Posted by Bill Dark on October 2, 2009 at 10:28 PM
There has been some interest expressed in trying to have a Fall Gathering this year, which has traditionally been held in the Richland Creek area. As always, I would be happy to organize the event if there is any interest. It's always hard to say when the peak will occur, but October 24th should be pretty close.
I also thought it might be a good time for a little recon work along the Falling Water Creek - Richland Creek Campground section of the OHT that we adopted a while back. I checked with Forest Service on getting chainsaw certification and will keep those interested updated on when the next class will be held.
Posted by John Moore on October 2, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I would like to attend, except my wife and I will be in Ponca that weekend celebrating our wedding anniversary. Thanks for the effort though, Bill.
Posted by Tom Kennon on October 2, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Bill, count me in.
Posted by Bryan Simpson on October 2, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Count me as tentative. I'm probably going to be travelling to North Carolina the week prior, but if that doesn't work out (or if the boss will let me be gone two weekends in a row) I'll be there. I'll try to firm up my plans next week.
Posted by Darren Huski on October 3, 2009 at 8:01 AM
Get us the details on when and where for us out of staters.
I'll be in Wyoming the weekend before and the Guadalupe Mountains NP the weekend after, but I might be able to squeeze in one more drive for fall color.
Posted by Larry Daniel on October 3, 2009 at 9:43 AM
I would love to make one of these. We will be on our way to Moab, leaving the 23rd, darnit.
Posted by Rod Kissinger on October 3, 2009 at 11:16 AM
OK, here's the tentative list of participants for the Fall Gathering:
Tom Kennon
Bryan Simpson (maybe)
Darren Huski (maybe)
Rod Kissinger
Gale Rainwater
Mike and Karla Hall
Unless anyone has other suggestions concerning the date and location, we will plan on meeting at the Fairview Campground just off highway 7 between Pelsor and Lurton. Watch for signs on the highway. As far as eating, I thought it might be best if we do like last spring where everyone will be on their own for Friday dinner. I'll do sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy brunch Saturday, and Gale has offered to bring sandwich stuff for lunch. Is that for Sunday, Gale? That leaves Saturday evening open and possibly Sunday brunch depending on departure times.
I'm planning on heading over to Richland Creek this weekend and will have an update on the foliage color then.
Bill the sandwich items can be available for all weekend. Which ever day you want to plan it as a meal.
Posted by Mike Hall on October 11, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Karla and I checked out Fairview campground yesterday while we were up in the area. It's very clean and well takedn care of. I have never heard of it before. It should be a great base camp. I have a 10X10 pop-up tent to either eat under or just keep the dew off the sleeping bag group. Should be a good time for all. We plan to be there Friday night just before sunset.
Note: It will be muzzeloading deer season,so consider wearing orange or other bright color. Hope our camground has space leftover for us to camp in on that weekend.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 12, 2009 at 9:04 AM
As I mentioned from an earlier thread, we might want to reconsider the location for our gathering. I'm thinking the color will have come and gone in the Richland/Buffalo areas by the 24th. What do you folks think about Petit Jean?
Posted by Mike Hall on October 12, 2009 at 9:21 AM
It did look like the leaves will peak this coming weekend in the Richland Creek area. The cool weather seems to be kicking everything into high gear. It feels like the colors are coming on fast. I think most of us will be heading back up to Richland area this coming weekend to give a try.
Petit Jean sounds good. Plenty of waterfalls, rock formations, trails and a great campground. What would be the latest to make that decision? I could run up to Petit Jean this Thursday and scope it out. That would be the earliest I could check on things.
Posted by Rod Kissinger on October 12, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Petit Jean is fine with me. The week of would be ok for the time to make a decision.
has anyone called Petit Jean to see about camping. I believe they do reservations and fill up pretty quick. I could be wrong though. I just got back from the Big Piney area and stuff appears to be a little on the green side still. Could be a decent spot for the gathering.
Posted by Aaron Szabo on October 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
I'm going to pass on this gathering to go shoot photos with some family. Have a great time and I look forward to seeing the images!
