No More Shows or Appearances in 2012

I've received several inquiries about upcoming appearances for the remainder of 2012.  I'm sorry to say that due to my extremely busy schedule, I have had to cancel regularly scheduled appearances and pass on some new invites.  It's a tough decision as I really love doing these shows and meeting people.  I hope to resume doing shows in the spring of 2013.

I'll keep you posted as my schedule becomes available.

Western Byways - Wyoming Edition

I'm currently editing images from my recent trip to the Canadian Rockies.  Hopefully I will be able to share soon!

In the meantime, I realize I haven't shared any recent published work.  Let's change that with this current cover image for Western Byways - Wyoming Edition.

This image is of Elephant Head reflected in a small tarn near Island Lake.  I'm not sure I would have captured this image had an unfortunate event not altered our trip.

We were only about 2 miles up the trail when I turned my ankle and crumpled to the ground in pain. I couldn't seem to walk it off, and the pain grew worse as I rested. In my mind, we had traveled too far (from Washington) to turn back. We still had 8 more miles to hike to get to Island Lake - our desired camp.

Eventually, with the help of trekking poles, I was able to force some weight onto the ankle and get back on it. We continued up the trail at a snail's pace, probably 1/3 of my normal hiking speed. I found myself focusing on stepping squarely each step; a tedious and disconcerting process.

We successfully arrived at Island Lake late in the day and found a nice campsite. It would be our home for the next few days.

With the ankle injury, there would be no wanderings into Upper Titcomb Basin or Indian Basin on this trip, as originally planned. I had explored both areas on a previous trip and desperately wanted to return for photography. Instead, I focused my photography around Island Lake in mornings and evenings, which offered some benefits and new learning experiences.

What did I do during the middle of the day? Mostly rest and soak my ankle. After all, I had 10 miles of hiking ahead of me to get back to my truck!

We still enjoyed our trip immensely. How could we not with such beauty all around us? After all, we were in the Winds! We experienced beautiful sunrises and sunsets, afternoon lightning storms, and beautiful rainbows.

More images from this trip and others in the Wind River range can be viewed in my Wind River Gallery.

Back from the Canadian Rockies

Grizzly print on vehicle window.

I'm back from the Canadian Rockies with many stories and experiences to share!  I visited Berg Lake, Mumm Basin and Snowbird Pass in Robson Provincial Park, Tonquin Valley and Macarrib Pass in Jasper National Park, Floe Lake, Numa Pass and Numa Peak in Kootenay National Park, and Lake O'Hara and Opabin Plateau in Yoho National Park.

I logged over 100 miles of hiking, and just over 19,000' elevation gain during my visit.  I met lots of great people, including Mike from Beacon Hill in Seattle, Mike Vincent of Canmore - a professional guide for Chateau Lake Louise, Don & Wendy from Virginia, Scott Forsyth - a professional photographer from Calgary, and more.

I had hoped to see a lot of wildlife (on my terms, of course), but this didn't really happen.  A grizzly bear had recently been spotted near Berg Lake before my visit, but there were no further sightings.  A sow grizzly and her two cubs had been hanging around Macarrib Pass, but I only saw old scat both times I hiked through this area.  A lone caribou was spotted at Amethyst Lake during my visit, but I missed it.  Wolves were present throughout the Tonquin Valley, but I did not actually see them.

Oh, but I do have some wildlife stories to share!

I'll start with my overnight stay at the Portal Creek trailhead in preparation for my hike into the Tonquin Valley.  As I pulled into the parking lot in early evening I saw two porcupines wandering about.  Later that night I could hear them (and likely rodents) beneath my vehicle.  At ~ 1:30 am I was awakened with a loud thud against my vehicle.  I sat straight up, startled.  Was someone trying to break into my vehicle?  The noise was much too loud to have been caused by the porcupines.  I listened further, expecting to hear someone test my door handles.  Nothing.  No cars had pulled into the parking lot.  I eventually used my key remote to turn all lights on my vehicle on - interior and exterior.  Nothing further was heard.

