My 12 favorite images of 2014

What a year it has been! Whew!

So much has happened in my little corner of the world. I've explored a few new places and several old favorites. Put a lot of miles on my boots and my tires. Started a few new chapters in my life including turning a personal project into a book project. To round out the year, I chose 12 of my favorite images (and it was a very difficult choice as I know I'm missing some). Enjoy!

And in no particular order . . .

1) Reflected Sunset, Capes Meares, OR - In January, I joined family on the Oregon Coast and they gladly allowed some time for me to photograph some very beautiful beach sunsets. On this night, sunset wasn't that spectacular but I was able to catch a little of the color reflected in the windows of the Cape Meares lighthouse for a unique sunset image.

2) Misty Mountains, North Cascades National Park, WA - This was one of those place I had been wanting to hike to for years and I finally got the chance with a group of Mountaineers. It was a misty day as we ventured up the trail to Cascade Pass but every now and then the clouds parted just enough. It's easy to see why this is one of the classic hikes in Washington.

3) Sunset under the Oaks, Elma, WA - A visit to my aunt's house this summer rewarded me with a pastel sky. I have always loved my aunt's oak trees and have photographed them often over the years. This time however, the result turned out perfect.

4) Apple Blossom, Fort Simcoe State Park, WA - While exploring Fort Simcoe this past spring I happened across this apple tree with just a few blossoms. What could be better for a sweet spring image? This may be the image I think of as spring rolls around again.

5) Cape Disappointment, Cape Disappointment State Park, WA - This is a story of patience and poor weather. I had already fallen on my tooshie, slipping on wet logs to get to a good vantage point. But looking at the waves crashing on the rocks, I knew the bruises would be worth it. I had already captured a few good images of the roiling sea when I spied the ship on the horizon moving slowly towards the point. I waited until the ship moved into position. Then carefully but quickly retreated back to the warmth of my car.

6) Beacon Rock at Sunrise, Beacon Rock State Park, WA - This is another case of patience paying off. This morning I watched as daylight progressed without the colors of a glorious sunrise, clouds obscured to eastern horizon. But noticing a break in the clouds, I waited. My hope was that a shaft of sun would strike the face of Beacon Rock. Sure enough it did and I jumped for joy.

7) Leaf on Windowsill, Oysterville, WA - Sweet memories. Oysterville holds so very many childhood memories for me. Of summer days spent staying with my grandmother in her little trailer just out of town. Walking to town, playing on the beach - lazy days of exploring as only a child could. When I visited Oysterville this year, I stopped by the church. The church where my uncle married (and I was a candle lighter). Sunlight streaked throughout the church and as I explored the corners and memories I spied this little dried leaf perched in the sill.

8) Window Reflection, Seattle, WA - I do love street photography. There's an element to the art that makes me concentrate on the small details of the world. Here I was sitting outside a cafe and noticed this man's face reflected perfectly in the window. This may be my favorite from the year. An image where everything ties together.

9) Mt Shuksan, an Alpine Tarn and Starburst, Mt Baker NRA, WA - I knew what I wanted. I wanted a starburst over a ridge with a tarn in the foreground and Mt Shuksan in the background. So to get what I wanted I hiked along Artist's Point until I found the setting and waited for magic to happen.

10) Karen's Sunset, Gifford Pinchot NF, WA - I think this might have been the saddest day of my year - the day I found out my friend Karen Sykes who had been lost on Mt Rainier would not be coming home to us. My cousin and drove up to this viewpoint of the mountain she loved for sunset. Her absence is felt throughout the hiking community.

11) Elowah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, OR - Rushing water, green moss, gorges and cliffs - really what's not to love?

12) Abstract in Water, Poulsbo, WA - beautiful abstracts in water. Whenever I'm out kayaking, at some point I focus my lens on the reflections in the water to capture the dancing light and colors.

Bonus Image - Fallen Barn, Choteau, MT - While on my annual trek to visit friends in Montana, I spied this old barn in the middle of the field. I wanted to photograph it. And knew that to capture what I saw I would need my telephoto lens. Maybe all those college classes in photography paid off after all.

Christmas Memories

A friend posted on Facebook the other day asking for our favorite memories. She wanted to give her kids memories, not presents because she treasured the memories of Christmas from her childhood.

It got me to thinking about my favorite memories and I'd like to share them with you.

When my sister & I were young, we lived in an apartment above the clubhouse of a golf course. Dad worked on Christmas running the course and had to be ready for the golfers before the sun came up. But he always wanted to be there when we opened presents. We'd get up and open our presents, hug and kiss mom & dad then go back to bed with a toy or two. Dad would go to work. Mom would get busy in the kitchen. Not for us really, but for the golfers. The café at the golf course was closed for the holiday and mom couldn't let the golfers go home with empty bellies. There were pies to be baked, cookies to be put out, veggies to steam, meats to roast, drinks to chill and pineapple chunks to soak in rum. We'd wake up again to the savory smells coming from the kitchen and play as golfers streamed into the dining area mom had set up as a buffet with candles and decorations.

There was warmth and love flowing throughout our home.

Several years later, I was away at college - what felt like a world away from family and friends. I had just escaped from a violent marriage, was facing Christmas alone and feeling all the lonelier as my friends at school had gone home. I cried myself to sleep holding onto the one thing that kept me going, my dog Max. For a tree, I cut down with a kitchen knife a little scraggle of a tree (think Charlie Brown), wrapped the trunk in rags so it would stand upright in the holder and threw some tinsel and lights on it. At least I'd have a tree even if there were no presents underneath. My cupboards were pretty bare - hotdogs and Top Ramen were the fare for most days and I wondered if I should splurge.