Posted by Mike Hall on October 15, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Matt and I made a quick trip to Petit Jean State Park today. It is just now getting some good pockets of color. A week from now should be near or at full color. Their will be several people going up to Richland this weekend and that report will determine if we need to move the gathering south to Petit Jean. Or a decision can be made today by looking at my snapshots from this morning. http://www.pbase.com/mikehall/petit_jean_state_park
Posted by Marc Langille on October 17, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Hi Bill,
I'd love to attend but it's been so busy post-Utah for me. I'll post to the thread and keep an eye on things - if it changes I'll let you know!
Regards,
Marc
Posted by Bill Dark on October 18, 2009 at 11:18 PM
After visiting with Mike and Karla yesterday, the concensus was that participants take a vote on where to hold the fall gathering. It seems that Petit Jean is at least a week early for peak color, but Richland Creek around Twin Falls appears to be a little past. I haven't been in the Buffalo area during daylight for at least a week, so I can't comment on that area. Finding a place to camp may also be an important consideration. Odds of finding room at Fairview are good. I'm not sure about Petit Jean.
So, what do you guys think?
Posted by Mike Hall on October 19, 2009 at 6:55 AM
http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/
Camping at Petit Jean is $8.50/night with electric/water and decent restroom.
It looks like it may be sunny this weekned. That's not good for our waterfall hunting. The color should be good at Petit Jean.
Leaves are falling off at Richland and it may be to far gone by the coming weekend. Has anyone been around Steele Creek campground? I'm 50/50 on where to go. I guess I would lean towards Petit Jean until I hear of a better area.
Time is ticking!! This album is from last Thursday at Petit Jean to show the color progress.
http://www.pbase.com/mikehall/petit_jean_state_park
Picture below is a 30 minute exposure screened with a another at 30 seconds light painted. This is from this morning at Camp Robinson. Colors are coming along quick in Conway.
I'm sure everyone wants a shot of cedar falls with fall color. On Monday morning, I vote for Fairview though.
Posted by Bryan Simpson on October 19, 2009 at 9:50 AM
I'm going to defer to all of you in the area. You are the eyes on the ground, so-to- speak. Wherever y'all decide is fine with me.
As it looks right now, I'll be heading up there on Wednesday (not exactly sure where yet) and joining you Friday. This is subject to change depending on work, but I'll be there this weekend for sure.
Posted by Tim Buchanan on October 19, 2009 at 4:29 PM
List me as tentative for this trip - I do have part or all of the weekend free and would love to get some Arkansas color!
Posted by Bill Dark on October 19, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Great to hear from you, Tim! We missed you last year.
Dottie, sorry I missed your post earlier. I would imagine we will start meeting sometime early Friday afternoon. I think I will take off Friday so I'm going to try to be wherever we decide to meet by 1 or 2. I'm going to vote on Fairview. I'd like to try for Lost Valley, but I'm pretty sure it will be close to full.
OK, here's the list of participants for the Fall Gathering:
Tom Kennon
Bryan Simpson
Darren Huski (maybe)
Rod Kissinger
Gale Rainwater (lunch Sunday)
Mike and Karla Hall
Tim Buchanan
Dottie Loyd
me (Saturday brunch)
Hey Matthew, are you coming?
Saturday evening's meal is still open if anyone wants to help with that.
Would you give me a call? I will bring something for dinner also. 870-240-4080 cell
Thanks
Posted by David Hatfield on October 20, 2009 at 12:42 PM
If the final location ends up being Petit Jean I could probably be there some Friday evening and Saturday morning. Can't spend the night but I'm close enough to Petit Jean to make the drive easily both days.
Dave Hatfield
Posted by Rod Kissinger on October 20, 2009 at 1:34 PM
I can bring dessert for Saturday night.
Rod
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on October 20, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Bill, it sounds like you have a nice gathering coming together. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this year. If you get a little more rain later this week I'll be expecting to see some absolutely stunning work from this group.
