tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18560777992699789752024-03-05T02:35:05.253-08:00Don Geyer Current EventsHere's what is keeping me busy. Everything from hiking/climbing trips, photography trips, speaking engagements, art shows, new products, events, etc.Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-43976449981749925222024-02-11T11:04:00.000-08:002024-02-17T14:56:56.650-08:00Spray Park, Mount Rainier<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vi3EWtTe7Ejo7TOJELaTQgWwqNFMqPWh520yHKRcF2eIYT21sHXS-CTdWxh9wv9obzoPPOsBDJGpBVOo6fFTmJE7h7FW4HB5ZZKsq5wW52tas5dPR80XI8e4J6d6hsIxUblsu6fOlzf2Fv1BizIu_cs_gNCl9tpa9NBAUkBsrJZXNR7X5f94diM528GR/s600/RAI.2161.H.SPRAY%20copy.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Mount Rainier above Spray Park" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vi3EWtTe7Ejo7TOJELaTQgWwqNFMqPWh520yHKRcF2eIYT21sHXS-CTdWxh9wv9obzoPPOsBDJGpBVOo6fFTmJE7h7FW4HB5ZZKsq5wW52tas5dPR80XI8e4J6d6hsIxUblsu6fOlzf2Fv1BizIu_cs_gNCl9tpa9NBAUkBsrJZXNR7X5f94diM528GR/w400-h266/RAI.2161.H.SPRAY%20copy.jpg" title="Mount Rainier above the flower meadows of Spray Park at sunset, Mount Rainier National Park, Cascade Range, Washington, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Rainier above Spray Park at sunset.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Mount-Rainier" target="_blank">Spray Park</a> is probably my favorite park at Mount Rainier. There is so much to do and see. For many people, the meadows and tarns down low are the main attraction. Others like to follow the trail to its high point for massive views far and wide, while looking down on the beautiful meadows of Seattle Park below. Some wish to explore even higher and scramble up Echo Peak or Observation Rock (hey, why not both!).<p></p><p>Even the hike to the park can done in multiple ways. While for most the Spray Park Trail is the most obvious choice (and shortest). Others find the route over Knapsack Pass more challenging and extremely scenic. This route takes off from an unsigned trail near the ranger cabin, climbs up to the pass below Mother Mountain (a fun side trip), descends into Seattle Park, ascends into the upper reaches of Spray Park, then descends through the park, past Spray Falls and back to the parking lot for a one-way loop.</p><p>Want a more challenging option? Entertain a much longer loop by hiking to Ipsut Pass, descending down to the Wonderland Trail along the Carbon River, follow it upriver to Carbon River Camp and a junction, turning right up Cataract Creek and follow it up below Echo Cliffs to Seattle Park, up to Spray Park and descend back to the parking lot. This trip is a long day with much elevation change and is typically done for the physical challenge it presents. It can also be done in reverse.</p><p>This image was taken during one of the many sunsets I have shot from Spray Park. There is no camping in the park, so one must either get a permit to camp at Eagle's Roost or do what I do - hike out with headlamp. I strongly recommend trekking poles and extra batteries if considering this option. There are many opportunities to turn an ankle on the way out if not careful. Spoken from experience!</p><p>I'm happy to share that this image recently appeared in a well-known U.S. magazine. So I guess the efforts to go get it are all made worthwhile!</p><p>To view this and more images from Mount Rainier National Park, please feel free to visit my <a href="Mount Rainier Gallery." target="_blank">Mount Rainier Gallery.</a></p><p>As always, thanks for looking. I hope to see you on the trail!</p><p><br /><br /></p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-53883606124864716162023-06-18T12:29:00.006-07:002023-06-20T15:59:04.055-07:00Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUDgr3Bwm5B7HV9n2Tw-JEVQFLpsmVO7p7jQlUG7nop-4X30tDT5nQxDYcdyXrG8S093wLctFfQOvjhYIPq1PCb4ED3KyGRZYX1nfenj7T3GJZVCwOip3ICRgAjRL8iX71GIy15pLt673gjzGhzmXanpCGZeNbj5DOBtmsAb-Ne2n0VnxFgxZ2cdfJA/s1100/BIG002HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Bighorn Canyon" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUDgr3Bwm5B7HV9n2Tw-JEVQFLpsmVO7p7jQlUG7nop-4X30tDT5nQxDYcdyXrG8S093wLctFfQOvjhYIPq1PCb4ED3KyGRZYX1nfenj7T3GJZVCwOip3ICRgAjRL8iX71GIy15pLt673gjzGhzmXanpCGZeNbj5DOBtmsAb-Ne2n0VnxFgxZ2cdfJA/w400-h268/BIG002HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" title="View of Bighorn Canyon from Devil Canyon Overlook, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Wyoming & Montana, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn Canyon NRA</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Bighorn-Canyon" target="_blank">Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area</a> is comprised of two districts and straddles the border of Wyoming and Montana. The north district is located in Montana and used mostly for boating recreation while the south district is accessed in Wyoming and offers primarily land-based recreation, including the incredible Devil Canyon Overlook.<div><br /></div><div>At the bottom of the canyon lies the Bighorn River, which snakes through its rugged, steep walls in its journey northeast.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jggou0apIG4RjNJIj4Uopdqx9CXvxMON70ElK5zeIWVstYiZnS32mSQbzbdHn2gGKY9RlGteAkiWjgldz3qBUmyIS0rkmebGGiuXl8anUNoTJzDY2w4b4aVOacX-TvLLgwKXeMJewwKtzAy7wMvwegv0x8aUx4PDgORhtsYVxP3r9HxnJTF1h9pu6g/s1100/BIG003HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Bighorn Canyon" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jggou0apIG4RjNJIj4Uopdqx9CXvxMON70ElK5zeIWVstYiZnS32mSQbzbdHn2gGKY9RlGteAkiWjgldz3qBUmyIS0rkmebGGiuXl8anUNoTJzDY2w4b4aVOacX-TvLLgwKXeMJewwKtzAy7wMvwegv0x8aUx4PDgORhtsYVxP3r9HxnJTF1h9pu6g/w400-h268/BIG003HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" title="View of Bighorn Canyon from Devil Canyon Overlook, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Wyoming & Montana, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn Canyon NRA</td></tr></tbody></table>The remoteness of this area lends itself to a modest number of visitors - just over 200,000 per year. The main attractions are sightseeing, boating and hiking.<div><br /></div><div>The centerpiece of the south district is Devil Canyon Overlook, pictured here. It is comprised of a parking lot on a bluff overlooking the canyon, with walkways along the fence near the edge. The views are incredible.</div><div><br /></div><div>My favorite time to visit this overlook is in the morning hours, staying until mid-morning to get full light in the canyon.<br /><div><br /></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMXhmrZ5eszJsjS1QyUmugY3pXzBsuUDQDa2zyfQMr8847yH-ItneekkXF2iWLg0ak0xpsYuQoVzyhFZqkKCh2gXIhJ3nM3HARJxHyYd_lT1inldMz8BUXRsjrFF7v-kMVq1tJMhPIrIaj1AThpvUmeEuBr8jfFhaxzlCgEhCf848ZdMrAt4Z2FT5oA/s1100/BIG015HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Bighorn Canyon" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1100" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMXhmrZ5eszJsjS1QyUmugY3pXzBsuUDQDa2zyfQMr8847yH-ItneekkXF2iWLg0ak0xpsYuQoVzyhFZqkKCh2gXIhJ3nM3HARJxHyYd_lT1inldMz8BUXRsjrFF7v-kMVq1tJMhPIrIaj1AThpvUmeEuBr8jfFhaxzlCgEhCf848ZdMrAt4Z2FT5oA/w400-h272/BIG015HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" title="View of Bighorn Canyon from Devil Canyon Overlook, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Wyoming & Montana, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn Canyon NRA</td></tr></tbody></table>But afternoon and evening are also very nice times to visit, especially with incoming storms approaching. I was fortunate enough to experience such as the black ominous clouds filled the sky from the south and east while filtered light from the west highlighted the canyon walls. The sound of rolling thunder added to the splendor.<div><br /></div><div>The storms were short-lived during my visit, soon passing and relinquishing the sky back to sunshine and evening sunsets.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I photographed during sunrise, mid-afternoon storms and sunset, I only shared this spectacular view with a handful of people. I did not see another photographer during my entire visit. It could be a lonely place.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-YjVdBtj69egiMnA0rAjGHJdNY1xraNN8mUsaNMxEQm2nDW-DNd4vXV8ZLWwmEgZPTKF7tWcUknpmF5sj-jKwyzQM148LqRyJ-ANnpSD8V1cQyJFH35UVWY9RiBCk123evOPuutTlGha7wpAeUYDA3riEtv27ALplQVrO_NRnX-hzW0f72hDwQRk7A/s1100/BIG012HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Bighorn Canyon" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-YjVdBtj69egiMnA0rAjGHJdNY1xraNN8mUsaNMxEQm2nDW-DNd4vXV8ZLWwmEgZPTKF7tWcUknpmF5sj-jKwyzQM148LqRyJ-ANnpSD8V1cQyJFH35UVWY9RiBCk123evOPuutTlGha7wpAeUYDA3riEtv27ALplQVrO_NRnX-hzW0f72hDwQRk7A/w400-h268/BIG012HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" title="View of Bighorn Canyon from Devil Canyon Overlook, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Wyoming & Montana, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn Canyon NRA</td></tr></tbody></table>Mornings in particular were void of visitors. I camped nearby at Trail Creek Campground (shared with only one other party) and arrived approximately half an hour before sunrise, only to find the parking lot bare. Visitors didn't typically begin arriving until well after sunrise.<div><br /></div><div>Evenings tended to receive more interest, though still in limited numbers.</div><div><br /></div><div>In between canyon photography times there are other things to do, such as hiking, boat tours at Horseshoe Bend (not yet running during my visit due to low water level) and wildlife viewing.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbLHBel7zaJwbIXjpHD4olshiWFLJz1jln2zdm-Mb3j8NMHwnUvZ0aawO8SyFDIQSJcrW_YSMdKlgqjs3EYsbfNsVhlG2ndlZiC3VSV3kCRIuz0h4jDtAWLvyH_H0NTZZuvHIegboJYq-FgL_RO9QEWgKFVUFoNZ9qnDjXcNWpqghMlLz1MZCE-Y99g/s1100/WIL1500HMUSTANG-sharpened-WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbLHBel7zaJwbIXjpHD4olshiWFLJz1jln2zdm-Mb3j8NMHwnUvZ0aawO8SyFDIQSJcrW_YSMdKlgqjs3EYsbfNsVhlG2ndlZiC3VSV3kCRIuz0h4jDtAWLvyH_H0NTZZuvHIegboJYq-FgL_RO9QEWgKFVUFoNZ9qnDjXcNWpqghMlLz1MZCE-Y99g/w400-h268/WIL1500HMUSTANG-sharpened-WEB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild mustang in Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range</td></tr></tbody></table>Wildlife include bighorn sheep, deer, elk, black bear and wild horses. Yes, you read that correctly - wild horses!<div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/herd-management/herd-management-area/montana-dakotas/pryor" target="_blank">Pryor Mountain Horse Range</a> is the only federally protected wild horse range in the U.S., and shares land within Bighorn Canyon NRA. Approximately 90-120 wild mustangs roam the area and can be viewed from the road within the park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Technically, these mustangs are considered feral, having escaped captivity and thrived in the wild. They have unique physical traits which include a triangular face and short pointed ears. They are also very muscular. DNA tests have linked them to horses brought to the area by the Spaniards. In fact, they most closely resemble the Spanish Colonial horse, a very rare breed today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqEbmUaKaujwtUDjqLGB8Wae-2K-YpNI53fXbRM70ItEjso404z8ctDzaCvpzQuU-4_eRWUBcZka5NBfIb9AHMByM-Bar-CzpDviLZY7qJ3dOZb36Kl01g8QLTIuwTa8eaBuXy0yXPrMCz1VktyLly2BcO3MeEXL61IpERdYOOoW6HFnAHc_VdN21EQ/s1100/BIG014HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Bighorn Canyon" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqEbmUaKaujwtUDjqLGB8Wae-2K-YpNI53fXbRM70ItEjso404z8ctDzaCvpzQuU-4_eRWUBcZka5NBfIb9AHMByM-Bar-CzpDviLZY7qJ3dOZb36Kl01g8QLTIuwTa8eaBuXy0yXPrMCz1VktyLly2BcO3MeEXL61IpERdYOOoW6HFnAHc_VdN21EQ/w400-h268/BIG014HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" title="View of Bighorn Canyon from Devil Canyon Overlook, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Wyoming & Montana, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn Canyon NRA</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Photography Gear and Advise: </b>My most used lens by far for landscapes was my wide-angle, 17-40mm. I found this lens to best include as much of the canyon as possible and convey its depth and size. This lens was also excellent for including afternoon storm clouds above the canyon.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My 24-70mm also saw some action of course. Primarily isolating the canyon and its reaches downstream.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, my 200mm lens coupled with my 2.0 teleconverter saw plenty of wildlife action. The main subjects were bighorn sheep and the wild mustangs.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvD5q9rBOzdBrRxLKJEmZuFjSNuKhtkQRG4hwWY_fL5kEZbcO7U7zs8w2jDqgUOl9N3Rp2FLGSbGWb4LC8CAaoRjoE5pkyuPK2OpvmigqxieuhNEMmzr5i-7NH-yamuVy_0RWXYHnHYOmsY-7Z61rpyWv4ti8ejhjjp5F4EuQT3YRmMXOjXd68ySPqw/s1100/BIG009HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Bighorn Canyon" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvD5q9rBOzdBrRxLKJEmZuFjSNuKhtkQRG4hwWY_fL5kEZbcO7U7zs8w2jDqgUOl9N3Rp2FLGSbGWb4LC8CAaoRjoE5pkyuPK2OpvmigqxieuhNEMmzr5i-7NH-yamuVy_0RWXYHnHYOmsY-7Z61rpyWv4ti8ejhjjp5F4EuQT3YRmMXOjXd68ySPqw/w400-h268/BIG009HBIGHORN-sharpened-WEB.jpg" title="View of Bighorn Canyon from Devil Canyon Overlook, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Wyoming & Montana, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn Canyon NRA</td></tr></tbody></table>The best opportunities for photographing the canyon are right from the overlook proper, especially if trying to capture the river bend. There are views to be had on all three sides, though the best is looking to the southwest.</div><div><br /></div><div>For a different view, one can backtrack to the parking lot entrance and find some game trails heading to the west to some excellent perches. Be careful as footing can be loose. This offers some unique views and compositions, though the bend of the river will be cut off. Still, they are interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I can't encourage you enough to drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway (Highway 14) over the Bighorn Mountains to Sheridan and I-90. The scenery is spectacular and wildlife plentiful. Several miles of this drive are between 8-9,000' with views as far as the eye can see. Spectacular in all directions!</div><div><br /></div><div>You can see these and more images from this area in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Bighorn-Canyon" target="_blank">Bighorn Canyon Gallery</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this information helps in the planning of future trip! As always, thanks for looking!<br /><div><br /></div><div><div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-45495403963081128692023-06-10T15:46:00.006-07:002023-06-10T15:46:33.495-07:00Quilcene River, Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympics<p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiohAIW9rkxxQlzcTOLwgitg2CjPZUNS2dtKZOR2FYfwjwXep_thOCz-iy6zO9a2c_-iJN8yGsOcM62gpWsKB-wQXrKcpMtojX5TZyJ5bhVB5Io9dUAfXThy-LUdMyFesD6NotanvC64kYxItRzEhiDcAXvZXIsbnZcl_sdnKcCuZDhEdGVLwNpXNNKw/s1100/OLY.033.07_COPYWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Quilcene River" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiohAIW9rkxxQlzcTOLwgitg2CjPZUNS2dtKZOR2FYfwjwXep_thOCz-iy6zO9a2c_-iJN8yGsOcM62gpWsKB-wQXrKcpMtojX5TZyJ5bhVB5Io9dUAfXThy-LUdMyFesD6NotanvC64kYxItRzEhiDcAXvZXIsbnZcl_sdnKcCuZDhEdGVLwNpXNNKw/w400-h268/OLY.033.07_COPYWEB.jpg" title="The Quilcene River cascades down amidst moss-covered logs, rock and shoreline in the Buckhorn Wilderness of the Olympics, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilcene River and moss.</td></tr></tbody></table>The Quilcene River has always been one of my favorites in the Olympics, located on the eastern side near the town of Quilcene. Despite being on the leeward side of the Olympic Mountains, the green moss lining the stream is more reminiscent of the Hoh River drainage on the western side!</p><p>The Quilcene is most commonly hiked by those ascending to the high country of Marmot Pass or even Buckhorn Mountain at 6,983' - two outstanding destinations! As such, it is easy to put the blinders on in the lower forest as one focuses on the task at hand.</p><p>However, in early season the lower forest along this beautiful stream IS my focus! Super-green moss and waterfalls a plenty are enough to captivate my interests. Early season can also make it a vey lonely trail as deep snow blankets the high country.</p><p>This image has stood the test of time and has recently been licensed for Worldwide usage in a magazine, as well as supporting digital use.</p><p>You can see this image and more from the area in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Olympic/" target="_blank">Olympic Gallery</a>.