A few days before Christmas, a man I had been tutoring called and invited me to spend the day with him and his family. He was a man who had seen the underbelly of humanity in himself and was fighting his way out of the waste he had become. She was the daughter of a preacher who saw the potential of the man he wanted to be. They had four kids together and they all loved to sing - so did I. They had no more than me as they were also college students and struggling to make ends meet. But they had room in their home and their hearts for a lonely woman on Christmas.

We ate food from their garden preserved for the winter, sang Christmas carols and filled their home with warmth and love.

These are memories I will treasures for as long as I may.

Merry Christmas.
Heidi

Washington State Park: Wallace Falls

Growing up in Monroe, I spent a bit of time at our local state park Wallace Falls. It was the local park and a fun hike on the weekend, even in the winter. When higher elevations were snowed in, Wallace Falls was there for us, like an old friend. It has been a fall-back hike years when snow lingered in the mountains longer than desired. And it's been a perfect late season hike. It was also one of the hikes I went on with my big 4x5 view camera when I was taking classes on exposure in college.

I understood, after that hike, why William Henry Jackson had donkeys.

The park hasn't changed a lot and yet it has changed so much. Rental cabins have been added to add more space for anyone wanting to sleep close to the Wallace River. Plus a few more trails have been added leading hikers to Wallace Lake and Jay Lake. Backpackers can now sleep overnight near Wallace Lake with a permit from the park.

But the true draw here is the falls. Wallace Falls is three falls along the river, creatively named upper, middle & lower falls. Each spectacular on their own, but all together quite amazing. Middle falls can be seen from highway 2. Each falls has its own viewing area plus there are viewpoints along the trail that look out over the Skykomish valley.

Don't be in too much of a hurry to get the the main attraction. The Wallace River is beautiful as it tumbles over river rocks below low hanging limbs of the thick forest. Take the small side trail to Small Falls, an appetizer for the main attraction. You'll see these if you hike the Woody Trail which I advise either on the way to or from - you will not want to miss them. The Railroad Grade is an easier climb but longer. The walk here can be cool in the summer heat with the overhanging maples and alders that turn yellow in the fall.

Small details of the forest can be found on either trail (and you can make a loop out of your hike with a short connector trail - the connector trail also gets you to the Greg Ball Trail which leads to Wallace Lake). Small streams, ferns, flowers, and mushrooms help bring life to the forest. Bring your macro lens for some of the details.

This is a park where you'll want to bring your long lens, your short lens and your macro lens. You'll find an opportunity to use them all.

To get there, drive Highway 2 to the town of Gold Bar. Westbound, turn right on 1st Ave, Eastbound turn left. Turn right onto May Creek Rd and follow for about 3/4 of a mile. Turn left on Wallace Lake Rd, and arrive at the park.

Washington State Parks: Bottle Beach

Little Bottle Beach State Park. It holds so much in it's tiny package: history, scenery, wildlife. And it's all tucked away next to the highway along Grays Harbor. What's not to love?

On the site of Bottle Beach State Park once stood the community of Ocosta by the Sea - the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad was located here and a grand port had been in the plans. Hotels, churches, schools and industry sprung up in the area including a bottle company. But as it sometimes happens the railroad went somewhere else, the economy sunk and sediment along the shoreline made it difficult for large ships to moor. Sadly Ocosta by the Sea became no more.

As the town dwindled, nature came back. The marshes are filled with birds. Grays Harbor is one of the most important feeding areas for migratory shorebirds. Millions of birds have fed on invertebrates in the mud flats as they migrate north to their breeding grounds. It's estimated that about 20% of them can be found near Bottle Beach. Whew! That's quite a population for this little spec of land.

What about the scenery you ask? If the park is on 75 acres how much scenery can there be? And mud flats? Euw. But don't despair my landscape and scenery friends, the trail to the beach meanders through marshlands and you almost feel as if they could stretch forever. Grand mountain views? Who needs those when you have open skies and rugged land in front of you?

Continue to the beach where the skeleton of an old building remains. Skirt around the side to a wide open stretch of beach. When the tide is out, you can see the remnants of the pilings for the long docks that once stretched out into the bay creating wonderful lines towards the horizon. Walk out on the mud flats for ripples in the earth and almost hidden pockets of standing water. It's the feel of another world.

Bring your long lens for the birds and your imagination to take you back into yesteryear. This little park will not disappoint.

To get here drive highway 105 from Aberdeen along the south shore of Grays Harbor for approximately 15 miles. The parking lot is on the north side of the highway.

Washington State Parks: Joeph Whidbey State Park

In an age of exploration, a young man served with Captain Vancouver on his journey aboard the Discovery during the years of 1791-95. His adventurous spirit led him to explore the waters of Puget Sound with Peter Puget and later to circumnavigate the largest island in the Sound. Vancouver promptly honored him by naming the island after him: Whidbey Island. Joseph Whidbey returned to England and later became well-known as a Naval Engineer. The island still bears his name as well as a small state park near Port Orchard.

Although Joseph Whidbey is a relatively small state park, it's big on adventure. The park's 112 acres include forests, fields, marsh and saltwater shoreline. Your photographic opportunities abound.

Walk the forested trail to the wide open meadows. In the fall you'll have pastel fall colors in the trees and understory and don't forget to look at your feet for mushrooms. The spring brings woodland flowers and the fresh face of green.

The trail continues through a large meadow where birds flit from shrub to bordering tree. You'll come across some marshy areas where frogs perch at the side of the trail watching hikers pass by. Come in the fall and bring a bucket to pick blackberries while you wait for sunset on the beach.

You will not want to miss sunset from the beach. The shoreline overlooks waters from the Strait of Juan de Fuca and sunsets here are a grand finale for beautiful days. The beach is considered one of the best on the island. No matter if you agree with this statement or not, this little park is worth lingering and photographing.

