Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Landscape Photography Locations => Topic started by: daleeman on June 24, 2008, 10:09:30 pm
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We will be going out to the Pacific coast in California in November. Flying into SF and then going to Yosemite for 4 days. Then we are going up to northern California and slowly working out way down the coast for an additional week. Can any one give us some ideas of what to see and what we should never miss. I do the photos and Sue is an avid bird watcher. Finding what she would like to see is as important as what I hope to photograph.... or more.
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We will be going out to the Pacific coast in California in November. Flying into SF and then going to Yosemity for 4 days. Then we are going up to northern California and slowly working out way down the coast for an additional week. Can any one give us some ideas of what to see and what we should never miss. I do the photos and Sue is an avid bird watcher. Finding what she would like to see is as important as what I hope to photograph.... or more.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=203486\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
It's Yosemite.
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I've never been there, but I understand the Mendocino area is quite beautiful. You might want to have a look here: http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cacoast/C...ornia_Coast.htm (http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cacoast/California_Coast.htm)
Mike.
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I live in Humboldt County near one of the best bird watching areas in the world. We get stopovers from migrating birds each year. However, that is now over--they've migrated. But you can still get in some good birding here.
If the weather is right, you can get some of the best coastal sunset shots in the world here, but they don't happen too often. It's a very overcast and cool area normally.
After you get back down to SF, you DO NOT want to miss Monterrey-Carmel, which is south of SF.
I could keep you VERY busy for 8 hours hiking around where I live, within the 20 mile coastal scenic area from Arcata to Trinidad.
If you want, shoot me an email, and I'll give you a tour of the Arcata-Trinidad area, including the Marsh where lots of birders go.
Do some research on your own for the Arcata-Trinidad area, and let me know what you want to see. I actually live 1/4 mile from some of the most protected dunes in CA, where the Redwoods meet the ocean.
It would be an easy tour for me and no imposition at all.
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Thanks for that correction
It's Yosemite.
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I've never been there, but I understand the Mendocino area is quite beautiful. You might want to have a look here: http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cacoast/C...ornia_Coast.htm (http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cacoast/California_Coast.htm)
Mike.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=203508\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Thanks Mike I'll look at these suggestions.
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I live in Humboldt County near one of the best bird watching areas in the world. We get stopovers from migrating birds each year. However, that is now over--they've migrated. But you can still get in some good birding here.
If the weather is right, you can get some of the best coastal sunset shots in the world here, but they don't happen too often. It's a very overcast and cool area normally.
After you get back down to SF, you DO NOT want to miss Monterrey-Carmel, which is south of SF.
I could keep you VERY busy for 8 hours hiking around where I live, within the 20 mile coastal scenic area from Arcata to Trinidad.
If you want, shoot me an email, and I'll give you a tour of the Arcata-Trinidad area, including the Marsh where lots of birders go.
Do some research on your own for the Arcata-Trinidad area, and let me know what you want to see. I actually live 1/4 mile from some of the most protected dunes in CA, where the Redwoods meet the ocean.
It would be an easy tour for me and no imposition at all.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=203543\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hi, it would be a good chance to see the wonders of what you have seen. Sue has heard of Humbldt area and we do plan on being in the are for a while. So yea, I'll keep in touch. I'll also look into the Arcata-Trinidad area. This souds like a strong opportunity too.
I'm slowly moving back to my roots, I'm using all that cool and expensive digital stuff less and less and moving back into film. Mostly for the beauty and time in a quiet and relaxing darkroom... its good for ones mental health.
Back pre-digital days, I remembering going from Monterray to Carmel on the 17 mile road. I'll have to find those negs and refresh my memory. I remember the bird island, and the one twisted tree on the rock. Life was amazing with my 50mm lens on my old Leicaflex SL. Now that I am moving back in time and enjoying slower things, I find myself using an M2 a bunch, driven by my father wo taught me you can do almost anything with one lens, just be in the right place at the right time.
