Posted by Lon Overacker on March 11, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Floris/all,
"btw - when do the redbuds generally start blooming in the valley and the foothills? And do you know of any particularly good spots to check them out?"
Thought I would just start another thread.
Right now the Merced river canyon is a blaze. I was there just over a week ago and the poppies just about 2.5-3mi east of Bryceburg are in full glory. I'll post an example in a comment - Since I just posted the Tunnel View image, I can't post another image.
Anyway, check out Michael Frye's blog for this weeks report. He says it's the best poppy display he's seen in 25yrs.
IMO, the best spot for flowers in the canyon are along Incline Road out of El Portal. Heading east towards El Portal, take a left on Foresta Road, cross the bridge then make a couple of quick lefts on to Incline Road. This is paved for 3.5 miles and runs along the north side of the Merced. The road dead-ends at a gate, but you can continue on foot. The poppies will of course be obvious. Unfortunately the are mostly on steep slopes, so be careful. It's a nice walk along the river and there is always something to photograph including rocks/flowing water in the Merced.
Now, as far as Redbud, you won't find much of it in the valley. It's more concentrated at the lower elevations of the Merced canyon between Bryceburg and El Portal. And like the poppies, it's obvious where they are... :-)
When I was there last (3/1) the Redbud was starting to bud. Typically, the end of March is best and the way this season is going I wouldn't be surprised if they were flowering in another week to week and a half. Check the above links for updates.
A couple years ago, I was there around 4/5 and some of the Redbud were starting to leaf out, but still lots of that deep reddish/lavendar color.
I've always wanted to capture Redbud above the flowing Merced, but have yet to find the right combination.
It's a gorgeous time of the year in the Canyon and there are so many different photographic opportunities.
Hope this helps
Lon
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 11, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Here's an example of what it looked like on the 1st of March. Keep in mind these poppies are not even open! It was gray and overcast. I can only imagine the color now and when the flowers are open.
Oh, if you check out Frye's blog above, scroll down a bit and you'll see nearly the same scene. We both shot that on the same day, but never did cross paths.
Lon
ps. I'll be posting this on ES&S, but not for at least a couple weeks. So don't tell anyone...
Thanks Lon! Man.. I really wish I had more time these next couple weeks, if I'm lucky I'll have 2-3 days next week, and may try for them then.
I love that shot btw - awesome abstract feel to it, one of my favorites of yours I think!
Posted by Derek Sedillo on March 11, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Wow Lon,
That is a gorgeous poppy shot! I love the lines in the composition and the abundance of flowers in between the granite rock. This looks even better than what you described to me in our earlier discussions.
I don't know how many shots like this you have done in the past. But this is a great image. How would you compare this year with other years thus far along the Merced?
BTW, this is way beyond what a monkey could pull off, even a well trained one at that. LOL...
Thanks for posting!!!
Derek
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 11, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Thanks guys!
Derek, I have never seen flowers in this part of the canyon before - at least not to this degree. Most of the hillsides of poppies are farther in, closer to El Portal. And I've never attempted this image. It's take from across the river with my longest 4x5 lens, 450mm, which is roughly only equivalent to about 135-150mm in 35mm land. But this is a full image, only cropped to get rid of the film edges from the scan.
Please NOTE: The access to these particular poppies is pretty much relegated to a narrow strip of shoulder across the river. I suppose you could hike the 3 miles on the North side of the river from Bryceburg. The same holds true driving down from El Portal on Incline road. These poppies are NOT the same experience as Antelope Valley... :-)
Beautiful none the less.
Have to disagree with you here Derek. A monkey could in fact have taken this shot!
Oh, I meant to add that the reason the poppies are flourishing in this particular area is due to the Telegraph hill fire in July of last year.
Posted by Robert Dayton on March 11, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Great Poppy pix from the Canyon, Lon! I just got back from there today, 3-11-09. I got
there this morning before the sun hit the canyon walls. The hot spots are still ablaze
with orange color. Thanks for the tip of driving to the gate, parking, and walking. I've
often driven to gate as I did this morning. I didn't know one could hike in; it makes sense
since I didn't see any no trespassing signs. I agree with you and Michael Frye. I've never
the Poppy display in the canyon this prolific and beautiful.
I saw Frye's version of this the other day when I was checking out the wildflower reports. I'd have to say I like yours much better. Absolutely fantastic image Lon.
I saw Frye's image the other day when researching the wildflower status and thought wow, your image looks just like his. After looking at it closer, I like the added detail in yours do to the better exposure. Well seen and captured!
Man I'd love to be able to get away for a few days to shoot that Merced canyon in the next week or so.
Posted by Robert Dayton on March 12, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Lon, when you said that you walk in from the gate, is it OK to park there at the gate
as long as one does not block it; or do you park further back at one of the restroom
parking areas and walk from there? Another question--is there a "private property"
sign near the gate? I'm planning on going there early tomorrow morning or Saturday
morning. Thanks for the information.
That is a NICE shot Lon. I so want to head up there soon!