Remember to bring your tripod and polarizing filter. The tripod will help you in the darker areas of the forest and as twilight approaches. The polarizing filter will cut the glare off leaves and water.

To get there from Highway 20 - driving North turn left on Swantown Rd, if driving South turn right. Follow Swantown Rd for 1/2 mile then turn right on Heller St. Continue on Heller St for 1 1/4 miles and turn left on NW Crosby Ave. The park will be on your right in approx 1 1/2 miles.

Read more about Joseph Whidbey and his explorations in the Northwest on the HistoryLink website.

It's becoming a wonderful journey.

A few months ago I decided to turn a personal project into a book. A rather frightening idea for me. All my apprehensions of putting my knowledge, my talent, myself out for public display keep creeping into my internal dialogue.

What if I fail?

What if I do get it done and everyone hates it?

What if I succeed? Could I live up to the expectations?

My experiences while working on the book have, if not squashed these doubts, at least muted them.

First while driving through a state park on Whidbey Island one morning, I happened across a great horned owl sitting on a sign post next to the road. I stopped my car thinking it would fly away when I did. It didn't. I popped open my trunk and pulled out my camera. The owl was still there watching me. It continued to sit there while I rattled off about a dozen frames before it had had enough and flew away into a tree.

A remarkable experience made all the more significant to me by the fact that my mother loved owls. She has been gone from my life for more than a quarter of a century. But seeing this owl, I knew she would have been proud of me and my project. That her encouragement would have helped me through the tougher times. I was filled with a warmth and happiness as if she had been there to give me a hug. I knew I was doing what was right for me.

Now I am also one who is afraid to ask for help - afraid to be an inconvenience to others. So for most of my time researching parks I've been heading out alone. Driving to and from parks by myself or with my dog Zillah who makes an excellent road trip buddy. But it does get lonely.

My last couple of park trips, I've been on the road with friends and I asked rather hesitantly if we could possibly stop so I could grab a couple of photographs and walk around to get a feel of the place. My friends all replied with an enthusiastic YES - happy to help me achieve my goal.

The support I've received from friends has helped to spur me forward. When I began this journey and decided to devote more of my free time to the book over hiking, I kind of resented it. No I enthusiastically plan my weekends around the book and find hiking can get in the way of it. It may be a hard fought balance in the coming months, but this excitement can't be contained.

Fort Simcoe, Washington State Park

Windswept plains, cavalry officers riding into the fort midst Native Americans. Sounds much like the opening scenes of a Hollywood movie. But this little corner of Washington isn't near Hollywood and this isn't a movie. This was life at Fort Simcoe in the mid 1800's. 

Driving out to Fort Simcoe felt like I was driving back in time. No not to 1850 but back to my college days in Wyoming. For me, there was always an air of history no matter where I went in Wyoming from the days before western cultures came to the cavalry and homesteaders. I had those same feelings driving through the plains of eastern Washington to get to remote Fort Simcoe. 

Driving past ranches and rural towns, you finally come to the old fort and it seems just a bit out of place. Where normally you would see utilitarian ranch homes and barns, here you find peaked gables of the Gothic Revival architectural style on the officer's quarters - stark white against the blue sky.

Five of the buildings are original - four of the officer's homes and the blockhouse. The other buildings in the park are reproductions. And all are picturesque. Between April and September, the officers' quarters are open to the public and furnished with period items. During the off-season, the park is still accessible, however the interior of the buildings are not. During the touring season, interpretive programs and re-enactments are offered.

The fort was built near natural springs and cottonwood trees flourish here. You can find birds and small critters in the shrubs and trees near the springs. Flowers bloom in the spring - both native and introduced plants.

And when you're exhausted from all the photo opportunities, lie down on the exercise yard and watch the clouds drift by and maybe get carried back into another time in history.

From Yakima, Take I-82/US 97 south to Lateral A Rd and turn right onto Lateral A Rd. Travel about 10 miles to Fort Rd and take a right. After approximately 12 miles, turn left on Fort Rd Extn. Follow Fort Rd Extn for 2 miles then turn left onto Signal Peak Rd. In approximately 5 miles turn right onto Fort Simcoe Rd. The park is on the left and is well signed.  

Heidi's Hotspots: Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: Artist's Point/Heather Meadows

I absolutely love going to the Mt Baker area. The south side of the mountain a great lake for boating and trails to explore. The north side has a premier ski area, great hiking and stunning views of Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan. This northern side of the mountain is the Heather Meadows/Artist Point area.

Follow State Highway 542 (Mt Baker Highway/Scenic Byway) from Bellingham through farming country and forest. There are several picturesque spots and detours along the way, but your true destination is nearer the end of the road.

In the winter, the road is closed at the ski area but if you are a skier, boarder or snowshoer that is far enough. Winters here are the best with thick snow, lots of slopes and fun ridges. The record snowfall for one season in North America was measured here during the 1998-1999 ski season at 1,140 inches of 95 feet. If snow is what you're looking for, here you will find it. Do take warning though that traveling in the backcountry during winter takes extra precautions on your part. There are many classes teaching you about snow safety and avalanche safety and I highly recommend taking them before venturing beyond the ski area.

Spring and summer comes slowly to Heather Meadows and even more slowly to Artist's Point beyond. There are years that the road to Artist's Point never melts out. But the years it does means there's a spectacle of close views of two extraordinary mountains. Called Koma Kulshan (White Mountain) by the Native Americans in the area, Mt Baker to the southwest is a volcano covered in snow and glaciers all years round. Mt Shuksan to the southeast can claim to be the most photographed peak in North America. And it's easy to see why with its craggy textures and glaciers.

