Park is truly a spectacular place. I hope you'll keep us posted on the happenings.
Well,
Backpacking is out for me this summer . The back STILL hasn't recovered enough from my car accident in Feb and it would be stupid of me to try something like a long hike with a 50 pound pack on my back.
The decline is unstoppable, the "end" is eminant...but call us bastards for not doing our part if we dont. Especially since we know better. We can't claim ignorance.
Love the long shadows...the sky seems like it is brighter than it should be for the time of day it was...
Posted by Zack Schnepf on July 16, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Very nice image Ian! I completely share your sentiments on the current lack of interest in the natural world that seems to be taking hold in younger generations. Sometimes I think the future will just be like a scene from the matrix with everyone plugged into an alternate reality while the natural world is stripped and abandoned. I will say, I believe there is an awareness growing around the world that is giving me hope for the future, the recent live earth concerts were a perfect example, 2 billion people took part, and helped raise awareness about the climate crisis worldwide.
Anyway, I for one love backpacking, and will continue to as long as my body will let me. Case and point, my Mom who is 56 is going backpacking with me next week in the Mt Jefferson wilderness, she is in at least as good a shape as I am, maybe better and is a ton of fun to camp with, I can't wait to take my baby girl on backpacking trips with her grandma
Discussion
6 repliesI just returned from my first Cascades backpacking trip of the season. I went to Bays Lake in Jeff Park, where I expected to find throngs of people. No one was there. Not one other person camped at Bays Lake Saturday. It's hard to believe for one of the most trammeled locations in the Pacific Northwest. It was probably an anomaly, but it did reinforce what I've read in Sunset Magazine lately about the decline of backpacking and national park use. Admittedly, I love and seek solitude in nature. That said, I'm concerned that backpacking is declining while our population grows. In the short run, it's good for plants and animals. But in the long run, it could lead to apathy. I want fellow citizens who protect wilderness and advocate for more. If kids are growing up without car camping or backcountry experiences, what importance will nature and wilderness hold for them? Thanks for enduring the ramble.
My thoughts echo your own regarding backpacking and park use, Ian. I'm teaching a backpacking photo workshop in Jefferson Park next week, so their will be at least five other people there! I try to get people to realize the beauty of actually being part of nature for a while, rather than just rushing back to their own homes each night. I know I get better pictures this way more often than not too. Jeff park is just a prime example of how much more the Cascades have to offer if you don't have to go home for a while. Almost all of the best photo locations in this range can only be accessed after several miles of hiking.
The image here, while not of Jeff park, is quite enjoyable. I like the treeline shadows and excellent exposure control. Goat Rocks?
Marc, I think your guided backpacking/photo trips are an awesome idea, and Jeff Park is truly a spectacular place. I hope you'll keep us posted on the happenings.
Backpacking is out for me this summer
The decline is unstoppable, the "end" is eminant...but call us bastards for not doing our part if we dont. Especially since we know better. We can't claim ignorance.
Love the long shadows...the sky seems like it is brighter than it should be for the time of day it was...
Anyway, I for one love backpacking, and will continue to as long as my body will let me. Case and point, my Mom who is 56 is going backpacking with me next week in the Mt Jefferson wilderness, she is in at least as good a shape as I am, maybe better and is a ton of fun to camp with, I can't wait to take my baby girl on backpacking trips with her grandma