If you girls are wanting to do dinner don't l don't necessarily have to cook anything. I still can but if there is something that you are just dying to make for everyone don't let me stand in the way.
I am leaning towards Fairview also. Hey Bryan I will most likely be off Thursday (80% chance of rain) If you are going to be around maybe we can go out and shoot a little. e-mail is Mattken85@yahoo.com and cell is 501-339-4856
Matthew,
We would not want to miss out on that pork loin!!! Karla and I are going to bring something to go along with that. I'll probably bring some brownies or something sweet also. Anytime I can get a guy to cook for me is an opportunity I don't want to miss. Ha!
Bill, I need to know for sure by Friday morning where we are going to be. I only have access to the internet at work and will need to know before I leave on Friday. I can probably get away around noon but it is a 5+ hour drive for me or more depending on where we stay.
Posted by Karla Hall on October 20, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Ya Matt...Give us girls a break..We cook all the time! JK
I will make sure we are hooked up with some sides for Saturday dinner that will go with the pork.
There is still some good color in the Buffalo area (although high winds are blowing a lot of leaves off tonight, and a lot of those leaves are brown so I guess we have a lot of brown color too), but the water levels are getting pretty low, especially for waterfalls. I was at Triple Falls this evening with one of the chief photographers for Southern Living and it was almost a "twin." It is going to be really crowded in the area this weekend - Kyles campground was already showing filled up, and it's only Tuesday! I'm teaching a workshop this weekend as always so won't be able to join ya, but will wave if I see a herd of tripods with pork fat drippings...
Not much better than pork fat. The pig may just be the greatest protein of all time. Except for that swine flu thing. I am reheating some pulled pork butt as I type this.
I am actually thinking of a couple spots a little further south, around the Big Piney area. Hopefully avoid some crowds and maybe get some better color. Sort of depends on this rain they are calling for on Thursday though.
We have BBQ pig, cow, and chicken at every workshop for lunch - the pig always disappears first! You may be right about the color further south - I'm headed that way Thursday...
Bacon, need I say more. I always wondered, who cooks the que for the workshops?
I may bump into you. I have some time off that will probably be used in the next two weeks for fall shooting.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 20, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Decisions, decisions...I'm not going to count on much rain Thursday since the forecast calls for only a half inch. Radar in Oklahoma/Texas supports that. But I think there will be plenty of reflection shots in some pools that might be worth pursuing. We just need some good color and be looking in the right direction.
Tim, is your workshop group going to be at Steele Creek? I think everyone would want to respect your group and avoid any location conflicts.
Right now, Gale and I have voted for Fairview, while Mike and Dave are leaning toward Petit Jean. Matthew's thinking Piney area, which might as well be Fairview. So, as it stands, I guess Fairview it is, unless someone has a better idea.
Posted by Bryan Simpson on October 20, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Wherever you guys decide we need to park it, I'm sure we'll find something to shoot. And if not, we'll just sit around eating pork loin and brownies
Matt, as it stands right now, I'm probably not going to get out of here tomorrow as planned. Too many unfinished projects. I'll likely be heading up that way Thursday morning, but would be open for some evening shooting. I'll call you when my plans are more concrete.
BTW, since I'm coming up later than I thought, I'll be happy to bring food if we still need it. I'll have a couple cases of water and diet Coke regardless. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Matthew - I have two assistants at weekend workshops, and one of them doubles as our cook, and also our IT person to help everyone get their computers and Photoshop set up and running well (guess I should pay her more). The BBQ comes from Penquin Eds in Fayetteville - some of the best around. I continue work on my fall picture book so will be out somewhere every day until the last leaf falls in the state. Good thing gas is cheap.
Don't worry about us Bill - we're likely to be anywhere at any time and there is plenty of room for everyone to shoot (our new location at Harmony Mtn. lodge puts us within striking distance of a lot of territory). I expect both of our groups will be dwarfed by all the others in the area this weekend though. How many big lenses can you count in Boxley? I'm doing a story with someone from the local FOX TV station in a couple of hours at the Crag - I'll ask for his expert opinion about the rain tomorrow - those guys are almost always wrong so can figure on the opposite. I'm with you and only expect a little moisture out of this system, but will take anything we can get. Tomorrow PM might be the best shooting for a while. The weekend doesn't look too good but will just have to adjust to the harsh lighting...
