So, I think it's time for a CNP winter shoot! Who's in?!
I was thinking a trip up to Mayflower Gulch might be in order, since I know the snow up there is just plain phenomenal! I was up there a little over a month ago, and it was the most snow I've seen in years. Gorgeous! We did a similar outing two years ago, I think we had about 10 people in all. Here is a link to that trip: Mayflower 2004
For those of you that have never been up there, it's an amazing place, on the west side of the Tenmile Range, just a bit south of Copper Mountain ski area. It's about a 1.7 mile hike/snowshoe/ski from Hwy. 91 up an easy grade. Once you break out of the trees, you are treated to a spectacular view of a high alpine bowl, jagged peaks on three sides, as well as some cool old mining cabin ruins. Here are a few links to some various images:
I was thinking either doing this Saturday, March 25th, or Saturday, April 1st. We could all meet at the parking lot off Highway 91 at around 2PM or so. Sunset is at about 6:20 those weekends, so that should give time to do the trip up and do a little playing around and scouting. Once we are done, all who wanted to could maybe meet somewhere for food and beers, maybe in Idaho Springs or where ever.
So, let me know what you think. I won't be able to reply to this thread until late Sunday afternoon as I'm leaving right now for three days in Steamboat.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention. Based on experience from last time, the folks on skis of course got back the cars WAY before the snowshoe folks. So, this year I propose that the folks on skis have to have a warm dinner ready at the cars for all the snowshoers when they get back! Sound OK? HA! Just a thought!
Posted by Scott Borger on March 9, 2006 at 7:32 PM
That sounds like a great idea. The BeauJo's in Idaho Springs has amazing Pizza (and beer). I'm in!
Pick a date, and I'll try my best to make it. I'm due for a day in the hills.... (where's the smiley for tired )
Posted by Joseph Finn on March 10, 2006 at 3:54 PM
I would love to go, but I can't make the 25th, the April 1st date would be perfect for me. Let me know what you guys decide.
Posted by Brent Murphy on March 10, 2006 at 10:19 PM
I would probably be able to make it either date. I would recommend getting there earlier than last time. A couple of us got there quick enough to shoot the (basically non-existent) sunset, but we all missed the good late afternoon light. Starting an hour earlier would have been better. Brent's time of 2PM should be good. I think many of us started at about 3PM or so last time, which was too late.
Hello everyone! Sorry it took me a few days to reply. Steamboat was great, and total proof that there is definitely full on winter in Colorado! Wow, looked like Norway up there, so much snow. Sadly too overcast and snowing to shoot much, but had a blast!
Glad to see we could get a few folks who want to come out to play. Let's see some more!
I say we just go ahead and set it for April 1st so folks can make definite plans. Maybe when Rick gets back we can post this at the top of the page so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle.
Beer and pizza works for me too, we'll just play that part by ear.
Oh, and Darren, I'm with you, I'll have to start a lot earlier than most too, just to keep up!!
Posted by Brad Beeler on March 14, 2006 at 10:04 AM
April 1st sounds great, count me in... Is anyone interested in carpooling? I just got rid of my truck, but I'll be happy to pitch in for the gass, and even some beers.
Posted by Chris Ebright on March 14, 2006 at 12:12 PM
i think i can make it! never been to mayflower gulch before, so i am dying to go.
Wish I could join you guys. My winter outing on the 1st will consist of shooting wildflowers and waterfalls in the Smokies. Ya'll have a great and safe outing!
If I had snowshoes, I would be more likely to go... I'm guessing that trying to make even such a short hike in my plain old hiking boots would be a minor disaster. It definitely would be a cool adventuring spot.
Posted by Scott Borger on March 23, 2006 at 12:52 AM
Rebecca, you would definitely want snowshoes, randonee, or telemark. Speaking of modes of transportation, Who will be traveling via snowshoes? Who will be on skiis?
Rebecca, you're in luck!! I have two extra pairs! My wife's and another smaller pair we got from a friend. I can bring both along for you to use if you like. You can e-mail me through my website if you have any questions about them.
Oh, and Scott. I'll be on snowshoes myself.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on March 23, 2006 at 10:40 AM
My Shutter-Release-Thumb could surely use the exercise!
I’ve never been to Mayflower. Could someone post directions? How long of a drive is it from Denver?
