24 Hours in Estes Park
Several months ago, my companion and I boarded a plane bound for Denver, with a subsequent excursion to the picturesque town of Estes Park to attend the nuptials of a dear friend of hers. The wedding was held at the enchanting Della Terra Mountain Château, perched amidst the towering peaks of the Rockies and conveniently located near the entrance to the magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park.
Although my stay was largely occupied by professional obligations, on the final Saturday of our visit, we managed to carve out sufficient time to explore the park. As we embarked on our journey back to Seattle, with the last flight of the day as our destination, we were blessed with a bountiful window of leisure to roam the park's roads and appreciate its stunning vistas. This was my maiden visit to RMNP, and the drive into the park was simply breathtaking, transporting me to a realm of grandeur, with the magnificent mountain peaks and endless expanses of wilderness enveloping me in an aura of serenity. The seclusion of the park on that day only added to its captivating beauty, as the only sounds that echoed in the vast stillness were the whispers of the wind and the gentle rustling of the trees. Annie and I are already scheming to make a return trip in May, when we will be in Colorado for another concert at Red Rocks.
For the duration of the trip, I relied solely on my trusty Fujifilm X100v to document our adventures, shooting everything handheld and processing the images with Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, along with the Nik Collection and Lumenzia.
A Journey To The Heart
September came and went in a blink of an eye. It was over before it began, it felt like.
During that month, I lived on the road, residing in my trusty truck, "Brandi". My girlfriend Annie and I had meticulously planned our trip for several months with the primary objective of reaching Denver, Colorado to witness a performance by "The Head and The Heart" at the prestigious Red Rocks Amphitheater. The tickets were a gift from Annie, either for my birthday or Christmas, however, we couldn't quite recall which.
As September approached, it was time to embark on our journey. Our only set stops were to visit my parents in Idaho for a couple of days and then finally reaching Denver. The rest of our trip was spontaneous, discovering new places and experiences along the way. Our itinerary consisted of scenic hikes, relaxing by tranquil lakes, and exploring uncharted territories. Our route took us through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon.
This visual diary below is a recollection of our trip. All the pictures were captured using my Nikon Z7 and Fujifilm X100v cameras, and processed with Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Nik Plugins , and Lumenzia.
Kalaloch Beach - Overnight Trip
Very much glamping for the night. Flat and paved parking. Even a picnic bench!
Walking along the beach. Olympic National Park.
It’s been years since I had last been to Kalaloch beach. The last time I had been there was in 2016 with Annie. Heading to the Washington coast is something we never get tired of. I don’t think anyone can ever get enough of it, to be honest. There is something about the Washington beaches that always leave you wanting more.
Recently, Annie and I purchased a rooftop tent from Free Spirit Recreation. We’ve only been able to get out once before in it for a quick trip. The occasion arose once again where we could take off for a quick overnight trip. Though it had been slightly planned as we knew we might be able to get away. The planning I put into it was to pull a steak from the freezer, defrost it and add a little salt and pepper onto it 24 hours before. If you don’t know me, I love to cook.
We loaded up the truck and headed out to the beach. Taking a few back ways on our way there. I always enjoy slowing down and taking time to meander through the small towns on the way to wherever we are going.
Driftwood.
After a couple of hours of driving we made it out to Kalaloch and it was a beautiful and overcast day on the beach. The wind wasn’t too bad until later in the afternoon. We were able to walk a few miles on the beach before it really picked up on our hike back to the campsite. The tide was coming in while we were out on the northern edge of Kalaloch. Wandering around and watching the waves crash over the rocks is a thing of beauty.
Annie, wandering the beach and going to look at the tide pools.
After a few hours around at camp, the winds and rain came barreling into the coast. We knew this was going to happen but I did not believe it would rain as hard as I thought it would. I should have known better. The rest of our evening was spent up in the RTT having a couple of beers, playing war and 10,000 while the wind and rain battered the tent. I slept through most of all the storm, I guess Annie didn’t. Needless to say, I got a great night of sleep.🤷♂️
The next morning we packed up and headed off towards Port Angeles on a mission. Mainly myself because I was really craving Frugals. As we were leaving, the clouds were beginning to break and the morning light was starting to shine through. I can’t wait for more sunny days and more days on the beach.