So Sue and I will dig into more info and stay in touch. When we get out there it will mostlt likely be between 7 and 13th of November.
Anyone else reading this post I hope could also join us and make it a Luminous Landscape reunion and shoot out.
Lee
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Best places that come to mind along the coast...
Rockefeller Forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park (nearish Eureka)
Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (near Crescent City)
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (between Crescent City & Eureka)
Point Lobos State Reserve (just south of Carmel)
Mendocino (but lower priority on my list than the previous places)
Dinner at the Benbow Inn (just south of Garberville) - not for photography, just great food! (a great place to stay too, if you feel like a splurge)
If you are willing to go slightly up into Oregon, Harris Beach State Park and Samuel L. Boardman State Scenic Corridor have great sea rocks - well worth it too.
I don't know much about birds, though, so I'm no help there...
Lisa
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Best places that come to mind along the coast...
Rockefeller Forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park (nearish Eureka)
Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (near Crescent City)
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (between Crescent City & Eureka)
Point Lobos State Reserve (just south of Carmel)
Mendocino (but lower priority on my list than the previous places)
Dinner at the Benbow Inn (just south of Garberville) - not for photography, just great food! (a great place to stay too, if you feel like a splurge)
If you are willing to go slightly up into Oregon, Harris Beach State Park and Samuel L. Boardman State Scenic Corridor have great sea rocks - well worth it too.
I don't know much about birds, though, so I'm no help there...
Lisa
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I live 50 mile North of SF Hwy. 1 is nice but will take LOTS of time to travel on.Try to stay on 101 and look for places to go off 101 for maybe 2 hours to the coast and back.That would be at River Road ,North of Santa Rosa and to the coast and back WILL TAKE 2 1/2 - 3 hrs. Two lane road/one in each direction.Stay on 101 and go North.There is lot's to see on 101.Drivers in CA. SUCK BAD ! Beware!The Hwy 1 route is like VERY curvey and narrow.5 hours to make 60 miles, NO LIE !
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If headed south to the central coast, there are many great locations along Highway 1.
Wilder Ranch just outside Santa Cruz
Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach
Elkhorn Slough outside Moss Landing is known for birds---but I'm not a birder...
Point Lobos
Carmel Highlands to Big Sur
Julia Pfeiffer State Parks
Lots of fires right now-----Hwy 1 closed at about Ventana right now. Hopefully nature has recovered well by the time of your trip.....
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So Sue and I will dig into more info and stay in touch. When we get out there it will mostlt likely be between 7 and 13th of November.
Anyone else reading this post I hope could also join us and make it a Luminous Landscape reunion and shoot out.
Lee
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=203618\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
You do realize that November will be quite cold for Northern CA, right? I mean it's not horrible, but November "starts" our rainy season, which means you could get rain for two weeks straight--no joke. September is our driest and warmest month. So far we have had maybe 3 days of warm sunshine. The rest of the time, from January until now have been of three types: Overcast, Wind, Cold, or a combination thereof. It's been a long winter for us this season. If you want to spend a night in Humboldt, the Lost Whale Inn is WONDERFUL. It overlooks the ocean and has a deck all around it. It's individually owned and has about 7 rooms in an old Victorian style house. It's amazing, comfy, homie, warm, so, so nice.
www.lostwhaleinn.com
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Drivers in CA. SUCK BAD ! Beware!The Hwy 1 route is like VERY curvey and narrow.5 hours to make 60 miles, NO LIE !
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=203720\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I'm sorry, but what Peteh wrote is just foolishness........ As a photographer who wants to experience the California coast, I'd suggest you stay NEAR THE COAST, ie, on Rte 1, and not go miles and miles inland to Rte 101. Just look at a map and you'll see what I mean. California drivers are just about like all drivers everywhere in the US except if they live in or around the heavily congested areas, they are better drivers from having to deal with the congestion. (probably this way for drivers all over the US) And as far as on Rte 1, yes it is curvey (ie, along the COAST) and a standard 1 lane in each direction wide. But regarding it taking "5 hours to make 60 miles"...........that's just nuts. Only if there is an accident or construction that closes the road for 3:45! I would guess that in November, ie, very little traffic, you'd easily average 45mph while driving. Obviously stops for pictures would influence your final distance.