Will probably be on snowshoes (I don’t feel like cooking).
Posted by Brent Murphy on March 23, 2006 at 11:35 AM
I'm not sure if I'll be on skis or snowshoes. I haven't been on my skis since I hurt my knee a couple years ago. But I'll be bringing my skis and two pairs of snowshoes, so I will have at least one pair for someone to borrow, maybe two pairs. But yes, you will definitely need skis or snowshoes. While the trail itself may be somewhat packed down, there will be very deep snow just off the trail, and at the end of the trail where we will be taking photos.
Let's see . . . directions. Someone could probably do this better than me, but I'll give it a shot: I-70 west to Copper Mountain/91 exit. 91 south past Copper Mountain, then about 5 miles further. The parking area is on the left/east site of the road. The tailings pond from the big mine will be on the right. The parking area is easy to miss, so keep an eye out.
Posted by Jesse Speer on March 23, 2006 at 4:02 PM
I'll be hitting the trail with my snowshoes around 12:30 or so. My last couple of excursions up there offered me plenty to shoot for most of the afternoon, and there's more I want to see up high. (And I'm out of shape!!) It's snowshoe heaven (and awesome skiing) the higher you go. I'm sure I'll be wandering the basin, but I'll look for everyone before sunset. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
I was all excited with all the snowshoe offers, and then the bank I work for begged me to pick up Saturday morning for time and a half, which I really can't pass up. Ah well. Have fun guys, looking forward to seeing the pics. Maybe I'll hit Red Rocks that afternoon.
Posted by Joseph Finn on March 24, 2006 at 12:43 AM
I am coming from I-25 and 136th ave. if someone wants to ride along. Planning on leaving around 10-10:30. Post here or email me...................J
Well, from the looks of the posts above, I count about 10 people who will be making the trip into Mayflower Gulch this Saturday! Very cool!
Sounds like a few folks will be heading up a little earlier than the proposed 2PM meeting time, so hopefully we can hook up once up in the open basin at the top a little later.
Myself, Chris Ebright, and Brad Beeler will be at the parking lot a bit before 2PM, and will hike in soon after. If you arrive after that, just snowshoe on up the road, you won't be able to miss us.
After that, I know at least Chris, Brad and I are planning on a beer or so and some munchies, we will just need to figure where on the way home. My guess would be somewhere in Idaho Springs, but we will decide for sure that night!
One last thing, does anyone still need to borrow a pair of snowshoes? If no one needs my extra pair, my wife has some friends who could use them, but wanted to give first dibs here. Let me know ASAP if anyone needs them.
Looking forward to a great day!!!
Posted by Scott Bacon on March 30, 2006 at 2:42 PM
Joe, Tracie, Brent M. and I are heading up together from I-25 & 120th around 11:00.
We're all in for dinner & beers afterwards.
Brad, Glad to hear you got hooked up with another carpool!
Sounds awesome! Just got back from a month of travels, and we have Jennifer's parents in for the weekend, so I'm going to have to miss out on this one. Looking forward to seeing some pics!
Of course we all know these could mean anything Looks like it could be interesting. But hey, like Brent M told me yesterday, it'll just be good to get out and play! See you all there!
It WAS good to get out and play. Thanks again for suggesting this Brent. It was also good to see everyone out there, and finally meet some familiar names.
Cool shot Jesse, I love that vantage point. Wish I would have had the energy to get up there last night!
Thanks everyone for coming! It was a great day indeed. The weather might not have cooperated the best, but it was still good to be out and among friends! Some cool light did actually happen about a half hour before sunset, but not too much at sunset itself. In all, we had Brent M, Scott Bacon, Scott Borger, Joe and Tracie Finn, Jesse Speer, Brad Beeler, Chris Ebright, Rene Pirolt and myself. Great turnout!
After the hike back down, a bunch of us met up at Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs for some awesome pizza and beer! All in all, a great day! Looking forward to seeing some of the images everyone got! Bring them on!
Images above:
Top left: Scott Bacon and Scott Borger discuss the latters panorama leveling tripod head.
Top right: Finally, some cool light!
Bottom left: Hanging out, talking gear again!
Bottom right: Chris E, Brad B, Brent M, Scott Bacon, Scott Borger & Rene Pirolt.