</p><p>As always, thanks for looking! Hope to see you on the trail!</p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-43500678412332501942023-02-05T13:55:00.000-08:002023-02-05T13:55:05.794-08:00High Divid, Olympic National Park<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLdubYHhl6BKMtTuamuzP2F6Q78sWuKpqsfLyQ0zHG66e18yiBrT1VJY-ZNi6RSI7B4ClCv9MtrHU491q2NUgMfZSm8f95UFEc5qCJz4IJxTXUGXpyXgYxThJY-tL8SgHDZ7ha2a1gWMxRFx2X1_Rbb5dnurx-VID53WOKMeGLxhZnEUqgU6liXxhUA/s1500/OLY680HOLYMPUS-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Mount Olympus Above Flowers" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLdubYHhl6BKMtTuamuzP2F6Q78sWuKpqsfLyQ0zHG66e18yiBrT1VJY-ZNi6RSI7B4ClCv9MtrHU491q2NUgMfZSm8f95UFEc5qCJz4IJxTXUGXpyXgYxThJY-tL8SgHDZ7ha2a1gWMxRFx2X1_Rbb5dnurx-VID53WOKMeGLxhZnEUqgU6liXxhUA/w400-h266/OLY680HOLYMPUS-copy.jpg" title="Mount Olympus above flowers on High Divide, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Olympus from High Divide, Olympic National Park</td></tr></tbody></table>High Divide is one of the most popular hikes/backpacks in <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Olympic/" target="_blank">Olympic National Park</a>. Whether day hiking the loop trip (easily done in a day for experienced hikers) or backpacking with camps at Seven Lakes Basin or Heart Lake.</p><p>A trip into this area offers so much beauty for the adventurer willing to put the distance in. Summer offers meadows of flowers, while fall offers vibrant fall foliage of reds, oranges and yellows. You really can't go wrong on when you visit. Oh, and the wildlife! Your chances of seeing bears, deer, marmots and more are quite high.</p><p>Both camping areas mentioned above a beautiful and prime destinations. If planning your trip for photography on the ridge, I would recommend giving the nod to Heart Lake or a campsite on the ridge (dry). Seven Lakes Basin still works, it's just that your hike back to camp in the dark (assuming you are staying for sunset) will be a bit longer. Still, Seven Lakes Basin is beautiful...</p><p>For the image above, Seven Lakes Basin was my place of stay as a last-minute permit became available. The opportunity to visit this high ridge to both view and photograph Mount Olympus was exciting! And I was not disappointed.</p><p>I'm happy to share that this image was recently licensed for worldwide use for print cards.</p><p>To see more images from this fantastic area, feel free to visit my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Olympic/" target="_blank">Olympic Gallery</a>.</p><p>Hope to see you on the trail in 2023!</p><p><br /></p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-66505189314316130802023-01-25T17:00:00.002-08:002023-01-25T17:00:35.658-08:00King Tides at Cape Disappointment in Washington<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhf0envRzQfor3q_FSDO869TC16Zf4dJG78dQDVpVCbnOn02LZHRiqcVSIrrlmdrqg7y2U213YgE9rSywbMIibDxQVYXcwEC2Ne5KjBUW8AxQTLBT-pPz70LwmCUJjNHfDulNwF6YIGo4HaDB5rZqjkGuhPx3xuVsj71eJ79x6BdlebWlBTUj3YhtCg/s1100/COA681HCAPEDISAPPOINTMENT-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of King Tides, Cape Disappointment" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhf0envRzQfor3q_FSDO869TC16Zf4dJG78dQDVpVCbnOn02LZHRiqcVSIrrlmdrqg7y2U213YgE9rSywbMIibDxQVYXcwEC2Ne5KjBUW8AxQTLBT-pPz70LwmCUJjNHfDulNwF6YIGo4HaDB5rZqjkGuhPx3xuVsj71eJ79x6BdlebWlBTUj3YhtCg/w400-h268/COA681HCAPEDISAPPOINTMENT-web.jpg" title="King Tides at Cape Disappointment in Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Tides at Cape Disappointment.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">"King Tides" is a non-scientific term used to describe higher than average high tides. In Washington, these typically happen during the winter months of November, December and January for a three-day period. They are the result of the gravitational forces of the sun and moon basically playing "Tug-of-war". They typically occur during a full moon and can be further escalated by storms.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">In my state of Washington, these typically occur in the winter months of November, December and January, and for a period of three days each.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCrY1NpZA3zY6Ud-isP0rX_ccGNapMO8AUgNRovv7dqF2mokV_KU6dU6EACfUR83ZdJ_ZtaZ94XFQGwVlIzIMpMEQ5_pmCwjHdiV6gb3F8xMvxgeOKij7v6WjLPvJ4hqgkImV9UQoPPPClrJBIdvlHOU_5yn_BM1WwKVo630rxtRYhXnfkik15swC-A/s1100/COA666HCAPEDISAPPOINTMENT-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of King Tides, Cape Disappointment" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCrY1NpZA3zY6Ud-isP0rX_ccGNapMO8AUgNRovv7dqF2mokV_KU6dU6EACfUR83ZdJ_ZtaZ94XFQGwVlIzIMpMEQ5_pmCwjHdiV6gb3F8xMvxgeOKij7v6WjLPvJ4hqgkImV9UQoPPPClrJBIdvlHOU_5yn_BM1WwKVo630rxtRYhXnfkik15swC-A/w400-h268/COA666HCAPEDISAPPOINTMENT-web.jpg" title="King Tides at Cape Disappointment in Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Tides at Cape Disappointment.</td></tr></tbody></table>The year I visited Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment for the first time and was not disappointed!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This might be the most iconic place to photograph the tides in Washington despite it's remoteness, near the small town of Ilwaco. The park offers camping, hiking and access to wild beaches not typical of Washington's southern coast. It's about a 3 hour drive from the Seattle area, and is actually much closer Portland, OR!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Watching and photographing the tides is an incredible experience. Get there early for the full experience. Seeing the surf a few hours before high tide and witnessing it build to a crescendo is the exhilarating experience that one brings home with them and tells stories about!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Vy3zyES51VUCora4JMSy1Iwd9EffCKMpxRY6l1m9AFH7wcEs56Lj3kd4eyJCrRwzxFbPudEGSBblWGHNrG5S-hBpUyQ4LIN4-jnEpIoDzb-nW1MO2v5BF5DrOuwVgI1P-QmYAK62rCuPwXdQl6hI9SjNDrPW6KLctazangv45vLUtddWUWmkamQRPQ/s1100/COA657HCAPEDISAPPOINTMENT-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of King Tides, Cape Disappointment" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Vy3zyES51VUCora4JMSy1Iwd9EffCKMpxRY6l1m9AFH7wcEs56Lj3kd4eyJCrRwzxFbPudEGSBblWGHNrG5S-hBpUyQ4LIN4-jnEpIoDzb-nW1MO2v5BF5DrOuwVgI1P-QmYAK62rCuPwXdQl6hI9SjNDrPW6KLctazangv45vLUtddWUWmkamQRPQ/w400-h268/COA657HCAPEDISAPPOINTMENT-web.jpg" title="King Tides at Cape Disappointment in Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Tides at Cape Disappointment.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Photographer Tips:</b> While the tides are always exhilarating, the best images are captured when the water is backlit to bring out the greens. This doesn't happen under heavy clouds. Plan your trip when you suspect you will see some partial sun or at least diffused light.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Telephoto lenses work the best here. I enjoyed my 70-200mm lens the most. A stronger lens could capture the details of the waves up close.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't forget to give your camera a break and just enjoy the beauty and raw energy of the surf. Especially near the high tide when the water is churning every which way. It was during this incredible time that I heard an interesting "chirp" and noticed it wasn't a bird, but rather a sea otter swimming back and forth on its back "people watching"! How was he staying afloat?!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For more images of the Washington coast, feel free to visit my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Washington-Coast/" target="_blank">Washington Coast Gallery.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As always, thanks for looking. Hope to see you at the coast?</div></div><p></p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-9708764775862903762023-01-15T14:56:00.002-08:002023-01-15T14:56:51.000-08:00Bryce Canyon National Park in Winter<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIXp9ai3Vb7F9IKe4sEM-DQaXy6iBHEw_BNUzqis3Jv5rN4Vx5FRfdrVdd0gl_GHNXVkm3RVI6J4DKELjrNDBWsArQZ-GswRbQif4ZpxosIKvGlBXKBWldkw2iLVix7iS_i6sWAytjZAAl8-OMRDJFx-tYoj_zyN3jx72-YzFj0UtRIMhK1JTcFzapQ/s800/BRY147HBRYCE%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Bryce Canyon National Park in Winter" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIXp9ai3Vb7F9IKe4sEM-DQaXy6iBHEw_BNUzqis3Jv5rN4Vx5FRfdrVdd0gl_GHNXVkm3RVI6J4DKELjrNDBWsArQZ-GswRbQif4ZpxosIKvGlBXKBWldkw2iLVix7iS_i6sWAytjZAAl8-OMRDJFx-tYoj_zyN3jx72-YzFj0UtRIMhK1JTcFzapQ/w400-h266/BRY147HBRYCE%20copy.jpg" title="Bryce Canyon National Park in winter, southwest, Utah, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Canyon National Park in winter.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal">Having visited this park in spring and summer, I had always
wanted to witness it under a blanket of snow in winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One early February I got my chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Closely watching the weather forecast, I saw
and incoming storm expected for the area.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My plan was to sleep in my vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, at the last minute I discovered I
would be bringing guests – my kids, early and middle elementary school
ages!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our only choice was to tent it –
their first winter snow camping experience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We shared the entire Bryce campground with a single motor home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Temperatures during the day with in the 20’s and low 30’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nighttime dipped into the low teens.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Night came early of course, so we found ourselves bundled in
our sleeping bags playing cards with the illumination from our headlamps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids had a blast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will always cherish the special memories
from this trip.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next morning, I awoke to a wall of spin drift (blown
snow) completely block the outside of our tent door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was 13 degrees outside as I hiked to the rim
of the canyon for sunrise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautiful!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This image appears for the month of January in my <a href="https://www.lulu.com/shop/don-geyer/western-landscapes-2023-wall-calendar/paperback/product-ry244y.html?page=1&pageSize=4" target="_blank">2023Western Landscapes wall calendar</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You may view more images from this area in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Southwest/" target="_blank">SouthwestGallery</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I hope you enjoy!<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-61946550637380384972022-12-12T10:31:00.000-08:002022-12-12T10:31:48.711-08:002023 Western Landscapes Wall Calendar<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXKFSxcLwxSFC2QrQ4jDB8vI0OMXklJVWZEhfzqsu5MK6epQgs6ALov2VEil0mV-6V3MRBBC0eRRWzlY9WP8NtP-Fmfyr1NEM6lfJb1g-YN8jxYmbCnYS9TVh2xgx8EWePANC_cKsnHOKEFogd8dH7Xh9w8crAhHHWxMv6bdwnlHHY6g8XDZn_yLktg/s3375/Cover%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of 2023 Western Landscapes Calendar" border="0" data-original-height="2625" data-original-width="3375" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXKFSxcLwxSFC2QrQ4jDB8vI0OMXklJVWZEhfzqsu5MK6epQgs6ALov2VEil0mV-6V3MRBBC0eRRWzlY9WP8NtP-Fmfyr1NEM6lfJb1g-YN8jxYmbCnYS9TVh2xgx8EWePANC_cKsnHOKEFogd8dH7Xh9w8crAhHHWxMv6bdwnlHHY6g8XDZn_yLktg/w400-h311/Cover%203.jpg" title="2023 Western Landscapes wall calendar by Don Geyer" width="400" /></a></div>I'm excited to announce that my <a href="https://www.lulu.com/shop/don-geyer/western-landscapes-2023-wall-calendar/paperback/product-ry244y.html?page=1&pageSize=4" target="_blank">2023 Western Landscapes</a> wall calendar is now available! It includes images from all over the Westerm U.S. and Canada, including Mount Rainier NP, Olympic NP, Grand Canyon NP, Bryce NP, Canyonlands NP, Glacier NP, Teton NP, Robson PP, North Cascades and more!<br /><p></p><p>You can purchase the calendar for $15.99 ea. at <a href="https://www.lulu.com/shop/don-geyer/western-landscapes-2023-wall-calendar/paperback/product-ry244y.html?page=1&pageSize=4">Western Landscapes 2023 Wall Calendar (lulu.com)</a>. What's better is that you can even preview before ordering by clicking on the preview button!</p><p>Happy Holidays and hope to see you on the trail!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPHJtLEs_LQ7ht4KGmrwak_wHxfXA3Pj10sd2b-h0M0IT8RVSKBXTNmuWGs9R0SiQc2nTtp_6Oku3rQU9wcDOlYV3eri9j2pQhND2s9Lcfn2LCIdYOKpKfFAg24Bi0pLK6NvXty1UQ9EnwxOtUDrcTRRYpW51XnvTA_XgbQB4a8cHD-G41bK7LT4jhQ/s1028/Canyonlands-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of Canyonlands in 2023 Western Landscapes Wall Calendar" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1028" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPHJtLEs_LQ7ht4KGmrwak_wHxfXA3Pj10sd2b-h0M0IT8RVSKBXTNmuWGs9R0SiQc2nTtp_6Oku3rQU9wcDOlYV3eri9j2pQhND2s9Lcfn2LCIdYOKpKfFAg24Bi0pLK6NvXty1UQ9EnwxOtUDrcTRRYpW51XnvTA_XgbQB4a8cHD-G41bK7LT4jhQ/w400-h311/Canyonlands-web.jpg" title="Canyonlands National Park in Don Geyer's 2023 Western Landscapes wall calendar." width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzbobTsq06zMq7fCbpSt0EsZx2O1LZgYJI7FI8bBt29crR6JURYc5-SXmG-E6eJ1iJf6dWv2GJDgExNXM0FlRPAFGB-jFH9_cMkBGZ6cjlgYtW-g9Q-n4Y25QXaycWrDlHID8R6iGKF34EqsgzeEuVanNwe4dp04BDKrj1cPiGKP1QpdwHC0SzRCivQ/s1028/Olympus-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of Mount Olympus in 2023 Western Landscapes Wall Calendar" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1028" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzbobTsq06zMq7fCbpSt0EsZx2O1LZgYJI7FI8bBt29crR6JURYc5-SXmG-E6eJ1iJf6dWv2GJDgExNXM0FlRPAFGB-jFH9_cMkBGZ6cjlgYtW-g9Q-n4Y25QXaycWrDlHID8R6iGKF34EqsgzeEuVanNwe4dp04BDKrj1cPiGKP1QpdwHC0SzRCivQ/w400-h311/Olympus-web.jpg" title="Mount Olympus in Don Geyer's 2023 Western Landscapes wall calendar." width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-16364184824137814762022-11-07T15:19:00.000-08:002022-11-07T15:19:09.625-08:00Fall Colors Along the North Cascades Highway<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54V_zN1baQR1r_UQdTvRXu9DEM_UQ3893t2qaakHbncZw8yH73RbjDxhvk3QLdgJhZyjh5ziGQAAUPaifcWLkeIScOzeAC828yhAmoTRD4Emte35z9J2Q3W-gfJEiR_XWvERrOv24F87i4NmCRC-sSvB6VCyFDfQ69sgXqwQ_sJ8va1YSdfL6IFx8DA/s1080/NOR1425VMAPLE-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Maple Pass, North Cascades" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54V_zN1baQR1r_UQdTvRXu9DEM_UQ3893t2qaakHbncZw8yH73RbjDxhvk3QLdgJhZyjh5ziGQAAUPaifcWLkeIScOzeAC828yhAmoTRD4Emte35z9J2Q3W-gfJEiR_XWvERrOv24F87i4NmCRC-sSvB6VCyFDfQ69sgXqwQ_sJ8va1YSdfL6IFx8DA/w266-h400/NOR1425VMAPLE-copy2.jpg" title="Lake Ann and fall colors from below Maple Pass in the North Cascades, Washington, USA" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Ann from below Maple Pass,<br />North Cascades.</td></tr></tbody></table>Each year many people enjoy driving the <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/North-Cascades/">North Cascades Scenic Highway</a> in late fall to view the beautiful colors. This drive is beautiful any time of year but fall offers something a little more special.<p></p><p>The pinnacle of the fall colors may arguably be in the region of Rainy and Washington Pass in early October. Here the larches turn golden and the berry plants at their feet a beautiful crimson red. It's a sight to behold and one that keeps tourists coming back for more year after year.</p><p>For motorists out for a Sunday drive, the Washington Pass Overlook cannot be missed. Just a short walk from the parking lot is the jaw-dropping, in your face view of Liberty Bell and its vertical north face with groves of golden larches just below its base. If you are lucky, you can catch this monolith with a dusting of snow up top!</p><p>Silver Star Mountain and Kangaroo Ridge can also be viewed to the east, as well as Highway 20 steeply descending a swith-back below Early Winters Spires on its way down to the Methow Valley.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t8sbcdY3Kp_zyPKudy-Ux97JQK-kohg20XGb7MhWXa9NygfP05_tbTR9OFksR4E7EkXRCmjYNoBG2zUDznLUZsmWU6uyEFJY3hH8HMd_58jeAj9lWRxWrXNvbnY5mvCWJHfsD-a-34rgB3n2Z3sRZFolFcEVvq21kByEfStgoIUWxJlfTm4Doqe6aQ/s800/NOR1448VBLUELAKE-web.