Posted by Bill Dark on October 21, 2009 at 7:04 AM
You're doing a story for FOX? I thought you had better morals than that Tim!
Morals? I have none! Free advertising is the best, and only, that I do. FYI, the Southern Living photographer yesterday was using Canons (not by choice though). And it was great to see another working pro besides myself who was not using lens hoods.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 21, 2009 at 8:48 AM
What's a lens hood? I think I have several, but they're buried in my closet somewhere...
"Reply posted by Tim Ernst on 10/20/09 at 7:59 pm CDT
Kyles campground was already showing filled up, and it's only Tuesday! "
I was at Kyles early this morning - there was not a single person camping there.
Posted by TIMERNST on October 21, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Funny - the signboard at the highway said "Campground Full" yesterday evening - perhaps they didn't take it down from last weekend?
Posted by Bill Dark on October 22, 2009 at 9:43 AM
I'm starting to have some second thoughts about Fairview, and thought I would see how the rest of the group would feel about moving the fall gathering to Petit Jean. I know it's late in the week, but I'm thinking the color may be better there than in the Buffalo/Richland areas.
Posted by Tom Kennon on October 22, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Bill,
I made a swing through the Mulberry Valley yesterday afternoon and there was some color along the creeks, but the hills seemed dull. I am not sure if it is just turning brown or not there yet? I would say if we have good reports on the Petit Jean area that may be the place to go. Has anyone been in the Flatside Wilderness area south of Petit Jean, it may have good possibilities also. I did talk to a friend that had just driven up from Louisana and he said the color was good in the Ouachitas right now. Take this with a grain of salt, he is not a photographer.
Bill, Tim posted a very nice shot from the Buffalo in his journal this morning and commented there was still color in the area. Have you been scouting anywhere in the Richland/Buffalo area the last few days?
Posted by TIMERNST on October 22, 2009 at 10:02 AM
The heavy winds here today are blowing away a lot of the color. Wherever you guys go look for "fresher" color that would be able to hold on and not get blown off! I've heard some reports of Mt. Magazine peaking right now but don't know if they are getting hit by the wind too or not.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Just talked to the folks at Petit Jean and things are looking really good there. They expect the peak to be this weekend and into next week.
It seems like color in the Buffalo area has been spotty this year, with pockets of good color, but kinda dull overall. I would imagine most of the good color is gone in the lower elevations around Richland Creek. I think it all boils down to what you want to shoot - intimate water/forest or vistas. In either case, I'm planning on burning lots of gas.
Update: Just checked the radar and it looks like the conditions will be of epic proportions this weekend - flash flood watch right now, and it looks like Petit Jean could get a couple of inches or more today.
OK, Petit Jean had two cancellations this morning so I made an executive decision and just reserved two nice campsites, #105 and #109 for the group. Hope that's OK...
Posted by Mike Hall on October 22, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Petit Jean it is! There is a ton of color in the Conway area so I think that we will be good shape. I have to work late Friday and will be rolling in around 8:00pm. Karla may come up there early. Keep in mind that Flatside Pinnacle is not too far away for those that need an option.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 22, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Please let me know on this thread if you plan to go on down to Petit Jean. I'm not sure at this point if everybody is aware of the move, and will post some kind of note at Fairview if there is anyone who hasn't read this update.
Look for me there Friday PM and Saturday AM. Don't need the campsite since I'll be returning home Friday evening but look forward to meeting some of you and putting names to faces.
Dave Hatfield
Posted by Tom Kennon on October 22, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Bill, I will be there most likely Friday evening and Saturday. I need to get back later Saturday night. Let me know if there is anything that I can bring. Is there a limit on the number of people we can put in a campsite?
