I got up at 4 a.m. Saturday with the intentions of catching the sunrise from a bluff I discovered below the Bear Hollow trail at Mount Magazine. But it seems nothing went right.
It was supposed to be an easy half-mille hike in, yet after trudging through 15 inches of snow for 100 yards I was stopping to catch my breath and realizing I'd never make it.
Plan B was for a nearby spot they call Sunrise Rock. Once the trail left an old road and headed through the woods, the drifts were over my knees. Ironically Sunrise Rock was void of the snow I was counting on for the shot I had in mind. The sunrise was a dud too.
But when the sun cleared the clouds near the horizon, it lit up the tops of the trees on the other side of the hollow. I grabbed my tripod to set up a shot, but water in two of the legs had frozen solid in the 12 degree air and would not extend. I managed to find a spot with a clear view and space for me to sit, and I got a few photos. It's not the strongest shot in the world, but I like it.
John, sounds like quite an adventure. It's funny, I'm sure we've all had those days. I always seem to have them chasing the moon around. I do like what you got here. The larger version really helps, and I'm sure a large print would really be nice.
I like it too, John. The warm light hitting the tree tops creates a very nice mood to the scene. I kept trying to find something similar while at Petit Jean Friday afternoon, but decided to just enjoy the sunset.
I can understand your dilemma, since I had a similar experience Saturday. I was wanting to go to a location for some afternoon light, but needed a clear sky. So I got to my destination and it was cloudy. I waited, and waited, and waited, even took a nap, and finally decided to check out some waterfalls. Of course, by the time I got to Dogwood Falls, it was clearing and a no go. So I decided to go back, and it clouded up again, so I headed to Alum Cove for a nice little hike in the snow to the bottom. Guess what? It cleared off by the time I got to the bottom, and I had to wait at least an hour for some clouds to roll in. Geez, sometimes it seems like it's just not meant to be...
John you caught some beautiful light and have a very unique image you will probobly never see again. Believe me I know how it is. In my experience the same problems can and will happen even when you drive or fly half way across the country. When you try to make a sunrise at some remote location you can be exhausted by the time you get there it's easy to make mistakes.
Posted by Randy Wilson on March 10, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Looks like your perseverance paid off. Sweet shot.
John, the warm light really makes this scene. Your adventure sounds like my typical day in the woods, but at least you got to hike through a great snowfall!
Discussion
5 repliesIt was supposed to be an easy half-mille hike in, yet after trudging through 15 inches of snow for 100 yards I was stopping to catch my breath and realizing I'd never make it.
Plan B was for a nearby spot they call Sunrise Rock. Once the trail left an old road and headed through the woods, the drifts were over my knees. Ironically Sunrise Rock was void of the snow I was counting on for the shot I had in mind. The sunrise was a dud too.
But when the sun cleared the clouds near the horizon, it lit up the tops of the trees on the other side of the hollow. I grabbed my tripod to set up a shot, but water in two of the legs had frozen solid in the 12 degree air and would not extend. I managed to find a spot with a clear view and space for me to sit, and I got a few photos. It's not the strongest shot in the world, but I like it.
Larger Version
I can understand your dilemma, since I had a similar experience Saturday. I was wanting to go to a location for some afternoon light, but needed a clear sky. So I got to my destination and it was cloudy. I waited, and waited, and waited, even took a nap, and finally decided to check out some waterfalls. Of course, by the time I got to Dogwood Falls, it was clearing and a no go. So I decided to go back, and it clouded up again, so I headed to Alum Cove for a nice little hike in the snow to the bottom. Guess what? It cleared off by the time I got to the bottom, and I had to wait at least an hour for some clouds to roll in. Geez, sometimes it seems like it's just not meant to be...