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Blue Lake and Liberty Bell" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t8sbcdY3Kp_zyPKudy-Ux97JQK-kohg20XGb7MhWXa9NygfP05_tbTR9OFksR4E7EkXRCmjYNoBG2zUDznLUZsmWU6uyEFJY3hH8HMd_58jeAj9lWRxWrXNvbnY5mvCWJHfsD-a-34rgB3n2Z3sRZFolFcEVvq21kByEfStgoIUWxJlfTm4Doqe6aQ/w266-h400/NOR1448VBLUELAKE-web.jpg" title="Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires above Blue Lake and golden larches in fall, North Cascades, Washington, USA." width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Lake below Liberty Bell and <br />Early Winters Spires.</td></tr></tbody></table>For those willing to stretch their legs a bit, there are several hikes in the area that offer great rewards! The easiest of which is Blue Lake near Washington Pass, with views of Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires towering above the lake and colorful larches. Don't be intimidated by the climbers hauling ropes and technical gear up the trail! This is also the approach route for climbers wishing to tackle the various routes up these peaks. But at a well-signed junction they take a hard left and begin their earnest climb to the base of these peaks, leaving you alone with your thoughts the rest of the way to the lake. Don't forget to check out the tarn above!<div><br /></div><div>More popular are trails west of Blue Lake at Washington Pass, as witnessed by the number of cars parked along the side of the road, sometimes for a mile or more on weekends. These trails are right across from each other - Maple Pass to the south and Cutthroat Pass to the north along the PCT.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maple Pass is by far the most popular of the two, though both are beautiful and offer incredible rewards. It's a 6.5-mile loop trip with 1,800' elevation gain. Or you can do a one-way in and out hike if you choose. The culmination is the view in the first image above, as well as views deep into the North Cascades to the south. One can also take a side trip to Wing Lake below Black Peak at a junction a saddle before the final climb to the pass. Wing Lake is the only area that camping is legal - no camping at Maple Pass.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTtQXZqtJilB2YXKZA8VkjPXpKRwTf2SsPGo1k_IY9WVKLRyKK6eDkU5y8wRK-NBs90YfHxcb8LdQRb7VyEVYILgqxrPPEnvrIPubzp8ia0Q0boTZx_zcZ01yIXxOZn7JwJ1PuOkA4iDQMqWCOOyqfsR6IengeXQSzVehU1UovbJbLhpG0ugizuF0gg/s800/NOR1449VCUTTHROAT-web.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Cutthroat Pass in Fall" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTtQXZqtJilB2YXKZA8VkjPXpKRwTf2SsPGo1k_IY9WVKLRyKK6eDkU5y8wRK-NBs90YfHxcb8LdQRb7VyEVYILgqxrPPEnvrIPubzp8ia0Q0boTZx_zcZ01yIXxOZn7JwJ1PuOkA4iDQMqWCOOyqfsR6IengeXQSzVehU1UovbJbLhpG0ugizuF0gg/w266-h400/NOR1449VCUTTHROAT-web.jpg" title="Fall larches at Cutthroat Pass below Cutthroat Peak, North Cascades, Washington, USA" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall larches below Cutthroat Pass, with<br />Cutthroat Peak in the distance.</td></tr></tbody></table>To the north is the final leg of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for thru-hikers, starting from the Mexico border and hoping to finish before the snows start. If you encounter grizzly looking backpackers, say hi - they might have many stories to share!<div><br /></div><div>This trail climbs ever so gently to the open slopes of Cutthroat Pass - 10 miles, 1,960' elevation gain. The views begin ~ 2 miles before the pass and may slow your pace substantially! Gold and red dominate the landscape in season. Camp sites are located above the pass, both north and south (they are dry - bring water). The views are fantastic, especially of Silver Star Mountain and Kangaroo Ridge. For even better views, walk an additional mile to Granite Pass with stunning views of Tower Mountain and Golden Horn, and yes, more larches!</div><div><br /></div><div>If it can be arranged with two vehicles, one can make this a one-way trip by descending to the east down to Cutthroat Lake and eventually the trailhead at Cutthroat Creek - 10.5 miles.</div><div><br /><div>Further west is the trailhead for Easy Pass which, though beautiful, is not that easy - gaining 2,800' in just 3.5 miles (7 miles round trip). But the views are spectacular at the narrow larch-covered saddle. For better views, wander the meadows above the ridge and views out to Mount Logan in the heart of the North Cascades.</div></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LX4xNmmTafZveeFIml7XsxZwnA3vAD6kNqnbhGA57IUfLUKwqtBnTpmlDH5Tcp1bjteO8u7pp1po2Ch9Amr3nIf7vz57J2cjCWuXKj5Olg3iIOUxiZzFLBQrS-U4bHa2W2j9cCW6BRrn4kaWRZnDmtA4YxlY4WQ9cmHweslnf0iZqFaxjki_io2k7A/s1100/NOR1450HSILVERSTAR-web.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Silver Star Mountain at Sunset" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LX4xNmmTafZveeFIml7XsxZwnA3vAD6kNqnbhGA57IUfLUKwqtBnTpmlDH5Tcp1bjteO8u7pp1po2Ch9Amr3nIf7vz57J2cjCWuXKj5Olg3iIOUxiZzFLBQrS-U4bHa2W2j9cCW6BRrn4kaWRZnDmtA4YxlY4WQ9cmHweslnf0iZqFaxjki_io2k7A/w400-h268/NOR1450HSILVERSTAR-web.jpg" title="Evening light on Silver Star Mountain from Cutthroat Pass, North Cascades, Washington, USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Silver Star Mountain from Cutthroat Pass.</td></tr></tbody></table>For other options a short distance away, consider checking out Twisp Pass and Stiletto Vista. This requires driving down to the town of Twisp and turning onto the Twisp River Road and following it to the end. The hike to the pass is 9 <br />miles round trip, 2,400' elevation gain. But you will want to continue on to Stilleto Vista a short distance above for the views down to Bridge Creek and across to Logan and Goode. Larches abound and you can visit the former lookout site.<div><br /><div>Nearby, approached by the same road is Copper Pass. This is another fantastic larch destination in the fall but must be earned. The trail gains 3,100' in just 5 miles.</div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp-c3oQV7cjsgMY49YYpI7ALg1gUL6lXE8lRL0ihf57zJgxH6j0y4XtKjmENvweCUgYi_h7fTSaqZ60g0nAsORxTsiZCF3tPPQKtfYaPDKakDy6S5Xpf6uHGRBB7GyUyjtIuR5abfjQc8qlp8d0a1vDm2qEYXgljTG9YBjDCxvXUoEKVhCxySBVEujQ/s1100/NOR1446HLIBERTYBELL-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp-c3oQV7cjsgMY49YYpI7ALg1gUL6lXE8lRL0ihf57zJgxH6j0y4XtKjmENvweCUgYi_h7fTSaqZ60g0nAsORxTsiZCF3tPPQKtfYaPDKakDy6S5Xpf6uHGRBB7GyUyjtIuR5abfjQc8qlp8d0a1vDm2qEYXgljTG9YBjDCxvXUoEKVhCxySBVEujQ/w400-h268/NOR1446HLIBERTYBELL-web.jpg" title="Early light on Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires from Washington Pass Overlook." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early light on Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires from<br />the Washington Pass Overlook.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div>For other ideas, consider driving up the Chewuch River Road out of Winthrop for many more hikes into larch country. Don't miss checking out the Thirtymile Fire Memorial!</div><div><br /></div><div>To view these images and many more of the North Cascades, please feel free to visit my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/North-Cascades/" target="_blank">North Cascades Gallery</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking and I hope to see you on the trail!</div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-8784556482301436502022-08-29T12:59:00.003-07:002022-08-29T13:54:00.547-07:00Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountains<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFxqMsD4IwV4ceIe9MbZvzqn2mqeps74e42T6I0FwIp_-PUim4IfV658AjnAIm8iDIDKastWiw1ZEQUbf_MS_zygXS47zo6wAV4uhZoSpO3QJyi7E76Ezxvd5tK95tf8zFy-QrHrUo-PCxCzhFGMSjg9eO5VRpJ2Rwa9nzLHtQT4N90cghS3PSiEr2w/s800/SAG014VSUNSET-sharpened-web.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of Saguaro Cactus at Sunset" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFxqMsD4IwV4ceIe9MbZvzqn2mqeps74e42T6I0FwIp_-PUim4IfV658AjnAIm8iDIDKastWiw1ZEQUbf_MS_zygXS47zo6wAV4uhZoSpO3QJyi7E76Ezxvd5tK95tf8zFy-QrHrUo-PCxCzhFGMSjg9eO5VRpJ2Rwa9nzLHtQT4N90cghS3PSiEr2w/w266-h400/SAG014VSUNSET-sharpened-web.jpg" title="A Saguaro cactus is silhouetted against a sunset sky in Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA" width="266" /></a></div>My first visit to <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Southwest/" target="_blank">Saguaro National Park</a> and surrounding areas was a much different experience for this Pacific Northwesterner, whose only previous experiences were that of Utah and northern Arizona. Needless to say, the cactuses are much smaller and different species in those regions.<p></p><p>Saguaro National Park is actually divided into two sections - east and west, divided by the city of Tucson. I had never seen such a thing.</p><p>Our first outing was a trek up Sabino Canyon on what started as a rather cool and breezy day. It was pleasant but crowded. There is a parking fee that can be paid in cash, check or over your phone to their website. Cell phone service is hit and miss though, and I paid for parking three times for my single visit because after hitting the submit button my browser just kept spinning and never sent me to the payment received page. I returned to the hotel to find three email acknowledgements in my inbox!</p><p>I would recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and the heat. Definitely bring lots of water. While our hike started out cool and breezy, it quickly warmed up as we climbed up the canyon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_5VAGpGm801QnfhpuWHLRlANfL9fA8-gbZrr5FJUQGQlviygF-S6OgMVhNsKvsBrNFZlqvqkYBT-e0qowLmHTvXfw4kY8OQBSbTzpnx1EtzfOcsB24780ftBKEaEKo7TjRHUorX1S-MDE9d7qBSg9AQqi3uJ47TcQOy3Fl_e5f93DRP8Hs2iSGdjxA/s1080/SAG001HSAGUARO-sharpened-web.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image of Saguaro cactuses near Gates Pass" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_5VAGpGm801QnfhpuWHLRlANfL9fA8-gbZrr5FJUQGQlviygF-S6OgMVhNsKvsBrNFZlqvqkYBT-e0qowLmHTvXfw4kY8OQBSbTzpnx1EtzfOcsB24780ftBKEaEKo7TjRHUorX1S-MDE9d7qBSg9AQqi3uJ47TcQOy3Fl_e5f93DRP8Hs2iSGdjxA/w266-h400/SAG001HSAGUARO-sharpened-web.jpg" title="Evening light on Saguaro cactuses near Gates Pass in the Tucson Mountains, Arizona, USA" width="266" /></a></div>The next day I set out on a loop hike up to Wasson Peak, ascending King Canyon Wash Trail to the King Canyon Trail and finishing on the Norris Trail to the summit. It was a very windy day, especially at or near the passes and ridgetops, and the strong breeze was cold when the sun went behind the clouds. The views were amazing though and the few people I encountered were very friendly. <div><br /></div><div>I spent as much time as I could stand on the windy summit before descending down the Norris trail back to the junction, then continued thru the notch and down an incredibly scenic stretch to catch the Sendero Esperanza Trail, which cuts back over to the King Canyon Trail Wash Trail. However, instead of following it all the way back, I finished my descent by taking the Gould Mine Trail back down to the road and parking lot. Glad I did! What a fun hike! I definitely recommend it and will do it again myself, hopefully on a warmer day.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I did take my camera gear with me on this hike, it never came out due to the flatness of light in often overcast skies. Lots of phone pics though!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlD1SuJTgS-dAEc006II0dJLN-zSiXIKmRLqE8CXmeWaDJHAqMY-THLYZDFScG7xtcsX_Zdlj6MV8vW4KKhn3gYr9iG2dW1pJ49AhDiiSfbc0YAehhvy2NO7WszHSXXnGXipA36LHcoClm36YqAZoKLWgiGPpLIDTNShUToFdZMytDI8I-yrmaqqpnw/s1100/SAG007HSUNSET-sharpened-web.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of Sunset from Gates Pass Overlook" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlD1SuJTgS-dAEc006II0dJLN-zSiXIKmRLqE8CXmeWaDJHAqMY-THLYZDFScG7xtcsX_Zdlj6MV8vW4KKhn3gYr9iG2dW1pJ49AhDiiSfbc0YAehhvy2NO7WszHSXXnGXipA36LHcoClm36YqAZoKLWgiGPpLIDTNShUToFdZMytDI8I-yrmaqqpnw/w400-h268/SAG007HSUNSET-sharpened-web.jpg" title="Sunset from the Gates Pass Overlook in the Tucson Mountains, Arizona, USA" width="400" /></a></div>The next evening, I returned to this area to photograph sunset from an overlook I scouted the previous day - Gates Pass Overlook. This overlook, besides providing nice compositions of Saguaro cactuses in the evening light, also offers an incredible vista to the west to watch the setting sun. As it turns out, it also attracts a crazy amount of people at sunset, some of whom began double-parking and blocking people in rather than parking in the overload parking lot across the highway (a minute walk).</div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't get to witness much cloud action on this night. Those that were present in the evening disappeared before sunset. Still, I was surprised to catch some red in the sky as the last of the sun vanished behind the distant ridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1aKrMoQZrpWzWH240JLeIv7n5qUaY3-JL_XLJmnHVdyv-t9JqXanEnxNVGnwRp1IIgcLqFzwRWGq582riWdISY9wS7JABjp6VTWlqJvwk2xbOYCbqCSRJ8SfYMcS5Rjh3r8YAqZ1m_FIUD30fWpxzQoTLkZ8WTH9pVAYpY_6UW4IyLbogHoyfdI1qg/s800/SAG013VSAGUARO-sharpened-web.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1aKrMoQZrpWzWH240JLeIv7n5qUaY3-JL_XLJmnHVdyv-t9JqXanEnxNVGnwRp1IIgcLqFzwRWGq582riWdISY9wS7JABjp6VTWlqJvwk2xbOYCbqCSRJ8SfYMcS5Rjh3r8YAqZ1m_FIUD30fWpxzQoTLkZ8WTH9pVAYpY_6UW4IyLbogHoyfdI1qg/w266-h400/SAG013VSAGUARO-sharpened-web.jpg" width="266" /></a></div></div>The next day began my photography trips to Saguaro National Park proper after having scouted them the day before. I started my morning in Saguaro East, closest to the hotel and the better morning location, in my opinion.<div><br /></div><div>The Cactus Forest Loop Drive in Saguaro East in a must drive! It's a paved road that is mostly one-way thru ever-changing scenery as the elevation changes. The Rincon Mountains serve as a wonderful backdrop thru most of the drive. There are also many trails to explore.</div><div><br /></div><div>That evening I returned to Saguaro West for sunset, driving the gravel/dirt Hohokam Road to The Valley View Overlook trail. A quick hike up to the ridge scored me the silhouetted cactus image at the top of the page, and a pleasant walk out in the dark.</div><div><br /></div>The next day was departure day to catch our flight home. But I awoke to witness the most dramatic light I had experienced the entire trip! I quickly set my camera and tripod up on the hotel balcony and began shooting away! A storm had rolled in overnight, offering rain throughout. But as the morning sun rose, some of its rays would sneak thru the dark clouds for a couple of moments before fading away. My experience has been that such an occurrence is usually short-lived. However, this went on for a couple of hours, making packing difficult! Slowly, the sun began to win battle and it was off to the airport.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9gwpft_jsxwMRIXNcSRw5tW0_pzOef-R78JNFpk-Hh-3BZcPmAnbV2mdTJyYvO02UbcG035WFpWCVeVXeEPXogEQKqiu9faK0h2uPqYCmTlMm_aQZyu6Rygjmd0nUYbv71gzDao69dCmdgyuZlti4MvhyTI6hu_7cdhtKJBRADY7UAfQfu7SEjd5Og/s1100/SAG017HTUCSON-sharpened-web.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of a Lifting Storm Over the Tucson Mountains" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9gwpft_jsxwMRIXNcSRw5tW0_pzOef-R78JNFpk-Hh-3BZcPmAnbV2mdTJyYvO02UbcG035WFpWCVeVXeEPXogEQKqiu9faK0h2uPqYCmTlMm_aQZyu6Rygjmd0nUYbv71gzDao69dCmdgyuZlti4MvhyTI6hu_7cdhtKJBRADY7UAfQfu7SEjd5Og/w400-h268/SAG017HTUCSON-sharpened-web.jpg" title="Morning light's rays begin to sneak thru the storm clouds above the Tucson Mountains, Arizona, USA" width="400" /></a></div>You can view these and more of my images from this area in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Southwest/" target="_blank">Southwest Gallery</a>. You can also see other images from my collection at <a href="http://www.mountainscenes.com">www.mountainscenes.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking! </div><div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-77668898983287254132022-08-21T13:19:00.003-07:002022-08-22T16:43:45.414-07:00The Southern Picket Range<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYdfpFZxWRJWJsMTWDc1gv_W0mSYGxtbMbBVfn29_ti2SL4ifN8QoczNjM4z-Q37VOBqjIvRbPwenfskree9yO04D6akAtJEc6Y7OuVeY119mONdsuQxDLwvv0JQefEky9DGOoSU9twfgIuqzh7WUKjwwCwAom9AGv3J8D6xpnDHzc7WwDijUBXeEaQ/s600/NOR.033.36.H.PICKETS-web.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Southern Picket Range" border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYdfpFZxWRJWJsMTWDc1gv_W0mSYGxtbMbBVfn29_ti2SL4ifN8QoczNjM4z-Q37VOBqjIvRbPwenfskree9yO04D6akAtJEc6Y7OuVeY119mONdsuQxDLwvv0JQefEky9DGOoSU9twfgIuqzh7WUKjwwCwAom9AGv3J8D6xpnDHzc7WwDijUBXeEaQ/w400-h270/NOR.033.36.H.PICKETS-web.jpg" title="The southern Picket Range from the summit of Mount Fury, Picket Range, North Cascades, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The southern Picket Range from Mount Fury.