Large groups of photographers gather at Picture Lake just below Heather Meadows to photograph Mt Shuksan in the evening light. You may need to elbow your way into a viewing area. But it's well worth the effort. Higher up on Artist's Point are the best vantage points for Mt Baker in the morning or evening light. Flowers sparkle in the meadows and along the trails. Wildlife can be shy around here, but keep on a lookout for ptarmigan as they frequents the area enough to have a ridge named after the birds.

Life seems to slow down a bit in the autumn on the mountain as the crowds disperse. However fall hiking here is often rewarded with an abundance of ripe blueberries and huckleberries. Some days I come off the trail with juice stained hands. The other benefit of berry bushes are the vibrant colors of the leaves as they begin to turn color. Deep oranges and reds line the meadows and trails for dramatic effect.

With all the fun photo and adventure opportunities near Heather Meadows and Artist's Point, it's easy to see how a person can spend a year here and never be bored.

Autumn, Tis the Season . . .

To look down.

Fresh crisp air with vibrant blue skies and colorful leaves all around. It's very hard to take your eyes off such beauty - you almost get to feeling like a kid again wanting to run through piles of leaves as they float to the ground.

We walk the trails and pathways looking up at the colors in the trees, maybe with a few sun rays streaking through the lingering morning mists. We almost forget to look down unless we stumble.

But the beauty above our heads only tell half the story of this special season.

Go ahead, look down. What do you see?

Ok, if you're at home you're probably looking at your feet and carpet, maybe some toys, power cords and dirty laundry. But get up, step outside. Now what do you see?

Look and you will see colors, shapes and textures - all the things we look for as photographers. You'll see small forests of mushrooms. There's a varied palette of of color in the fallen leaves. And of course leaves of all shapes and sizes.

It's the season to bend over, kneel down or just lie on your belly to capture the world at your feet.

So grab your macro lens - actually any lens will do and go play at your feet.

Washington State Parks: Bay View State Park

A few years ago I thought it might be a fun personal project to photograph Washington State Parks - the centennial was coming up and I thought it might be fun to travel the state and photograph the wonders of our state. It was a personal project. I had no real plans what I would do with the images, I just wanted to be able to find photo opportunities at each of the parks.

Then a friend suggested I write a book, which gave birth to the thought of a photographic guide to the parks. There are so many pretty places in Washington, but with some parks you can easily think of the photographic spots. Others however, photography just doesn't come to mind. Sad too because it leaves an impression that a lot of the parks aren't worth a photo trip.

I recently discovered that I still hold that prejudice. And I have been properly schooled.

I wanted to spend a weekend on Whidbey Island exploring the parks there a little more - there are 6, do you know them? (I'll cover those later.) But all of the campsites on the island were filled and why wouldn't they be as fabulous weather was forecast and everyone wanted one last trip. The closest park with open campsites was Bay View State Park on Padilla Bay across from the Tesoro refinery. Oh great. How photogenic could that be?

But it was a good place for base camp and I was able to explore the parks on Whidbey easily enough. for my schedule, I decided to reserve exploring Bay View until Sunday morning. In my opinion, Bay View was the cherry on top of the weekend.

I woke a little after sunrise having spent the evening before chatting with the couple next door and sharing their fire. Not every images needs to be taken at sunrise or sunset and I needed the extra rest. I set off from the campground to the beach.

The campground is on a small bluff over Padilla Bay - a few of the campsites and the rent-able cabins have a nice view of the bay . . . and the refinery. Below the bluff is a small day-use area, a man-made peninsula of sorts, with picnic tables, horseshoe pits and a volleyball net. And a small little beach to explore the mud flats of the bay. I meandered down to the beach and looked north to a tranquil view of calm waters, peninsulas and barnacle covered rocks. My eyes widened as did my smile. This was gorgeous! As I set about composing my images, I kept thinking how pretty it might have been at sunrise. And, OH! what about sunset?

The beach is small, but the mudflats there are what make Padilla Bay a wildlife refuge. The Breazeale Padilla Bay Interpretive Center is just north of the park and also worth a visit. Birds frequent the bay from the stately Great Blue Heron to the migrating Snow Geese. The beach area offers some nice vantage points for bird photography. Kayaks and other small water craft can be seen offshore.

Take your wide angle and macro lens to the beach. Wide angle for full views of the bay; the macro for the critters and details along the beach. Your longer telephoto for the birds will come in very handy. Set up near either end of the beach where the waters are calmer - most birds will like to rest and feed in the calmer waters. Bring a polarizer to cut down on the reflection off the water and the glare off the rocks.

As for the Tesoro pant across the bay? Well, a little night photography can make it look a bit prettier.

Transitions

It's still summer here in the Pacific Northwest. The days are filled with sun and warmth - the thought of grey days still far from our minds. We're out hiking, camping, boating and generally enjoying the season. The leaves are still green. The flowers are still blooming. And there's a sense that it will never end.

But sadly, summer has to end.

It always does.

The evidence is out there if you know where to look for it.

The transition starts high where the summer season is shortest. 

At 5400 feet, summer is short lived at Cascade Pass in the North Cascades National Park Complex. Just a couple of months ago there was snow on the alpine meadows here. And now, during the Labor Day weekend the Gentian is blooming - the flower that herald's the coming of fall.

And yet, as the wildflowers die off or go to seed the color has not left the meadows.

The leaves of the False Hellebore have started to yellow, a tarnished gold on the tips yellowing to green. An eye-catching color as you hike past. It's enough to draw your eye away from the alpine scenery, look down and marvel at nature's beauty.

Shifting seasonal color can also be found lower in the forest below the pass. Lady ferns turning brown against the still green leaves of devil's club and starry false solomon's seal whisper the transition from summer to fall.