Posted by Richard Wong on March 16, 2009 at 12:17 AM
That is incredible Lon! It looks like some sort of hanging garden.
Posted by David Senesac on March 17, 2009 at 12:45 AM
I was there Saturday. Exposed 5 sheets and a couple weeks before I get my film back. Mainly left because it clouded up late as that forecast marginal front approached that supposedly would linger into Monday. But that forecast was wrong and I should have worked it Sunday too despite being sore and itchy. Put in about 6 miles carrying a heavy load of gear. If it lasts into next weekend I may have another go at billigoating up to an optimal locale.
Lon,
Looks like a winner to me! Thanks for the tip about driving to the gate and then walking in. Hope to check it out this weekend. Best Regards, Michael
Discussion
16 replies"btw - when do the redbuds generally start blooming in the valley and the foothills? And do you know of any particularly good spots to check them out?"
Thought I would just start another thread.
Right now the Merced river canyon is a blaze. I was there just over a week ago and the poppies just about 2.5-3mi east of Bryceburg are in full glory. I'll post an example in a comment - Since I just posted the Tunnel View image, I can't post another image.
Anyway, check out Michael Frye's blog for this weeks report. He says it's the best poppy display he's seen in 25yrs.
Another great resource is Carol Leigh's Wildflower hotsheet.
IMO, the best spot for flowers in the canyon are along Incline Road out of El Portal. Heading east towards El Portal, take a left on Foresta Road, cross the bridge then make a couple of quick lefts on to Incline Road. This is paved for 3.5 miles and runs along the north side of the Merced. The road dead-ends at a gate, but you can continue on foot. The poppies will of course be obvious. Unfortunately the are mostly on steep slopes, so be careful. It's a nice walk along the river and there is always something to photograph including rocks/flowing water in the Merced.
Now, as far as Redbud, you won't find much of it in the valley. It's more concentrated at the lower elevations of the Merced canyon between Bryceburg and El Portal. And like the poppies, it's obvious where they are... :-)
When I was there last (3/1) the Redbud was starting to bud. Typically, the end of March is best and the way this season is going I wouldn't be surprised if they were flowering in another week to week and a half. Check the above links for updates.
A couple years ago, I was there around 4/5 and some of the Redbud were starting to leaf out, but still lots of that deep reddish/lavendar color.
I've always wanted to capture Redbud above the flowing Merced, but have yet to find the right combination.
It's a gorgeous time of the year in the Canyon and there are so many different photographic opportunities.
Hope this helps
Lon
Oh, if you check out Frye's blog above, scroll down a bit and you'll see nearly the same scene. We both shot that on the same day, but never did cross paths.
Lon
ps. I'll be posting this on ES&S, but not for at least a couple weeks. So don't tell anyone...
I love that shot btw - awesome abstract feel to it, one of my favorites of yours I think!
That is a gorgeous poppy shot! I love the lines in the composition and the abundance of flowers in between the granite rock. This looks even better than what you described to me in our earlier discussions.
I don't know how many shots like this you have done in the past. But this is a great image. How would you compare this year with other years thus far along the Merced?
BTW, this is way beyond what a monkey could pull off, even a well trained one at that. LOL...
Thanks for posting!!!
Derek
Derek, I have never seen flowers in this part of the canyon before - at least not to this degree. Most of the hillsides of poppies are farther in, closer to El Portal. And I've never attempted this image. It's take from across the river with my longest 4x5 lens, 450mm, which is roughly only equivalent to about 135-150mm in 35mm land. But this is a full image, only cropped to get rid of the film edges from the scan.
Please NOTE: The access to these particular poppies is pretty much relegated to a narrow strip of shoulder across the river. I suppose you could hike the 3 miles on the North side of the river from Bryceburg. The same holds true driving down from El Portal on Incline road. These poppies are NOT the same experience as Antelope Valley... :-)
Beautiful none the less.
Have to disagree with you here Derek. A monkey could in fact have taken this shot!
Oh, I meant to add that the reason the poppies are flourishing in this particular area is due to the Telegraph hill fire in July of last year.
there this morning before the sun hit the canyon walls. The hot spots are still ablaze
with orange color. Thanks for the tip of driving to the gate, parking, and walking. I've
often driven to gate as I did this morning. I didn't know one could hike in; it makes sense
since I didn't see any no trespassing signs. I agree with you and Michael Frye. I've never
the Poppy display in the canyon this prolific and beautiful.
Man I'd love to be able to get away for a few days to shoot that Merced canyon in the next week or so.
as long as one does not block it; or do you park further back at one of the restroom
parking areas and walk from there? Another question--is there a "private property"
sign near the gate? I'm planning on going there early tomorrow morning or Saturday
morning. Thanks for the information.
If you see a guy with one or two yellow labs or driving a Northstar camper on a white Ford F150 on Sat or Sun, say hi.
http://davidsenesac.com/Spring_2009/Dave_merced.jpg
Looks like a winner to me! Thanks for the tip about driving to the gate and then walking in. Hope to check it out this weekend. Best Regards, Michael