</td></tr></tbody></table>The wild and magnificent <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/North-Cascades/">Picket Range</a> is a classic sub-section of the north Cascades and considered one of the most isolated areas in the continental United States. The range is typically grouped into the southern and northern range. Both are spectacular.<p></p><p>Approaches to any of the mountains in the Picket Range are extremely difficult, requiring extreme off-trail travel and often technical mountaineering skills (especially the northern group) and considerable elevation gain due to their relief. But the rewards they offer are...did I say spectacular?</p><p>The southern Picket Range's most beautiful and dramatic side is its northern slopes and faces above a wild and trail-less McMillan Cirque. This cirque must be seen from above to be truly appreciated. Sheer ruggedness is what usually comes to mind. To see this side requires a long lakeside hike or boat ride and then a backpack up the Big Beaver trail. From there one needs to know where to leave the trail (unsigned) and travel cross-country to find the creek (often river) crossing, which can be raging in typical climbing season and log crossings can be difficult to find. Once across, jungle-like bushwacking climbing awaits the climber in order to attain higher sub-alpine slopes where travel finally eases, but the difficulties are not over. Patches of thick slide alder must be crossed to approach Access Cirque - a common camp area. Above this cirque are steep gullies that are often ice-filled until late in the season and require extreme care and technical gear.</p><p>The best views are on the ridges below Luna Peak, Luna Peak, or in this case the summit of Mount Fury. It's a tough 2-3 day approach, but rewards those determined to accept the challenge. And the photography opportunities are endless!</p><p>This image was recently licensed for worldwide us in a recreational publication, I am proud to say.</p><p>You can see this image and more from this area in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/North-Cascades/">North Cascades Gallery</a>.</p><p>Hope to see you on the trail!</p><p> </p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-77149488181504998312022-08-13T16:00:00.005-07:002022-08-14T13:01:55.954-07:00Cannon Beach Reflection<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc92RKO0gfCnI_WzNCvIv3G_xXZ7QpCu76B9qHpLR8ieFfcKUcBDgryoNWPgx-h7qgVM93vjrLsv7YRRpSA0NoXeTV8QPKGIMJXux0q7O3XiLCFQPOV0EE0Sz4y5K2udt7WMs0AqtmbtNy2SpBHNpafT9iFH5OlUHpJ2rBy6CDon9boENeQEICElyzw/s800/COA493HCANNON%20copy.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc92RKO0gfCnI_WzNCvIv3G_xXZ7QpCu76B9qHpLR8ieFfcKUcBDgryoNWPgx-h7qgVM93vjrLsv7YRRpSA0NoXeTV8QPKGIMJXux0q7O3XiLCFQPOV0EE0Sz4y5K2udt7WMs0AqtmbtNy2SpBHNpafT9iFH5OlUHpJ2rBy6CDon9boENeQEICElyzw/w400-h266/COA493HCANNON%20copy.jpg" title="Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haystack Rock at sunset from Cannon Beach, Oregon.</td></tr></tbody></table>Cannon Beach along the <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Oregon-Coast/">Oregon coast</a> is a popular place to visit and an icon for Oregon tourism publications. And for good reason! Excellent lodging and restaurants abound in this tourist town, adding to the attraction of their world-famous beaches and parks.<p></p><p>Summer months can be pretty crazy at times as one might suspect. But for photography and weather, summer actually isn't the best time to visit.</p><p>Summer brings warm temperatures for sure, but with it comes the heavy fog bank that often engulfs the coast during this time. The fog is typically very localized, often dense on the beaches but nonexistent just a short way inland.</p><p>Spring and summer provide more favorable conditions. Winter can also be quite favorable, as is the case here. This image was taken in winter right around Christmas!</p><p>Speaking of tourism publications, that's exactly where this image was recently licensed to!</p><p>To see more images of this fabulous area, feel free to visit my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Oregon-Coast/">Oregon Coast Gallery</a>.</p><p>You may also view my complete website at <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/">Mountain Scenes Photography, Don Geyer, Mount Rainier, Images, (smugmug.com)</a></p><p> As always, thanks for looking!</p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-71253490364019378032021-12-21T09:29:00.004-08:002021-12-21T09:29:36.752-08:00Castle Geyser in Yellowstone NP<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCZWmTRCBsExRYltALwh_enP57RGe0MoOXhCzo6CXtJKeEvO2wTtP1J2VT67q7ZcV0HnTdNEobycV8TKayEM2uRdHMtNZkryza4yqIuZ3qv8loQEVpiPk7AURN_iKl840ox2w3O6dQYApFKbDyFZPM8cha_2FHMSGYYw0AmN0Gy4SJs-n1NbFy_wG4Ow=s1500" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Castle Geyser Yellowstone" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCZWmTRCBsExRYltALwh_enP57RGe0MoOXhCzo6CXtJKeEvO2wTtP1J2VT67q7ZcV0HnTdNEobycV8TKayEM2uRdHMtNZkryza4yqIuZ3qv8loQEVpiPk7AURN_iKl840ox2w3O6dQYApFKbDyFZPM8cha_2FHMSGYYw0AmN0Gy4SJs-n1NbFy_wG4Ow=w400-h266" title="A rainbow appears as Castle Geyser erupts in Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle Geyser</td></tr></tbody></table>Castle Geyser is one of the oldest Geysers in <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Yellowstone/" target="_blank">Yellowstone National Park</a>. Its eruptions are a height of 90 feet and happen every ten to twelve hours. During a late afternoon eruption, it's possible to catch a rainbow as a bonus!<div><br /></div><div>Located in Upper Geyser Basin, Castle Basin is one of many geysers in the area and is a nice break from the crowds around Old Faithful. Don't miss nearby Crested Pool!<br /><div><br /></div><div>This image was recently licensed to a Brazilian editorial publication.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>To view more images from this area, feel free to visit my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Yellowstone/" target="_blank">Yellowstone Gallery</a>. And of course, many more images from other National Parks and scenic areas can be viewed at <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/" target="_blank">my website</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking!</div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-27522343025753558712021-12-12T14:30:00.001-08:002021-12-21T09:30:24.553-08:00NEW! 2022 Wall Calendar!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggQ05d7QKj6gQSJ8prO_bf8fOTqFqy4GLkNpptMWRdb5WW1n06joxg1Q5AIALVlRju_orDhDODC09pwr715WdFyDdQ1pTu5YyqOoPxNEznkGVkJfiiD9G9DlN1X7jFlGgf_1IdK-lN-hL_1nt-bz7X0gX8lebOmBOM6cyf8wEWfAjfshxmZ3kHlGjV8g=s1286" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of Don Geyer's Western Landsacpes 2022 Wall Calendar" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1286" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggQ05d7QKj6gQSJ8prO_bf8fOTqFqy4GLkNpptMWRdb5WW1n06joxg1Q5AIALVlRju_orDhDODC09pwr715WdFyDdQ1pTu5YyqOoPxNEznkGVkJfiiD9G9DlN1X7jFlGgf_1IdK-lN-hL_1nt-bz7X0gX8lebOmBOM6cyf8wEWfAjfshxmZ3kHlGjV8g=w400-h311" title="Don Geyer's 2022 Wall Calendar includes images from Mount Rainier, Grand Teton, Glen Canyon, Death Valley, Canadian Rockies, Olympic, North Cascades, Glacier Peak, Mount St. Helens, Oregon coast, and more!" width="400" /></a></div>I'm excited to announce that my NEW 2022 wall calendar is now available for purchase!<p></p><p>This is probably the calendar I have been most excited about in a long time. All new images from such fantastic places as Mount Rainier NP, Olympic NP, Grand Teton NP, Death Valley NP, Banff NP, Glen Canyon, Mount St. Helens NM, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, North Cascades, Oregon coast and more!</p><p>These images include many special trips that I hold dear to my heart and can't help but smile from the memories. I hope you will enjoy them too!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdveJMu4H1o-PHzDlqiw4okQ7bQu4nK3cP8Cvh-bDgwzavLnn6KG6M7oy8fX6ZsFRviDF4sNfFBkvMjkV6QqdY5MDc6cqiSvXEriHfuPV1HNX-nDhVaG4nuODcxc4t3ExFqqBjcYpxRZoHCB5Crlr-VVc0XnHo6l_Wqod6h2wkbD1a4y1LIJUl52lw5Q=s1286" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1286" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdveJMu4H1o-PHzDlqiw4okQ7bQu4nK3cP8Cvh-bDgwzavLnn6KG6M7oy8fX6ZsFRviDF4sNfFBkvMjkV6QqdY5MDc6cqiSvXEriHfuPV1HNX-nDhVaG4nuODcxc4t3ExFqqBjcYpxRZoHCB5Crlr-VVc0XnHo6l_Wqod6h2wkbD1a4y1LIJUl52lw5Q=w400-h311" width="400" /></a></div>It's not too late to order this calendar as a Christmas gift (though I wouldn't wait much longer)! To order your own copy, please go to: <a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/don-geyer/western-landscapes-2022-wall-calendar/paperback/product-889pm9.html?page=1&pageSize=4">Western Landscapes 2022 Wall Calendar (lulu.com)</a><div><br /></div><div>Happy Holidays to all, and here's to a better year in 2022!</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking and I hope to see you on the trail.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-79159088816843906422021-05-01T09:47:00.001-07:002021-05-01T09:47:25.413-07:00Cherry Blossoms at University of Washington<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZTOovb3IOHm70orbtb2ybbiq2gsIZxVb-GBv_6MWnrQhyrArIrsFmODWZXdf_9ieyPCbnRSxBxTLvJBMuHXCFwWnku4JbagrikMQoNo53VT1GKrafwUsfpIthsMbhNyx9yq5lr7CBPzf/s1500/PUG121HCHERRYBLOSSOMS-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image of University of Washington Cherry Blossoms" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZTOovb3IOHm70orbtb2ybbiq2gsIZxVb-GBv_6MWnrQhyrArIrsFmODWZXdf_9ieyPCbnRSxBxTLvJBMuHXCFwWnku4JbagrikMQoNo53VT1GKrafwUsfpIthsMbhNyx9yq5lr7CBPzf/w400-h266/PUG121HCHERRYBLOSSOMS-copy2.jpg" title="Cherry blossoms in front of the Victorian-style buildings on the University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA, USA." width="400" /></a></div> The Cherry Blossoms on the University of Washington's Seattle campus are a sight to behold. Each year they seem to gain in popularity as groves of people make their way to what is known as The Quad toward the center of campus. Cherry blossoms actually exist all across campus, but this is where they are concentrated in large volume.<br /><p></p><p>In normal years on a nice sunny weekend day the crowds resemble those of a concert or football game! Television news cameras broadcast video from the air as helicopters capture images from above.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXwS6SVcPdokkqUwp5MtMudNpbdbi-iAvarUzToBxLHhmOTY9BTD8Xor4Fg2CI-IqrSsGE-Pd3UhFq4vd-t16B52FDCPBzD_T8kzvqro2DKlDeG-t2bNkKrZ3kHKUmjHstLWx4EsI4yim/s1500/PUG122HCHERRYBLOSSOMS-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of University of Washington Cherry Blossoms" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXwS6SVcPdokkqUwp5MtMudNpbdbi-iAvarUzToBxLHhmOTY9BTD8Xor4Fg2CI-IqrSsGE-Pd3UhFq4vd-t16B52FDCPBzD_T8kzvqro2DKlDeG-t2bNkKrZ3kHKUmjHstLWx4EsI4yim/w400-h266/PUG122HCHERRYBLOSSOMS-copy2.jpg" title="Cherry blossoms in front of the Victorian-style buildings on the University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA, USA" width="400" /></a></div>But this is not a normal year of course, due to the pandemic. To increase my chances of avoiding any crowds, I chose to go on a weekday, and arrive well before sunrise. This was a wise choice as I had the entire area to myself as I began clicking away. Soon another photographer showed up and then we were two for quite some time. When I left after a couple hours of shooting, their might have been a dozen total people in the area (not counting joggers or students passing thru). Everyone wore masks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1fGBovfqHUtAUxNxojuF_5n2N4UO-s8FI7RXLPmIV-CO4Ady5jxNnoi56yE40KsJLxsk7fmmR-cAQGttOhEk7obRouUsqcmBheJVxKN7xHPr45Gw8ANAjGarmJSFAU0t-_GzXhX64Olr/s1500/PUG133HUNIVERSITYWASHINGTON-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image of University of Washington Cherry Blossoms" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1fGBovfqHUtAUxNxojuF_5n2N4UO-s8FI7RXLPmIV-CO4Ady5jxNnoi56yE40KsJLxsk7fmmR-cAQGttOhEk7obRouUsqcmBheJVxKN7xHPr45Gw8ANAjGarmJSFAU0t-_GzXhX64Olr/w400-h266/PUG133HUNIVERSITYWASHINGTON-copy2.jpg" title="Cherry blossoms in bloom along the University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA, USA" width="400" /></a></div>The time of season for these beautiful trees to reach their peak bloom can vary. Typically, early April is their prime time. But I have seen them hit peak in late March some years, and closer to mid or late April other years.<div><br /></div><div>If you live in the area, you can't escape the reports on TV on when they are hitting.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are not a photographer (or even if you are), the school has done a really cool thing this year. In hopes of keeping the crowds down during the pandemic, they installed a <a href="https://www.washington.edu/video/campus-webcams/" target="_blank">web cam</a> high above! I love this vantage!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBPFNNl_VWfSlSbv11Q0pmmVTKUODYejkHeyZdF-DVKeUc34apksqoy3aOK2ZMzJNePCqWEg1cbQX02cB8yxImNpctoPFVZlXzysVNJhA5hbTkf_gK1DOIeQD0kUzhKrvsioQAI2ge2kh/s1500/PUG132HUNIVERSITYWASHINGTON-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of University of Washington Cherry Blossoms" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBPFNNl_VWfSlSbv11Q0pmmVTKUODYejkHeyZdF-DVKeUc34apksqoy3aOK2ZMzJNePCqWEg1cbQX02cB8yxImNpctoPFVZlXzysVNJhA5hbTkf_gK1DOIeQD0kUzhKrvsioQAI2ge2kh/w400-h266/PUG132HUNIVERSITYWASHINGTON-copy2.jpg" title="Cherry blossom tree on the University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA, USA" width="400" /></a></div>There are lots of things to play with composition wise here. Shooting architecture can be much different than landscape photography in some ways. Others, not so much. I like to let my imagination run free and try new things. Traditional "landscape" compositions like the first couple images above seem to come easy to me. But then there are other options, such as up close and personal, and peak-a-boo shots thru the blooms of the trees. The sky is the limit!<div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PLgUlA5waK7pEbqVdWJJr1ui56zW7hifGScPStoRfVMq0XHeV0VDx0st6FrxBRazKs2kHP8_7IAUnFbqzJscwoW7cycqGiELI1S_5-2fJ1BYytQZdb60ACktdfAfjx2mR_IctXl-wtaM/s1080/PUG135VUNIVERSITYWASHINGTON-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of University of Washington Cherry Blossoms" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PLgUlA5waK7pEbqVdWJJr1ui56zW7hifGScPStoRfVMq0XHeV0VDx0st6FrxBRazKs2kHP8_7IAUnFbqzJscwoW7cycqGiELI1S_5-2fJ1BYytQZdb60ACktdfAfjx2mR_IctXl-wtaM/w266-h400/PUG135VUNIVERSITYWASHINGTON-copy2.jpg" title="A building on the University of Washington campus is viewed thru the cherry blossoms, Seattle, WA, USA" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>The Victorian style architecture of the buildings on this campus really compliment the setting, and are fun objects to shoot in their own right. <div><br /></div><div>I think I focused a lot more on "shooting high" during this visit, both to capture these beautiful buildings, and also because of what seemed like a sea of "Mask Up" and "Social Distance" signs spread across the ground. Yeah, there was a downside to visiting during this time. Some people would move the signs to get them out of their composition, such as hide them behind a tree. Then move them back once they were finished.</div><div><br /></div><div>Others, such as me, tried to place them in such a way that they could be easily removed in Photoshop with the spot removal tool or content-aware fill. The more plain the background behind the image is, the easier this task becomes. Complexity can add challenges.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, what lens to use. I say bring them all! I mostly used my 24-70mm. But I did play with my 70-200mm a bit for close-ups. Wide angle lenses might have been the most popular for others during my visit. But you would want to have people in your images, or plan to spend a lot of time in front of the computer removing them!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv0wCJ3M-3R6HY1r3UhInvas22gdDUZHXzNKsu4UStdG9VrroX1e3og_Ex5eSHOsIbYvtQKNIVJCXyabl_EDFyMtntwqKLRIoWRog3t1ajKPqACbq60sMaMW2UbO9EtyVHPBI6b3L92jV/s1080/PUG136VUNIVERSITYWASHINGTON-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of University of Washington Cherry Blossoms" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv0wCJ3M-3R6HY1r3UhInvas22gdDUZHXzNKsu4UStdG9VrroX1e3og_Ex5eSHOsIbYvtQKNIVJCXyabl_EDFyMtntwqKLRIoWRog3t1ajKPqACbq60sMaMW2UbO9EtyVHPBI6b3L92jV/w266-h400/PUG136VUNIVERSITYWASHINGTON-copy2.jpg" title="Chery blossoms line a brick walkway on the University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA, USA." width="266" /></a></div>I hope you get a chance to visit this wonderful place in the coming years. If you do, I recommend a weekday, and go early (the crowds come mid-day on).