All too soon the meadows will be filled with the reddened blueberry bushes with the 1st kiss of frost on their leaves. I love this transitional period and savor the colors of nature as they turn from flowers and greenery to the warm burnished colors of fall.

I encourage you too to go out and play in nature as it welcomes fall.

Heidi's Hotspots: Mt Rainier National Park: Summerland

I think Summerland will always hold a special place in my heart. When I first ventured off on hiking the Wonderland Trail, the 93 mile trail encircling Mt Rainier, I started at Summerland. My first solo backpack was to Summerland. Need a good hike on the east side of the mountain? Go to Summerland.

Summerland is a smallish meadow on the flanks of Mt Rainier. If you think of the meadows at Paradise or Spray Park, you might scoff at this little meadow. And for many day-hikers and climbers, Summerland is a only short respite on the way to bigger and more grand views. The 8 mile round trip can make this a respectable day hike and a destination of its own, so don't let it's size deter you from venturing here.

Come in the early morning if you can for better light. From the meadow, you will be looking west at the mountain and light can get fairly harsh later in the day. Or wait until the afternoon when the meadows are in shade for a softer light on the flowers. Better yet, try to snag a campsite and watch the mountain glow in the sunrise light. This is a popular hiking and camping destination so an early reservation may be in order for camping.

The meadow may be small, but the views packs a pretty nice punch. The trail follows Fryingpan Creek from the White River Road. After you cross the creek (about 3 miles in), you will travel through what I call the lower meadows - beautiful flowers all around and all the time in front of you, the glaciated flanks of Mt Rainier. Then some quick switchbacks through the woods and you will find your switchbacks lined with the flowers I call the middle meadows. These lead you into the meadows of Summerland.

Look out for marmots, bear and mountain goats while you're here. The marmots are not phased by the hikers and will often be seen nibbling the flowers at the side of the trail. Travel a little further along the trail past camp and across the stream, you will find a wilderness flower lined staircase built of mud, logs and stones that looks as if it were transplanted straight from Middle Earth.

If you love photographing wildflowers with critters in front of mountains, then Summerland is a place for you to discover and fall in love with on your own.

Yakima Sportsman, Washington State Park

Birds. Birds! BIRDS! This park is for the bird . . . watcher! And little wonder. Yakima Sportsman State Park is located in the flood plains of the Yakima River and contains ponds and marshes and all the things that birds love - like plenty of food, nesting, flying, paddling. Although this park rests in the suburbs of Yakima, it still has a sense of the wilderness. It's an oasis in an area known for its dry climate.

The Sportsman's Association of Yakima created this park to promote game management and preserve natural resources. The Association gifted the park to the State of Washington in 1956 and is now maintained as a camping park with fishing ponds, picnic shelters and trails plus lots of areas to bird-watch.

So what is there to photograph here? Well there's the birds. No matter what time of year you come to the park, you will find birds. As a wetlands area, it is a stop over for migrating birds, a breeding area for local birds and the ponds keep the air more temperate which attracts insects and the birds that eat them.

The ponds also lend themselves to photography. Even though there are homes right over the fence, they are well hidden by the woods that fill the boundaries. In fact, the only time I really ever notice homes is when I'm at the marsh overlook watching the Red Winged Blackbirds flit around the cattails. In fact, cattails abound here. Walk the trail around the kids' fishing pond and you will find cattail on one side of the trail and sage on the other. Talk about a variety for photography!

To get here: Drive to Yakima on I-82 and take the exit to Terrace Heights Way and turn East on Terrace Heights Way. Turn South onto University Pkwy then turn West onto Gun Club Rd to the park.

Come here for the birds, come here for the landscapes or come here for a relaxing weekend away. Yakima Sportsman will not disappoint.

Olmstead Place, Washington State Park

I really couldn't tell you how many times while driving through Ellensburg that I passed this little gem of a state park. I may have noticed the sign as I sped by at 70 miles per hour (ok, maybe a little more than that but don't want to incriminate myself), but couldn't say for certain. And if you've missed it as you were speeding down the interstate, slow down next time, pull off the highway and spend some time stretching your legs and your photographic eye. For photos are just waiting to be created here.

A little history: In 1875, the Olmsteads settled in the Kittitas Valley near a settlement that would become Ellensburg and began their lives as farmers in the territory of Washington. The family lived and worked the farm for nearly 100 years before gifting the farm to Washington State Parks and Recreation. Now visitors can wander through the 217 acre farm filled with farming implements, structures and history.

Also keep an eye on their schedule for special events and living history. I stopped by at the end of March to find a team plowing demonstration. Teams of draft horses and mules plowed the fields and their drivers stopped to pose for photos and answer questions. These days can be crowded but well worth the visit.

For your photographic pleasure, park at the main visitor center and park offices. The sheds here are filled with historic farm vehicles and tools, some more modern than others. There is a 1/4 mile trail along the Altapes Creek, lined with cottonwood trees and benches for quiet reflection in the shade. The trail leads to the original buildings of the homestead. Here you will find a treasure trove of antiques from the daily life of early pioneers.

Hours & Directions: The park is a day-use park and is open throughout the year, however tours are only available weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. To get there from I-90, take exit 115 for Kittitas and turn north on Main Street. Follow Main Street to Patrick Ave/Kittitas Highway. Follow Kittitas Hwy for approx 2 miles to N Ferguson Rd and turn left to the park.

Impress your Friends with a Telephoto Lens

There's a really crazy think that happens when you change the focal length of your lens. As a landscape photographer, I spend a lot of time photographing with an 18-70 mm lens. The lower numbers on a lens means it's "sees" a wider angle which makes for wonderful and interesting compositions in landscape photography - all those leading lines and beautiful foregrounds with majestic backgrounds. Wide angle lenses are a photographer's bread & butter.