Don't be scared away from this drive. It is absolutely wonderful.
(any others familiar with this route, please feel free to jump in)
Brad
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It can get a bit slower on Hwy 1 south towards Big Sur----lots of curves and beautiful scenery. But you shouldn't be driving fast in this area anyway!
No worries about the weather down here on the central coast. Californian's may "bitch" about the weather, but we really don't have much in terms of seasons here. ["It's 60 degrees fahreheit---I'm cold..."] We don't have weather like the midwest or back east! Micro climes do change quickly here. It can be brisk, yet quite warm the next day----and yes, warm into November and December too..... Some images are best photographed in the colder months....Pfeiffer being a prime example.
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No worries about the weather down here on the central coast. Californian's may "bitch" about the weather, but we really don't have much in terms of seasons here. ["It's 60 degrees fahreheit---I'm cold..."]
That reminds me of when I was working in south Texas in the winters of 1995 and 1996. The Texans were all wearing parkas and the Canadians were wandering around in T-shirts, wondering why they were so bundled up! It took us 1/2 hour to convince them that you could drive your truck onto the ice in the wintertime, but there was NO way they were going to believe you could build a fire on the ice. That was just us trying to mess with them. Didn't try to explain the rivers up north being used as highways in the winter! Wonderful bunch of people to work with though; I miss them all.
Mike.
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It can get a bit slower on Hwy 1 south towards Big Sur----lots of curves and beautiful scenery. But you shouldn't be driving fast in this area anyway!
No worries about the weather down here on the central coast. Californian's may "bitch" about the weather, but we really don't have much in terms of seasons here. ["It's 60 degrees fahreheit---I'm cold..."] We don't have weather like the midwest or back east! Micro climes do change quickly here. It can be brisk, yet quite warm the next day----and yes, warm into November and December too..... Some images are best photographed in the colder months....Pfeiffer being a prime example.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=204095\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The comment on micro climates changing rapidly is exceptionally true. In Arcata, where I live, on the coast, it can be overcast and 58 degrees, and then 7 miles east it's clear and 85 degrees.
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I second the Medocino suggestion; one of our favorite places. A few other suggestions:
Rodeo Beach just N of the GG Bridge (see attached photo of seastacks)
Point Reyes
Glass Beach near Ft. Bragg is a curiously sad place where trash was dumped for years and now glass has been worn into small polished stones by waves. Interesting photos…
Two books I’d recommend: John Doerper’s Coastal California (photos by Galen Rowell) and Galen’s book Bay Area Wild. The first is a guidebook, the second just some great info and photography.
If Hwy 1 gets too tedious you can always jump over to 101 then cut back through the coastal range. Those aren’t bad drives in themselves.
Dave Chew
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Just for a clarification. The Bay area has generally fairly cool weather along the coast all the way up to Mendocino and down to Monterey all year long. The best weather is often in the fall but November is getting late.
Expect 50-60s due to the marine layer of fog that rests along the coast but sometimes will burn off by mid day. Thats highway 1.
On 101 which is 60 -70 miles from the coast depending where you are, the weather is generally a lot warmer even in November. In Wine Country, Sonoma and Napa counties it can still be Indian Summer and very sunny and nice and up to the 80s at midday. Even in Wine Country, we often have a marine layer but it usually burns off by 10-11 AM and the weather is great.
Michael
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Having done it about 15 years ago - and assuming no major changes (Ha) start at the Oregon border and make sure that you budget time for all the redwood state parks. They are simply beautiful.