Posted by Scott Borger on April 2, 2006 at 6:39 PM
Thanks for posting the pictures Brent (and also for organizing the event). It was good to finally place faces with names. I'm curious to see how everyone's pictures turned out. If you've got one, post it!
Posted by Brent Murphy on April 3, 2006 at 11:05 AM
Thanks to everyone who attended! A great event once again. And oh man, how I've missed Beau Jo's pizza. Can't believe how long it's been since I've been there.
That was a great day! The hike up to the upper mining ruins kicked my butt though! I am glad so many people made it up on Sunday. Here is my best photo, and of course it is about the same scene as everybody else. You can tell when and where the light was good!
This is from the mine shaft in the high bowl. The wood, cables and metal bolts really caught my eye (especially since the weather moved in and took away just about every other view).
A different sort of image than I usually shoot. Kind of a-la-Richie-Voninski, don't you think? I tried it in B&W, but my meager Photoshop color -> B&W conversion skills didn't do the image justice. Anyone willing to give it a try and tell me how they did it?
As usual, It was great to be out in the field (and chow pizza and beers ) with other CNPers. I'm enjoying everyone's images too!!
Scott - definitely my kind of stuff! We'll need to get back and nail it with some TMAX and our 4x5's .
Looks like everybody had a great time. Wish I could have joined ya but I was working on getting my "printing studio" built which now has brought me to the point that I have torn out all of the walls and ceiling in the room . Sigh.
Nice job everybody!
RichieV
Posted by Scott Bacon on April 3, 2006 at 11:16 PM
Just uploaded a full trip report to my website. Cheers!
Awesome report Scott!! Well done. Love those close up shots.
Well, here's my contribution! I didn't go too far from the main meeting spot , just up the hill a little to get this smaller ruin in the frame. I set up my shot, and was convinced I missed the best light with this shot, but I'm pretty happy with it.
Nice work everyone! The weather certainly looked dramatic from down here. Wish I could have joined you. There's actually a pretty good diversity of shots - just shows you how much each individual eye influences how the same scene is presented.
Scott - here's a quick attempt at b&w conversion. It could benefit from more time and effort to better separate the cables from the wood and fine-tune the details, but this is the direction I would go if it were mine. After desaturating, I did some simple curves adjustment to boost the contrast. It took a few trial-and-error attempts to get something close to what looked good to my eye. I then did some dodging of the cables and burning of the wood, though I didn't take the time to do the tedious detail stuff so there may be some noticeable dodge/burn artifacts in there. Good eye!
Thanks, Rick. I had tried using the channel mixer technique, but couldn't really get anything that I like and didn't take it further. I like you B&W, but I think I like the way the contrast of the cables better in color. I'll play with some of your techniques and see what I can come up with...
Discussion
37 repliesSo, I think it's time for a CNP winter shoot! Who's in?!
I was thinking a trip up to Mayflower Gulch might be in order, since I know the snow up there is just plain phenomenal! I was up there a little over a month ago, and it was the most snow I've seen in years. Gorgeous! We did a similar outing two years ago, I think we had about 10 people in all. Here is a link to that trip: Mayflower 2004
For those of you that have never been up there, it's an amazing place, on the west side of the Tenmile Range, just a bit south of Copper Mountain ski area. It's about a 1.7 mile hike/snowshoe/ski from Hwy. 91 up an easy grade. Once you break out of the trees, you are treated to a spectacular view of a high alpine bowl, jagged peaks on three sides, as well as some cool old mining cabin ruins. Here are a few links to some various images:
Mayflower Gulch info page
Mayflower Gulch 2-06
Cool Quicktime VR from Jesse Speer
I was thinking either doing this Saturday, March 25th, or Saturday, April 1st. We could all meet at the parking lot off Highway 91 at around 2PM or so. Sunset is at about 6:20 those weekends, so that should give time to do the trip up and do a little playing around and scouting. Once we are done, all who wanted to could maybe meet somewhere for food and beers, maybe in Idaho Springs or where ever.
So, let me know what you think. I won't be able to reply to this thread until late Sunday afternoon as I'm leaving right now for three days in Steamboat.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention. Based on experience from last time, the folks on skis of course got back the cars WAY before the snowshoe folks. So, this year I propose that the folks on skis have to have a warm dinner ready at the cars for all the snowshoers when they get back! Sound OK? HA!
