Thought I might tell you a story of the beautiful and beastly part of nature tonight.
With all the rain we have had the last couple of days I knew it would be a great time to head to Clifty Falls State Park this afternoon for some waterfall pics. After loading up my equipment I was off to the park in search of some stream and waterfall comps this area is so famous for, but after arriving at the North gate I soon found this was not going to be a very good day to be there.
I drove to the trail head for Big Clifty and found dozens of emergency vehicles and personal in various stages of a rescue effort. I stayed in my vehicle and watched as rescue workers ran to the edge of the gorge and other personnel comforted a panicked family. It didn't take long to figure someone had fallen off the edge and into the rain swollen gorge.
A DNR official drove up to my vehicle and told me they were going to close the park because of an accident, I didn't try to pry but in our conversation he informed me that a man had fallen off a cliff and into the rain swollen Clifty Creek and that they were in a rescue and or recovery operation.
Knowing this was not my place to be, I drove down thru the South End of the Park and found many more emergency vehicles lined along the side of the road preparing to hike down into the gorge to look for the victim. I knew one of the workers and he relayed to me someone had fallen over eighty feet to the creek below and was swept away by the swift current.
Driving away from the Park I thought about how horrible it must be for that family right now, one minute you are viewing a beautiful and powerful display of nature and then in the next moment your life has changed forever.
As a Nature Photographer I probably take my safety for granted and sometimes I might go that extra step for the better shot and I am sure I am not alone in this sentiment, so maybe this a stark reminder for all of us to be a little more cautious out there and not let the Beauty turn into the Beast !!
This is an image of Big Clifty Falls at a more calm and sedate time.
Beautiful photo and a very moving story. I almost always shoot alone, and since last spring when I slipped on a rock in a river and dislocated my shoulder and tore my rotator cuff, I have made it a point to at least let someone know the general vicinity of my whereabouts.
I think we have all leaned out a bit farther, or waded a little deeper looking for a better shot and this story certainly gets the point across as to our own mortality.
I think you should post this in General Discussions or such forum to reach a greater audience.
Very thoughtful story, Bernie. Thanks for sharing it (as well as the beautiful image). I am also guilty of taking those one or two steps past the "safe" zone to get a shot. So far I've been lucky and, like Bruce, I always try to let someone know where I'm going to be.
A beautiful capture of the falls, Bernie! Thanks for sharing the image and the story
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This is truly a warning for everyone. Personally, I'm not one to take chances, even though it means giving up a few great images.
I searched for, and found, an article about this accident. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Wow. Very interesting story. As I'm climbing around waterfalls etc. I always wonder if this is the day I go over the edge. You just never know when your time is up.
The story does give one pause, but also a good reminder to take proper precautions when heading into the field, and to also know your physical limitations. I really like the composition here - very nice capture!
Discussion
6 repliesWith all the rain we have had the last couple of days I knew it would be a great time to head to Clifty Falls State Park this afternoon for some waterfall pics. After loading up my equipment I was off to the park in search of some stream and waterfall comps this area is so famous for, but after arriving at the North gate I soon found this was not going to be a very good day to be there.
I drove to the trail head for Big Clifty and found dozens of emergency vehicles and personal in various stages of a rescue effort. I stayed in my vehicle and watched as rescue workers ran to the edge of the gorge and other personnel comforted a panicked family. It didn't take long to figure someone had fallen off the edge and into the rain swollen gorge.
A DNR official drove up to my vehicle and told me they were going to close the park because of an accident, I didn't try to pry but in our conversation he informed me that a man had fallen off a cliff and into the rain swollen Clifty Creek and that they were in a rescue and or recovery operation.
Knowing this was not my place to be, I drove down thru the South End of the Park and found many more emergency vehicles lined along the side of the road preparing to hike down into the gorge to look for the victim. I knew one of the workers and he relayed to me someone had fallen over eighty feet to the creek below and was swept away by the swift current.
Driving away from the Park I thought about how horrible it must be for that family right now, one minute you are viewing a beautiful and powerful display of nature and then in the next moment your life has changed forever.
As a Nature Photographer I probably take my safety for granted and sometimes I might go that extra step for the better shot and I am sure I am not alone in this sentiment, so maybe this a stark reminder for all of us to be a little more cautious out there and not let the Beauty turn into the Beast !!
This is an image of Big Clifty Falls at a more calm and sedate time.
I think we have all leaned out a bit farther, or waded a little deeper looking for a better shot and this story certainly gets the point across as to our own mortality.
I think you should post this in General Discussions or such forum to reach a greater audience.
.
This is truly a warning for everyone. Personally, I'm not one to take chances, even though it means giving up a few great images.
I searched for, and found, an article about this accident. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.