Lush was the term Dave Hill used many times today to describe a really nice outing to Lost Creek Springs up on the McKenzie River. Weather forecasts convinced us that today was going to be the best day to be out – at least until the weekend. I have returned to this area a number of times – some of you have gone with me in the past – but it is always interesting to see it in various stages of dormancy and growth. Today was no different. The trees were bare but the moss and ferns were strikingly green – so many shades and as always it is spongy – thickness and water. I shot the following image very low to the ground and in the process got very wet even before I stepped through the ground cover into a pool.
Dave and I spent most of out time just looking at the ‘lush’ scenery – this was rejuvenating – at least for me. There is serenity in these landscapes.
The bare trees made a wonderful contrast to the dark green of the forest canopy – it was really dark down there and Dave and I both had some very long exposures.
My friend Bruce once made the observation that the first and last shot of the day often times turns out to be one of nicest shots and today that held true for me as the shot below was taken just before we packed up and headed for the car. The small riffle caught my attention and this shot was as good as I could do with it.
Finally and just because we have moved through the Christmas season and I did not have a tree and certainly did not decorate I leave you with a tree decorated by nature. I hope you all have a great New Year.
Some of these look like you could have stepped in over your head if not careful. Glad to see you got a day out with Dave. Always fun..
Well, gee, I hope you didn’t think you’re making an observation about drinking habits, here, Deigh!!
The light on the shoot was indeed a challenge, and many of my exposures bested half a minute! I do best like your image from the end of the day. What catches my eye in that image are the golds in the riffle, as there was so little light to be seen, and what light there was would only last 15-30 seconds at any given spot before the tall trees and the canyon heights would snuff out the brightness. That’s a peaceful, pretty shot! Mine, well, 3/4 have been deleted and half of what remain will surely end up in that lovely trash icon. One or two catch my eye, and I’ll have to decide whether to HDR those or just go with the image I like (which, unfortunately, tends to be the darkest of exposures!!).
Thanks for the drive up there and back. And thanks for watching those crazy truckers who apparently either neither see, nor wish to respond to, turn indicators set off 1/3 a mile before turning. The number of lug nuts, that’s what’s it’s all about, and theirs exceeded ours!!
As always, beautiful pictures. They are reminders of the positive effect of all the rain you get. I, too, like the water ripple photo, and a nice touch with the nature decorated tree. I read a poem last weekend about ferns — of course I can’t remember where I put it. If I find it I’ll share. Happy New Year. Sandy
Thanks for sharing, it is good to have a reminder of just how beautiful rainy wet weather can be sometimes. I loved your Christmas tree, we have a tree in the backyard that was decorated with frost one morning and it was the kids favorite.