RMNP Rocks! (Part deux)

So, I told Eric i'd hit the trail at 3:30 to try to make Fern Creek by sunset (5:33). I had quickly hiked to Fern Lake (3/4 of the way in 45 min) right before taking the sunset shots in Part I, so i was reasonably certain i'd get there in time. Being lazy, i sleep an extra 15 min and end up leaving at 3:45. I get to Fern Lake at about 5:25, and the clouds are lighting up pink, really cool sunrise. I had to quickly decide between trying for a good comp at Fern or heading the last .8 miles to try to reach Odessa Lake in time. Fern wasn't as bland as i thought it would be, so it was a tough call, but i decided to go for it, so i hurried up toward Odessa. Would have made it in plenty of time, but the 6 foot snowfields slowed me down, and i ended up 5 minutes late, the pink clouds quickly waning. Would have been nice to pre-scout this location, but i had to make do with quickly improvised comps, basically dropping my pack and running around like a lunatic--i do not recommend this technique of photography. Here's the morning glow on Little Matterhorn

Here's some of the snow that impeded my progress

One more of Fern Creek. It was a fun trip--look forward to more visits to RMNP.

There is nothing better than the "oh-crap-the-sun-is-coming-up" search for compositions in an unfamiliar area decapitated chicken dance. I have done it many times, and I also do not recommend it. All things considered, these are pretty nice and as you said, you had fun.

Nice shots Stan. Nice glow in the hills!

Ken

I do the lunatic run all the time - well, most of the time, myself. These images aren't that bad; I kind of like 'em.

not too bad for the "Oh crap, I gotta take it now" approach

Amazing alpenglow on those peaks

Beautiful images and great story! Love the light and the motion of the water in the first image.

I like the first shot best. The hint of alpenglow reflecting in the creek really adds to an already gorgeous scene. The dirty snow/ice is a bit of a turn off in the second IMO.

#1 is great. Like the smattering of clouds and light on the creek.

Stan,

The first shot has really great color and water flow! The flowers and morning light on the water really kick it up a notch. It makes me want to do the hike. I have never been to Odessa before. I think we have all been in the 'Oh crap - hurry and shoot - there goes the light' mode at various times. I know I have quite a few actually. This is another reason I couldn't do LF. I just don't have the luxury of time usually.

Did you happen to take any shots from the lake? I haven't seen too many shots of the lake with Little Matternhorn in it. I am wondering what that comp might look like as well.

I did take a few shots of the lake, Derek, but nothing too exciting--its tough to get any devent foreground from the shore. Im sure if i had more time i might have found something, though the snow all around the lake was a limiting factor as well.