<div><br /></div><div>Bring your patience and be respectful of others, of course. You might have to wait for another photographer to finish, the person taking the selfie to move on, or the group of friends trying to get their group shot just right! I've even seen wedding pictures being taken here! No mater, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. It will be worth it!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like to view more images from my galleries, please feel free to do so at <a href="http://www.mountainscenes.com">www.mountainscenes.com</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking!<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-66051760045188602752020-12-14T07:22:00.001-08:002020-12-14T07:22:48.252-08:00Western Landscapes 2021 Wall Calendar<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoiUmkoAGqUPd4wqkeB8RCbW7WqLakei-3RBplVJO15eRW_I-UFygzLZw4I-p0CdzobZtdeDqU1hHKN-12BNALHAhFnTGzo9nA6HdHoMdwC5cAEopTKcpaXlVyinPq-jGSnqb8IpXBGQp/s2048/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="2048" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoiUmkoAGqUPd4wqkeB8RCbW7WqLakei-3RBplVJO15eRW_I-UFygzLZw4I-p0CdzobZtdeDqU1hHKN-12BNALHAhFnTGzo9nA6HdHoMdwC5cAEopTKcpaXlVyinPq-jGSnqb8IpXBGQp/w400-h311/Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> My new <a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/don-geyer/wild-west-2021/paperback/product-d8dm2n.html?page=1&pageSize=4" target="_blank">2021 wall calendar</a> is out! It includes images from all over the western U.S. and Canada, including Mount Rainier NP, Olympic NP, North Cascades NP, Death Valley NP, Canyonlands NP, Assiniboine PP, Yoho NP and more!<br /><p></p><p>You can <a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/don-geyer/wild-west-2021/paperback/product-d8dm2n.html?page=1&pageSize=4" target="_blank">purchase this calendar here</a>! Right now you can save 15% by using the code WINTER15! This is only for a limited time!</p><p>I've been creating these calendars to share my travels for several years now, and the project just keeps getting more exciting for me each year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuR9MBRl1Y-HUubjDUsEihzH8NIVY5TV6DNwdgitycsF2TiNwE1Qtl-YJwrP5fMmlBlp4ArnYCuDTuPPPyCI3i4GdiYEtQVjVVWTXXRzs86T4a-6IGIMJwpiAI8XC-WtTxWvligD0K5vk/s2048/Back+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="2048" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuR9MBRl1Y-HUubjDUsEihzH8NIVY5TV6DNwdgitycsF2TiNwE1Qtl-YJwrP5fMmlBlp4ArnYCuDTuPPPyCI3i4GdiYEtQVjVVWTXXRzs86T4a-6IGIMJwpiAI8XC-WtTxWvligD0K5vk/w400-h311/Back+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>In fact, it's hard to choose which images to include as I have so many favorites and keep building on them.<div><br /></div><div>You can view these images and more by visiting my <a href="www.mountainscenes.com" target="_blank">website</a> at <a href="http://www.mountainscenes.com" target="_blank">www.mountainscenes.com</a>. Prints are available.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking and enjoy the holidays! Stay safe!<br /><p><br /></p></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-3715196119548052462020-11-28T17:20:00.002-08:002020-11-30T06:52:44.549-08:00Golden Lakes Loop in Chelan Sawtooths<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzW_Q1tx_R_aZsKMm8G3gi8inI3jfvKvdBy0oTEQD7eqRJouJw5C-8P57eupjMfPCnUVrSMaAPufksNXFpeB3HVslnJe6CXGggQpp0ejplcasZEm-m6mZwt16ywt-PPJbxnl1VzRrZYGb/s1500/NOR1440HUPPEREAGLE-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Upper Eagle Lake Reflection, Chelan Sawtooth" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzW_Q1tx_R_aZsKMm8G3gi8inI3jfvKvdBy0oTEQD7eqRJouJw5C-8P57eupjMfPCnUVrSMaAPufksNXFpeB3HVslnJe6CXGggQpp0ejplcasZEm-m6mZwt16ywt-PPJbxnl1VzRrZYGb/w400-h266/NOR1440HUPPEREAGLE-copy2.jpg" title="Early morning reflection in Upper Eagle Lake of the Sawtooth Range, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in Upper Eagle Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This last October I ventured into a new area of our mountains in Washington for the very first time - the Chelan Sawtooth. What an amazing place in fall!<p></p><p>I must preface my story with the fact that I came directly from the Rainy Pass area along the North Cascades Highway, where trailhead parking lots were beyond full. Parked cars could be seen on both sides of the highway, stretching as far as a quarter mile away - on a weekday. It was crazy.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TWo9BcEnZWyAj-ql9fzR6v4jDdOsKsVpCqNARBaN71HRGTgHon_jMbp7nB2dOHJEW0oEHhxnpE4cJ-HpfeG1_yR6GvZ4XozxcjjRNMwouz_X8KyQvgkucbB3dzVJgtV8fcE86MNc5SfA/s1500/NOR1438HUPPEREAGLE-copy2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Upper Eagle Lake reflection, Chelan Sawtooth" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TWo9BcEnZWyAj-ql9fzR6v4jDdOsKsVpCqNARBaN71HRGTgHon_jMbp7nB2dOHJEW0oEHhxnpE4cJ-HpfeG1_yR6GvZ4XozxcjjRNMwouz_X8KyQvgkucbB3dzVJgtV8fcE86MNc5SfA/w400-h266/NOR1438HUPPEREAGLE-copy2.jpg" title="Early morning reflection in Upper Eagle Lake of the Sawtooth Range, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in Upper Eagle Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The Chelan Sawtooths offered a much different atmosphere. This became evident as soon as I turned off Highway 97 onto a series of forest service roads that seemed to go forever. I arrived at the Eagle Lake TH to a nearly full parking lot and disappointment set in. Crowds were what I was hoping to avoid.<div><br /></div><div>I would soon learn that most trail traffic consisted of day hikers and mountain bikes. The only backpackers I encountered my first day was a family on their way out, that told me I would likely have the place nearly to myself. They would not be wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>The approach to Upper Eagle Lake was a hot, dry one. I would have preferred an earlier start, but dems da berries!</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzC1w2PXJ7cwItsaT_31zAXf_B2fzQ-8E_coJYJ31VAQ1O2-jGl8KDYVGdLp4NrbEegkrgofPwMgOCQEL-Ll9Xf3kdLHSFdNK21KO1kBgnAYOV7YRtglnht92TSWgMazCBbkqQ3aqUjrl/s1500/NOR1439HUPPEREAGLE-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Upper Eagle Lake reflection, Chelan Sawtooth" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzC1w2PXJ7cwItsaT_31zAXf_B2fzQ-8E_coJYJ31VAQ1O2-jGl8KDYVGdLp4NrbEegkrgofPwMgOCQEL-Ll9Xf3kdLHSFdNK21KO1kBgnAYOV7YRtglnht92TSWgMazCBbkqQ3aqUjrl/w400-h266/NOR1439HUPPEREAGLE-copy2.jpg" title="Early morning reflection in Upper Eagle Lake of the Sawtooth Range, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in Upper Eagle Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Views really opened up the last mile or so of trail and helped take my mind off the work up. Soon I was at the junction and turned right to gain the upper lake at 7,110'.</div><div><br /></div><div>I arrived to find some dayhikers lining the shores of the lake in the campground, enjoying the afternoon sun and the escape from suburbia. I think I chatted with most of them - all super nice. One by one the left and I was left alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did some evening photography of the area, but it was very clear that morning would be the best light. Still, it confirmed that the lake's backdrop was east facing and allowed me to start planning my morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning was spectacular as expected and my photography actually started with moonlight, not sunlight! Can you pick which image(s) above?</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu6XuX8IDwC7M2UNk7fNZ-a4cVbvPcHCKkzvLzbVLX-ycvXIa0kSbA43ZZz6j9_sgR3iWYnRTqLRlh1-s3YwvyOBq4L_fxPNJYYQPl4o8sSqW1E2Lm0n2CG02IV3B-ijKq_q9VGRY2cSz/s2578/Cooney+Lake.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Panorama of Cooney Lake and Fall Larches" border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="2578" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu6XuX8IDwC7M2UNk7fNZ-a4cVbvPcHCKkzvLzbVLX-ycvXIa0kSbA43ZZz6j9_sgR3iWYnRTqLRlh1-s3YwvyOBq4L_fxPNJYYQPl4o8sSqW1E2Lm0n2CG02IV3B-ijKq_q9VGRY2cSz/w400-h189/Cooney+Lake.jpg" title="Panorama view looking down to Cooney Lake amidst golden fall larches, from a ridge above, Chelan Sawtooth, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phone pic of Cooney Lake from a ridge high above<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Soon it was time to pack up and move out. I had a long day ahead - longer than even I realized! I descended back to the main trail, then climbed up and over 7,590' Horsehead Pass and dropped down to Boiling Lake. The views from the trail this entire stretch were amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was a couple camped at the lake. We exchanged nods as I took my first break of the day. Just a quick bight before moving on.</div><div><br /></div><div>After descending down to a creek crossing and ascending the other side, the country soon became wide open. Grass meadows extended far and wide with very few trees. Views to the prominent peaks of the North Cascades were amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjdL2rrhU17SceHZ9P9r1_k1ojfJ_GxGAT2k9vgp30W2uAi91heTwPaQc37eanVBXm5qvZJHJ-y_z74saT8ngW7IUlCP_WVniD51ntKt4LrdYfTQzyLfb_0ol23TLHXoptVwejYfhsOEi/s1080/NOR1441VMARTIN-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Martin Lake reflection, Chelan Sawtooth" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjdL2rrhU17SceHZ9P9r1_k1ojfJ_GxGAT2k9vgp30W2uAi91heTwPaQc37eanVBXm5qvZJHJ-y_z74saT8ngW7IUlCP_WVniD51ntKt4LrdYfTQzyLfb_0ol23TLHXoptVwejYfhsOEi/w266-h400/NOR1441VMARTIN-copy2.jpg" title="Evening reflection in Martin Lake, Chelan Sawtooth, Washington, USA." width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in Martin Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Soon the trail began a to switchback steeply to gain the 8,000' saddle below the summit of Switchback Peak. The views from the saddle were incredible, with better views back towards the North Cascades and into Canada, but also east down to Merchant Basin and out to Central Washington. This made an excellent snack stop, and is where I encountered my first mountain biker. We exchanged quick pleasantries and then he was on his way. He was doing my trip in reverse, and got a late start!</div><div><br /></div><div>The descent into Merchant Basin was quite steep, and soon I began encountering more mountain bikers. All were super nice and always gave me the right away - stepping off the trail and hoisting their bikes above them. I honestly felt guilty watching parties of 5 or so doing this, when I was travelling solo. I began reversing the rule of etiquette so as not to inconvenience.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a traverse above Merchant Basin (the trail only descended part way into it before reaching a junction), Cooney Lake came into view in all its splendor. The area was golden!</div><div><br /></div><div>My descent continued down towards the lake and traversed past it on the south side. Part of me wanted to go explore it, but I was tired and needed to get to Martin Lake, my destination for the evening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_83TxHQyJliOsbDFazymek2tvEQnM61szoWbU5k911z0JxO_zzYJkQSOfC4bVNAEcYkPl-GZDg_oANcK85xuVjv7sxgceGNd64ciQquhfiWmXD6SFd7xQB_LCB1JYZ1NkUZy9DG60gPQ/s1500/NOR1443HMARTIN-copy2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Martin Lake reflection, Chelan Sawtooth" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_83TxHQyJliOsbDFazymek2tvEQnM61szoWbU5k911z0JxO_zzYJkQSOfC4bVNAEcYkPl-GZDg_oANcK85xuVjv7sxgceGNd64ciQquhfiWmXD6SFd7xQB_LCB1JYZ1NkUZy9DG60gPQ/w400-h266/NOR1443HMARTIN-copy2.jpg" title="Reflection in Martin Lake, Chelan Sawtooth, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in Martin Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>I finally reached the Martin Lakes junction and found a place to sit and nibble on some food. Soon a lady came up the trail from below, followed by her husband. They had the same destination in mind.<div><br /></div><div>They were from Spokane and we share many stories, including of the Idaho Sawtooths, where I had recently spent time and they were regulars.</div><div><br /></div><div>Soon I excused myself, donned my pack, and headed up to find home for the evening.</div><div><br /></div><div>I arrived at the lake to find it vacant, and dropped my pack at a lakeside site. Soon the other couple arrived as well, and we elected to be neighbors. We picked up the conversation where we left off.</div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwxaQIoamZElx-c8m32I6qpxruI-5JFSki8-sXsZ1C-RHpLubzqQ2Grq97n9nFn3tG_GVIE4EHBzZ03B_Btw4bb4RWxDnS1nTrUbJfddSfL6dfEcjZkmGwmxvf6wVCOWWFSud_njFws06/s1500/NOR1444HMARTIN-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Martin Lake reflection, Chelan Sawtooth" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwxaQIoamZElx-c8m32I6qpxruI-5JFSki8-sXsZ1C-RHpLubzqQ2Grq97n9nFn3tG_GVIE4EHBzZ03B_Btw4bb4RWxDnS1nTrUbJfddSfL6dfEcjZkmGwmxvf6wVCOWWFSud_njFws06/w400-h266/NOR1444HMARTIN-copy2.jpg" title="Reflection in Martin Lake, Chelan Sawtooth, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in Martin Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>That evening I traversed around the south side of the lake and found a composition I really liked with some dead snags along the shore (above). I was fortunate to find the scene with reflective waters, as they disappeared quickly.<div><br /></div><div>The winds picked up and lasted through the night. My expectations for morning reflections disappeared. But to my surprise, they greeted me as I poked my head out of my tent!</div><div><br /></div><div>I enjoyed a spectacular morning with a show of pink clouds to the east that was second to none! I watched them in fascination and envy for much of the morning, wishing I was in a location to photograph them. But the fact is, they were the reason for the fantastic light that I did receive.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAAlQUKVobLAHddT-MxZYQFRV6Wl6jTBs65fvMxJNzbwis4SrPNvzwKbXKJUa9lDXAkhauxjXnILC2zcFN8lFRCmhaYs3ozZ3Ef6yBnPI0yXav07u2yDvXtcMwvmF3PCmLpvBWK8M3HcE/s1500/NOR1445HMARTIN-copy-3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Martin Lake reflection, Chelan Sawtooth" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAAlQUKVobLAHddT-MxZYQFRV6Wl6jTBs65fvMxJNzbwis4SrPNvzwKbXKJUa9lDXAkhauxjXnILC2zcFN8lFRCmhaYs3ozZ3Ef6yBnPI0yXav07u2yDvXtcMwvmF3PCmLpvBWK8M3HcE/w400-h266/NOR1445HMARTIN-copy-3.jpg" title="Reflection in Martin Lake, Chelan Sawtooth, Washington, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in Martin Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>Soon the show was done and it was time to pack up and begin my descent back to the TH. <div><br /></div><div>My exit was uneventful, thought I did pass the most people of my entire trip - all heading up for the weekend. I smiled as I realized I had timed my visit perfectly. I also smiled to know that on one of the most popular times for fall colors near Rainy Pass in the North Cascades, I escaped the area to find solace and peace in a new area, with colors at absolute peak. It was a fantastic trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>Final stats for the trip were 26.1 miles, 5,640' gain.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will say that this trip opened my eyes to many potential future trips in the area. This is an area I would definitely like to explore more.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope my story helps you in planning a future trip to this area.</div><div><br /></div><div>See you on the trail!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-14257444018598951962020-10-24T16:22:00.001-07:002020-10-24T16:22:11.328-07:00Fall in the North Cascades!<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt0ZuBIPp0cY23Xym4jtjJIEjTgpW09vteA2lMJXkQDyUyQglHqwaFrDyQ9L4XGp3_lZMaV20J9KcvTtbJB7NxGseKVjJujq-qCVjFudxRtt3e_7xqqnF2fLuPu9EDRdVd76SUNLSmZHQ/s1080/NOR1425VMAPLE-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt0ZuBIPp0cY23Xym4jtjJIEjTgpW09vteA2lMJXkQDyUyQglHqwaFrDyQ9L4XGp3_lZMaV20J9KcvTtbJB7NxGseKVjJujq-qCVjFudxRtt3e_7xqqnF2fLuPu9EDRdVd76SUNLSmZHQ/w266-h400/NOR1425VMAPLE-copy2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors above Rainy Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/North-Cascades/">North Cascades</a> are a fabulous place to spend time in the fall with vibrant colors all around. The fall season begins as early as mid September in some areas, and lasts to mid-October in others.