I couldn't fall back asleep right away because I had to pee.  So I got out of my vehicle and walked only a couple of steps to do so.  I returned to to my vehicle and, eventually, was able to go back to sleep - though the mystery of the sound continued to baffle me.

I rolled over at 7:30 in the morning and looked out the window to see how light it was outside.  It was then that the source of the thud was answered.  Just above my head on the rear side window was a distinct paw print from a grizzly bear, with other smudged prints and scratches below!

Soon a couple of guys showed up, including one from Fire and Rescue.  Neither had seen or heard of such a thing.  Both encouraged me to report the incident to Bear Management.  The gentlemen from Fire and Rescue then asked my permission to report the incident himself, since he had a buddy working for Bear Management.

I began getting my pack ready for my trek.  As I walked around to the other side of my vehicle, I noticed a huge wet spot in the parking lot.  It became clear that the bear had been on this side of my vehicle relieving itself at the same time I was doing so on the other side!

I returned from my trip to find a note on my windshield, asking me to stop by the Information Centre in Jasper to discuss my bear encounter, and did so.

Wolf print near tent at Amethyst Lake in Tonquin Valley.

While camped at Amethyst Lake in the Tonquin Valley, I spent time both nights photographing the stars.  On my second night, I awoke at 1:30 am and ventured a short distance from the tent.  As I photographed, I occasionally could hear something in the trees behind me.  Every now and then I would shine my headlamp over in that direction, but never saw anything. 

At 3:15 I finally packed it in and returned to my tent.  I no sooner got settled into my sleeping bag when I heard something outside my tent.  It broke branches on the back side of my tent, then circled the tent.  It returned to the back side and pawed or bumped my tent.

I sat up, cleared my voice rather loudly, and turned my headlamp on to illuminate my tent.  I soon heard twigs breaking in the distance as whatever animal had been visiting me retreated off into the night.  The next morning I awoke to wolf prints around my tent!

Also while photographing stars my second night, a large bird dove down upon me, pulling up only several feet above my head.  Its wing span was huge and I realized instantly that it must have been an owl.  Its angle suggested it was actually interested in my camera and tripod, which I was obviously standing close to.  Needless to say, it startled me!  I never heard it.  I only saw it out of the corner of my eye as it was only feet above my head.  Those poor rodents at Amethyst don't stand a chance with such a stealth predator in the air!

So, those are my wildlife stories.  The griz experience was pretty scary at the time, mostly due to the mystery.  The wolf experience was scary due to the fact that I assumed it was a cat.  It wasn't until the next day while sharing the story that it was pointed out to me that cats walk with their claws retracted, leaving only pad marks.  The tracks around my tent had distinct claw marks, making them canine.  I assumed they were cat mostly due to their size - they were huge.  I had no idea wolves had such large feet.  Knowing I had a curious wolf follow me back to camp was more comforting to me than to think I had a cat stalking me in the night!

I hope to begin editing images from my trip soon.  Stay tuned!

Photography Trip to Banff National Park

Ten Peaks above Moraine Lake, Banff National
Park.

The Canadian Rockies are comprised of four adjacent National Parks - Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho - and a distant Waterton.  They also include several provincial parks, including Assiniboine, Hanber and Robson.  They are heaven north of the border and one of my all-time favorite destinations - one of Canada's true treasures.

Of all the parks, Banff is probably the most popular.  It offers a wide variety of attractions and photography possibilities; whether it's nature landscapes, manicured parks, man-made structures, people & wildlife,  or a combination of all the above.

I recently returned to this park after a lengthy hiatus and spent a week photographing throughout the park, even venturing into Yoho for a day.

It was a fantastic trip with mostly great weather.  It included summiting a 9,000' peak with my 9-year old daughter, several family hikes, lots of wildlife (including a grizzly bear near our campground) and photographing most of the major attractions of the park.

The peaks around Lake Louise reflected in Herbert Lake.

The most popular area in Banff National Park outside of the Banff town site is the Lake Louise vicinity.  Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake draw visitors by the thousands every day, and for good reason; the scenery is outstanding and both offer excellent hiking trails.  Parking can get crazy by late morning at both.

