Paint Mines

I've wanted to shoot the Paint Mines post-blizzard for a few years now, and i finally got the opportunity the other day. After they reopened the highway, Morris joined me in Calhan, and since the side roads were still a bit gnarly, we parked and walked to the trailhead, then used snow shoes to get to the mines. There was some pretty deep snow in that bowl where the formations are! Here's a set of highlites, i lost my best shot thanks to camera shake, but overall im happy with the results; there's nothing quite like the prairie after a blizzard, and it was great being the only humans out there to see it.
Ill do this chronologically-- heres Morris in the bg, setting up for some shots.

2) A look down on the formation area.

3) Last light, with moonrise

4) Moonrise between the hoodoos

5) Peaceful sunset out over the prairie
Moon here is 'replaced' by 100 mm shot at same time (original at 24mm was tiny)

6) Moonrise as we head back to the road (thats the same tiny moon i replaced in the shot before)

7) Close up of the cool snow shapes and textures, lit by the almost full moon. Thats all (i posted my last shot in Landscape earlier)

I'm still working on mine, but will post a short series soon. And, with one of Stan at work! These are all so good, but 3,4, 6, and 7 are fantastic!

3, 5, and 7 are my favs with #3 right on top!

Hey Stan you made it to the Mines, and made the best of the trip. Nicely done. It was quite chilly when I was there, but this looks like a whole other category. No country for old men(?)!

#3 is just aweome, a really beautiful image, and I like 4 and 5 a lot too.

Great set Stan! #5 hits the spot for me with it's gorgeous light and harmonious colors throughout. #7 is my second favorite although it feels maybe a little heavy in the ULC. #1 and #2 lack a focal point to my eye.

3, 5 and 6 rock it for me! Maybe that 100mm moon can make a visit to #6 as well!

For me, #'s 5, 6 & 7 are the best of the series because they evoke isolation and cold. Those three made me stop and think.