But there are times when you should put the wide angle lens back in the bag.

In situations where your foreground is miles from your background for instance. Take a look at the photo above and the photo below, both taken from the same road. Notice a difference? I'm sure you do.

The top photo was created with a 100-300 mm telephoto zoom set at 300. The bottom photo was created with my old 18-70 mm workhorse.

So what creates the difference? Why do the mountains look so far away in the bottom photo but so close in the top one? It all has to do with the angle of view. 

A wide angle lens "sees" so much more of the environment. Your angle of view using a lens with a lower focal length is wide. As the focal length of your lens increases - 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm - the angle of view lessens and begins to compress the elements of the scene together.

So in the bottom photo, you can see all of the buildings on the farm, the field in the foreground and the mountains in the background miles away. In the top photo, the extra elements of the scene are remove - focused in on the important elements (barn & mountains) and because of the visual effect of the longer focal length lens, the mountains appear to be right behind the barn.

Here's a nice article with a few diagrams to explain this phenomenon in more detail.

Heidi's Hotspots: North Cascades National Park Complex: Cascade River Road

So much of the North Cascades National Park Complex is only accessible by trail. Even though the beautiful interior of the park takes a desire to strap a pack onto your pack for several hours (or days), our "American Alps" are worth the effort. But if you're not ready for the hike, let me tell you about one of my favorite spots for photography that is not much effort at all - the Cascade River Road.

This 23 mile road leaves from the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) and follows the Cascade River to a basin of jagged peaks and glaciers. Along the way you'll pass wild-life areas, forest glades, waterfalls and have I mentioned mountain views. This is a road that has it all.

To get there, drive east on Highway 20 from Burlington to Marblemount. In Marblemount, the highway takes a hard left turn, but you will continue straight to cross the bridge over the Skagit River. Just after the bridge is a wildlife area - a perfect place to stop and watch bald eagles in the winter. Bald eagles love the Skagit River, converging on this salmon spawning thoroughfare for an easy dinner (breakfast and lunch too). Drive a little further to the fish hatchery for more birds (herons and eagles licking their beaks at the fish swimming deliciously in tanks. The fish are protected by netting above the tanks.

As you drive further along the road, you'll pass a few trailheads for some nice steep trails and a couple of National Forest campgrounds. The campgrounds are nice places to set up base camp if you want to explore the trails or the road more. You'll also pass through lots of moss-draped forest. Moisture from the west hits the mountains and dumps rain into the area, making for perfect mossy habitat.

The road begins to climb steadily and as you drive, you will begin crossing streams, look uphill for the waterfalls. They shouldn't be too hard to find as they are right next to the road. Most of the falls and streams have pull-outs near enough for you to park and walk back to the views with whatever gear you might need.

At about 13 miles, you'll cross the National Park boundary and the road will really start to climb - at times extremely steeply. (Who built this road? Mountain Goats?) The road also narrows quite a bit so stopping is more limited, but there are a few places to pull off so you can photograph wildflowers and more waterfalls and a few mountain views. Another option is to park your car in one of the parking spots along the road, or at the end of the road and walk back and forth. This road can be busy during summer weekends so be EXTREMELY careful. On the shoulder seasons, spring and fall, the gate can be locked so walking the road will be your only option.

The road ends at 23 miles in. Try to keep your eyes on the road as you make the final push. It will be hard. The peaks and glaciers will demand your attention. The end of the road is also the trailhead for the Cascade Pass Trail. The most popular trail in the park and again, steep. Well worth the effort if you're in condition to attempt climbing 2000 feet in 3.5 miles. If you're not, the bowl you are now parked in will give you plenty to focus on. Don't forget to look down once in a while for wildflowers and marmots.

And just enjoy the beauty.

Heidi's Hotspots: Columbia River Gorge: Cape Horn Trail

When people think of The Gorge they think of two places - the amphitheater near George, Washington or the waterfalls along the Oregon side of the Columbia River. Ask a photographer about the Columbia River gorge they'll think of the latter, with wildflowers and expansive views. Hardly anyone thinks about the photographic or adventure potential of the other side - the Washington side.

But there are lots. Where Oregon shows off her stunning beauty at every possibility, Washington is just a bit more demure. You really have to look at her to appreciate the beauty she has to offer. The nooks and crannies, the hidden paths.

I do love the Oregon side of the gorge, and who wouldn't with her dramatic waterfalls and expansive flower-filled views. I could spend days photographing there. But I have also been able to spend days photographing the Washington side too.

One of my favorite places to hike and photograph is the Cape Horn Trail just east of Washougal, WA. Managed by the Cape Horn Conservancy, this trail meanders through forests to panoramic views of the Columbia River. Starting off from the trailhead along State Route 14, hike through forests alive with color. Forest wildflowers bloom in abundance here in the spring, but in early to mid May, the rich blues of Delphinium create a stark contrast against the light yellow greens of alder groves and ferns.

Along the way you'll catch views of the river and gorge and it's hard not to be distracted by the views. But keep your eye out for the flowers along the trail.

The loop trail is closed for Falcon nesting from January to July, but the 7 mile round trip hike from the parking lot to the Nancy Russell Overlook will fill your memory card with color, texture and patterns.

For more information contact the Cape Horn Conservancy.

The best way to keep your camera dry in a rainstorm.

I live in the Northwest and it rains here. No really, it does. I know you don't believe me, but I tell the truth. Some days it just rains more than others. I'm not sure which is a worse rain - the soft drizzling rain that soaks through even though it doesn't feel as if it would or the hard drenching rain that soaks through with one drop.

Both can wreck havoc on your camera gear. So what to do when it rains? Stay indoors? Never!