</p><p>A visit to areas around Mt. Baker in mid-September will find the berry leaves on fire. Some of my favorite hikes for these are Boulder Ridge, Rainbow Ridge, Park Butte and Ptarmigan Ridge. I'm sure there are more!</p><p>As the month of September moves on, many more places begin to turn vibrant red throughout the range. By the end of the month, hikes near Rainy and Washington Pass along the North Cascades Highway (SR-20) become VERY popular destinations (too popular - go on a weekday and go early or late in the day).</p><p>The arrival of October sends most fall color enthusiasts into pandemonium! Not only are the reds still typically vibrant, the needles of larch begin to turn gold. Peak for the larch are typically close to mid-October. By the time they are truly at peak, much of the reds will have likely disappeared in my experience.</p><p>Larch are found on eastern side of the Cascades only, mostly (if not entirely) north of I-90. In the North Cascades, excellent places to view them are near Washington and Rainy Pass, as well as hikes reached from Winthrop, Twisp and Carlton.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEk3tOJ4QpbWP2OzktEc3-ibCgu5ZJgxPCmi8Q_WA_HrOfWNZ_GHBnAZfJcAxqDgbqru623zIPN5E-2m-Y6mHpSE1anCKAgwDEo1jUnOSBPKuA_LYLaYLz1IgYJbrbKS1fuXcG5aBwzlwJ/s1080/NOR1424VMAPLE-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEk3tOJ4QpbWP2OzktEc3-ibCgu5ZJgxPCmi8Q_WA_HrOfWNZ_GHBnAZfJcAxqDgbqru623zIPN5E-2m-Y6mHpSE1anCKAgwDEo1jUnOSBPKuA_LYLaYLz1IgYJbrbKS1fuXcG5aBwzlwJ/w266-h400/NOR1424VMAPLE-copy2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors below peaks of the<br />North Cascades</td></tr></tbody></table>Early October is also a fantastic time to make the drive to Artist Point, located at the end of the Mount Baker Highway (Highway 542). There are no larch here, but picture perfect scenes exist right from the parking lot for those not wishing to hit the trail.</p><p>Of course every year can be slightly different on the timing, mostly based on temperatures and weather patterns. The amount of precipitation during the summer months can also play a huge factor on the quality of colors.</p><p>In my experience, the biggest challenge to viewing late season colors are the big white snowflakes! It can snow at any time in the upper elevations of the Cascades. But the North Cascades seem to be especially prone to it, and likely in early to mid-October. I have tried to revisit one of my favorite larch viewing backpacks on multiple occasions. While my first visit at peak time went off perfectly, all my subsequent attempts have ended in being turned back by deep snow or storms. So I've learned not to take anything for granted!</p><p>There are some things to be careful for during this time. First off, it is hunting season. So if you are visiting an area outside of North Cascades National Park, be sure to where bright clothes to be easily seen.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjk6g7XVj5NatNiyCmanMJ0uDOsjwt3bhT7pP9eJDn02YnEa8hdsU3EOYmOfqAp6lLwGUXAxfcM7Kjx4ofObtc3gYbYWln0qlyGnAS0AkefG_-nxJOuMCkpanIbiQj3A6m215uXxuH5BE/s600/NOR.1034.12.H.SHUKSAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjk6g7XVj5NatNiyCmanMJ0uDOsjwt3bhT7pP9eJDn02YnEa8hdsU3EOYmOfqAp6lLwGUXAxfcM7Kjx4ofObtc3gYbYWln0qlyGnAS0AkefG_-nxJOuMCkpanIbiQj3A6m215uXxuH5BE/w400-h268/NOR.1034.12.H.SHUKSAN.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Shuksan Reflection<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The second is to be prepared for cold temperatures. Sunny and nice days can be even colder than snowy days due to the lack of cloud cover insulating the air. This is especially a concern in early mornings and late evenings. Even if it is comfortable outside when you start out, be sure and throw some warmer layers in your pack, including jacket, hat and gloves.<div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking! You can view more of my images from the North Cascades in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/North-Cascades/">North Cascades Gallery</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope to see you on the trail!<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-85305686265245532962020-10-11T11:32:00.004-07:002020-10-11T11:58:53.464-07:00Bears!<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG08CKiSNiU-Ef1gsuj7lx-d4GeBWH7wwDe4NMgLgrwQsyc42ncOA78L7YYZL7Wdjrl9neXs89AWLb4_ZEBTt_A4uxSNpvFPrPGEAuNSTi-ZQzUU9ZgdRABjN1dgHhkmr0S3HLVY2wzOv/s1500/Bear-4-10-4-20-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of mother black bear" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG08CKiSNiU-Ef1gsuj7lx-d4GeBWH7wwDe4NMgLgrwQsyc42ncOA78L7YYZL7Wdjrl9neXs89AWLb4_ZEBTt_A4uxSNpvFPrPGEAuNSTi-ZQzUU9ZgdRABjN1dgHhkmr0S3HLVY2wzOv/w400-h266/Bear-4-10-4-20-copy2.jpg" title="A mother black bear scans her surroundings with her cubs behind her." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mother black bear with her two cubs behind her.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> I love photographing bears! Well, let me back up. I love seeing bears on a hike or backpack. For me, it adds to the experience of the trip and generally guarantees me coming home with a smile on my face, no matter how the rest of the trip may have been.<p></p><p>Being able to photograph bears takes the experience to an all new level. It also requires much more planning, preparation and heavier camera equipment than I would typically take on a hike. This is because larger lenses are required. I would say a minimum 300mm lens to be successful, but larger would be better.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVX6_WamhXerF_nfMvQamrgWp2XET7Mr7Ij3wuX5xwPSPRdh_scy4MSCRY3UNFmO617dfc1w0RK7oH2PZ-hwTjZRCOBV540wQqoMUh2f9F-pTZh-6D4R0vPTajtheVc91GJHCd1EHTIjBg/s1500/Bear-2-10-4-20-copy2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of black bear cub eating berries" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVX6_WamhXerF_nfMvQamrgWp2XET7Mr7Ij3wuX5xwPSPRdh_scy4MSCRY3UNFmO617dfc1w0RK7oH2PZ-hwTjZRCOBV540wQqoMUh2f9F-pTZh-6D4R0vPTajtheVc91GJHCd1EHTIjBg/w400-h266/Bear-2-10-4-20-copy2.jpg" title="A black bear cub stretches tall to reach berries on a branch of a bush." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bear cub reaches high up for berries on a bush.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>My "go to" lens is my 200mm 2.8 lens coupled with a 2x teleconverter, equaling 400mm total focal length. This allows me to photograph from a safe distance away so as not to disturb the animals in their natural environment. <div><br /></div><div>The three images appearing here were taken over about a 40 minute span, requiring much patience to catch the glance of the bear. I missed a couple of opportunities, admittedly. Three quality images in 40 minutes of work? Yep. Because the bears were at ease and pretty much ignoring me. Coming back with 30 quality images would mean I likely had the bear's undivided attention, which would mean I was disturbing them and causing undue stress, not to mention risking my own well-being.<div><br /></div><div>These images were recently taken from a trail at Mount Rainier National Park. Much of the time was actually shared with a volunteer park staff member as we watch the cubs feed! We were both pretty giddy and had permanent smiles on our faces!</div><div><br /><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGkt_M_l6oWgb8LfDK-RekWA5zMskLsKuydyvL_Mm3ZjsrhQI9QVF8xdHjaq6saEfs320l8MFlzM9_5i49Xtc68fEfo1WV2SHEkMDj2JNaF-8B0brOvk7UuQDWZRVIN92J91vtEEHIzct/s1500/Bear-3-10-4-20-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of black bear cub" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGkt_M_l6oWgb8LfDK-RekWA5zMskLsKuydyvL_Mm3ZjsrhQI9QVF8xdHjaq6saEfs320l8MFlzM9_5i49Xtc68fEfo1WV2SHEkMDj2JNaF-8B0brOvk7UuQDWZRVIN92J91vtEEHIzct/w400-h266/Bear-3-10-4-20-copy2.jpg" title="A black bear cub glances around its surroundings while nibbling on berries." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bear cub glances around its surroundings while nibbling<br />on berries.</td></tr></tbody></table>This brings up another helpful hint when wishing to photograph bears. Truly wild black bears in the Pacific Northwest are typically afraid of their own shadow. They spook easily and run at the slightest sound or movement. I have found the best places to photograph bears are in national parks where they are somewhat accustomed to the presence of humans. I have enjoyed my best opportunities in Yellowstone, Olympic and Mount Rainier, and close to populated areas of the parks (not in the backcountry).</div><div><br /></div><div>My new website is still a work in progress and I have not uploaded my Wildlife Gallery yet. Hopefully this will happen soon! However, you can view my landscape photography from all over the Western U.S. and Canada at <a href="http://www.mountainscenes.com">www.mountainscenes.com</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking! Stay safe!</div><div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div></div></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-63708166272560589122020-09-12T12:26:00.010-07:002020-09-18T14:59:07.842-07:00The Sawtooth Wilderness of Idaho<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOJml3zqFgh3O_nMgFNg_qxZR00tuphhwMSnmd7mqKe5tkkBNu3Y0-YlLq7XrfiW0NIwLek1-XFupgoZvsClPmivi8tLQj0_u8iGb81W91VTDDArjlWZBqlu2AmSS2y1ciFsgZ332f7Y-/s1500/SAW002HALICE-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Alice Lake reflection, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOJml3zqFgh3O_nMgFNg_qxZR00tuphhwMSnmd7mqKe5tkkBNu3Y0-YlLq7XrfiW0NIwLek1-XFupgoZvsClPmivi8tLQj0_u8iGb81W91VTDDArjlWZBqlu2AmSS2y1ciFsgZ332f7Y-/w400-h266/SAW002HALICE-copy2.jpg" title="Early reflection in Alice Lake before sunrise, Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice Lake Reflection.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><i>Edit: You can now view these images in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Sawtooth/" target="_blank">Sawtooth Wilderness Gallery</a>!</i><div><br /></div><div>This trip was my introduction to the Sawtooth Wilderness of Idaho, so I wasn't really sure what to expect, other than great scenery. I was not disappointed to find there was so much more!<p></p><p>It was a nearly 10 hour drive from Seattle, with much of it on two-lane country and forest service roads to the small town of Stanley. It was a pretty crazy place at 3:00 in the afternoon, with gas station lines up to seven cars deep! I would highly recommend gassing up and securing your provisions along the way (elsewhere).</p><p>I arranged to meet Brian of <a href="https://www.sawtoothtrans.com/" target="_blank">Sawtooth Transportation</a> at the Redfish Lake TH. There I would leave my vehicle and be shuttled by Brian to the Pettite Lake TH to begin my one-way backpack. Brian was awesome and I highly recommend his company if a shuttle is in your plans!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonpg85M5bmtyLiYStXrOAxVsrhETAipHtkRzOL4_Ojs8cEfbz7qH_QlqrMRfaiixZY7xjtht4QKdTt7Uv-p-qGoaohZuCBld3XA1fxfwHcxDfEe5qE-ZvA7YxWS1zGmfxFPCIlontAXP4/s1500/SAW003HALICE-copy2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="image of Alice Lake reflection, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonpg85M5bmtyLiYStXrOAxVsrhETAipHtkRzOL4_Ojs8cEfbz7qH_QlqrMRfaiixZY7xjtht4QKdTt7Uv-p-qGoaohZuCBld3XA1fxfwHcxDfEe5qE-ZvA7YxWS1zGmfxFPCIlontAXP4/w400-h266/SAW003HALICE-copy2.jpg" title="Early light at sunrise reflected in Alice Lake, Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice Lake Reflection.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We arrived at the Pettite Lake TH around 4:00 pm, and I began to weigh my options for the evening. My hope was to camp at the TH for an early morning start, but this was not an option. So I got my gear together and began hiking up the Alice Lake trail in search of a place to call home for the evening. I found one just past the trail register, about a mile in at the far end of the lake.<div><br /></div><div>I didn't get much sleep that night however. While the lake sports a campground and day use area on this side, the other side consists of summer vacation homes, and the parties went late.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning I got a 7:00 am start up the trail, hoping to arrive at Alice Lake late enough to allow sites to empty, but early enough to snag a nice site. It worked. I arrived as the last party left the coveted peninsula, and snagged a site at the far tip with fantastic views of the peaks across the water. This area began to fill up as the afternoon went on.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RT_EM3mtw7VaZ7S_jUK1VDojy11nwK_th6clD_b-tSS0YKF7PWIfRAc11vTvF5ES58xetVn2YLF5s0-ykShjrukEWPgKVGXyw24X7qhw1WuNwF0nxVRE2_yMmskn-wor5IMHTjCRnWFq/s2576/Snowyside+Pass.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Twin Lakes, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="2576" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RT_EM3mtw7VaZ7S_jUK1VDojy11nwK_th6clD_b-tSS0YKF7PWIfRAc11vTvF5ES58xetVn2YLF5s0-ykShjrukEWPgKVGXyw24X7qhw1WuNwF0nxVRE2_yMmskn-wor5IMHTjCRnWFq/w400-h190/Snowyside+Pass.jpg" title="Twin Lakes from Snowyside Pass, Sawtooth Range, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phone pic of Twin Lakes from Snowyside Pass.</td></tr></tbody></table>I would probably do things differently next time. There are some beautiful sites at the foot of the lake. The lake water had a foul taste to it, despite my filtering it. I soon discovered that one did not have far look to find toilet paper about. How I am not certain as there is no privacy at these sites. One has to walk quite away to conduct one's business.<div><br /></div><div>If I have one complaint about the Sawtooths, it's the lack of waste management. Their are no pit toilets, even in the most popular areas. This is compounded with the fact that established campsites are commonly within 10 feet (or less) of the water.</div><div><br /></div><div>After setting camp and resting, I went up and scouted Twin Lakes. Very nice. Not nearly as crowded.</div><div><br /></div><div>I awoke a couple of times during the night to photograph the Milky Way, then awoke early for sunrise. The previous day had been quite windy all day long at the lake. But morning brought beautifully still waters that offered the anticipated reflection of the surrounding peaks.</div><div><br /></div><div>My plan was to head to Imogine Lake this day, but I soon realized it was not going to happen. I stayed too late in the morning at Alice Lake for photography, and I hadn't adjusted to the elevation yet. Coming from sea level, ~9,000' was quite an adjustment. I huffed all the way up to Snowyside Pass and realized Toxaway Lake would have to do.<br /><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4hyqgg6LmjEhneYj-J4Dhm0tRPEdvSm5bd6wzVm2tBzY0OHROiXyWKQ0OSBSH74B7zYbIEFwQQTbWY9LYUDNy7p-rt1kxxF674twpQdBsfcMrXs8L9U3dtGLGejQvaRXJEi_3jH1Fr9f/s2578/Toxaway.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Toxaway Lake, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="2578" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4hyqgg6LmjEhneYj-J4Dhm0tRPEdvSm5bd6wzVm2tBzY0OHROiXyWKQ0OSBSH74B7zYbIEFwQQTbWY9LYUDNy7p-rt1kxxF674twpQdBsfcMrXs8L9U3dtGLGejQvaRXJEi_3jH1Fr9f/w400-h189/Toxaway.jpg" title="Toxaway Lake from the trail to Sand Mountain Pass, Sawtooth Range, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phone pic of Toxaway Lake from the trail to <br />Sand Mountain Pass.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Toxaway Lake was very crowded. It proved to be a popular destination for fishermen, boy scouts, church groups - you name it. Finding a campsite at noon was a challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div>I set camp and again spent the afternoon resting. While re-evaluating my itinerary, I came to the conclusion that my next day's destination - Imogine Lake, was not going to work out. I would have to follow it by hiking all the way from Imogine to Cramer Lakes (13+ miles and climbing over two 9,000' plus passes) the next day to keep my schedule, which I was not confident I could do. Falling short likely would mean sacrificing Baron Lakes, which I was not willing to miss out on.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I awoke early the next morning and began the climb up to Sand Mountain Pass. I felt much better and even had a hop in my step, which put a smile on my face. It was going to be a good day!</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInTId_yCEyX1smOvooFFzUfBRqg9WS2rqDjbuyU7mr-3bqtUo71640sThTBxIW6rdyLe8s_sN79-dSbH91n3MoriZZBpcs_0RzTdmXVWx6SHTUmQV83IFsmOWAT8m9OwF-q4M6yWI-Oa_/s2578/Sand+Mountain+Pass.