More Steel Creek

I had planned to explore the bluff above Steel Creek in preparation for the gathering even before I saw Bill's beautiful shot on Friday. My legs have cuts from the briars along the trail but it was worth it.

Here is a slightly different angle from a little further downstream and can you locate Tim Ernst in the photo? His class was just below my perch.

Beautiful picture. How in the world do you get up there?

Very nice Tom. I, too, have often wondered how to get to this trail. Can you (or anyone) help?

There actually is no trail, although once on top there is somewhat of a goat path but it is not really any trail. You wade across the river, then climb straight up the hill, then make your way up through a small bluffline, then continue on up the hill and over to the side until you come to the edge of the bluff. WARNING: you can die easily up there and this is NOT RECOMMEND to anyone! I first found and photographed this location back in the late 1980's and shot with a 4x5 view camera.

I took an advanced photo workshop up there once but realized the liability was tremendous so I've never taken anyone back up again. It is easy enough to find on your own, though again, it is extremely dangerous, especially where I normally shoot from, which is just to the left of where Tom took this photo. Really, one slip and your spouse will get to collect on some life insurance if you have any...

Tim's warning is very accurate. This place is not for those of faint of heart. One misstep and it is over. I was on all fours most of the time and I did not get close to the place where Tim's famous photos have been taken.

You guys are making my knees rubbery. I admit though, I would like to strap myself in a harness and rope off to a tree sometime and try this. Tim, I'm guessing you shot under a darkcloth with the 4x5 - that REALLY gives me the willies! Talk about vertigo...

This is a great shot Tom! Nice clouds following the bluff around. Did you see the moon? As Tim pointed out as the fog burned off, the moon was in perfect position for a shot looking up -just not much color to go with it. In looking at an image that I took yesterday from down below, I thought I could see someone up there hugging a tree - hanging on for dear life...so that was you!

Well, that lets me out. I was hoping you knew a secret easy way from the other side. Thanks anyway.

Yup, you can come down from the other side of the river - just park along the highway as you are driving out of Ponca - about half way up the hill. But it is a pretty tough hike down to the edge of the bluff, and then you have to hike along the "goat" trail to get to this spot. The hike back out is pretty tough but is the only way to do it during high water. There is a reason no one ever shot this image until I started doing it many moons ago - previous photographers were smarter than I and knew better than to go there!

I am sure glad you younger fellas have the youth and vigor to climb up those walls! Thanks for all your effort. It is a splendid view!

Wonderful view Tom makes me miss being there. I hope you all have a super duper time this weekend!

Tom wonderful view and a great image, love the clouds. I know it was a steep climb. I'm glad your happy with the image.