George is the name and I hail from that surfing mecca of Santa Cruz, CA. Have a love of landscape-cityscape photography, hiking,kayaking, hockey and history.I just discovered the RMNP last week, while doing some research on an upcoming trip to the Durango area during the first week of October-I am amazed at the quality of the work on this site and the good, honest critique style-also at how graciously you share your information amongst yourselves.
My wife and I, are celebrating a couple of successful years,post my kidney transplant.She was the donor-not too bad luck to get it from a former world class triathlete.I am extremely grateful and excited(crossing off the days) about being able to hike and travel again. Gradually getting back in shape aftre a few tough years.I am looking for some areas (ideas) to go where I could hike and shoot.My range is limited to 3-4 miles with my light pack, but I fear the altitude mihght limit that distance. So perhaps somewhere I could drive and hike a short distance for sunrise shots, mountains and a bit of color (plz not too much!)
I have read about the Alpine loup, Dallas divide, county roads 5& 7,Silver jack and Owl Creek Rd-perhaps I can get your take on getting to those areas without hiking more than a couple of miles or encountering any dramatic elevation change(i.e.over 500-750 steep feet).
We will be in Durango 10/6-10/9 and Ouray 10/4-10/6. If there are any guides who are interested in a paid 1/2 day tour--we would be interested as well.
All the best, hope to meet some of you tripod hoofers during our visit.
George and Debbie Melnikoff
Posted by John Mumaw on September 1, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Greetings!
The areas you've mentioned are fine areas for autumn photography and are almost all accessible via roads. Short strolls/light hiking are a more apt description of access via foot, all depending on what you wish to shoot.
You'll want a 4WD vehicle (high clearance 2WD at the least) and extra food/water/clothes/first aid supplies to minimize risk, especially in inclement weather. Hopefully you'll have a leisurely day or two around Durango to acclimatize.
See a previous thread just below regarding tying a green ribbon onto your vehicle's antenna so you can meet your fellow photographers.
Posted by Jack Garrett on September 1, 2009 at 11:55 AM
If you go County routes 5 and 7 you can get great shots right along the side of the road. It is definitely an early morning destination. I'm going to Silverjack for the first time this fall so I'll listen to what the others have to say on that. Also, Last Dollar Road is an excellent area.
Welcome to the forum and looking forward to running into you on the trail/road. My soon to be father in law just went through a kidney transplant and is doing realy well. It's pretty amazing what today's technology in medical field can accomplish.
Thanks so much for the input. Glad to hear that I can get to these spots with walks and short hikes.Will keep my research up and hopefully see you folks out on trail and roads.Aleksandra, your father-in-law (to be) will find that there are always setbacks, but the transplants centers are so experienced in all the issues that they can usually overcome it.You just can not ignore any signs that might cause those setbacks. Its incredible to feel so good and have my energy back...I am truly blessed.
Best to you,
George
Posted by Richard Durnan on September 2, 2009 at 10:34 AM
George I live in Ridgway 9 miles north of Ouray and I offer photo tours and itinerary preparation. I would be happy to guide you around. http://www.richdurnanphoto.com/workshops/index.html
Rich...
Posted by Bill Brennan on September 2, 2009 at 1:38 PM
George, add Mesa Verde and the Million Dollar Highway to your research. Also, check to see when the sandhill cranes are expected to migrate through Monte Vista.
Discussion
7 repliesGeorge is the name and I hail from that surfing mecca of Santa Cruz, CA. Have a love of landscape-cityscape photography, hiking,kayaking, hockey and history.I just discovered the RMNP last week, while doing some research on an upcoming trip to the Durango area during the first week of October-I am amazed at the quality of the work on this site and the good, honest critique style-also at how graciously you share your information amongst yourselves.
My wife and I, are celebrating a couple of successful years,post my kidney transplant.She was the donor-not too bad luck to get it from a former world class triathlete.I am extremely grateful and excited(crossing off the days) about being able to hike and travel again. Gradually getting back in shape aftre a few tough years.I am looking for some areas (ideas) to go where I could hike and shoot.My range is limited to 3-4 miles with my light pack, but I fear the altitude mihght limit that distance. So perhaps somewhere I could drive and hike a short distance for sunrise shots, mountains and a bit of color (plz not too much!)
I have read about the Alpine loup, Dallas divide, county roads 5& 7,Silver jack and Owl Creek Rd-perhaps I can get your take on getting to those areas without hiking more than a couple of miles or encountering any dramatic elevation change(i.e.over 500-750 steep feet).
We will be in Durango 10/6-10/9 and Ouray 10/4-10/6. If there are any guides who are interested in a paid 1/2 day tour--we would be interested as well.
All the best, hope to meet some of you tripod hoofers during our visit.
George and Debbie Melnikoff
The areas you've mentioned are fine areas for autumn photography and are almost all accessible via roads. Short strolls/light hiking are a more apt description of access via foot, all depending on what you wish to shoot.
You'll want a 4WD vehicle (high clearance 2WD at the least) and extra food/water/clothes/first aid supplies to minimize risk, especially in inclement weather. Hopefully you'll have a leisurely day or two around Durango to acclimatize.
See a previous thread just below regarding tying a green ribbon onto your vehicle's antenna so you can meet your fellow photographers.
Welcome to the forum and looking forward to running into you on the trail/road. My soon to be father in law just went through a kidney transplant and is doing realy well. It's pretty amazing what today's technology in medical field can accomplish.
Thanks so much for the input. Glad to hear that I can get to these spots with walks and short hikes.Will keep my research up and hopefully see you folks out on trail and roads.Aleksandra, your father-in-law (to be) will find that there are always setbacks, but the transplants centers are so experienced in all the issues that they can usually overcome it.You just can not ignore any signs that might cause those setbacks. Its incredible to feel so good and have my energy back...I am truly blessed.
Best to you,
George
Rich...
Bill Brennan
Thanks much for the offer. We have already arranged for a day guide in the Ouray area.
Best,
Geo.