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Sand Mountain Pass, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="2578" data-original-width="1220" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInTId_yCEyX1smOvooFFzUfBRqg9WS2rqDjbuyU7mr-3bqtUo71640sThTBxIW6rdyLe8s_sN79-dSbH91n3MoriZZBpcs_0RzTdmXVWx6SHTUmQV83IFsmOWAT8m9OwF-q4M6yWI-Oa_/w189-h400/Sand+Mountain+Pass.jpg" title="Sand Mountain Pass in the Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="189" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phone pic at Sand<br />Mountain Pass.</td></tr></tbody></table>Sand Mountain Pass was awesome! I enjoyed a nice break before beginning my descent down to Edna Lake.<div><br /></div><div>Edna Lake was beautiful and mostly vacant. Lots of nice campsites. I traversed its shores and continued descending the south fork of the Payette River.</div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow, I missed the trail junction with the Hidden Lake trail. I was about 1.5 miles past it when I realized this and had to backtrack. As frustrating as it was, I had to laugh. I realized this was going to put my day's mileage above 13 miles - the number I was trying to avoid! But I felt good about myself and confident.</div><div><br /></div><div>I arrived at Hidden Lake in not much time and stopped for a break. I've often heard of the Sawtooth range being compared to the Sierras of California. But honestly, many areas actually remind me more of the Wind River range of Wyoming. This was one of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>The climb from Hidden Lake up to Cramer Divide was a grunt, mostly toward the top. At 9,500', this would be the high point of my entire trip. It was beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div>The descent down the backside to Cramer Lakes was steep. I can't say I would want to have to ascend this route, especially on a hot day.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn-gtqqwaDB0-binjqscTlMPmuubBrix2igLIpG8DDFFt-zaBHq2D2vQUKBu22dabJaIoGJoJRj7LNiqTuNyKGOARGno5XdvSML6zQNewx5GHY8pO5hXKR1XvNvi9tDtB2ckbsaMGFH0l/s1500/SAW005HCRAMER-copy2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="image of Upper Cramer Lake reflection, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn-gtqqwaDB0-binjqscTlMPmuubBrix2igLIpG8DDFFt-zaBHq2D2vQUKBu22dabJaIoGJoJRj7LNiqTuNyKGOARGno5XdvSML6zQNewx5GHY8pO5hXKR1XvNvi9tDtB2ckbsaMGFH0l/w400-h266/SAW005HCRAMER-copy2.jpg" title="Evening reflection in Upper Cramer Lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Cramer Lake Reflection.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I didn't know much about Cramer Lakes. They were supposed to be a layover stop for me on my way to Alpine and Baron Lakes. Little did I know just how beautiful they were!<div><br /></div><div>Despite this day being my longest of the trip, I had no problem finding a nice campsite on the isthmus between the upper and middle lakes. The views were quite nice, and evening brought some very special light and calm waters on the lake.</div><div><br /></div><div>I met a group of guys from Portland here, who were basically doing my trip in reverse. We chatted off and on throughout the afternoon.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42i_kJnBXshXWt7lAADJ7SxZE-8-CEsCeD9bXsKn260W3AQYraAqZrb6yGlC8AH_x_cI8u8dcnwOgUuGb3m6UgTCYB6QobObHV6xpT0E771dIGQkbxLpegRMdniAxbnhcAmcQkOcXop8x/s1500/SAW006HCRAMER-copy2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Upper Cramer Lake reflection, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42i_kJnBXshXWt7lAADJ7SxZE-8-CEsCeD9bXsKn260W3AQYraAqZrb6yGlC8AH_x_cI8u8dcnwOgUuGb3m6UgTCYB6QobObHV6xpT0E771dIGQkbxLpegRMdniAxbnhcAmcQkOcXop8x/w400-h266/SAW006HCRAMER-copy2.jpg" title="Evening light reflected in Upper Cramer Lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Cramer Lake Reflection.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The next morning I got an early start on my descent to Flatrock Junction. The ford of Redfish Creek was very straight forward, and I set my sights on the steep climb to Alpine Lake.<div><br /></div><div>I wasn't sure what to expect at Alpine Lake, other than the crowds. Everything I read and heard was that it was a very popular place, and one should seek solitude elsewhere. Apparently the crowds did not get the memo as I arrived to find it deserted! I set up camp and had the entire campground to myself until 6:00 that evening, when another group finally showed up. We were the only two parties for the night.</div><div><br /></div><div>The day was quite windy and it was evident that there was a change in the weather. That night I heard the pitter patter of rain drops on my tent for the first time. It didn't last long, however.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe2cpAdaytKKAwpF7gZVgmGQeMy-n1pymx0s2MDWjRxtVwPNdRisAoCwxbYQM9QLjsS7w9nNrHQofSWCmFr4AX-YAwTOC2zJtP65YyPretO7k7-_D2elwtMTZOP099K5FBbjVtygxuwe3/s1500/SAW008HALPINE-copy2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Alpine Lake, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe2cpAdaytKKAwpF7gZVgmGQeMy-n1pymx0s2MDWjRxtVwPNdRisAoCwxbYQM9QLjsS7w9nNrHQofSWCmFr4AX-YAwTOC2zJtP65YyPretO7k7-_D2elwtMTZOP099K5FBbjVtygxuwe3/w400-h266/SAW008HALPINE-copy2.jpg" title="Early light above Alpine Lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning light above Alpine Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I awoke to some clouds in the sky and wind on the lake. There would be no morning reflection, but there was still some nice light.<div><br />I soon packed up and hit the trail for Baron Lakes on the other side of the divide.</div><div><br /></div><div>The views from the divide were excellent and soon I was descending down to Baron Lakes. Upper Baron Lake was quite nice and sported some awesome campsites just off the trail. But I continued down to Baron Lake itself, and was thankful I did. I arrived to find I again had the campground all to myself and would for most of the day, only eventually sharing it with one other party.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YmLWqb35Bom8ZIPe0UhPbrx-qVTVv_IVuV6F1BXxhmwIfUEqRJC0dEmjTl436JzlOEq3oG_iyboAJOvEVbvJ6fdjVM_mGTFpxaRbxYlZyXHe1cctj-zoAwMazLUcSO8KXLCOn-xuUgbc/s1500/SAW012HBARON-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Baron Lake reflection, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1500" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YmLWqb35Bom8ZIPe0UhPbrx-qVTVv_IVuV6F1BXxhmwIfUEqRJC0dEmjTl436JzlOEq3oG_iyboAJOvEVbvJ6fdjVM_mGTFpxaRbxYlZyXHe1cctj-zoAwMazLUcSO8KXLCOn-xuUgbc/w400-h264/SAW012HBARON-copy2.jpg" title="Reflection in Baron Lake before sunrise, Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baron Lake reflection before sunrise.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>There had been some excitement in this area prior to my arrival. The day before I began my trip, a 4.3 earthquake hit the area. The earthquake triggered the summit of Baron Peak to fall off the mountain! You can see in the picture to the left (and below) white streaks on the peak to the right. This is where all the rock slid down the mountain. Two different parties captured much of the event on video. You can easily find it on YouTube.<div><br /></div><div>I found Baron Lake to be spectacular and my favorite lake of the entire trip. I spent the afternoon wandering around and scouting for photography. Again I got up several times during the night for star photography. This was the coldest night of my trip, with the temperature dipping down to 37 degrees F - in August. The temperature range in the Sawtooths were quite extreme during my trip. Daytime temps were commonly in the 80's, but nights would be in the low 40's.</div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOtq5u_polqvxy_dsECdjmCCQLANppGXwDIxwm854KWDoBX0GpQ0pc0NyxzKAMzpdWY60INTRclbEAaiBX1n4ecy-p50D2d6wwf-QOaH5iB8PB4SFLLwSyivqc1xC1Z-_4fs3tTAYsxag/s1620/SAW011HBARON-copy2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Baron Lake reflection, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOtq5u_polqvxy_dsECdjmCCQLANppGXwDIxwm854KWDoBX0GpQ0pc0NyxzKAMzpdWY60INTRclbEAaiBX1n4ecy-p50D2d6wwf-QOaH5iB8PB4SFLLwSyivqc1xC1Z-_4fs3tTAYsxag/w400-h266/SAW011HBARON-copy2.jpg" title="Early light reflected in Baron Lake, Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baron Lake Reflection.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Morning found a beautiful reflection on the lake that I couldn't get enough of! I scampered around for different compositions as the light increased on the peaks above, eventually realizing the best was behind me and it was time to move on.<div><br /></div><div>This was my exit day. I would backtrack over the divide back to Alpine Lake, Flatrock Junction, and descend down to Redfish Lake to catch the water taxi across the lake and back to my vehicle. Only the section past Flatrock Junction would be new to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I descended, I was amazed at the amount of uphill traffic going to Alpine and Baron Lakes. I began to realize that the solitude I got to experience may have been the exception to the rule, and considered myself lucky.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEIg4-NMfZ-7_Rd3BGgZ7HIuoAjASKOVq3s2ahSJazebf48UZF3hXbFRIbgqxcU_9LA9JAWLrcRfuHCVIls4UkjmhwkYOvzqrHisk99DttJGm_gFWCbNqW5stUN8K2a3KHctxouKCs-06/s1500/SAW014HBARON-copy2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image of Baron Lake reflection, Sawtooths" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEIg4-NMfZ-7_Rd3BGgZ7HIuoAjASKOVq3s2ahSJazebf48UZF3hXbFRIbgqxcU_9LA9JAWLrcRfuHCVIls4UkjmhwkYOvzqrHisk99DttJGm_gFWCbNqW5stUN8K2a3KHctxouKCs-06/w400-h266/SAW014HBARON-copy2.jpg" title="Morning reflection in Baron Lake, Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, USA." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baron Lake Reflection.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>I arrived at the dock just in time to see the water taxi making its way across the lake toward me. My trip was done - 47.2 miles and 6 days later, and many memories.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can now view these images in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Sawtooth/" target="_blank">Sawtooth Wilderness Gallery</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for looking and I hope to see you on the trail!</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-3115438462957081802020-08-24T10:02:00.001-07:002020-08-24T10:02:55.956-07:00High Divide, Olympic National Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB9DjoKQeLKH625QHJTEcvop5AILmpQhSCd2fXA27Yun796IHeFuZmnRbCrUtTWwPnUqEMe2s58jxy0CyJ7sMCcu3KLK76y8g1AfC097hf2Sh09YDdJjhx9seAOtO1N5r2JXsfPWSRICL/s1600/OLY684HOLYMPUS-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mount Olympus above flower meadows on High Divide, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB9DjoKQeLKH625QHJTEcvop5AILmpQhSCd2fXA27Yun796IHeFuZmnRbCrUtTWwPnUqEMe2s58jxy0CyJ7sMCcu3KLK76y8g1AfC097hf2Sh09YDdJjhx9seAOtO1N5r2JXsfPWSRICL/s400/OLY684HOLYMPUS-copy2.jpg" title="Image of Mount Olympus and flowers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Olympus above flower meadows on High Divide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been wanting to return to <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Olympic/">High Divide</a> for a few years now. Of course, permits for Heart Lake and Sol Duc Park were long taken. But I was able to benefit from a timely release of walk-up permits made available online for Seven Lakes Basin, and acted quickly!<br />
<br />
For where I wanted to photograph on High Divide, Seven Lakes Basin was not optimum. But it beat descending with headlamp back to the car after evening photography!<br />
<br />
I got an early 7:00 am start on the trail, after driving over from the Seattle area. The ascent went pretty quickly, and is incredibly scenic once above Deer Lake as one climbs and traverses through parkland meadows. Flowers were incredible, especially once gaining the ridge and traversing to the Seven Lakes Basin junction.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pXYyc9naKlUcQqY6jBiYvk5yPZQyXzGS2Yu7i0dt1TfjKY683DjFrLEZhll6JOfvMTxMUgHNC8aw5ODrJTfOr-4gEA-eFz39GFWJ3-6UCvEXoLtrDTJaY6EtZ5dQa17gpCnxkEKXaHi8/s1600/OLY685HLUNCH-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Early morning light on Lunch Lake in Seven Lakes Basin, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pXYyc9naKlUcQqY6jBiYvk5yPZQyXzGS2Yu7i0dt1TfjKY683DjFrLEZhll6JOfvMTxMUgHNC8aw5ODrJTfOr-4gEA-eFz39GFWJ3-6UCvEXoLtrDTJaY6EtZ5dQa17gpCnxkEKXaHi8/s400/OLY685HLUNCH-copy2.jpg" title="Image of Lunch Lake, Seven Lakes Basin" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch Lake in Seven Lakes Basin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The only difficulty on the trail is just before the junction where the trail has been wiped out due to a landslide, and one must follow cairns through a boulder field. After a short climb to the notch, you are welcomed with a steep descent down to the lakes.<br />
<br />
I spent most of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the sun. Around dinner time, I gathered my camera gear and headed up to the divide via the shortcut trail.<br />
<br />
It was about 2 miles to my favorite flower meadow, pretty much overlooking Heart Lake. It would be a headlamp jaunt back to camp and I was prepared.<br />
<br />
The evening was enjoyable as I watch the sun set, casting pink alpenglow on the mountain. Of course, this is followed with the Belt of Venus and the earth's shadow taking over the sky before the stars begin to appear.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W9VvH8JyfO81kqeWJEkDh5Yz7FPFVtSvOSN9mWwn2g0DKGOUWxHqBnY1jQzPxfsviO8HXskZ7snTg5NmoTbehQUEbdvYJP9ksvSjAQI7BklG4D7ZsNZL0-K5nzuEBqu27H4Bnlgo-0u6/s1600/OLY680HOLYMPUS-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mount Olympus above flower meadows on High Divide, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W9VvH8JyfO81kqeWJEkDh5Yz7FPFVtSvOSN9mWwn2g0DKGOUWxHqBnY1jQzPxfsviO8HXskZ7snTg5NmoTbehQUEbdvYJP9ksvSjAQI7BklG4D7ZsNZL0-K5nzuEBqu27H4Bnlgo-0u6/s400/OLY680HOLYMPUS-copy.jpg" title="Image of Mount Olympus and flowers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Olympus above flower meadows on High Divide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The trek back to camp in the dark half an hour after sunset wasn't as bad as I imagined. In fact, my headlamp never left my pack as I was aided by the light of a quarter moon.<br />
<br />
Then it was a late dinner and bed, with an everlasting grin on my face from another fantastic evening experience.<br />
<br />
You can view more of my images from Olympic NP in my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Olympic/">Olympic Gallery</a>.<br />
<br />
As always, thanks for looking! Hope to see you on the trails!Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-38701527838205870502020-08-19T15:49:00.002-07:002020-08-19T15:50:35.401-07:00Flowers At Mount Rainier!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvXDB9xkHcbvXeV_gMhK87wOHLS0nEuVQ2nRCzvW528hocELcxmNHo73pq6LRkoPYkZd6n-6q-UddDyAujH2MPLG8b2vuJ0IrB0NldzY4h9tX98Z41dJx61p5LzMnpmkTrN0tWpvgqjFg/s1600/RAI2247RAINIER-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flower meadows along the Naches Peak loop trail at Mount Rainier National Park, Cascade Range, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvXDB9xkHcbvXeV_gMhK87wOHLS0nEuVQ2nRCzvW528hocELcxmNHo73pq6LRkoPYkZd6n-6q-UddDyAujH2MPLG8b2vuJ0IrB0NldzY4h9tX98Z41dJx61p5LzMnpmkTrN0tWpvgqjFg/s400/RAI2247RAINIER-copy2.jpg" title="Image of Rainier and flowers" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower meadows along the Naches Peak loop at<br />
Mount Rainier National Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you sense some excitement in my prose, you would be correct! Flower season in the mountains is so short, because the growing season is so short. These meadows spend the majority of the year buried under a deep snowpack, and only get to come out to play for a couple months out of the entire year! Different varieties of flowers can have different schedules. Some years these schedules match for the most part, some years they do not. So when everything starts coming together it is reason to get excited!<br />
<br />
At <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Mount-Rainier/">Mount Rainier</a>, the flower show arrived a couple weeks ago in typical fashion - by beginning their tour on the east side of the park around Tipsoo Lake and Sunrise. While these areas are no longer in peak, others are! Try a hike up to Spray Park or Indian Henry's Hunting Ground or simply enjoy a short walk/hike around Paradise or Mazama Ridge. Now is the perfect time!<br />
<br />
Please remember to be respectful of the meadows. The growing season is so short that even the lightest of tread can cause irreparable damage. As my kid's patches used to say (handed out by the National Park Service), "Don't Be A Flower Stomper!"<br />