Until next time, Kalaoch…
Into The Buckhorn Wilderness
Day one: Tubal Cain Trailhead to Buckhorn Lake.
The start of the trip was a late one. Annie had to open at work. She was up at 3:50 AM. After she was off and back home, she was able to switch a shift around, and then we were off after that!
Arriving at the trailhead late meant the parking would be a little cramped when we would pull in. It didn’t help that anyone at the trailhead knew how to park, at all.
We loaded the last few things into our packs, and we were off into the forest. The first few miles was a gradual climb up through wild rhododendrons that were just about in full bloom. As you make your way up, you have a trail to your left that takes you into Tull Canyon and the Tubal Cain Mine. Tull Canyon is the almost final resting place of an SB-17, a search and rescue variant of a B-17. The SB-17 collided with a mountain ridge en route to a search and rescue operation. A few flight crew members did not survive the impact and slide down into the valley. After the wreck, the fuselage was salvaged and is now one of the two remaining B-17’s that are airworthy.
We made our way across copper creek and began the real part of the climb. The trail switchbacks it was through the forest and spits you out on an almost wide open hill side. That’s when you get your first real glimpse of Buckhorn Mountain. You’ll never forget that first glance. As we worked our way to the cutoff for Buckhorn Lake we slowed down and soaked up the sun and views. At 5.6 miles, you will reach the cut-off to the lake. Two creeks and a bit more climbing later, you follow a steep and rooted trail to the lake.
Buckhorn Lake was the highest I have ever seen it. We dropped our packs, set up camp and reluctantly dunked ourselves into the lake. It was a shock to the system. Rinsing off sweat had never been so difficult. After that, we rushed back to change and hang up the sweaty clothes we washed off. Then it was time to make dinner, have a nip of whiskey, and watch the sunset from our tent. That night was a beautiful one. Camped right on the lake, Buckhorn Mountain towering above and the rush of the waterfall that feeds the lake.
Buckhorn Lake to Iron Peak
It was a clear morning on the lake. We woke, made coffee, and broke down camp. The original plan was to hike from Buckhorn Lake to the Charlia Lakes. Once again, were back, zigzagging through the trees. After a quick mile and half, you break from the trees and fully witness the majesty that is the Olympics. You have a 360 degree view of the mountains. It’s one of those views you never tire of. Now that we had broken from the trees, the fun begins again. The snow was still covering much of the trail in the higher elevation. Instead of switch backing your way up, it’s a straight climb up the snow and hillside to try and avoid most of the snow. Once you make your way past, you’ll reach the saddle below Iron Mountain. You can see for miles. It was when we were reach the top of the saddle, we realized that reach Charlia lakes was out of the question. Seeing how much snow was still covering the area to the south of Marmot pass, we decided to have a shorter day, and camp on the saddle. That’s okay though. From our tent we could see Seattle, Mount Rainier, Adams, and St Helen’s.
The next morning was an uneventful one. We packed up and headed straight back down to the car. There were swarms of day hikers and the weekend was approaching. We thought it would be best for us to just pick up camp and head back home. We did make it back to the car in just over 2 hours.
Mount Walker
The day before going on a hike I am one of those people who constantly refreshes NOAA.gov to watch the weather for where I am going. I can’t help it. It’s the skier in me. I have to know.
I woke up at 6 AM. Not only that, but I hopped on my phone to once again refresh NOAA and check the weather one last time. 45 °F and mostly sunny was the forecast. I grabbed my backpack loaded up with my camera gear and day hiking gear then headed to my truck to warm it up. Hitting the road from Port Orchard it was a cold foggy morning until we reached the Hood Canal Bridge. Once we took the left onto the bridge the Olympic Mountains were out in full glory with the golden morning sun falling on them.
