Zichar
Senior Member
Yes it was. Thanks! You'll see much more awesome shots on Flickriver, ahem... it's a beautiful place, rather unique, and with not a lot of visitors
>>
When it was cold enough to wear my black hoodie and still welcome the sun
Went Wandering in Colorado
- Thread starter Zichar
- Start date
Yes it was. Thanks! You'll see much more awesome shots on Flickriver, ahem... it's a beautiful place, rather unique, and with not a lot of visitors
>>
When it was cold enough to wear my black hoodie and still welcome the sun
Zichar
Senior Member
One moment it was blinding hot
And the next it threatened to rain
I left the raincoats back in the room, silly me
Too far to turn back, but being out in the open without much cover was unnerving
At least we weren't on the dunes yet, have read that lightning strikes happen often
The banks of Medano Creek
And the next it threatened to rain
I left the raincoats back in the room, silly me
Too far to turn back, but being out in the open without much cover was unnerving
At least we weren't on the dunes yet, have read that lightning strikes happen often
The banks of Medano Creek
Last edited:
Zichar
Senior Member
The Creek was dry at the entrance and I was pleasantly surprised to see some flow within albeit shallow
Since it was the start of mud season, it would have taken some time for the snowcaps to melt
Approaching summer, the waters swell, a welcome respite from the heat when families come for picnics
Seen in the much bandied about photos of people surfing on the creek bed
It's a pretty cool phenomenon, where the waters run and then disappear into the sand to join an underground aquifer
Dark colored sand remain on the bed; even dry it's winding run may be seen in stark contrast with the dune field
I was absorbed watching, listening to the water rush to push the sand into tiny dams
Rivulets of water stream by from the sides, joining, forming channels that slowly break down the barriers with a tiny plop
And the waters rush ahead, to curl, swirl and reform further along, catching the glint of the sun as they do
The same scene reenacted in the hundreds all along the creek
Its flow and current in a set path yet never the same
All with a background symphony of rustling tall reeds
Found out then that my shoes were water-resistant ... not water-proof as initially thought
Since it was the start of mud season, it would have taken some time for the snowcaps to melt
Approaching summer, the waters swell, a welcome respite from the heat when families come for picnics
Seen in the much bandied about photos of people surfing on the creek bed
It's a pretty cool phenomenon, where the waters run and then disappear into the sand to join an underground aquifer
Dark colored sand remain on the bed; even dry it's winding run may be seen in stark contrast with the dune field
I was absorbed watching, listening to the water rush to push the sand into tiny dams
Rivulets of water stream by from the sides, joining, forming channels that slowly break down the barriers with a tiny plop
And the waters rush ahead, to curl, swirl and reform further along, catching the glint of the sun as they do
The same scene reenacted in the hundreds all along the creek
Its flow and current in a set path yet never the same
All with a background symphony of rustling tall reeds
Found out then that my shoes were water-resistant ... not water-proof as initially thought
Zichar
Senior Member
We tire easily.
Must be the air, altitude, water, food or lack of, something
Right after making the room sunlight proof (thank goodness for thick curtains)
A graceful swan dive on to the bed
Followed by a pitiful crawl back under sheets
Hastily punched in numbers for the alarm clock, swiped away to snooze twice
Yet awake we did, squinting sans myopia
Hands to our faces, our bodies nervously shrank away from the sun
stepping out like prisoners after a two-week solitary confinement sentence
And so we traveled up the curvy gravel road to Zapata Falls, barely fifteen away from our lodge
Hoping that it would still be frozen at this time of the year
Stopping at the lot, from our elevated position a storm was a brewing in the distance, a yellow cloud swirled over the dunefields
Four other cars were parked, our adjacent neighbour, both digging into a salad and sandwiches
Felt a little awkward but I rapped her window, stopping her midway, lips to bottle of cranberry juice
To ask if the trek up was difficult or worth it? Because we weren't much up to it, brain addled muscles in slumber
A vigorous nod and yes, you certainly must go
The trail was lumpy, round smooth-shaped rocks litter the ground
A foot reflexology path of small and large
I would learn later that the river flows down, we were walking on a dry creek bed
Groups came down, some distinctly European, French perhaps
As is our practice, a friendly hullo to those we encounter on the trail
Asking how far it was to the destination, tips and pointers
Guessing their nationality after we passed
One such man was immensely chuffed at the experience
Stopped to switch on his camera to show me the photos he got up there
Whilst he fiddling with the playback, a Brit we looked at each other quizically
Himself and everyone else we met were consistent in dishing out the same advice
Beware slippery ice and soft snow
When last we reached,the gaping mouth it was frozen, hidden from the sun
Layers of snow atop thin sheets of ice
For some moments we simply stared, wondering how on earth were we to get up there
Our eyes tracing the blackened footsteps of our predecessors