Here are some handy tips on keeping your camera equipment dry and workable during the wetter seasons (which in the northwest starts on January 1 and ends on December 31).

Electronics and water are not the best of friends, so it's best to try and keep them separated. To do this a plastic camera cover or sleeve is a great option. You can buy pre-made ones at your favorite camera store for anywhere between a few bucks up to $50. All of them work, but make sure you can manage working with them. There's nothing worse than heading out into the field and trying to figure out how to use your accessory or worse, the accessory is more trouble than it's worth. Try it out at home before you go.

Another option is to take a plastic bag (large enough to cover both your lens and the camera) and place your camera in the bag with the lens at the closed end. Next, take your lens hood (or a filter) and thread it on the lens (your lens will be on one side of the bag and the lens hood on the other). This creates an easily removable hole in the bag that is just big enough for your lens to fit through. Secure the end of the bag to the end of the lens with a rubberband and you're ready to go.

Speaking of plastic bags - it is also a good idea while you're out and about in the rain to also have a bag large enough to fit your camera bag into. It really helps to keep all your gear dry - a tall kitchen trash bag works well.

Now that you have protected your gear, how about protecting the front of your lens. Unless you really want them there, raindrops on the lens can ruin a photo or add extra time in front of the computer cloning them out.

Your lens hood can really help here. Not only will a lens hood block unwanted sun spots, it can reduce unwanted raindrops. And for those stray raindrops that happen to sneak onto the lens? A microfiber cleaning cloth between your exposures can help dry them up. If you're not ready to make another exposure, snap on your lens cap until you are ready.

So the next time it's raining, you'll be far more confident to head out for some weather photography. The above image was taken during a windy rainy day at Cape Disappointment in Southwest Washington at the mouth of the Columbia River. The waves crash violently along the cliffs during storms, so the next time a good storm is forecasted you know where to go.

Best Laid Plans . . .

It was shaping up to be the perfect image. I could see it all in my mind. Sunlight streaming over the hillside, lighting the flowers at my feet maybe a little sun-star effect to enhance the composition. But you know what they say, best laid plans of mice and men.

My buddy Ed & I arrived early to Dalles Mountain Ranch in the Columbia River Gorge. I knew the flowers were blooming and had really hoped I could convince him that heading to Columbia Hills State Park would be a good idea. Dalles Mountain in Washington is less well known than the over-crowded Rowena Plateau on the Oregon side of the gorge. We had photographed at Rowena the morning before - Ed really wanted that classic image of wildflowers at sunrise with the river in the background. And the flowers at Rowena were less than spectacular, in comparison to previous visits.

It was more Ed's trip than mine so I didn't push too much, until we woke up the next morning . . . with rain falling on our tents. We decided to get up anyway, because you never know what will happen in the gorge as my previous trip had proven. We got out of tents, saw a break in the clouds near Dalles Mountain and we sped off to our hoped for amazing images.

Thirty minutes later, we were traipsing through the flower-filled meadows on the side of the mountains. Raindrops still clung to the leaves and grasses, dowsing our boots as we looked for our vantage points. As I meandered, I looked at the hillside to the east and saw a notch that I really liked. Then I found the perfect batch of purple lupine for my foreground.

I was getting more excited as I saw my image come together. I started lining up my composition and saw the ridge just beyond my lupine lined with bright yellow balsamroot.

Yes! This was going to be perfect! The sun would peak at my flowers just to the right of the notch. The aperture of my lens was scrunched down as tight as it would go to make a nice sunstar. And as the sun crested the hill it would also cast light onto the lupine and balsamroot beyond.

I was down-right giddy.

I waited as the sun crept closer to the rim of  the hill. Then I noticed clouds inching their way towards the sun. I willed the sun to rise a little faster. And then just as it hit the lip of the hill to cast light on my perfect image the stupid cloud passed in between us.

NOOO! Stupid *&$%#@ cloud!

I probably shouldn't have called it a bad word, for just after my outburst I was hit with the clouds outburst of rain. I made a few exposures to salvage the morning and returned to the car and Ed, who had called it quits just before I did.

But I like this image and a cup of coffee and an omelette were perfect right afterward.

No Tripod? No Problem!

Ever head out on a simple hike or walk through the park and come across a scene that makes you stop and pull out your camera? Then you find that the scene is too dark for a fast enough shutter speed to hand hold? You may have even contemplated heading home for tripod, but were afraid to lose the light?

I think we've all been there.

I know I have. As in the image above.

I was able to stay at NatureBridge a couple of  weekends ago with several friends as we headed out to the Washington Coast for the April beach cleanup. A few of us decided to take a walk around Barnes Point where the learning center is located. I grabbed my camera, just in case I saw something to photograph along the way - but not the tripod.

And well, just a few yards down the trail I saw this scene. It's a classic scene of the Olympic Peninsula - moss draped trees, bushy ferns, green forest floor with a criss-cross of fallen trees also covered in moss and a trail luring you farther into the forest.

I had to capture this image. but a quick check of my settings and I knew I'd never be able to hand-hold the camera for a steady image. Glancing around, I saw a tree right next to the trail, so I pressed my camera against the tree and rattled off a few exposures.

I have on occasion used a stump, a rock, a log and even a hiking buddy's shoulder.

Most often when you are caught with a longer than desirable shutter speed, all you need for a steady image is something steady to rest the camera on. And maybe a continuous shutter, so you're not moving the camera with each shutter release.

So next time you're out and see the perfect image but it's a little too dark, find something to brace your camera against.

And then the clouds parted . . .

What do you do to prepare your photographic eye prior to a day's photo trip, or a week's photo voyage? What are your sources for research? Do you pour over guidebooks? Read descriptions on travel blogs? Look at other photographers' works?