F-Stop Loka UL
After getting to the trailhead of Mount Walker there was a thin layer of mist lying across the valley. We loaded up and hit the trail. It was also my first hike with my new day hiking/camera bag; the F-Stop Loka UL. Watch for a review after I have taken it out a few more times. About 20 minutes into our hike we had gained just enough elevation to see over the trees and across the valley to see Mount Townsend. I was pretty excited about that. What I really wanted to do this day was make a large panoramic photograph from the summit of Mount Walker
The forecast definitely changed from mostly sunny. Heavy fog rolled in and the lightest snowfall started to fall on us. As much as I wanted a beautiful sunny day I will never turn down a snowy day in the forest. The trail only had a small amount of slush and ice from the last storm system that moved through. Days of warmer temperatures and rain washed away most of it. Around the 1800’ level, there was a solid layer of snow and ice. Which the snow that was falling started to pile on top of. The rest of the hike was a steep push through the snow and ice to the top.
The last push to the top.
Google Pixel 4XL+Lightroom Mobile.
Upon reaching the summit we were treated to one incredible view..
North Viewpoint
Google Pixel 4XL+Lightroom Mobile
No, it wasn’t quite the view we had been hoping for, but you can’t always get the exact conditions you hope for. All that matters was we got out and enjoyed the day in the snow. I did get my camera out to take one photo while on the hike. It’s had 3 versions of it already in its 72 hours of existence. This was the one that I have settled on for now. We decided to hike the road out to add more distance on our hike. The whole way down I was watching how the mist would float through the trees. I couldn't stop staring at them. After watching the trees and looking for a composition I liked I had finally found one I truly enjoyed.
Morning Mist
I still have a couple of limited edition metal prints for sale over on my shop. Go take a look!
Obstruction Point Snowshoe: A Winter Adventure in Olympic National Park
One of my favorite ways to get out in the winter is snowshoeing. it’s such a fun activity as well as great exercise. Getting out on a bluebird day in the mountains is one the best things to do in my opinion. Wandering your way through the snow covered forests and out onto a ridge where you can bask in the glory of the mountains around you is something you never get tired of.
Brandi basking in the rare February sun (Brandi is my trucks name).
Ice covered Hurricane Ridge Road
Annie and I headed to the Olympic Mountains to get some snowshoeing in. Specifically, we headed to the Hurricane Ridge entrance of the Olympic National Park. We reached the gate to the park shortly after 9 am The road up into the mountains wasn’t too bad. It was 35°F when we passed the gate. It stayed just about the same temperature until we were almost to the top where it only dropped about another two degrees. There was ice all over the road in the shaded areas as to be expected in the early morning. When almost to the top the road had a solid layer of ice over it.
The descent to Obstruction Point Road
Making the best of the sunny days.
After parking, getting our packs ready, and snowshoes on we hit the trail. It’s a fun experience getting onto the trail here as the snow gets higher. The trail starts behind the snowbanks. Which were about 4 feet high. Luckily someone had knocked out a large chunk of the snowbank for people to get up and on to the trail.
The trail down to the road is hands down the worst part of the entire snowshoe experience here. When we were there whoever cut trail followed a skiers track down. They took the most direct route down to the road. I followed it down but when we came back at the end of the day I went and cut a zig-zag track back up the hillside so it would be easier for others to come back up the trailhead parking.
Clouds rolling across the ridge.
Looking back towards sunrise ridge.
Soaking up the views.
Breaking trail.
After about an hour we hit a spot where we would stop and grab some lunch. We passed one other group in the same area who decided to do the same thing. As we had our lunch we could see one other group heading up breaking trail towards Steeple Rock I believe. I am not 100% sure about the name of it.
Overall, if you have the time to get away for a day to the Olympic Mountains you can never go wrong. The obstruction Point snowshoe it is a good beginner/intermediate level hike. It’s mostly flat with some slow longer uphill. If the trail is broken in it should be no problem at all. You’ll wander your way through dense forest open ridgelines with absolutely stunning views.
Had to get one of us together!
Have fun out there and stay safe!
Dungeness Spit - A quick day trip in Western Washington
It’s been nothing but rain here in Western Washington for the last few days. The days of sitting inside were starting to get to us, more than they normally do. Don’t get me wrong, this has been a weird winter. As I sit here and write this it’s 50°F outside and it’s the second day of February.
The 5 mile long Dungeness Spit located near Sequim, Washington.
Cliffs along the beach to the SW.
After watching the weather on NOAA.gov we finally decided that we should just go for it. After countless times of refreshing the page to check different places and seeing where was getting the least rain, we both jumped at the idea of heading out to the spit. The need for some beach time has been at an all-time high.