Glad to see we could get a few folks who want to come out to play. Let's see some more!
I say we just go ahead and set it for April 1st so folks can make definite plans. Maybe when Rick gets back we can post this at the top of the page so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle.
Beer and pizza works for me too, we'll just play that part by ear.
Oh, and Darren, I'm with you, I'll have to start a lot earlier than most too, just to keep up!!
RichieV
I bet someone in the group has an extra set of snowshoes you could borrow. If not, REI rents them for a nominal fee. I think EMS also rents them.
Oh, and Scott. I'll be on snowshoes myself.
I’ve never been to Mayflower. Could someone post directions? How long of a drive is it from Denver?
Will probably be on snowshoes (I don’t feel like cooking).
Let's see . . . directions. Someone could probably do this better than me, but I'll give it a shot: I-70 west to Copper Mountain/91 exit. 91 south past Copper Mountain, then about 5 miles further. The parking area is on the left/east site of the road. The tailings pond from the big mine will be on the right. The parking area is easy to miss, so keep an eye out.
Well, from the looks of the posts above, I count about 10 people who will be making the trip into Mayflower Gulch this Saturday! Very cool!
Sounds like a few folks will be heading up a little earlier than the proposed 2PM meeting time, so hopefully we can hook up once up in the open basin at the top a little later.
Myself, Chris Ebright, and Brad Beeler will be at the parking lot a bit before 2PM, and will hike in soon after. If you arrive after that, just snowshoe on up the road, you won't be able to miss us.
After that, I know at least Chris, Brad and I are planning on a beer or so and some munchies, we will just need to figure where on the way home. My guess would be somewhere in Idaho Springs, but we will decide for sure that night!
One last thing, does anyone still need to borrow a pair of snowshoes? If no one needs my extra pair, my wife has some friends who could use them, but wanted to give first dibs here. Let me know ASAP if anyone needs them.
Looking forward to a great day!!!
We're all in for dinner & beers afterwards.
Brad, Glad to hear you got hooked up with another carpool!
AccuWeather
Intellicast
Weather.com
Of course we all know these could mean anything
Thanks everyone for coming! It was a great day indeed. The weather might not have cooperated the best, but it was still good to be out and among friends! Some cool light did actually happen about a half hour before sunset, but not too much at sunset itself. In all, we had Brent M, Scott Bacon, Scott Borger, Joe and Tracie Finn, Jesse Speer, Brad Beeler, Chris Ebright, Rene Pirolt and myself. Great turnout!
After the hike back down, a bunch of us met up at Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs for some awesome pizza and beer! All in all, a great day! Looking forward to seeing some of the images everyone got! Bring them on!
Images above:
Top left: Scott Bacon and Scott Borger discuss the latters panorama leveling tripod head.
Top right: Finally, some cool light!
Bottom left: Hanging out, talking gear again!
Bottom right: Chris E, Brad B, Brent M, Scott Bacon, Scott Borger & Rene Pirolt.
This is from the mine shaft in the high bowl. The wood, cables and metal bolts really caught my eye (especially since the weather moved in and took away just about every other view).
A different sort of image than I usually shoot. Kind of a-la-Richie-Voninski, don't you think?
As usual, It was great to be out in the field (and chow pizza and beers
Scott - definitely my kind of stuff!
Looks like everybody had a great time. Wish I could have joined ya but I was working on getting my "printing studio" built which now has brought me to the point that I have torn out all of the walls and ceiling in the room . Sigh.
Nice job everybody!
RichieV
Well, here's my contribution! I didn't go too far from the main meeting spot
Wista 45DX
210mm lens
1/2" @ f/32.5
Fuji Velvia 50
Scott - here's a quick attempt at b&w conversion. It could benefit from more time and effort to better separate the cables from the wood and fine-tune the details, but this is the direction I would go if it were mine. After desaturating, I did some simple curves adjustment to boost the contrast. It took a few trial-and-error attempts to get something close to what looked good to my eye. I then did some dodging of the cables and burning of the wood, though I didn't take the time to do the tedious detail stuff so there may be some noticeable dodge/burn artifacts in there. Good eye!