I had a chance to get a few pictures this last week, but this trip included rafting and hiking in preparation for my big excursion to the Grand Canyon in September. I will be rowing a 19 foot raft for eight days on the Colorado and then hike out from Phantom Ranch(10 miles with a elevation change of 4400 feet uphill!). I plan to take my camera gear with me and this will be the only gear I hike out with. I was able to row the Arkansas River through Brown's Canyon and then hike 13 miles with a 3000 vertical elevation change with the camera gear I plan to take with me in the Canyon. This trip was a test for my rowing, hiking and camera packing. All worked well and I think I am ready for the big test!
The shot is of West Maroon Creek above Crater Lake in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area near Aspen, Colorado. This shot was taken just before a hail storm hit with heavy rain and lightning above timberline, not a good place to be!!!
Here is a link to a few more photos I have processed so far:
Hey Tom, I didn't know they allowed old fat boys like you and me to do that hike out from the Ranch - be wary of the giant steak you'll be forced to eat before your climb. You water guys eat like that all the time though so I guess it won't be any big deal for you (sounds like a terrific trip). It is interesting that this shot from the high country looks like it could have been taken around here in the lowlands. Was this anywhere near where you met up with John Denver?
Hi Tom
Sounds like you had a nice trip and you got some very nice images.Congrats on getting your permit for the Grand Canyon. I am sure you are dreaming of floating down it right now, I know I would be. Souds like you have been getting in shape and preparing well for it.
Very nice gallery, Tom. Looks like you had a great trip, and have another great one to look forward to. The Grand Canyon in September should be a trip to remember. I'm such a wimp though, I'd probably get arrested for hijacking a mule or donkey coming out.
Tim E. - The first shot kind of looks like some of the ones we took of Smith Creek back in the spring, the elevation at this spot was about 10,600 feet. The water was a bit colder but your correct, it could be any number of places in the Ozarks. I guess it confirms how great the Ozarks really are!
This was on the same trail that I was lucky enough to come across John Denver sitting by himself at Crater Lake back in 1982. I still have found memories of our chance meeting. Who knows maybe he was comtemplating a song at the time, it is certainly a great place for that! The wildflowers were spectacular along the trail above Crater Lake, but due to time retraints, I took very few shots in the area. We were on the trail a total of 11 hours. Next time I think I will focus more on photography, there are several excellent areas just above Crater Lake that do not get sun until after 9:00am. The above shot was taken last year with no wind at Crater Lake
Tim F. - the shot looking towards Pike Peak was taken from Weston Pass as I was leaving last Friday morning. It is a composite of two shots blended together. Too much range in that shot for my 5D.
Gale and Bill, thanks for looking, I hope to take many, many shots during the 8 days in the Canyon.
Here is some interesting information for anyone comtemplating a trip to the Maroon Bells. From May though September each year access is limited to buses only. The Forest Service does not really publish the fact that you can access the Maroon Lake area by car anytime before 8:00am and after 5:00pm.during the peak season. Once in the parking lot they will not kick you out. Do not be deterred by the bus rule, most photographers will be there early or late anyway and there is not fee either.
Great shots Tom, They make me wish I was living in California again so I could shoot the Sierras. But, that would be the only reason to move back there... Nice gallery.
Posted by Tim Buchanan on July 27, 2007 at 10:11 AM
Hey - great images, Tom. Can't wait to see your Grand Canyon results. Should you feel yourself weakening on the climb out it's important to remember that the camera gear can be abandoned (as long as you let us know where you left it! )
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on July 29, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Looks like you had some great scenery to soak up Tom. Your images make me want to get into that area some day and not take our normal trip to RMNP each year. I particularly like this last post and the vivid colors and perfect reflection. Have a great time in the canyon!
Tom, no I didn't get the vari-ND for the trip. Worked out ok without it anyway. Thanks!
Discussion
9 repliesThe shot is of West Maroon Creek above Crater Lake in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area near Aspen, Colorado. This shot was taken just before a hail storm hit with heavy rain and lightning above timberline, not a good place to be!!!
Here is a link to a few more photos I have processed so far:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting/showgallery.php?cat=5355
Thanks for looking.
Sounds like you had a nice trip and you got some very nice images.Congrats on getting your permit for the Grand Canyon. I am sure you are dreaming of floating down it right now, I know I would be. Souds like you have been getting in shape and preparing well for it.
This was on the same trail that I was lucky enough to come across John Denver sitting by himself at Crater Lake back in 1982. I still have found memories of our chance meeting. Who knows maybe he was comtemplating a song at the time, it is certainly a great place for that! The wildflowers were spectacular along the trail above Crater Lake, but due to time retraints, I took very few shots in the area. We were on the trail a total of 11 hours. Next time I think I will focus more on photography, there are several excellent areas just above Crater Lake that do not get sun until after 9:00am. The above shot was taken last year with no wind at Crater Lake
Tim F. - the shot looking towards Pike Peak was taken from Weston Pass as I was leaving last Friday morning. It is a composite of two shots blended together. Too much range in that shot for my 5D.
Gale and Bill, thanks for looking, I hope to take many, many shots during the 8 days in the Canyon.
Here is some interesting information for anyone comtemplating a trip to the Maroon Bells. From May though September each year access is limited to buses only. The Forest Service does not really publish the fact that you can access the Maroon Lake area by car anytime before 8:00am and after 5:00pm.during the peak season. Once in the parking lot they will not kick you out. Do not be deterred by the bus rule, most photographers will be there early or late anyway and there is not fee either.
Tom, no I didn't get the vari-ND for the trip. Worked out ok without it anyway. Thanks!