<br />
This year is even crazier than most. I spent a weekend morning at Sunrise photographing a couple weeks ago. When I arrived back at the parking lot shortly after 7 am, it was already full. By 8:30 am, the entrance was already closed and there were cars lined up for a quarter of a mile! (By comparison, I came up the very next day - a weekday, and it was quite the opposite). With this increase in traffic comes an increase of pressure on such fragile environments, which we all should be cognizant of.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCJ7bGZswftq-NbqO3D8EKBcJCEFda34iWeSsUauLv3HT1D9zgpIh1ztNmvUZihYmUcJYCuDK8Q1t95kC1SRoy4YI1Apg0_2ncVwC5xveCvvqRpaHt0aZB20tWs5zhG6O1BzU93uQtQE0/s1600/RAI2251VFLOWERS-copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flower meadows along the Naches Peak loop trail in Mount Rainier National Park, Cascade Range, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCJ7bGZswftq-NbqO3D8EKBcJCEFda34iWeSsUauLv3HT1D9zgpIh1ztNmvUZihYmUcJYCuDK8Q1t95kC1SRoy4YI1Apg0_2ncVwC5xveCvvqRpaHt0aZB20tWs5zhG6O1BzU93uQtQE0/s400/RAI2251VFLOWERS-copy2.jpg" title="Image of flower meadows at Mt. Rainier" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower meadows at Mount Rainier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is not unique to our area. It's happening all over. I just returned from the Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho and experienced much the same. A shuttle service I used told me he had never seen such crowds in all the years he has been in the area. His thoughts were that it was the culmination of cabin fever and not being able to travel. I can't say that I can argue with his assessment.<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the flowers! Lupine, paintbrush, asters, common cow parsnip, false hellebore, and so much more! Or, maybe you know them as the red ones, purple ones, yellow ones - that's alright too! The importance is the enjoyment!<br />
<br />
If you would like to see more images from this area, feel free to visit my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Mount-Rainier/">Mount Rainier Gallery</a>.<br />
<br />
As always, thanks for looking!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-37507786585970903152020-08-17T16:30:00.003-07:002020-08-17T16:30:57.186-07:00The Crazy Year We Call 2020!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNe0MrRN3W4fYOAxiVWg1HRS01ADKhf9EUuTR2nEkgZbKEC-u6VukTkIWgLAXquQOdD3beQzYz44t56dnikBZubVeXGvbzOVrVdQMhZWBk_AFhX1vknki3HvYIFwFa5YbdvceYuHTk48Rp/s626/Don+Sawtooths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="577" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNe0MrRN3W4fYOAxiVWg1HRS01ADKhf9EUuTR2nEkgZbKEC-u6VukTkIWgLAXquQOdD3beQzYz44t56dnikBZubVeXGvbzOVrVdQMhZWBk_AFhX1vknki3HvYIFwFa5YbdvceYuHTk48Rp/w370-h401/Don+Sawtooths.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>This has been a year unlike any I can remember in recent times. I've been planning to update my blog for about four months now, but have just been so busy. My plans and intentions have been there. I enjoyed some excellent photography trips in May and June, mostly shooting waterfalls on the east side of Mount Rainier. They were excellent trips that I was very excited to share. But alas, before I knew it time fast-forwarded to a new month and such a trip was no longer relevant to the times. This is how this year has seemed to go for me!<br /><p></p><p>So, I thought I would take a moment to simply update you on what has/is happening in my life and move on from there.</p><p>Of course, the elephant in the room is COVID-19. I think this pandemic has changed the lives of just about everyone of us in a major way. So many things that we have taken for granted in our everyday lives are no longer such. We are living in different times now for sure.</p><p>On the home front, I have two teenage kids who I am extremely proud of. My daughter is a senior in high school and is spending most of her time applying to colleges. Our plan was to set time aside to go visit various campuses, but those times have passed. Now its virtual online tours. Sigh.</p><p>My son is a freshman in high school and just coming off ACL surgery. While doing so, he somehow found a way to break his Tibia while jumping into the air to try and dunk a basketball. I had never heard of such a thing. He has it all on video. His friend was documenting the moment. The result was immediate surgery to screw it back together. He is now enjoying the fun of rehab all over again. I suppose he couldn't have picked a better time with most select sports being cancelled.</p><p>Beside all these fatherly responsibilities, I have indeed been finding time to get out! I've enjoyed photography trips to Mount Rainier NP, Olympic NP and even the Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho - my first venture into this fantastic mountain range! I also have many more adventures planned in the coming weeks.</p><p>I'm excited to be able to share all these magnificent trips with you in the coming days and weeks ahead.</p><p>I hope you are finding time to get out and staying safe as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-343593087535027262020-05-30T10:20:00.000-07:002020-05-30T10:20:00.640-07:00Kootenay National Park In Autumn<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vINMd0oN2vy3h6krYJS_HImhWbFZ3r51jDZdgUbnkV6Bal0uYnL8V5LMZiduMzrhHGRKFY2e3gz2NOpViwkjDFQzb8YD3a8Y9Hs1wgm20cUrg5SXjuwjOaI_FPMVHF5VbaNqh6YnJMx9/s1600/KOO.004.H.LARCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Golden larch above Floe Lake and the Rockwall in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vINMd0oN2vy3h6krYJS_HImhWbFZ3r51jDZdgUbnkV6Bal0uYnL8V5LMZiduMzrhHGRKFY2e3gz2NOpViwkjDFQzb8YD3a8Y9Hs1wgm20cUrg5SXjuwjOaI_FPMVHF5VbaNqh6YnJMx9/s400/KOO.004.H.LARCH.jpg" title="Image of Golden Larch, Kootenay National Park" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden larch in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kootenay National Park resides on the British Columbia side of the Great Divide. It neighbors Yoho National Park, Banff National Park, and Assiniboine Provincial Park. It helps make up the four national parks and two provincial parks that are commonly simply referred to as "<a href="http://www.mountainscenes.com/canadian_rockies.html">The Canadian Rockies</a>".<br />
<br />
The crown jewel of Kootenay National Park has to be <a href="http://www.mountainscenes.com/images/canadian_rockies/KOO.006.html">Floe Lake beneath the backdrop of the magnificent Rockwall</a>, especially as viewed from Numa Pass. It's a popular destination for backpackers and permits can be difficult to come by. But if one plans ahead, they are readily available and the rewards await.<br />
<br />
Towards the end of September, the larch change into their glorious robe of gold, announcing the end of summer and the beginning of cooler days and chilly nights in the prelude to winter. It's a magical time to be in the mountains.<br />
<br />
This image is not the classic image of the area, but does capture the beautiful color of the larches above Floe Lake. It currently is appearing in an editorial magazine in Taiwan.<br />
<br />
If you wish to see more images from this area, you can view them in my <a href="http://www.mountainscenes.com/canadian_rockies.html">Canadian Rockies Gallery</a>. I hope to have these images and more loaded to my new website soon.<br />
<br />
Thanks for looking!Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-42593856939011542932020-05-25T12:03:00.000-07:002020-05-25T12:05:21.563-07:00A Treasure in the Buckhorn Wilderness<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRc0zKzQgtHgLf7isOCuBulAispxbL3jZOfJWGG68Ekkmx67Gq_Y-WRt8srPRZloW_dZ0j583Cfqtod2yVk-auVRiG8vXsdtypJaxM6USAr0KnemXFjtr8gI3qKgksYfkZZRBF3LZ1mREc/s1600/OLY695HQUILCENE+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A waterfall along the Quilcene Riverl in the Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRc0zKzQgtHgLf7isOCuBulAispxbL3jZOfJWGG68Ekkmx67Gq_Y-WRt8srPRZloW_dZ0j583Cfqtod2yVk-auVRiG8vXsdtypJaxM6USAr0KnemXFjtr8gI3qKgksYfkZZRBF3LZ1mREc/s400/OLY695HQUILCENE+copy.jpg" title="Image of a Waterfall along the Quilcene River" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall along the Quilcene River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I recently revisited one of my favorite drainages of the entire <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Olympic/">Olympic peninsula</a> in Washington State - the Quilcene River. This drainage resides on the east side of the peninsula and sports a beautiful rain forest along a the very scenic waters of the Quilcene.<br />
<br />
While the Big Quilcene trail is a popular route to Marmot Pass and Buckhorn Mountain (as well as longer backpacks), much beauty can be enjoyed along the first couple of miles as the trail follows the river through rich, lush forest. The greens of the moss, ferns and lichen really pop on a cloudy day and accentuate the powerful, turbulent waters of the Quilcene River and its side tributaries.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XukG3Dav7zg1A0yNK0tq3aZC11BQ-6KA4NtO-mArWpFvSGH8ZCxd9vhpUCvme-uJlvAC7o_aPzks6XGaCcmpffrwci-LYjw6Z9jkc5UwHMv6JgLT1YNLf3RKk0d3sAjUFFFvB4sOZ-EF/s1600/OLY696VQUILCENE+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A waterfall along the Quilcene Riverl in the Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XukG3Dav7zg1A0yNK0tq3aZC11BQ-6KA4NtO-mArWpFvSGH8ZCxd9vhpUCvme-uJlvAC7o_aPzks6XGaCcmpffrwci-LYjw6Z9jkc5UwHMv6JgLT1YNLf3RKk0d3sAjUFFFvB4sOZ-EF/s400/OLY696VQUILCENE+copy.jpg" title="Image of Waterfall along the Quilcene River" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall along the Quilcene River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The river thunders loudly for much of the journey. The trail is sometimes close to its banks, sometimes high above with a perch-type view. Many side tributaries add to the beauty in early season, especially when the high country is still covered in snow.<br />
<br />
The air always seems so fresh along this stretch of trail, especially on a slightly rainy day like I most recently had.<br />
<br />
For photography, my favorite time to visit this area is in May or early June, and preferably on a cloudy day. If you are awarded a bit of drizzle during your journey, bonus!<br />
<br />
Shelter River camp marks the point the trail leaves the river behind and begins the steep climb up to Mystery Camp and Marmot Pass. For photographers, the best opportunities are well before Shelter Camp as the forest begins to open up by here.<br />
<br />
For those wishing to stretch their legs after a morning of photography, by all means - continue on! The trail climbs steeply to the wonderful panorama westward at Marmot Pass, looking out to Mt. Mystery and Mt. Deception (second highest peak in the Olympics).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrADBamw6Y5HZA10Ec8JpKdKxwA3Z6xDcC79QT3fpwt-dqk_1pIQu7DvrjU7TdMXKGNthleosRJqbczDuxgZFQSaZeKoLVM47Tz4oHr4c5gCay9W6MDRmUOcqiSGdNY02Ugl1eFblYge3P/s1600/OLY693HQUILCENEWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A waterfall along the Quilcene Riverl in the Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrADBamw6Y5HZA10Ec8JpKdKxwA3Z6xDcC79QT3fpwt-dqk_1pIQu7DvrjU7TdMXKGNthleosRJqbczDuxgZFQSaZeKoLVM47Tz4oHr4c5gCay9W6MDRmUOcqiSGdNY02Ugl1eFblYge3P/s400/OLY693HQUILCENEWEB.jpg" title="Image of Waterfall along the Quilcene River" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Waterfall along the Quilcene River.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For even better views, continue another 1.5 miles towards Buckhorn Pass and find a well-worn path that leads to the west summit of Buckhorn Mountain. The close-up views of Warrior Peak and <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Olympic/i-qMh3kQM">Mt. Constance</a> are impressive, as are the views north to the Straight of Juan de Fuca.<br />
<br />
Fun photography can be had at these heights as well for those willing to carry their gear up this high.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlvMFdRO2-3SjC5pyPUX1jfKg6kbTStAG5QuSBCanv24xYBKEKl3goiFWqcDynvmxH0A4YgFAy6m_4X0ch5GgCjalsgxb3W08VM1ZsthGKQateD3BrVqO4UG8SMUQvMmyhPnujWa1Rv4t/s1600/OLY697VQUILCENE+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A waterfall along the Quilcene Riverl in the Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest, Washington, USA." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlvMFdRO2-3SjC5pyPUX1jfKg6kbTStAG5QuSBCanv24xYBKEKl3goiFWqcDynvmxH0A4YgFAy6m_4X0ch5GgCjalsgxb3W08VM1ZsthGKQateD3BrVqO4UG8SMUQvMmyhPnujWa1Rv4t/s400/OLY697VQUILCENE+copy.jpg" title="Image of Waterfall" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall on a tributary along the Quilcene River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back to the forest photography down low - you know, what this post was originally about before the squirrel ran by? I recommend a mid-range lens and polarizer filter to bring out the lush greens of the of the forest carpet and canopy. As long as you are visiting on a cloudy day, a neutral density filter shouldn't be necessary, but it would never hurt to have it with you.<br />
<br />
Bring rain gear. Even when it is not raining, this area stays pretty moist in early season and brushing against ferns or tree limbs or sitting down will get you wet.<br />
<br />
Be sure to walk slow and have your head on swivel through the forest section. Opportunities are numerous and easy to miss. In fact, you will be likely to see ones on your return trip that you missed on the way up. After numerous visits to this area, I still do.<br />
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Most importantly, remember to enjoy this beautiful place and all it has to offer!<br />
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As always, thanks for looking. You can see more images from this area and Olympic National Park, please visit my <a href="https://dongeyer.smugmug.com/Olympic/">Olympic Gallery</a>.<br />
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<br />Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856077799269978975.post-20185837590263562672019-11-16T09:42:00.001-08:002019-11-16T09:45:02.483-08:00NEW 2020 Wall Calendars!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xg-tHBwRg4UbYs8Yv8fAuyeS6cX-GHZr_FULxc0GL5CG0_FwjVKVZtOne908FSeP4KGON6kjp6CLq0-ov1-l0Eg-pA0NJ4Glb86zHLyfNjtSL_TZL82NzkGnQdup7XN3-YlSTtIXJp8U/s1600/New+Cover+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="800" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xg-tHBwRg4UbYs8Yv8fAuyeS6cX-GHZr_FULxc0GL5CG0_FwjVKVZtOne908FSeP4KGON6kjp6CLq0-ov1-l0Eg-pA0NJ4Glb86zHLyfNjtSL_TZL82NzkGnQdup7XN3-YlSTtIXJp8U/s400/New+Cover+web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm excited to announce my NEW 2020 wall calendars! I've been working feverishly on these for some time now, and am very happy with the results!<br />
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The first one is my <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/don-geyer/2020-western-landscapes/calendar/product-24320354.html">Western Landscapes</a> calendar. It includes images from all over the western U.S. and Canada, including Bryce NP, Bugaboo PP, Glacier NP, Grand Canyon NP, Mount Rainier NP, Redwoods NP, Mount Robson PP, Mount St. Helens NM, Yellowstone NP, Yosemite NP and more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRrNwxWLP2o_ja-ffeGRwcZCBQH0cV1obxEDV_EYi5pFGRIvVeDhHRVUvLENHxo6ZAr9dRMJ070WXOX7SEIHOiksFDKFF1THvdG9FhEt8d1Mv2h78WvljDbPef6TqxzA7ZNWPOJ6dD6fc/s1600/Rainier+Cover+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="810" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRrNwxWLP2o_ja-ffeGRwcZCBQH0cV1obxEDV_EYi5pFGRIvVeDhHRVUvLENHxo6ZAr9dRMJ070WXOX7SEIHOiksFDKFF1THvdG9FhEt8d1Mv2h78WvljDbPef6TqxzA7ZNWPOJ6dD6fc/s400/Rainier+Cover+web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The second one is from my home state - <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/don-geyer/2020-mount-rainier/calendar/product-24322130.html">Mount Rainier</a>! It includes images from throughout Mount Rainier National Park including, Paradise, Mazama Ridge, Spray Park, Emerald Ridge, Christine Falls, Tatoosh Range and more!<br />
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You can now <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?contributorId=1399517">order these calendars</a> online in time for the holidays! I hope you find these calendars as fun to look at as I did making them!<br />
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As always, thanks for looking!<br />
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<br />Don Geyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10157757077302628710noreply@blogger.com0