The view we have been waiting for..
Annie, about 30 seconds before she started laughing.
A pile of kelp strewn across the beach
Getting to the spit is a walk in the park, literally. The short drive into the refuge takes only a few minutes. You’ll pass parking areas for the cliffs and camping before you arrive at the final parking area and this is where you’re adventure will begin.
Once you’ve parked, it’s a short walk down a well-marked path to the beach. That first sight of the whole spit is truly breathtaking. Even on a cloudy overcast day. On your walk down make sure to slow down and read all the signs along the way. They are all well worth the read, especially if you have never been!
And no, we didn’t hike out to the lighthouse on this trip. We arrived a little late and didn’t have the time to make it out. Next time!
One last ocean view before we go.
Two image stack for depth of field.
Hey, if you’re new here why don’t you consider adding your e-mail to my mailing list. Don’t worry, I won’t ever spam you.
Corn Country - A black and white set
Some time spent at home waiting for the winter to kick off has me sitting around at the computer a little more often. I’ve spent some of that time going back through some photos I didn’t spend much time with.
This is a revisit to some photos from the heart of farming in America.
Road Trip - Back To South Dakota
It feels good to be back here in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This time not having to worry about a tire exploding or something like that. This time I can leave base camp and head up into the hills and actually get out to see them. One downside of towing the trailer along is some places get a little too difficult to get into. Or the roads are far too narrow for it. Having the trailer parked down at the Black Hills KOA is convenient. Not too far from the hills and now I have power and water without having to get the generator out. Honestly, I really just wanted air conditioning. I’m inside the trailer with the a/c cranked and enjoying a Pile-O-Dirt Porter by Crow Peak Brewing.
This morning was a nice cool morning. Started the day out by heading up finishing the wildlife loop in Custer State Park. Which was pretty uneventful this morning. The evening before was quite opposite… saw a few bison on the loop. After finishing the loop it was time to head up on the Needles Highway. If you’ve never heard of this do take some time and look it up. It is one absolutely beautiful drive. I’ll be heading up there again this evening for the sunset. The road through needles is tight, winding, and dramatic. The road also has a few tunnels on it. Though if you’re like me and driving a lifted F350 those tunnels are just a little tight. I mean inches to spare with the mirrors folded in.
after the drive up and across needles I took the road out and into Deadwood. Not much to say about this since I didn’t stop to get out and look. Doing my best to avoid all group contact with people. That’s why it’s been a pleasure to have to the trailer. All I need to stop for is diesel and food to cook. Being able to keep to myself has been a large part of this journey.
In the morning I’ll be heading off to Badlands National Park. I also researched a place to catch the sunset from. Hoping that location works out well. Stay tuned to find out.
Road Trip - Iowa
It’s about 73 degrees out and a humidity percentage of around 100000% on the last full day here in Iowa. It’s been a few days of absolutely gorgeous weather and sunsets here in the Midwest. I was able to go out and see the Buddy Holly memorial, the SECOND highest point in Iowa, fly the drone around, see some beautiful country and learn a little more about life on the farm. If you’ve never been to the Midwest it’s well worth a visit. I’ve only seen a little sliver of it in my life but each time I’m here I always find something else to love about it. You can’t beat the sunrises and sunsets back here. This afternoon I spent some time photographing my sister. creating some photographs for her to use on her website and social media channels. I’ll probably add one of the portraits I made of here onto my portraits section of the website. On Saturday morning it’ll be time to pack up and head out. Off to Hot Springs, South Dakota to camp out for a few days. I’ll be spending some time up in the Black Hill National Forest exploring what it has to offer…
Road Tripping to Iowa
Well.. I’m sitting here in Rapid City, South Dakota. I’d rather be sitting in the Black Hills National Forest camping like I had planned on. Sometimes things don’t go the way you plan. Sometimes your tire hits something and shears down to the steel cable in the tire. Now I’m waiting for a new set BFG KO2’s to get delivered to Point S Tire here in Rapid City. Of course, they’re an oddball size and no one has them in stock anywhere in town or nearby. So, that means I’m sitting here in the trailer at KOA for the next couple of days. Luckily the little store the KOA has sells beer. That will help the time go by.