Must be the air, altitude, water, food or lack of, something
Right after making the room sunlight proof (thank goodness for thick curtains)
A graceful swan dive on to the bed
Followed by a pitiful crawl back under sheets
Hastily punched in numbers for the alarm clock, swiped away to snooze twice
Yet awake we did, squinting sans myopia
Hands to our faces, our bodies nervously shrank away from the sun
stepping out like prisoners after a two-week solitary confinement sentence
And so we traveled up the curvy gravel road to Zapata Falls, barely fifteen away from our lodge
Hoping that it would still be frozen at this time of the year
Stopping at the lot, from our elevated position a storm was a brewing in the distance, a yellow cloud swirled over the dunefields
Four other cars were parked, our adjacent neighbour, both digging into a salad and sandwiches
Felt a little awkward but I rapped her window, stopping her midway, lips to bottle of cranberry juice
To ask if the trek up was difficult or worth it? Because we weren't much up to it, brain addled muscles in slumber
A vigorous nod and yes, you certainly must go
The trail was lumpy, round smooth-shaped rocks litter the ground
A foot reflexology path of small and large
I would learn later that the river flows down, we were walking on a dry creek bed
Groups came down, some distinctly European, French perhaps
As is our practice, a friendly hullo to those we encounter on the trail
Asking how far it was to the destination, tips and pointers
Guessing their nationality after we passed
One such man was immensely chuffed at the experience
Stopped to switch on his camera to show me the photos he got up there
Whilst he fiddling with the playback, a Brit we looked at each other quizically
Himself and everyone else we met were consistent in dishing out the same advice
Beware slippery ice and soft snow
When last we reached,the gaping mouth it was frozen, hidden from the sun
Layers of snow atop thin sheets of ice
For some moments we simply stared, wondering how on earth were we to get up there
Our eyes tracing the blackened footsteps of our predecessors
giantcanopy
Senior Member
Great post Zichar ! I have always dreamt of visiting states for their national parks and expansive valleys.
You got yourself a 4WD to traverse the terrains ?
Ryan
You got yourself a 4WD to traverse the terrains ?
Ryan
Zichar
Senior Member
Thanks Ryan, I usually look for 4WD options considering I tend to plan for off-road driving and my wife likes the elevated driving position (although she always lets me park the damn thing!)
But I was a bit short on $$$ and after checking up with another forumer, was told that it was not worth it, that I could get by with a normal car
Going in Mud season meant that the 4WD tracks and trails would either be snowed in or still closed - some were on private property of whom the owners would only permit access during certain months
In one section, I ended up doing >60km around the pass when the direct overland route was 7km... pengsan looking at the map
Had a Chevrolet Impala ... disgustingly powerful though, enough torque to go up steep slopes
Though that meant filling her up every chance I got ;p
Zichar
Senior Member
And so we proceeded, using my tripod to check for depth
When faced with the choice of thick snow or sheet ice we'd choose snow
The rushing waters visible underneath the ice like clear plexiglass
Irrational fear, or reluctance to get wet - the water was <6 inches
We hung on to the wall wishing for claws instead of fingers
Scuttling like a crab into the dark crevasse
Like a slot canyon, the light shone at the end, casting a bluish glow on the ice
Was an awe-inspiring moment catching a glimpse of the frozen-in-motion Zapata Falls
This was on my to-do list, checking with my friend, and I was half-hoping it'd still be solid ice
With running water all over, she deigned to come inside
But miss out on seeing the falls, you've come so far
It's safe I told her, come over, step carefully and I'll take a photo of you
She did and with one hand on the wall held on tight, she smiled nervously
I held up my hand, fingers slowly curling in
And then she slipped and fell on the ice, her head hitting the floor with a sharp crack that echoed through the chasm
As a grown man, I have never been so afraid as at that moment
When faced with the choice of thick snow or sheet ice we'd choose snow
The rushing waters visible underneath the ice like clear plexiglass
Irrational fear, or reluctance to get wet - the water was <6 inches
We hung on to the wall wishing for claws instead of fingers
Scuttling like a crab into the dark crevasse
Like a slot canyon, the light shone at the end, casting a bluish glow on the ice
Was an awe-inspiring moment catching a glimpse of the frozen-in-motion Zapata Falls
This was on my to-do list, checking with my friend, and I was half-hoping it'd still be solid ice
With running water all over, she deigned to come inside
But miss out on seeing the falls, you've come so far
It's safe I told her, come over, step carefully and I'll take a photo of you
She did and with one hand on the wall held on tight, she smiled nervously
I held up my hand, fingers slowly curling in
And then she slipped and fell on the ice, her head hitting the floor with a sharp crack that echoed through the chasm
As a grown man, I have never been so afraid as at that moment
Zichar
Senior Member
I panicked, even though I'm a healthcare worker with many hours of watching Man vs Wild...
Felt sick to the stomach; we met so many people coming down as we were walking up
And then up until that moment, not a soul!
