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After a full day of touring and exploring, Gold Canyon was our final stop for the day. We had driven through this community on a previous occasion and noticed how beautiful the valley behind it was. Looking east, the southern side of Superstition Mountain was to our left and in the eastern distance were some charismatic mountains. Curious, I googled the location and discovered that there was a road into the valley and a trailhead (Peraltra Trail); I added it to our bucket list! We pulled into the community of Gold Canyon at days end and just in time for golden hour; our timing was perfect. The road east quickly turned to gravel, and it was dusty! Homes and the urban lights were still in view when I noted the many campers, tents, ATV’s, horse trailers and families enjoying the desert. Leaving them behind, we continued on until we came across a ravine that was laced with saguaro trees and with Superstition Mountain in distance, it completed the scene; it was in perfect. With our cameras in hand we walked carefully through the desert and eventually followed a meandering game trail. As the sun got closer to the horizon, the halos around the cacti were becoming bright and vivid. The vegetation was so lush and green (thanks to a recent rainfall) however because I shot this photograph directly into the sun the greenery was annihilated by the blasting sun. I love how the sun captures the horizontal lines of the saguaro trees, along with the higgledy-piggledy lines of the cholla. *Interestingly, saguaro trees don't grow their first side arm until they are 75–100 years of age, though some never grow any arms.
The Tsútswecw Flume Trail is located in south-central, beautiful British Columbia, near to what’s known as the world’s famous "Adams River Sockeye Salmon Run". There are two flume trails, "The Lower Flume Trail", which meanders along Adams River and "The Upper Flume Trail", which loops up and around Bear Creek. Always wanting some exercise, we hiked the upper trail. At the trail’s entrance we stopped to read an information board that explained why this was called “The Flume Trail”. It explained that this trail parallels an old flume and that a flume was a V-shaped wooden trough that, when filled with water, were used to transport logs are from the upper mountain slopes to the valley bottom. 11 miles of flumes were built, all by hand, in the early 1900’s. As we entered the historic trail it got notably damp, and suddenly the forest was very lush, with green moss covering the hillsides around us. The trail ascended almost immediately, and as we climbed we noticed the moss covered remnants of the old flumes scattered on the ground around us. It wasn’t long before the trail was covered in ice and snow, however we were prepared and quickly slipped on our snow cleats. So much better! At the very top of our climb the trail turned back and we entered a gorge. We crossed Bear Creek, a number of times, on well-constructed wooden bridges. It was so beautiful, I remember how blessed I felt; having had a hip replacement only 9 months before. “What an amazing treasure”, I said. The canyon walls were covered with a thriving, vibrant green moss, trees were strewn everywhere and the water carved edges of the creek echoed the sounds of the rushing water; I was in my glory! Then, after a few switchbacks, we came upon yet another surprising view! From up above, we looked down on waterfall; a bridge crossed it at its base. It was very picturesque. I thought I could get a great shot of it however the view was obstructed because of all the wind blown trees. Oh well, but you can imagine how excited I was when, from there, the trail meandered along with the creek. I knew I’d get an even better shot here! I only had my iPhone with me on this hike but I knew I'd be back and I could use these shots as studies. I went back a week later and because of my studies I knew where to position myself. This shot was taken with my Sony ILCE-7RM2 SLR, mounted on a tripod. I took so many great shots of this scene; it truly was a fantastic and memorable day!
In south-central British Columbia lies Upper Seymour River Provincial Park; north of the off grid community of Seymour Arm. The only way to get to this photographed location is on an ATV, on a decommissioned logging road. Here you will find TRUE solitude, a pristine waterway and nature is abound. We live in such a beautiful part of the World. That said, on this particular trip we observed an incredibly thunderous grizzly bear sauntering across the sand bar! Needless to say, we promptly left because we knew that if the grizzly decided to give chase we wouldn’t be able to turn our ATV around quick enough (on the narrow overgrown road we were on). Interestingly, notice the dark trees in the background; as the sun was setting they were in the shade of the mountain to which they are rooted while the valley floor was illuminated by the sun. What I love about this photo are the vibrant colours and varied densities. I too love the mix of both horizontal and vertical lines ...and of course, I love how it makes me feel. :-) This photo will always remind me that enormous bear but more importantly it reminds me of how much I value the tranquility and solitude that nature provides.