Anyways, I’m currently on my way to Iowa to visit my sister for a bit. After that, It’s time to hit the road back to Washington. Though It’s going to be a slow one. Two to three weeks to come back home. There is a number of places I want to go spend some time on the way back. Places like The Badlands, Bruneau Sand Dunes, Jackson, I could make a big list here but I won’t I don’t have many set destinations. Mostly going to see where the roads lead (or wherever looks pretty rad).
Stay tuned to the blog and Instagram to see where I end up going. There won’t be tons of fully processed photos from this journey until I get back home. I work from a gaming laptop, so color accuracy isn’t the best, even when calibrated. If the colors look off that would be why. I’ll make corrections and upload corrected photos when I am able to. Once I am home I’ll be back on my art monitor to create a series of photos from the trip.
Have any recommendations of things to see while I’m out here? Shoot me an email and let me know!
Until next time,
Chance
Glacial Memories
Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine, I've had the opportunity to delve into my archives. Revisiting older work with a fresh perspective has been a delightful experience. Recently, I've been reflecting on my Alaska photos, inspired by my work on a moody, dark forest scene. I pondered how I could infuse a similar sense of cold and darkness into those Alaska photos to enhance their overall atmosphere.
If you ever come across a photo on my website that catches your eye and you want a print of it, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Fall In The West
The fall here in North Idaho has been off to an interesting start. During our first week of fall, we had our first snow of the season. Trust me, I didn’t believe the forecast at all. Even though the die-hard skier in me was hoping it was going to be true. A few days after reading that we woke up and looked out the window to see high up in the mountains the trace of white on the treetops. Seeing the first snow is one of my favorite things. To top it all off Silver Mountain was having their first annual Cidefest in the Mountain Haus. We had the perfect excuse to go up the mountain for Ciderfest, we had to go play in the first snow.
During the brief little bit of time fall has been here the colors have been changing fast. on the daily drive, I see the colors growing more vibrant every single day. Which means I need to head up into the mountains and cover some ground on foot. It’s time to make some new photographs of this fall while I can. We’ve been able to go paddleboarding. Explore some of the gulches around the valley. A little bit of fall car camping, and a few delicious Bloody Marys at Quinns Hot Springs. Until I can get out and photograph more of the fall here are a few photos from this fall so far.
Zilker Botanical Garden - Austin, Texas
I’ve been down in Austin, Texas for a few weeks now. The city is one of the most interesting I have been to so far. Full of good beer and good food (Go check out Nomadic Beerworks near SOCO). Along with some incredible places tucked right in the middle of the city. The Botanical Gardens at Zilker was an incredible place to spend most of the day. Wandering around the gardens I couldn’t help but be drawn back to the Zen Garden and the Prehistoric Gardens. I found myself wandering back between the two for a few hours. Searching for a composition under the hard sun was a challenge. Trying to see it I found myself switching the picture style on my camera to black and white to help myself see the scenes with some fresh eyes. Which gave me a little inspiration to make the time I spent here as a black and white series. My time in Texas has been fun. Exploring a new city and the lands around it have been nothing but fun. Off to Nebraska soon..
Zilker Botanical Garden 2019
Zilker Botanical Garden 2019
Zilker Botanical Garden 2019
Zilker Botanical Garden 2019
Zilker Botanical Garden 2019
Zilker Botanical Garden 2019
If there is a photograph you would like to order a print of reach out by email and lets chat. Print gallery will be coming to the website soon.
Chance@ChanceKeso.com
My Favorite Photograph
For any photographer choosing a favorite image is always a struggle. It feels like it’s the next one that will be the best, or it’s the one that missed and could never get out of your mind. For me, I keep looking back at a photograph I made in 2015 at a lake in the Olympic National Forest. A place that near and dear to me. I couldn’t tell you how much time I have spent in that forest over the years. I’ve come to know where almost every forest road leads to and where it ends.
Over year’s I began to fall in love with a small lake located there named Spider Lake. I’ve spent many nights camping near the lake. The lake is nestled right next to a Forest Service road but as you drive along you would almost never notice it. It’s set deep behind a massive row of evergreen trees. As you head down the road you will see a small pull off. High up in a tree there’s a small sign that reads Spider Lake. Once you park there is a trail that heads straight down the slope to the lake and proceeds around the entire lake weaving in out from the shore and through an ancient grove of cedars.