Mount Victoria, Mount Lefroy, Temple Peak and The Ten Peaks offer dramatic settings in the area, whether it is hiking to their base, climbing to their summits, or catching their reflection in a lake.

One of the beauties of this area for photographers, besides the scenery, is that the best time to photograph the area is in the early morning. So it is easy to beat the crowds. Arriving at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in the early dawn hours found me nearly alone as early light struck the nearby peaks.

The humorous thing I found about Lake Louise was that both mornings I spent photographing there was that the masses would show up just about the time I was packing up to leave. Visitors from the lodge came running down to the shore, often in their pajamas and bathrobes, and the tourist buses would start arriving in the parking lot.

Moraine Lake never produced such crowds during my visit.  Typically I would see a couple of other photographers during the prime light (arriving after me), and a few more would arrive before I packed up.  Returning mid-morning would find larger numbers, but nothing crazy.  The crazy numbers are found mid-day!



Hikers below Mount Victoria on the Plain of Six Glaciers
Trail.

 There are plenty of hikes to do in the area once you are finished capturing first light.  From Lake Louise, the Plain of Six Glaciers trail follows its north shore and climbs well above the lake to a prominent viewpoint of Mount Victoria.  There's even a tea house waiting for you near the end!

Another fun trail is to Saddleback on the opposite side of the lake.  The adventurous can scramble the final 1,500' to the summit of Fairview Mountain.

Paradise Valley is another popular destination, though bears can be a problem.  Such a warning was in place during our visit, requiring a group size of four or more.

Mount Temple above the Bow River.

Moraine Lake offers one of the best hikes in the area, especially in larch season (late September).  Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass are excellent destinations.  Again, group size restrictions can be in order due to bear activity, and were during our visit.

The Lake Louise Campground makes for an excellent base camp.  It is very close to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for easy and quick access, and is also centrally located to attractions further away.  The campground is alongside the Bow River, which affords excellent views of Mount Temple.  It is also located in prime grizzly bear habitat, necessitating an electric fence around it (it's not as obtrusive as it might sound).  The proof was in the pudding during our visit, as I returned to camp one morning to spot a mother grizzly grazing in an adjacent meadow.  As I later learned, she had two cubs.  I was not fortunate enough to see them.

I spent many evenings driving the Bow Valley Parkway between Lake Louise Village and Castle Mountain Junction.  This is probably one the best wildlife viewing areas in the park.  I photographed numerous black bears, bull elk, and the largest osprey nest I've ever seen, complete with young!



Castle Mountain above the Bow River.

 Of course, there is also Castle Mountain, which received pretty dramatic light most every evening as afternoon thunder storms cleared.  Most people seemed oblivious to this though as they were too occupied driving up and down the parkway in hopes of seeing a bear.

Near Castle Junction, several very large bull elk made daily appearances.  They were most likely to be seen in the evening, but not limited to.  They were quite a treat to see.

Peyto Lake along the Icefields Parkway.

The drive up the Icefields Parkway is not to be missed.  There are photography options every stretch of the way.  An entire day or more can easily be spent along this highway, especially if continuing all the way Jasper.

Peyto Lake is an often photographed lake along the parkway.  It requires a short but rather steep hike to the famous viewpoint, and you will not be alone at mid-day, which is considered the best time to photograph it.  I actually didn't have much luck at mid-day due to overcast skies and flat light.  The image here was taken in early morning as a storm crept in.


Bow Peak above Bow Lake along the Icefields Parkway.

 I was fortunate to time my visit during flower season, and was amazed at the flower show along the Icefields Parkway.  They lined the road as far as I ventured, and offered unlimited photography opportunities.  My favorite area was around Bow Lake.

On a day that cloudy skies and showers were forecast, we headed over to Yoho National Park and visited Takakkaw Falls.  Though Banff was mostly cloudy, Yoho offered us bluebird skies and pleasant hiking to the base of the falls.

Takakkaw Falls.

As I write this, I am packing and preparing for a return trip to the Canadian Rockies - leaving in just a couple of days.  This time, I will be spending two full weeks in the backcountry of Robson Provincial Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park and Assiniboine Provincial Park. 

