It was one hell of a trip to Mt Rainier National park last weekend. Trying to take advantage of travelling alone (which happens rarely), was thinking to sleep in the car- probably at a campground or at one of the overnight parking lot. The plan was to stay in the vicinity, to capture the first morning light on Mt Rainier. Being summer, that means being up at the spot by 5 AM. As I was driving towards the sunrise area of Mt Rainer, came across an empty parking lot at Sunrise Point. The view was so good that I decided to night out, right there. Dang it, I did not realize it would be this cold even inside the car. Next time need to carry a sleeping bag too :) Anyways just as I was getting settled, the stars begin to peep, begging to be captured. I just could not help but take a stroll and set up for this shot. Though it was quiet remote northern side of the park & being atleast an hour+ drive to any established community, was surprised to see as much light pollution on the horizon. To add to it , the moon popped from behind. It was one fiery moon rise. I did want to capture more of the horizon, but the moon was way too bright to be captured along with the stars. Anyway the moonlight did help in lighting up the mountain. This is a panorama of two landscape shots. It is a single exposure (each) stitched together, with slight adjustments on levels and a bit of dodge, to put the the Milky Way on spot light. It was one hell of an experience - just being one with nature, enjoying the slight cool breeze, shooting at mid night. Here is this week shot, in an attempt to capture that experience. Am sure you like it as much as I do. And by the by this would look amazing on metallic print !
Sometimes there is a different kind of beauty to things, even when it is seemingly out of focus. Enjoy life, even at times when the not so coherent pieces of the puzzle take time to align.
Fairy Falls is located at the Wahkeena Canyon area of the lovely Colombia George Wilderness. The trail starts with some beautiful stonework and a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek. The trail to the left leads to Multnomah Falls and the one to the right leads to the Fairy Falls and beyond. Wahkeena Falls and the overflowing creek might not be as popular as the near by Multnomah Falls, but let that not fool you. The Fairy falls is one of the much smaller falls in the George, but is brilliantly beautiful. Even at just 20 feet, the stepped formation creates such a dreamy flow. It is a wonder to watch and just get lost with.