Throughout the days I have spent there I always woke up too late or wasn’t there for the one photo I always wanted to make. I woke up one morning early and saw a small layer of fog sitting on the lake, and the water was perfectly still. There was a perfect mirror reflection. I took a photo with my phone but I knew that wasn’t enough. Over the course of a few months, I kept going back to the lake hoping to see that again. Finally, on a mild winter afternoon around 4 pm, I was hiking along the lake and the fog was back. After so many attempts I was finally able to make the photograph I had been wanting to make for months.
Spider Lake, Olympic National Forest, Washington.
Spring Break
Jessica at the lower falls.
Spring break has come and gone. I’ve settled into my final quarter at Spokane Falls Community College. I’ve been working on getting my A.A.S. in Photography as some of you know. Though, this quarter is going to be a bit more difficult. At the end of my spring break I was doing some spring skiing. I took a very hard spill and ended up tearing a piece of my shoulder, again. This is now my fourth labral tear in my right shoulder. Upcoming is my fifth shoulder surgery. That’s definitely adding a little more of challenge to the quarter.
For the gram.
Over the break I returned to my hometown to spend some much needed time with old friends. I was able to spend most of that time in forests and get back to nature a little. Something I have not been doing enough of over in Spokane. Being back out in them added a little more spark to my creativity. Every time that I return to the forests around Western Washington it reminds me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. There is something about those forests that always call me back.
Overall it was a good break from life in Spokane. Seeing good friends, making new friends, and spring skiing. What more could I ask for?
No place I’d rather be.
Winter Is Finally Showing
Cold beers after a good day on the mountain.
As I sit here and write this I have spent the last dew days staring at the NOAA.gov forecast for Silver Mountain. You know what? It’s finally looking good. Colder temperatures, and lots of snow falling on the hill. Which is good to see. I’m tired of having to watch where I am skiing. Those little exposed rock and baby trees are getting annoying. That hasn’t stopped my friends and I from getting out there to make some turns.
Last light on the mountain. Skier: Casey Winchel.
Right now Silver Mountain is only running on the weekends, but is going to seven day a week operation here in a few days. Last weekend wasn’t the best up there but it was a great couple days. Waking up late to head up and let the snow warm up on the groomed runs since they were less icy was our excuse to head to the bar before we started skiing. It was nice to start the days off with a Bloody Mary and a cold beer. Though my friend Casey and I have had a patch of bad luck with every time we order a beer we blow a keg. Hey, a partial free beer!
Watching all this snow falling around us is getting us even more excited to get that first deep powder day in. I don’t my friends and I can wait any longer. We looking forward to getting those fat skis and jumping off of everything we can find. With all this new snow falling in our mountains remember to ride with a friend and stay safe. Respect the mountains.
When the snow is the best the sends are much more reserved.
Chair 4, Silver Mountain. Skier: Casey Winchel.
A little something extra on the ride down. Wardner Peak in the distance. Silver Mountain, Idaho.
Elsie Lake
This morning I woke and the first thing I saw was that it wasn’t raining. I’ve been in Kellogg the last few days. I knew I wanted to crawl out of bed, make a cup of coffee and head to Elsie Lake outside of town. The last few days have been nothing but a downpour here in the Silver Valley.
Heading to Kellogg on Tuesday afternoon. Shot on DJI Mavic Air.
Fourth of July Pass, Idaho.
After packing up my truck with some camera gear I headed toward Elsie. The drive up Burke road is always fun. After passing the mines and into the forest you follow Big Creek up the valley. It is one of my favorite fall drives. As you ascend you will start to see the changing tamarack trees in the distance. In the sea of green they shine in the sunlight. Even when there is a lack thereof. Finally after driving almost the whole way to the lake I rounded a bend on the forest road and there it was… Snow. I was so excited. It was the first snow I have been in this season. It immediately had me excited for the ski season. After a little bit more driving I made it over the ridge and down into the lake below. I pulled into the parking area and got my drone out before the rain started back up again. I took a few photos on the drone and a couple videos. The video is for a project that I am starting to work on with my friend Nathan. More to come on that soon. We need some snow first. That’s a little hint to what it is, but that’s all I will say for now.