Well this is good news and bad news. I spent all day driving around the Buffalo and Big Piney area looking for shooting spots and it gets moved. Fairview has three people there already and is a giant mud hole. I was not looking forward to spending all weekend in a mud pit.
I may not work tomorrow and may be up early. Bill what time are you coming down and do we have enough room for everyone to camp? I also have two 5lb pork loins. Two may be way too much food but I don't if one is enough.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 22, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Sorry for the change Matthew, but it's so hard to predict what the weather/leaves are going to do. I think the color at Petit Jean is going to be great, and lots of water to boot, and we don't have to wonder if there will be a campsite available. Each campsite has a limit of 8 and two tents. I could stay in the back of my truck if need be. I plan on being at Mather Lodge around 7 tomorrow morning.
It's not a problem Bill, I just thought it was a little funny. I may bump into you in the morning up there. BTW I called Bryan Simpson and told him the gathering had been moved so he will be there as well.
Posted by Bryan Simpson on October 22, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Yep, I'll be there. Thanks Matt for the phone call.
I am in the area now. Anybody have any suggestions for a place for me to shoot in the morning? I'm especially looking for color around creeks or streams.
See everyone tomorrow.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 22, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Everyone but Gale, Jon, and Rod have RSVPed. I've sent them an email, but if anyone has their phone# you might give them a call as well. My cell is 479-936-1556. I'll check this thread around 3:30 in the morning before I bug out.
See you guys tomorrow!
Posted by Tom Kennon on October 22, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Bill, I will touch base with Gale tomorrow. I am bringing a few snacks for the group. I plan to make it tomorrow night, but I have a project at work that my force me to meet up with the group early Saturday. Any idea what time you will strike out Saturday morning for the first shoot? If you have cell service I will update tomorrow.
Posted by Jon Wisniewski on October 23, 2009 at 12:37 AM
I should be there sometime tomorrow PM, I plan on hitting up the albert pike area tomorrow morning and flatside area after noon on my way up there.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 23, 2009 at 4:38 AM
Tom, thanks for contacting Gale. I think most of us will be up with the roosters tomorrow, and will be heading out at first light around 7.
Tim, are you coming down hwy 7 through Jasper? If so, please stop by Fairview and check to see if Rod is there, and let him know about the move to Petit Jean. If not, I'll plan on driving up there today.
Posted by Rod Kissinger on October 23, 2009 at 7:24 AM
Bill,
I'm going to have to miss this year's fall shoot. A bad transmission and 9 workshops next week have conspired to keep me home. Hopefully I'll get out here locally and get a few shots.
I'm looking forward to some great photographs from the guys.
Thanks for all your work in organizing the event.
Rod
Posted by Rod Kissinger on October 23, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Bill,
I'm going to have to miss this year's fall shoot. A bad transmission and 9 workshops next week have conspired to keep me home. Hopefully I'll get out here locally and get a few shots.
I'm looking forward to some great photographs from the guys.
Thanks for all your work in organizing the event.
Rod
Posted by Tim Buchanan on October 23, 2009 at 10:25 AM
My attendance is looking a lot less certain (work is intruding on fun, but work pays the bills) - please don't wait for me...
Just wanted to say what a great time I had this past weekend with all of you. Especially the 'sitting round the fire' stories. Oh yeah, and all the photo ops, great food, nice camp area, having someone cook for me, etc, etc..... :)
Discussion
72 repliesI also thought it might be a good time for a little recon work along the Falling Water Creek - Richland Creek Campground section of the OHT that we adopted a while back. I checked with Forest Service on getting chainsaw certification and will keep those interested updated on when the next class will be held.
I'll be in Wyoming the weekend before and the Guadalupe Mountains NP the weekend after, but I might be able to squeeze in one more drive for fall color.
