With all of the great images that have come from Mayflower Gulch, I convinced my wife that we must get up there on New Year's to kick start 2008. We've been many times, but not at sunset. My previous efforts have been quite average through-a-window views of the mountains. It was 4 degrees when we started skiing and quite a bit colder when we skied back down in semi-darkness. This image, with 13,951' Fletcher Mountain on the right, was taken at sunset. I used a 3-stop split ND to balance the light.
The noises coming from my camera in the sub-zero temps were almost comical - even the DOF preview made a groaning sound! Our next sunset visit will probably be later in winter, with longer days and slightly warmer temps.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 3, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Great shot Dave! Brrr that looks cold.
That is one winter hike I really want to do this year. Would you say that skis or snow shoes are definitely required right now? The snow looks pretty deep.
I never thought about skiing there/back. That is a great idea. Or of course one could also split board back like Jack B.
Thanks,
- Derek
Posted by Brent Murphy on January 3, 2008 at 4:54 PM
You will definitely need skis or snowshoes. The trail/road is probably packed enough that you might not need them, but once you get to the end near the cabins, you won't be going anywhere without skis or snowshoes.
I've shot with both skis and snowshoes, and I'm not sure what I'd recommend. Skis are definitely nice for traveling quickly, especially getting back down to the car at the end of the day. But have you ever tried setting up a shot on a tripod with skis on? It can get pretty frustrating with your skis getting tangled up in the tripod legs.
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 3, 2008 at 5:12 PM
I get chills just looking at this! Mission accomplished! Your strategery to be up there this time of day was just awesome. 9/11.
Well, it's just a good thing we've got the internets to strategerize and share betas.
I agree with Brent - skis and tripods are a horrible combo, but get you back fast when you're frozen. Make every movement slow and deliberate so lenses, bubble levels, lens caps, or the whole kit and caboodle don't get dumped in the snow. Snowshoes allow you to cruise anywhere with the limitations of 4wd low.
Posted by John Klotz on January 3, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Brent you paint quite a picture with the skis and tripod tangle, don't think I want to be in kind of mess though. I wonder about those short skis I have heard about?
John
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 3, 2008 at 7:13 PM
...with the limitations of 4wd low...
What limitations?
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 3, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Yeah,
I actually saw someone using those mini skis on the slopes once. They looked pretty cool. But I don't know if they would work in deep snow. I picture myself sinking in the snow up to my chest with 'em tripod and all. LOL ...
Posted by John Klotz on January 3, 2008 at 8:20 PM
WE know about that don't we! That could make for some interesting snowflake macros! That is what I am wondering if the shorties provide enough support in deep snow.
John
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 3, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Posted by John Klotz on January 3, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Posted by Jody Grigg on January 3, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Brrr cold!
Posted by Rene Pirolt on January 4, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Great shot Dave. Considering how cold it was on New Year ’s Day, I didn’t even want to leave the house! I can only imagine how cold it was at Mayflower – BRRR!!!
Posted by Nick Moore on January 4, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Boy that does look frigid, and your story makes it feel even colder!!. Well worth the ski in though, very nice image and light!.
I had to laugh at the comments about skis and tripods, with my luck I think I'd be safer on snowshoes
Posted by Dan Walters on January 6, 2008 at 7:09 PM
Cool shot! Really like the colors. Looks like a great place to snowshoe also!
Discussion
14 repliesThe noises coming from my camera in the sub-zero temps were almost comical - even the DOF preview made a groaning sound! Our next sunset visit will probably be later in winter, with longer days and slightly warmer temps.
That is one winter hike I really want to do this year. Would you say that skis or snow shoes are definitely required right now? The snow looks pretty deep.
I never thought about skiing there/back. That is a great idea. Or of course one could also split board back like Jack B.
Thanks,
- Derek
I've shot with both skis and snowshoes, and I'm not sure what I'd recommend. Skis are definitely nice for traveling quickly, especially getting back down to the car at the end of the day. But have you ever tried setting up a shot on a tripod with skis on? It can get pretty frustrating with your skis getting tangled up in the tripod legs.
I agree with Brent - skis and tripods are a horrible combo, but get you back fast when you're frozen. Make every movement slow and deliberate so lenses, bubble levels, lens caps, or the whole kit and caboodle don't get dumped in the snow. Snowshoes allow you to cruise anywhere with the limitations of 4wd low.
John
What limitations?
I actually saw someone using those mini skis on the slopes once. They looked pretty cool. But I don't know if they would work in deep snow. I picture myself sinking in the snow up to my chest with 'em tripod and all. LOL ...
John
I had to dig deep in the photo archive for this one
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/photos/239356731-XL.jpg
Been there, done that one!
I had to laugh at the comments about skis and tripods, with my luck I think I'd be safer on snowshoes