On 10-19-2012 I posted an inquiry for White Pocket information. In true NPN fashion I got the good stuff from you.
I was lucky to spend five days in the White Pocket area and two around Page Arizona.
House Rock Valley rd was muddy and slick during the afternoon but frozen other times. The sandy sections to White Pocket were easy and in some places snow covered. . The strange and wonderful geology was more than I expected and could have imagined. I was blessed with some descent shooting conditions but it sure was cold at times.
Posted by John Kyler on January 19, 2013 at 9:46 AM
I'm going out to WP in June. Looks like a very interesting place.
Posted by Erik Stensland on January 19, 2013 at 10:22 AM
Richard, you hid all of your amazing images in your little "Thanks" link. I really enjoy seeing the snow at White Pocket. That adds an interesting element to that fascinating location. The last image was probably my favorite as I don't think I've seen those rocks before and I always love that warm magical light.
The last shot was taken on the South side of the formations. I was drawn to this side at the end of the afternoon because most of the area was in shadow at this time. There are other interesting subjects on this side as well.
To me the size of the formations is really pretty small. One can walk most of the area in less than an hour, but there is so much variety in the formations one can make a career out of it. I still have a lot of material to edit.
There’s endless abstract material in the formations. I wanted to try my hand at some Tony Kuyper style, but kept going back to my wide angle comfort zone. Now I have even more respect for Tony’s work after this trip.
Posted by Don Grall on January 20, 2013 at 12:46 PM
I agree with the others, very nice comps and the snow brings another feature to this landscape. Your results have raised this area on my to-do list. I'm very familiar with the "quality" of House Rock Road having been there during an afternoon deluge (definitely stranded until it dried out). From your photo the road into White Pocket looks a bit rougher but not as "mud prone".
Don, you sure have a lot of nice work on your site. I’m flattered that the WP photos have placed this location higher on the to-do list.
Dang, stuck on House Rock Valley rd? After my experience I can see it easily happening. I was more fortunate with the semi frozen conditions. Still, the truck went slideways more than once. The road was frozen solid in the mornings, but slick in the afternoons. It seems the worst area is near at the Utah border. I would come in from the South side of House Rock Valley rd to avoid the mud if visiting during wet conditions.
You are correct, the trail to WP is very sandy and not like the trail in image 9802. This photo was actually taken on a trail that heads West off of House Rock Valley rd. Close to the Northern part of House Rock Valley rd, I think it is called five mile mountain rd, or something similar.
Posted by Karl Buiter on January 21, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Nice collection Richard!
The Horseshoe Bend shot is an interesting off-center view; I do notice the flare on the water but overall its a really good idea. And the shot at WP immediately after - that nice sweep of the repeating rock form out to the mountain.
The snow definitely adds an interesting dynamic.
Thinking about stopping there over Presidents Day weekend once again.
As for House Rock Valley - I am finding the south approach from 89A easier to get to the sanded side roads that take you in. Less clay and wet/muddy potential.
Posted by Stan Rose on January 21, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Nice set, Richard--those snow dusted shots are particularly cool!
Richard, I really enjoyed looking through this set. I've seen tons of images from these locations, of course, but I actually really liked the shots with your truck, and the super wide-angle views of the brain rocks. They give me a sense of the area that all the perfect abstracts don't. And the light in those last two is fantastic!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on January 22, 2013 at 10:12 AM
I like how the light snow accents the shapes in the sandstone, especially in the second from last image.
Discussion
12 repliesI was lucky to spend five days in the White Pocket area and two around Page Arizona.
House Rock Valley rd was muddy and slick during the afternoon but frozen other times. The sandy sections to White Pocket were easy and in some places snow covered. . The strange and wonderful geology was more than I expected and could have imagined. I was blessed with some descent shooting conditions but it sure was cold at times.
Photos from the trip
Thanks for the heads up. I made the link a little bigger. Also I have fixed the mislabeling of House Rock road.
The last shot was taken on the South side of the formations. I was drawn to this side at the end of the afternoon because most of the area was in shadow at this time. There are other interesting subjects on this side as well.
To me the size of the formations is really pretty small. One can walk most of the area in less than an hour, but there is so much variety in the formations one can make a career out of it. I still have a lot of material to edit.
There’s endless abstract material in the formations. I wanted to try my hand at some Tony Kuyper style, but kept going back to my wide angle comfort zone. Now I have even more respect for Tony’s work after this trip.
Dang, stuck on House Rock Valley rd? After my experience I can see it easily happening. I was more fortunate with the semi frozen conditions. Still, the truck went slideways more than once. The road was frozen solid in the mornings, but slick in the afternoons. It seems the worst area is near at the Utah border. I would come in from the South side of House Rock Valley rd to avoid the mud if visiting during wet conditions.
You are correct, the trail to WP is very sandy and not like the trail in image 9802. This photo was actually taken on a trail that heads West off of House Rock Valley rd. Close to the Northern part of House Rock Valley rd, I think it is called five mile mountain rd, or something similar.
The Horseshoe Bend shot is an interesting off-center view; I do notice the flare on the water but overall its a really good idea. And the shot at WP immediately after - that nice sweep of the repeating rock form out to the mountain.
The snow definitely adds an interesting dynamic.
Thinking about stopping there over Presidents Day weekend once again.
As for House Rock Valley - I am finding the south approach from 89A easier to get to the sanded side roads that take you in. Less clay and wet/muddy potential.