Backpacking destinations will include Berg Lake (Robson), Tonquin Valley (Jasper), Floe Lake and the Rock Wall (Kootenay), Lake O'hara (Yoho) and Lake Maggog (Assiniboine). All but Tonquin Valley will be repeat visits for me.  My itinerary has me hiking 136 miles (not including side trips) with just under 10,000' gain during this time.

Upon my return I hope to have a lot of images to edit!  I also hope to edit my wildlife images from my previous trip, and to construct a new Canadian Rockies gallery on my web site.

Wish me luck!

Recent Photography Trip to Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier above Edith Creek before sunrise.

Many influences come into play when photographing outdoors.  Many of them, such as choosing location, camera settings, lens and filter selection, and composition, we control.  But there are natural elements that we do not.  Oh, we plan ahead and do our research so as to put ourselves in the best possible position to be successful, but we don't control it.  For me, this is one of the most exciting elements of photography

Recently I met up with my good friend Kevin Ebi at Mount Rainier National Park.  I had spent the previous morning there and had scouted out the flowers around Edith Creek - our meeting point.

Arriving in time for sunrise requires a very early start and involves driving in the dark to your destination.  You can't wake up to a bluebird sky and say to yourself, "Yes, I think it will be a good day to go photograph."

I knew the forecast called for a change in weather towards afternoon on this day, but noticed as I neared the Nisqually Entrance that the stars were blurred.  This told me there was moisture in the air.  I knew this could mean low elevation fog, which got me even more excited!

As I drove up the Paradise Road, I noticed a definite cloud bank to the west and no stars.  As I neared the Paradise parking lot, it became clear that a system was moving in quicker than I had expected.  Yet, to the east it remained mostly clear, but with some interesting whispy clouds.  Of course, east is what is important for sunrise photography!


A lenticular cloud over Mount Rainier at sunrise.

Kevin informed me that the forecast had changed somewhat, and they were calling for completely cloudy skies by 7:00 am.  All we could do was cross our fingers.  This could still work.

We set our cameras up in the dark and aimed them at the mountain.  We watched the sky in between shutter clicks (yes, we start taking pictures well before first light on the mountain).  We watched the cloud bank to the west growing stronger and more clouds appearing to the east, though still generally scattered.  This morning had the opportunity to prove dramatic and exciting, or it could skunk us all together.  We remained optimistic.

Clouds began to form directly over the summit of Rainier and grew in size as they moved west to east.  Soon they turned a brilliant pink and it was game on!  As we watched the intensity grow above the mountain, we noticed signs of a lenticular cloud forming above the mountain.  It grew to prominent status rather quickly, just in time for the first rays of the sun.  We had found paradise! (pun intentional).

As climbers and many others know, lenticular clouds are strong indicators of a couple of things:  They are a sign of heavy winds on the summit (often exceeding 100 mph), and a sign of a pending weather system arriving in the next 24 hours.  This meant there were plenty of unknowns ahead of us as the mystery unfolded on this morning.

Lenticular cloud over Mount Rainier at sunrise.

The lenticular cloud became more and more defined, and the unique light seemed to last an exaggerated length of time - minutes, not seconds.

Alas, all good things must come to and end and this experience was no different.  As the sun rose higher in the sky the light became much less dramatic, then disappeared entirely as clouds began to consume the skies above and the wind picked up.

As Kevin and I began packing our gear up, we could only smile, knowing we had been a part of something special.  Neither one of us had actually photographed a lenticular over the mountain before, and neither one of us could have predicted it would happen on this morning.  But we were ready for it and embraced it when it happened.

From Paradise, I drove around the mountain to the Chinook Pass area to hike the Naches Peak Loop.  I had heard rave reports of the flower show and wanted to scout the area out for a possible return the following day.  Despite not planning to do any photography, I carried my camera gear anyway.  I was glad I did.


Flowers of lupine and assorted flower along the Naches Peak Loop.

The flower show was incredible from the moment I hit the trail and grew stronger the further I hiked.  Upon crossing the shoulder of Naches Peak beyond the PCT and Dewey Lake junction, I was greeted by the spectacular meadows above the tarn and some interesting light on both the meadows and the mountain.  I wouldn't ordinarily shoot so late in the day (10:00ish), but the diffused light struck me.  The soft transition of Rainier into clouds also piqued my interest.  It was a unique blend.

