When you see a “V” shaped valley, that normally means the landscape was carved by a river that runs through it. As compared to a “U” shaped valley, which was formed by a glacier. The length of time for the land to form by the force of water is very long and the depression left all the way to lower elevations is unmistakable.
Carved Valley
After a while, the trail you’re on can become hidden or less obvious to follow. When that happens, I generally mark where I am at and begin to explore around to see if it becomes obvious again. That comes with more risk, but it generally works great before I have to give up on the trail completely.
This is a photo I took of Castle Rock with the midday sun bearing upon it. After taking some more advanced lessons in Photoshop, I learned how to paint with light. That is what it took to say something visually more than what the harsh light washed out. Not completely satisfied with the results, but it is a learning experience nonetheless. I am getting better at handling my images with light and color composition.
At first look, you might think that the gold horizon is a reflection of the sun off the surface of the earth. When actually, this gold horizon is the Pacific ocean reflecting the sun as it sets in the West. There are several horizontal lines in this view I took from atop of a mountain.
Two are the ridgelines of mountain crests before me. The second is the storm clouds above. The next is the Pacific coastline. Then the horizon beyond the ocean. Thereafter the higher clouds in the distance.
Sequoia’s fallen without erosion or decay reminds me of how recent they have toppled. Still protected by their thick bark and tannin surface, their eventual disintegration will be weather, exposure, critters, and wildlife. When looking far across this remote meadow, it is easy to see the fallen Sequoia as commonplace.
The character and reach of the Sequoia really make the forest by how they stand in their prominence. It is not enough to merely witness them in their stature but to feel and experience their being by all your senses. By sense of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.
In six months, Hume will be replenished and whole again. With the Winter months ahead, there many storms to go for this natural place to recover and thrive. In June of 2016, I will look back on this time and remember the blessings and comfort this place brings. By at least a full weekend visit where there are people and peace of mind.
There is a mystery and wonder about finding places where you can see a far open valley. Great distances of natural terrain give a perspective about not only what is before you, but also what is behind you as well. Here in his photo is the Eastern slope of the Sierra near Cottonwood pass.
Simple yet engineered and well-crafted structures are easy to miss while exploring or traveling to your wilderness destination. Sometimes though it is worthwhile to just pull off to the side of the road and just enjoy where you are. The more hidden and less obvious structures are on the trail itself.
The Winter ahead is certain to turn out far more eventful than last season. By snowfall and storms that come and go, we’re going to have a replenished wilderness of rivers, streams, lakes, and foliage. All to make the most of new seasons ahead.
About a week ago I took a short course in Landscape Composition. In that course, a challenge was given to find patterns in the wilderness to highlight aesthetically pleasing subjects. That if we find patterns in the chaos of nature and wilderness, we can apply our creative point of view. To find a way to reveal order and meaning in what we see.
The affect light has on color varies by its intensity. The surfaces and shapes of natural objects can give out shades of beauty that illuminate the soul. It often has much to do with being in the right place at the right time. Or by bearing the cost and risk to put oneself in a position of the moment. To capture what the experience has to say.
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