Posted by Tom Kennon on January 1, 2009 at 10:54 PM
I small group of friends made a trip down the lower Mulberry today. We had sunny skies, temps in the low 40's and nice whitewater. A group of at least 6 eagles followed us down the river staying just far enough ahead to stay out of camera range, but it was great to see so many of the majestic birds gliding in the clear blue skies as we ran a beautiful and remote section of the river. I can think of no better way to begin the new year!
Here is a shot late in the day from the trip. The late afternoon lighting seemed to be just right.
Does that mean that was your Toyota I found below Shores Lake? Since it was parked beside a whitewater stream with canoe racks on top I was wondering if that was yours.
Love the red canoe against the background. I've often thought of doing a series on floating, but I'm too nervous about teaching my camera to swim.
You guys who float in the winter must have a pretty big pair! I'm not sure what the ladies have though...
Posted by Tom Kennon on January 2, 2009 at 9:42 AM
Bruce, if it was a Grey Sequoia about a mile below Shores Lake on Hurricane Creek that was our group. We put in there and made the short paddle to the Mulberry and took out at Mill Creek not too far above I-40. One interesting photographic note, there are some really nice vistas along Wilson Lane high above this section of the river that I have not noticed before. This is the same road that you take to get to Fern Gulley. Sunrise shots should be nice.
Tim, as long as you do not swim, no problem. We do have good protective gear, some wear dry suits. You sure don't have to worry about crowds, unless you consider eagles a crowd!
Posted by Merle Cook on January 2, 2009 at 10:27 AM
I'm with Tim. No way Jose !!!! Good shot of the action with the front of the canoe lifting up.
Tom sounds like you had a nice day on the river. I've never floated that section before. I have heard about the eagles on the Mulberry but never tried to photograph them, I am sure it would be challenging.
Happy New Year
Posted by Brad Mangas on January 2, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Wonderful and fun shot Tom.
Posted by Ed Cooley on January 2, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Wow, I'm laying around watching bowl games and your doing that. I must be getting old.
How did you keep your gear safe doing that? WP bags and bungee??
Posted by Tom Kennon on January 2, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Gale, it would be tought to get a good shot, I think you would need to stop and set up and have long lense like Ed has. What we need to do is take my raft down sometime and setup camp in the area where the eagles are. There would be some amazing shots to be had in late day and early the next morning.
Ed, I take a minimum amount of gear in a pelican dry box. This is the same thing I used when I rafted the Grand Canyon. It works great, the biggest risk is slipping on rocks and dropping the camera in the water. If that happens it is toast!
Posted by BLUFFSPRING on January 2, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Tom,
I've always loved winter floats. Nice water.
Hey-next time the Buffalo gets snow I'll grab my canoe and/or kayak and will meet you there!
Rod
Posted by Aaron Szabo on January 2, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Looks like fun! BURRR!!
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on January 3, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Well I've spent two of the three mornings this year standing in the middle of some area streams but they sure weren't flowing like this one. It sure looks like fun but that still doesn't change my opinion, you all are nuts!
Posted by John Moore on January 4, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Nice how the back half of the canoe is either hidden by the waves or is actually in the water.
Discussion
12 repliesHere is a shot late in the day from the trip. The late afternoon lighting seemed to be just right.
Love the red canoe against the background. I've often thought of doing a series on floating, but I'm too nervous about teaching my camera to swim.
Tim, as long as you do not swim, no problem. We do have good protective gear, some wear dry suits. You sure don't have to worry about crowds, unless you consider eagles a crowd!
Happy New Year
How did you keep your gear safe doing that? WP bags and bungee??
Ed, I take a minimum amount of gear in a pelican dry box. This is the same thing I used when I rafted the Grand Canyon. It works great, the biggest risk is slipping on rocks and dropping the camera in the water. If that happens it is toast!
I've always loved winter floats. Nice water.
Hey-next time the Buffalo gets snow I'll grab my canoe and/or kayak and will meet you there!
Rod