Looking down on the north side of Elsie Lake. Mavic Air.
After burning through one of the batteries for my drone I decided it was time to get my camera out and photograph a little more. I shot a few frames to make a large panorama of Elsie Lake. The panoramic photo I made is made up of 26 photos of the lake. The photo was processed through CaptureOnePro and then stitched together in Photoshop. I’m not sure if this is final photo or not yet. I see things that I want to change on it, as any photographer does after they’ve worked on a photograph. I will take a short break from it, and then come back to it to make those changes.
Elsie Lake, Idaho. Shot on Nikon D4 and Tamron 70-200 f/2.8. 26 Photos.
Black Canyon of The Gunnison
The Black Canyon is an impressive National Park that lies on the west slope of Colorado. The canyon on average only receives 33 minutes of direct sunlight daily. Hence the name Black Canyon….
Black Canyon Rd. The canyon can be accessed from the Montrose side or the Crawford side.
The Black Canyon is an impressive National Park that lies on the west slope of Colorado. The canyon on average only receives 33 minutes of direct sunlight daily. Hence the name Black Canyon. The drive into the park is very unassuming. As you drive up you really cant see anything, everything just appears flat. That is until you park and walk up to the edge of the cliff.
From the edge of the canyon. Not for those who are afraid of heights.
When you reach the canyons edge it is truly something else. It is an absolutely incredible drop down to the Gunnison River below. At the deepest the canyon is 2,722 feet deep. That is from the Warner Point part of the canyon. Seeing the walls up close is thing of beauty. The walls are different everywhere you look.
East wall of the canyon.
From the depths of the canyon.
There are a couple trails into the canyon. The trails into the canyon are less of a trail and more of a scramble mixed some light rock climbing. Beware, if it starts to rain you need to get out out of there. It’s dangerous enough to climb up and down while its dry. On the West Slope of Colorado this is one of the must see places. If you ever find yourself nearby make sure to stop in and spend a few hours exploring the canyon.
A few Hot Springs and the National Bison Range
Our journey started out on a Friday afternoon where we headed out from Kellogg, Idaho on a mission to visit three different hot springs over the weekend. Our first day we had a late start and drove over to Lolo Hot Springs for the night. It was fun place to visit but we were only there for a short time since we arrived later in the day.
Kettle House Brewing, Missoula, Montana.
Early the next morning we headed to Missoula to visit a couple breweries in town there. We popped by Kettle ouse Brewing and Tamarack Brewing. Both the breweries were incredible. Some of the beers are only available in Montana which I really enjoyed. Seeking out those new beers to try is a blast.
After our time in Missoula we headed North to Hot Springs, Montana for a night. I couldn’t resist sitting in the springs for as long as I possibly could. After the first soak we headed inside for a few drinks and live music. The artist that night was Larry Hirshberg. You can find his music over at http://larryhirshberg.com/
#86sqft in its natural habitat.
The start of our third day was a chilly one. I spent the night in the bed of my truck. It was a great reminder that I need to add some insulation to the bed to keep it a little warmer now that the colder months are back again. We warmed up our vehicles and hit the road to the National Bison Range. After driving for about an hour to get there we decided to take the longer two hour loop through the Bison Range. Which was well worth it. It was foggy and dark for the beginning of the drive. Slowly but surely as we drove the sun was making the fog burn off. By the time we reached the peak and began to head back down the other side the clouds broke.
Road side snacks in the Bison Range.
Lost in the fog.
As we descended back down the mountain we could see some of the bison off in the distance. Just a little too far away to get a photo of. Towards the end of the drive there was a great spot wide open spot that looked towards the mountains. There was about 20 bison in the field in front of us. Luckily one was just close enough for my 200mm lens to get a shot. Unfortunately the one nearest to us wasn’t looking too great. As you can see in the photo below. Before this quick trip I had never heard of the National Bison Range. I am beyond happy my friends showed me this place. It is truly gorgeous. I’m looking forward to making a trip back there and back into Big Sky Country.