The falls suddenly looked dark and gloomy; we felt very much alone
I think I may have asked a record number of 'Are you okay?'s knowing my wife
Would simply grin and bear it even in distress
Rubbing the back of her head, she simply wanted to get out of there pronto
Put paid to my daredevil attempt to climb and see what else is within
Felt sick to the stomach; we met so many people coming down as we were walking up
And then up until that moment, not a soul!
The falls suddenly looked dark and gloomy; we felt very much alone
I think I may have asked a record number of 'Are you okay?'s knowing my wife
Would simply grin and bear it even in distress
Rubbing the back of her head, she simply wanted to get out of there pronto
Put paid to my daredevil attempt to climb and see what else is within
Yes it was. Thanks! You'll see much more awesome shots on Flickriver, ahem... it's a beautiful place, rather unique, and with not a lot of visitors
>>
When it was cold enough to wear my black hoodie and still welcome the sun
haha, i visited the dunes in mid dec (2002), and I can definitely vouch to the cold (-25C b4 wind chill)!
soulFLY
Senior Member
This is good and the light are special...
great capture and enjoyed the work of nature...
BrownBoots
New Member
I also like #16 & 17. Very nice and natural lighting. I believed very minimum PP or none were done to these two pieces?
For 16, if only a solo patch of sunlight fall on the foreground plant with a bit of adjustment to the composition, it would further strengthen the image.
For 17, I like the way the 'bigger healthier' plant stare down at the poor withered one from a higher vantage point. The top right irregularity does disrupt the overall setting of the subtle sand pattern and might be a bit of distraction to the otherwise great image.
Hope you don't mind me nitpicking on your lovely shots because I really see the potential in them.
Thanks for sharing.
For 16, if only a solo patch of sunlight fall on the foreground plant with a bit of adjustment to the composition, it would further strengthen the image.
For 17, I like the way the 'bigger healthier' plant stare down at the poor withered one from a higher vantage point. The top right irregularity does disrupt the overall setting of the subtle sand pattern and might be a bit of distraction to the otherwise great image.
Hope you don't mind me nitpicking on your lovely shots because I really see the potential in them.
Thanks for sharing.
Zichar
Senior Member
Yikes that's cold. I was recommended to camp on the dunes so that I can get first light, but I chickened out.
Lots of people do, as it's free access; can see flashlights flickering in the night.
But yeah, Singaporeans are a well-traveled lot
I asked Rames the lodge owner: just the week before I stayed, one of the directors from Seagate Sg brought his group over for hiking + team building
Thanks Thomas, coming from you that means a lot
Hey Brownboots, thanks for dropping by. I think I click on your thread at every update lol
I can't remember what PP was done to them honestly, probably curves, levels and sharpening on a selection of highlights and shadows
Funny you should say that, I waited for the patch to travel further to where it was haha
I might have a shot that way actually
Looks odd with a bright foreground and dark horizon, the sliver of a hole-in-the-clouds column of sun is lost on the viewer
Attempted to clone out the upper patch in #17 ... but I couldn't make it uniform ;p Not quite there yet, only good at picking spots
Have seen some amazing patterns on Flickr, but when I was there, the shifting sands didn't quite present a flowing undisturbed dune floor
I was pretty cautious to where I stepped, found out to my detriment that there's 'no turning back' shucks!
BrownBoots
New Member
Thanks for the continuous support, hope you don't get bored of them soon.
Perhaps you are right on this, what I envisioned don't always turn out the way I had in mind. I'm sure you being there is in the best position to know what is possibly achievable than me looking at a monitor.
I can absolutely understand the 'no turning back' situations as I've been through those a few times too. :bsmilie:
Zichar
Senior Member
Thanks for the continuous support, hope you don't get bored of them soon.
Perhaps you are right on this, what I envisioned don't always turn out the way I had in mind. I'm sure you being there is in the best position to know what is possibly achievable than me looking at a monitor.
I can absolutely understand the 'no turning back' situations as I've been through those a few times too. :bsmilie:
Haha not getting bored at all
No worries, I'm curious to know what others think; found myself sitting at the comp last night reworking the other photo just to see what can come out of it (nothing good I'm sorry!). In any case, I do that all the time, look at a photo and wonder what would I have done ;p
>>
She rubbed the back of her head in pain,
the moaning, best be described as a wounded animal
We managed to get back to the car slowly, not another car left in the lot
The storm was in full force in the distance, the mountains covered in brown shapeless fog
Standing at the edge of the cliff, atop a small rock, I could barely hold my balance to stay upright
My jacket billowing, flapping as on a stationary motorbike ride, imagining it'd carry me away on its wings
Eyes squinting, wishing I had the long lashes of a camel
Driving down the winding road, the wind whipped sand, gravel and dust in random swirls
Its surface entirely covered in rising smoke
Was an imposing tower when we drove up, Blanca Peak
Now it felt like we were outrunning a behemoth
Saw the start of the trail by the side of the road ... that leads all the way up.
I don't think I'll ever climb a 14er