Shortly after working this composition, the sun became much stronger and subtleties of the setting that struck me were gone.  But I was glad to not have left my camera behind in the name of a scouting trip!

These images and more can be seen in my Mount Rainier Gallery.  As always, thanks for visiting!

...Yet Another Flower Update For MRNP!

Mount Rainier above lupine on Mazama Ridge.

A couple days ago I shot up to Mazama Ridge for sunrise.  The flowers are okay, but not what they were a week ago.  Venturing higher proved what I suspected - most flowers are now gone.

Pardise is supreme right now, especially around Edith Creek.  Not much variety though.  Expect to see mostly lupine.

Spray Park, Berkeley Park and Summerland are rocking right now.  But the best flower display I have seen this year is actually partially outside the park along the Naches Loop Trail - wow!  Such variety!  A very intense showing all along the trail.

Did anybody else photograph the lenticular on Mount Rainier at sunrise Sunday morning?  Awesome!

Rainier 2012 Flower Update

Mount Rainier above lupine in Spray Park.

I thought a quick update was in order for the flower conditions at Mount Rainier National Park, since a lot can change in a week or two!

Spray Park, Skyscraper Pass, Berkeley Park, Summerland and the Naches Loop Trail are getting rave reviews right now.  Glacier Basin is also quite nice.  Grand Park is well past prime, as is Sunrise.

I have not visited nor seen reports from the south side of the mountain in the last few days, but I would expect Paradise and Mazama Ridge to be coming into their own.  I would also expect Van Trump Park and Indian Henry's Hunting Ground to be looking nice, as they typically coincide with Mazama Ridge for flower displays.  I hope to learn more in the next few days.

See you on the trail!

Edit:  I have heard from mutliple sources that Paradise is absolutely popping right now!  Maybe the best show in the past 10 years.  I'll be checking this out the next couple of days!

Flowers at Mount Rainier 2012!

Mount Rainer above flowers on Mazama Ridge before sunrise.

For the second year in a row we can throw all flower rules in relation to the calendar out the window!   Here it is August 13th, the period that flowers would be at peak or even slightly winding down on a normal year, and they have only just begun.

I've spent the last week extensively traveling through the park and thought I would post my findings.

One of the earliest flower shows in the park takes place in Yakima Meadows at Sunrise.  Still true to form this year, the flowers there have reached peak and are on their way out.  However, hiking destinations from there still have a lot to offer.  Summerland is a sure bet with flowers just below looking prime.  They will surely be in their prime at the campground in the next week or two.

Mount Rainier above meadows on along The
Lakes Trail.

Upper Berkeley Park is currently sporting a nice display of flowers, as is Grand Park.  Skyscraper Pass will be a sure bet in the next week or so.

Spray Park is almost melted out and the incredible display of avalanche lilies it was showcasing are on their way out.  This should pave the way for the lupine, paintbrush and asters in the coming week.  Some can be seen now.

Indian Henry's was is still under patchy snow.  Flowers here will be at least  a couple of weeks away.

What does that leave for the wildflower officianados?  Why, Paradise and Mazama Ridge of course!  Lupine is in grand display right now near the Paradise parking lot, but not much higher.  The short stroll to Edith Creek will leave you disapointed.  Give this area at least another week or so.

Mazama Ridge is also well behind schedule.  The Lakes Trail near the Skyline Trail junction is still 20-25% snow covered.  Avalanche lilies are numerous, though they are on their way out.  There are a few patches of meadow sporting lupine, lousewort, paintbrush, aster and more, but they are few.  One would expect blankets of these flowers in a normal year.  But this year "...is Abby somebody.  Abby Normal  I believe."  (for you Mel Brooks fans out there).

Mount Rainire reflected in a melt pool on
Mazama Ridge.

Venturing higher up the Skyline Trail and on to the Paradise Glacier Trail, one runs into some supreme meadows.  These flowers are at their prime right now and demand your attention.  Wow!

