From the Big Woods

As a follow-up to Tim Ernst's earlier post, I thought I would post a sampling of what the cypress looks like this year down in the swamps. This is some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen...too bad it's 5 1/2 hours away.

Gale Rainwater and I ran into each other at Goose Lake yesterday afternoon and stood in the swamp until almost dark. Note to self: buy a pair of waders and load canoe for next trip. The light was very nice, and once the wind calmed down, made for some great scenes.

D2x
80-200mm

This is just gorgeous Bill.

Well I think the next Fall Gathering should be in this area! Oh man this is sweet! Love how the cool tones of the mist contrasts with the beautiful falls colors in the cyprus. I guess if you couldn't be in the prairie this a.m. then this wasn't a bad choice.

By the way Bill, I'm not going to tell Tim Ernst that you left your copy of his guide book in the cafe this morning. Sad they had to call Kansas to find out who it belonged too!

Goose Lake is where I ran into that big buck that nearly got me shot! It is the very first place I discovered in the Big Woods a few years ago - quite by accident, and it happens to be one of the very best spots there is. Beginner's luck I guess.

Thanks guys.

Tim, FYI, a local that stopped by after hunting said those small steel pipes sticking up near the edge had been used in the past for a bear trap but is not set right now. That's comforting to know...wonder what other kinds of traps are out there!

Here's a shot from yesterday afternoon.

Awesome Bill. I obviously picked the wrong place to go this weekend.

Bill both absolutly stellar shots. Great choice for you on sunday morning. I just love the foreground log in the water. You couldn't have placed it any better it the image if you had drug it out there from the bank. It was great to run into you this weekend. I must say I was not suprised though great minds think alike. It was a time I know I will not forget sharing with you. Sunday morning will have to go down as one of my most memorable in Arkansas everything just seemed to come together. The conditions you dream of where all in place, great light, great fall color, calm winds and some beautiful fog was the cherry on top.

These are awesome, Bill!

Bill actually these is one crucial mistake I see in both of these images!!

It's a photoshop error! As a matter of fact it's a $50,000 error! Where is the ivory bill woodpecker?

For 50 large, you would think we could photoshop one of these babies in there.

Great shots Bill! The best I've seen in a while! The first picture has the look of a painting.

Beautiful color, fog, and reflections with well-placed compositional elements. A winner.

This is gorgeous! I love the combination of the reflection and the fog in the first one. Add in the strong lines of the trees and the orange, and it's fantastic!

One word, stunning!

Another winner, Bill. Certainly worth the long drive.