Thanks,
Rod
Tom Kennon
Bryan Simpson (maybe)
Darren Huski (maybe)
Rod Kissinger
Gale Rainwater
Mike and Karla Hall
Unless anyone has other suggestions concerning the date and location, we will plan on meeting at the Fairview Campground just off highway 7 between Pelsor and Lurton. Watch for signs on the highway. As far as eating, I thought it might be best if we do like last spring where everyone will be on their own for Friday dinner. I'll do sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy brunch Saturday, and Gale has offered to bring sandwich stuff for lunch. Is that for Sunday, Gale? That leaves Saturday evening open and possibly Sunday brunch depending on departure times.
I'm planning on heading over to Richland Creek this weekend and will have an update on the foliage color then.
I would love to come this year. What time are you meeting on Friday? I would also be glad to bring something for a meal.
Dottie
Note: It will be muzzeloading deer season,so consider wearing orange or other bright color. Hope our camground has space leftover for us to camp in on that weekend.
Petit Jean sounds good. Plenty of waterfalls, rock formations, trails and a great campground. What would be the latest to make that decision? I could run up to Petit Jean this Thursday and scope it out. That would be the earliest I could check on things.
Thanks,
Rod
I'd love to attend but it's been so busy post-Utah for me. I'll post to the thread and keep an eye on things - if it changes I'll let you know!
Regards,
Marc
So, what do you guys think?
Camping at Petit Jean is $8.50/night with electric/water and decent restroom.
It looks like it may be sunny this weekned. That's not good for our waterfall hunting. The color should be good at Petit Jean.
Leaves are falling off at Richland and it may be to far gone by the coming weekend. Has anyone been around Steele Creek campground? I'm 50/50 on where to go. I guess I would lean towards Petit Jean until I hear of a better area.
Time is ticking!! This album is from last Thursday at Petit Jean to show the color progress.
http://www.pbase.com/mikehall/petit_jean_state_park
Picture below is a 30 minute exposure screened with a another at 30 seconds light painted. This is from this morning at Camp Robinson. Colors are coming along quick in Conway.
As it looks right now, I'll be heading up there on Wednesday (not exactly sure where yet) and joining you Friday. This is subject to change depending on work, but I'll be there this weekend for sure.
Dottie, sorry I missed your post earlier. I would imagine we will start meeting sometime early Friday afternoon. I think I will take off Friday so I'm going to try to be wherever we decide to meet by 1 or 2. I'm going to vote on Fairview. I'd like to try for Lost Valley, but I'm pretty sure it will be close to full.
OK, here's the list of participants for the Fall Gathering:
Tom Kennon
Bryan Simpson
Darren Huski (maybe)
Rod Kissinger
Gale Rainwater (lunch Sunday)
Mike and Karla Hall
Tim Buchanan
Dottie Loyd
me (Saturday brunch)
Hey Matthew, are you coming?
Saturday evening's meal is still open if anyone wants to help with that.
Have I forgotten anything?
Would you give me a call? I will bring something for dinner also. 870-240-4080 cell
Thanks
Dave Hatfield
Rod
Have a great time and be safe out there everyone!
I am leaning towards Fairview also. Hey Bryan I will most likely be off Thursday (80% chance of rain) If you are going to be around maybe we can go out and shoot a little. e-mail is Mattken85@yahoo.com and cell is 501-339-4856
We would not want to miss out on that pork loin!!! Karla and I are going to bring something to go along with that. I'll probably bring some brownies or something sweet also. Anytime I can get a guy to cook for me is an opportunity I don't want to miss. Ha!
Bill, I need to know for sure by Friday morning where we are going to be. I only have access to the internet at work and will need to know before I leave on Friday. I can probably get away around noon but it is a 5+ hour drive for me or more depending on where we stay.
Thanks!
I will make sure we are hooked up with some sides for Saturday dinner that will go with the pork.
I am actually thinking of a couple spots a little further south, around the Big Piney area. Hopefully avoid some crowds and maybe get some better color. Sort of depends on this rain they are calling for on Thursday though.
I may bump into you. I have some time off that will probably be used in the next two weeks for fall shooting.
Tim, is your workshop group going to be at Steele Creek? I think everyone would want to respect your group and avoid any location conflicts.
