Haystack Falls in Glacier National Park

Haystack Falls

After spending extended time down on the Oregon coast, I am trying to get caught up on print orders and other business matters.

Here is one of the images I am creating a print of.  It's an evening picture of Haystack Creek Falls along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, taken just as the sun was highlighting the peaks of the Garden Wall above.

This beautiful waterfall cascades down the western side of the Garden Wall, and spills under a stone bridge.  It is seems terraced, as if it were man made (it's not).

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is voted one of America's most scenic roads year after year.  If you haven't visited the area, I highly recommend you do so.  And don't forget to take your camera!

You will need a wide angle lens (this was shot at 24mm), and if shooting in evening light as I did, a 2-stop graduated neutral density filter.

More images of this area can be viewed on my website at www.mountainscenes.com/glacier.html.

As always, thanks for viewing!

The South Oregon Coast

Sunset at Harris Beach State Park, Oregon.

I've just returned from an excellent trip to the south Oregon coast, having visited Harris Beach State Park near Brookings, and Bandon Beach.  These beaches are my favorite of the entire Oregon coast, and they did not disappoint!

I hope to share images in the coming days - stay tuned!

Replacing my Canon TC-80N3 Remote

Programmable remote controls for Canon DSLR.

One of these remotes retails locally in Seattle at a reputable camera store for $159, while the other can be easily found online with a $31 price tag.  Can you guess which is which?

Let me get your attention even more.  Look past the name stamped on the front and these remotes are completely identical - clearly the same manufacturer.

I began my search for a replacement TC-80N3 remote for my Canon bodies due to battery corrosion (lesson learned - ALWAYS remove the battery when not in use).

I Googled the model number first, and had immediate sticker shock upon seeing the results.  I guess I had forgotten how much I paid originally.  The best price I could find for the TC-80N3 was $129 online.  But wait, some aftermarket remotes came up in the search, which I honestly hadn't considered. 

So I changed my search phrase to "remotes for canon dslr" and up popped this alternate remote by from Cowboy Studio.  From the picture it looked like the exact same remote as the Canon!  The reviews were overwhelming amongst photographers - over 70 reviewers giving it 4 to 5 stars, and no negative comments.

So I took the chance.

The remote arrived yesterday, and yes, it appears to be the EXACT same remote as the Canon.  The box has a cover photo of the remote with no name brand on it.  The manual appears to be identical to my Canon manual for the TC-80N#.  The model number for the new remote?  TC-1002.

I am leaving for the Oregon coast in the morning and will be testing this new accessory out over the coming week.  I'll let you know the results, but I can't imagine they are going to be anything but positive.

Mount Rainier Flower Update

If you haven't been up to Rainier to enjoy the flower show, you are running out of time!  Flowers are still very nice at Paradise, but are slightly past peak.  Tipsoo Lakes and Naches Peak are well past peak, as is Sunrise.

Spray Park is putting on a nice show, with the best display up high.  Mazama Ridge is looking nice too - I recommend hiking the Skyline Trail and The Lakes Trail.  I haven't seen any reports on Indian Henry's, but would expect it to be sporting a nice display.

Get out and enjoy them while they last!

This will likely be my last report on the flowers at Rainier for the season as I am leaving in a couple of days for the Oregon coast.

Mount Rainier Flower Update

Early light on the Tatoosh Range above meadows on Mazama Ridge.

Yesterday, I spent a long day on the south side of the mountain.  I left my home at 3:00 am, drove to Fourth Crossing near Paradise, and hiked up Mazama Ridge in time for sunrise.  I then ascended the Skyline Trail to the highest meadows before reversing my tracks and traversing the trail back to Paradise proper, using the Paradise Road to loop back to my vehicle.  Not done yet, I drove to Longmire and hiked up Eagle Peak!

I arrived home too late to process images to share (soon), but know many people would like a flower update before the weekend.

Mount Rainier above lupine at Paradise.

So here it is.

This year seems to be lacking variety on the south side.  Lupine are out in force, with paintbrush dotting the patches here and there.  The only asters I saw were along the Paradise Valley Road, and they were well past.  I believe this unusual dry spell we have been experiencing over the last 1-1/2 months may be having an adverse affect on some flower species.  It will be interesting to see how things play out.

Mazama Ridge is still a ways out, with both avalanche and glacier lilies still out in numbers, though well past.  I was disappointed with the meadows along The Lakes Trail, though there are some nice patches lower down, out-of-sight of the mountain, but in full view of the Tatoosh Range.  The same can be said along the Skyline Trail.

Paradise Meadows are fantastic right now - near peak, I would say.  The lupine are in full bloom and the meadows sport intense lavender color.  The area just shy of Edith Creek and the Edith Creek bridge crossing are particularly attractive.

Mount Rainier above Paradise Meadows.

Reflection Lakes are well past, and surrounded with construction.  I was going to drive down Stevens Canyon to scope things out, but decided the inconveniences were too much.  It was fascinating to watch the workers placing the stone blocks on the side of the highway though.  While many photographers are fearful of limited access to the lakes in the future, I think this project is bringing a much needed facelift to the area, and I'm excited to see it at completion.

Tipsoo Lakes and the Naches Peak Trail continue to have fantastic displays of a wide variety of flowers.  This area has probably been the most impressive of any place in the park this year, in my opinion.

Summerland is sporting a profuse display of Monkey Flower right now near the creek.  More varieties can be found up higher.

All of these locations share a common bond:  BUGS!  Be prepared!

Happy shooting!  I hope to see you on the trail!

Edit:  Images added 8/10.