Of course, there are other compositions you can take advantage of right now too as a photographer.  Melt ponds are numerous and offer a unique chance to capture a reflection of the mountain that will be short-lived.

Mount Rainier always has something to offer visitors and photographers, and now is no exception.  Go!

Interestingly, bugs have not been a problem during my visits to these many meadows (though they were ferocious in the forest along Frying Pan Creek).  Spray Park would be the exception (shocking, huh?).

The last thing worth mentioning is the haze in the air from the Siberian fires.  It was extensive last weekend on the Paradise side.  I received reports of even worse conditions on the NW side; primarily Spray Park, where Rainier was hard to distinguish at times.

I hope the sharing of my observations, and the reports of friends and colleagues helps.  As always, feel free to drop me a line with any questions you may have.  I am always happy to respond.

See you on the trails!

Returned from Banff National Park!

Hikers on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail in Banff National Park.

I've returned from a fantastic trip to Lake Louise in Banff National Park!  Also visited were Kootenay and Yoho National Parks!

The photography opportunities were excellent.  I spent considerable time at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but ventured many other places as well - including the Icefields Parkway, Takakkaw Falls, and up and down the Bow Valley Parkway.

Wildlife was plentiful.  I photographed black bears, grizzley bears and several large bull elk.

I will be editing images from this trip for quite some time, but hope to be able to share some soon!  Be sure and check back from time to time!

Visiting the Canadian Rockies!

Mount Assiniboine Reflection

I'm excited to be leaving for the Canadian Rockies in just a few days!  While I won't be visiting Assiniboine Provincial Park on this trip (pictured), I will in a subsequent trip in late September.

I do plan to photograph throughout Banff National Park and possibly Jasper National Park as well.  The opportunities should abound and I am excited!

I have visited the Canadian Rockies on several occasions.  I have hiked and climbed in most of the national and provincial parks associated with them.  However, years have gone by since I last enjoyed visiting one of my very favorite places.  Redemption!

I will be focusing on Banff National Park for this trip, primarily areas around Lake Louise.  I hope to venture into Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay as well, but they will be limited.  My photography will be mostly roadside and short dayhikes.

In late September I will be returning to these very parks - and more!  I will be backpacking into Assiniboine and Mount Robson Provincial Parks, as well as Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper National Parks.  It should be an exciting season.  I hope to return with many new images to share!

Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park

Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park

To enjoy the best that the Washington coast has to offer, one must be willing to hike away from the paved roads.  For those that do, incredible beaches and sea stacks await you - Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches, Strawberry Point, Toleak Point, Cape Alava, Third Beach - and more.

There is an exception, however.  Ruby Beach is simply a 0.25 mile stroll from the parking lot just off Highway 101 near the Hoh River entrance to Olympic National Park.  It offers incredible scenery, including up-close sea stacks, and makes for an excellent sunset destination.

This image was captured during a March visit while camped at the Hoh River Campground in ONP.  I had hoped to photographed the sea stacks, but this early in the year the best light was further to the south.  I'm happy with what I came away with.  Others appear to be as well, as this image was recently licensed to appear in world-wide circulated textbook!

You may view other images from the coast in my Washington Coast Gallery.

As always, thanks for looking!

North Cascades National Park Gallery Update

Glacier Peak above Image Lake at dawn.

July is here and I am busy planning backpacks for the coming months, as I'm sure many of you are!  Of course, with our late snow melt in the Pacific Northwest, many trips will have to be scheduled a little later than normal.  Do you have anything special planned?

Speaking of backpacks, I've finally gotten around to updating my North Cacades Gallery with images from an extended backpack I did last September.  The trip was a loop trip, beginning at Buck Creek Pass and continueing on to Image Lake, Cloudy Pass, Lyman Lakes, Spider Gap and Spider Meadows. It's a classic backpack and I now know why!

Fortress Mountain above flower meadows.

This special trip provided me with several new images which I am excited to share.  You may view my North Cascades Gallery, or visit any of my other galleries by visiting my web site at http://www.mountainscenes.com/.  I hope you enjoy.

More images will be coming soon.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July!