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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!
I’ve visited Albas falls many times over the years, and it never ceases to amaze me. Albas falls is a remote set of falls; one large (and wider) one below this one and a few smaller ones above this one. There’s a loop trail that meanders around the falls and Celista Creek that provide many stellar views. The forest floor is completely covered with green, flourishing moss, fallen trees and mushrooms; all thriving from the moist environment. Within the steep canyon walls the mist from the falls feels so refreshing; especially on those hot summer days. During spring run-off Celista Creek looks more like a river and although it’s quite a spectacle to see it’s not for the faint of heart or for little ones either. The trail is generally wet and slippery so good shoes are required. This is bear country (both Black and Grizzly), and I’ve seen many in this area before so I knew to be on the look out. The bears were just coming out of hibernation… so yah, I did’t want to be their first meal! :-) So, I packed my bear spray and I felt quite safe but the thunderous falls were so loud that I wouldn’t have heard a bear come up from behind me anyways. The vibrational sound penetrated my body and the earth below my feet shook too! To capture this shot, I had to increase my ISO, slow down my shutter speed (I had to use a tripod) and use a neutral density filter (which reduces the amount of light entering the camera), and then continually wipe the mist off of my lens! Wet and cold I hiked back up to my car; excited in knowing that I got some great shots. LOL, I was so embraced by this scene that I totally forgot about the bears! What a great day!
It occurred to me the other day, that I am a "weather chaser" (lol... just like storm chasers but I chase the "weather"). More specifically, I chase after the unique weather because it adds drama (and/or a mood) to my photographs. The downside of weather chasing IS the weather (lol); the cold, rain, snow and wind (along with early mornings and late evenings). When I get a shot like this one however, I reap the rewards! As I approached my destination for the day (Picacho Peak State Park, between Phoenix and Tuscan), I noticed a huge storm building and filling the valley in front of me. The storm was a sight to see, complete with lightning, rain bursts, rainbows and the sun was mixed in there too. It was so spectacular; I wished I was in the thick of it! By the time I stopped at the state park, all that remained of the storm was the rain. My decision to stop here was a last minute (weather) decision so I arrived without campsite reservation. Fortunately however they just had a cancellation (Yay!). I was set (and hoped the "weather" to return). As I detached my Jeep from my RV it occurred to me that park wraps around Picacho Peak (to the west) and that maybe there would be some "weather" on that side. So, with that in mind, off I went. I parked at the Sunset Vista Trailhead and noted a beautiful sunset forming (something I couldn't see from my campsite). With my camera backpack and my tripod in hand I ventured onto the muddy trail. The clouds still lingered behind me as I hiked and then suddenly a beautiful rainbow suddenly appeared. I was so tempted to turn my attention but because time was of the essence, I stayed focused on this composition. I love this photo's composition (it's one of my favorite compositions). The lay of the land, the greenery, sun, highlights, darks and clouds all help lead your eye into, through and out the photo. I also like the warm tones (the setting sun created), the lush colors of the foliage and rocks (thanks to the rain), and the strong vertical lines of the saguaro trees (in contrast to everything else). Although it's been chilly, windy and raining I feel so blessed to be here with my camera on this winter day!