Right now, Gale and I have voted for Fairview, while Mike and Dave are leaning toward Petit Jean. Matthew's thinking Piney area, which might as well be Fairview. So, as it stands, I guess Fairview it is, unless someone has a better idea.
Matt, as it stands right now, I'm probably not going to get out of here tomorrow as planned. Too many unfinished projects. I'll likely be heading up that way Thursday morning, but would be open for some evening shooting. I'll call you when my plans are more concrete.
BTW, since I'm coming up later than I thought, I'll be happy to bring food if we still need it. I'll have a couple cases of water and diet Coke regardless. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Don't worry about us Bill - we're likely to be anywhere at any time and there is plenty of room for everyone to shoot (our new location at Harmony Mtn. lodge puts us within striking distance of a lot of territory). I expect both of our groups will be dwarfed by all the others in the area this weekend though. How many big lenses can you count in Boxley? I'm doing a story with someone from the local FOX TV station in a couple of hours at the Crag - I'll ask for his expert opinion about the rain tomorrow - those guys are almost always wrong so can figure on the opposite. I'm with you and only expect a little moisture out of this system, but will take anything we can get. Tomorrow PM might be the best shooting for a while. The weekend doesn't look too good but will just have to adjust to the harsh lighting...
"Reply posted by Tim Ernst on 10/20/09 at 7:59 pm CDT
Kyles campground was already showing filled up, and it's only Tuesday! "
I was at Kyles early this morning - there was not a single person camping there.
I made a swing through the Mulberry Valley yesterday afternoon and there was some color along the creeks, but the hills seemed dull. I am not sure if it is just turning brown or not there yet? I would say if we have good reports on the Petit Jean area that may be the place to go. Has anyone been in the Flatside Wilderness area south of Petit Jean, it may have good possibilities also. I did talk to a friend that had just driven up from Louisana and he said the color was good in the Ouachitas right now. Take this with a grain of salt, he is not a photographer.
Bill, Tim posted a very nice shot from the Buffalo in his journal this morning and commented there was still color in the area. Have you been scouting anywhere in the Richland/Buffalo area the last few days?
It seems like color in the Buffalo area has been spotty this year, with pockets of good color, but kinda dull overall. I would imagine most of the good color is gone in the lower elevations around Richland Creek. I think it all boils down to what you want to shoot - intimate water/forest or vistas. In either case, I'm planning on burning lots of gas.
Update: Just checked the radar and it looks like the conditions will be of epic proportions this weekend - flash flood watch right now, and it looks like Petit Jean could get a couple of inches or more today.
OK, Petit Jean had two cancellations this morning so I made an executive decision and just reserved two nice campsites, #105 and #109 for the group. Hope that's OK...
I will be there! And thanks for getting the spots reserved!
Look for me there Friday PM and Saturday AM. Don't need the campsite since I'll be returning home Friday evening but look forward to meeting some of you and putting names to faces.
Dave Hatfield
I may not work tomorrow and may be up early. Bill what time are you coming down and do we have enough room for everyone to camp? I also have two 5lb pork loins. Two may be way too much food but I don't if one is enough.
http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/accommodations/pjcampmap.pdf
I am in the area now. Anybody have any suggestions for a place for me to shoot in the morning? I'm especially looking for color around creeks or streams.
See everyone tomorrow.
See you guys tomorrow!
Tim, are you coming down hwy 7 through Jasper? If so, please stop by Fairview and check to see if Rod is there, and let him know about the move to Petit Jean. If not, I'll plan on driving up there today.
I'm going to have to miss this year's fall shoot. A bad transmission and 9 workshops next week have conspired to keep me home. Hopefully I'll get out here locally and get a few shots.
I'm looking forward to some great photographs from the guys.
Thanks for all your work in organizing the event.
Rod
I'm going to have to miss this year's fall shoot. A bad transmission and 9 workshops next week have conspired to keep me home. Hopefully I'll get out here locally and get a few shots.
I'm looking forward to some great photographs from the guys.
Thanks for all your work in organizing the event.
Rod