Admittedly, I will do all three. Not to copy the work of those before but to understand what to look for as I'm there. How does the light hit certain landmarks during different times of the day? If I know I want to be here at sunrise and there at sunset then I don't have to spend too much time trying to find the places I want to be. And if I'm travelling to photo excursion for just the day, I don't waste precious time finding the image with the light.

So, on a recent trip to Beacon Rock State Park on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, I flipped through images on google. I had been to Beacon Rock a few times before and climbed to the top of the famed rock. (A little history, the rock was named by Lewis & Clark on their journey west. The rocky thumb sticking up from the river's edge helped guide them along the river.) But I had never seen the rock from the water side of the park. Looking at the images on google, I realized that the river view would be amazing both in the morning light and again in the evening.

So the morning after I got to the park (after midnight, no more camping spots, slept in my car right next to the train tracks - oh yeah, I forgot about the trains), I hopped out of the car and looked eastward towards the lightening sky and saw along the horizon building clouds. Sigh.

Now would you go home after the research, the drive and the train disturbed sleep in your car? I hope your answer is, Heck No! And a good thing too. The weather report said partly cloudy and clouds blow in and out. So maybe, hopefully, all the stars will align and a break in the clouds will let the sun shine though and light the face of Beacon Rock.

I set up my camera on the mooring dock and waited. Talked to another photographer, and waited. Chatted with the fishermen waiting for their friends, and waited. Finally my bladder couldn't wait any longer and I walked back to the shore. Did my business. My dog Zillah did hers. Then we meandered over to the boat launching dock.

And as we got to the end of the dock . . . the clouds parted.

Looking at the World a little Differently

Sunset reflected, Cape Meares Lighthouse, Tillamook, OR

Have you ever looked through images of a place you're planning a photo trip to and notice that so many of them look the same? Do you begin to wonder if you'll be able to add to the images already created? How can you create an image that both defines the place you're heading to and your vision?

The idea here is to explore your vision and creativity.

I do advocate that you look at images from other photographers (both professional and amateur) who visited an area. This gives you an idea of what has been explored before.

When you arrive, don't be afraid to follow in their footsteps. There is a reason art students often copy works of the masters - it helps them explore their own style.

While you're photographing the scene, keep an open mind and an open eye. Watch how the light is moving across the scene, look for a different vantage point, get closer (zoom in with both your lens and your feet if possible). You might find an image worthy of your vision.

The story behind the image above is one of timing and watching the light. We arrived at the Cape Meares lighthouse near Tillamook, OR as the sun was rapidly setting between clouds and the horizon. I noticed that I might be losing the light I wanted on the lighthouse so sped up a bit to try and catch the light without losing my friends. Then, looking up the hill behind the structure, I came up with an idea - catch the last light THRU the lens housing! I ran up the hill and composed an image but the light wasn't really as I had hoped. But I did notice the reflection in the window panes, re-positioned and recomposed for the above image. A slightly different view of a popular lighthouse.

Now it's your turn to look for an image that speaks to your artist's eye.

Waking up Early

The alarm cut through my dreams, a hot knife against my unconscious meanderings.

I looked blearily at my alarm and wondered why I would ever think the tinkled chimed and bird sounds would make a pleasant awakening.

Snooze.

No sooner had I closed my eyes than the alarm clattered in to my dreams like an unwelcome drunken guest.

Snooze!

But I laid in my bed staring at the ceiling debating whether I really wanted to get up and drive for 2 1/2 hours for the possibility of a sunrise.

After several minutes I decided no, I would sleep in, turned off my alarm, and snuggled deeply into my blankets. Then my hand was over the edge of the bed, picking up the pants I had deposited there the night before. First one leg, then the next. My shirt, shoes, hat, camera bag and I was out the door with car keys in hand.

Without thinking, I adjusted myself for the drive and sped off down the dark roadways. My only thought as I progressed was not to speed too much, the highways are lonely at 4:30 on a Sunday morning and I didn't want a ticket. A little over an hour later I was topping off the gas tank and grabbing a gas station coffee to keep myself company.

The air was filled with water, a fog that thickened and dispersed as I drove past farms and trees and finally started climbing towards the volcano. In Seattle we call Mt Rainier The Mountain, Mt St Helens The Volcano.

I was hoping to get sunrise from the Castle Lake Overlook, looking southeast at the volcano, color behind the snowy flanks and crater. But I would have to get above the fog.

Elevation marker 1,000 feet - fog. Keep going,
Elevation marker 2,000 feet - light fog, can see clouds, but no breaks in the clouds. Keep going.
Elevation marker 3,000 feet - clouds, and there are breaks in the clouds, maybe - no stars. Keep going.

As I rounded a corner there in front of me shone a sliver of the moon, shining like a beacon for me to follow. No stars, but there was the moon. This was going to be a good drive. I pulled into the overlook just after 6:30 as the sky was lightening on the horizon, and the clouds began to subtly blush.

Compose, shutter, compose, shutter, compose, shutter until the color faded. I listened to the coyotes howl in the distance.

I drove onto the Coldwater Visitor Center on the ridge overlooking Coldwater Lake. The Visitor Center is open limited hours on weekends during the winter. My destination was the bench below the Visitor Center with a view of the volcano peeking out from behind a ridge. Elk meandered through the meadow below me and the clouds blushed again. I played again with compositions before the color faded.  I watched as a lenticular cloud built up around the crater rim, looking like a clouded comb-over. I moved along.

Heading back down the highway, I stopped at the Elk Rock Overlook as the clouds behind the volcano began to yellow from the morning sun and the volcano's comb-over smoothed itself into a wig.

Waking up early, mystery and loveliness happen in the infant hours of the day.