I would vote to stay on the coast highway (Rte 1) all the way down to San Simeon. That's not to say that wine country isn't gorgeous (it is), it just that it's pretty much an either/or situation. Look at a map and check driving times and you will see what I mean. The Monterrey/Big Sur area is not be missed.
After San Simeon, if you have time, consider breaking east and checking out Death Valley. It's an incredible place, just as is Yosemite. It ought to be tolerable by November, but might not be, so have a plan B.
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I'm sorry, but what Peteh wrote is just foolishness........ As a photographer who wants to experience the California coast, I'd suggest you stay NEAR THE COAST, ie, on Rte 1, and not go miles and miles inland to Rte 101. Just look at a map and you'll see what I mean. California drivers are just about like all drivers everywhere in the US except if they live in or around the heavily congested areas, they are better drivers from having to deal with the congestion. (probably this way for drivers all over the US) And as far as on Rte 1, yes it is curvey (ie, along the COAST) and a standard 1 lane in each direction wide. But regarding it taking "5 hours to make 60 miles"...........that's just nuts. Only if there is an accident or construction that closes the road for 3:45! I would guess that in November, ie, very little traffic, you'd easily average 45mph while driving. Obviously stops for pictures would influence your final distance.
Don't be scared away from this drive. It is absolutely wonderful.
(any others familiar with this route, please feel free to jump in)
Brad
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=204090\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
So how long does it take for you to go from Jenner to Ft. Bragg? Average speed on Hwy. 1 is about 35 MPH.I was not trying to scare the guy.The coast is beautiful but it takes some time.Try driving in Sonoma County and see what drivers are about.
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Don't be scared away from this drive. It is absolutely wonderful.
(any others familiar with this route, please feel free to jump in)
Brad
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=204090\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The coastal route is not to be missed. However, after you get half way through Mendocino, RTE1 Jogs over to 101,m so you don't have to worry about choosing which HWY after that. It's 101. You can drive to the coast off the 101 and back again after RTE1 turns into 101 though if you want to see something on the coast.
Of course RTE 1 is definitely one of the most beautiful drives along a coastal area in the world. If you start in Santa Monica, take it all the way up. Fabulous indeed. It gets better and better as you move out of the Southern part of the state into the middle and norther part also, simply because of the cliffs and rock formations.
If you remeber, call me when you get to Humboldt, and I'll take you to the top of the Trinidad head, something missed by most people visiting. If it's a clear day, you can see 20 miles each direction. Another look out spot is called Strawbery Rock, which isn't on any information pamphlet because it's private logging company land, closed to teh public. However, with all of the activists in this area, the company doesn't keep people off the trail leading up to the rock. Once there, you can see the entire coastal range of redwoods and if clear, perhaps 50 miles each direction. It's like flying in a plane. If the clouds are right you could get an image that is a show stopper. Very hit and miss in this area though. I think this entire year I may have seen 5 good sunsets so far. The beaches have so much rock formations that if the clouds participate and the light is good, you can't help get a good image.
I think two years ago I shot the Trinidad coast everyday for a solid 60 days and only got a few keepers. This is one, and you can still see that the clouds are not the greatest and you can see the haze in the air too. I just tried to frame it compositionally so that the clouds were not the subject, but the rocks which were the result of a -6 low tide--which doesn't happen too often. Taken with my 5D:
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Hi All,
I am very amazed at all the great ideas pouring in here giving us some direction. It looks like we are on track to spend 8 days on Rt 1 and some inner parts starting up at the top of the state.
Sue is excited and so am I. She gets to travel really light, with her binoculars, leaving her spotting scope behind. I’m still juggling the idea of my D300 w/18-200VR lens and… It’s the “and” thing that gets me. I have a 4x5 Tachihara with a 150mm Nikkor and would love to shelp that about. I really only have shot Illford Delta 100 B&W with it since getting it. I still love that B&W thing inside of me. As a substitute, would any of you vote for more mobility and reduce down to my Mamiya 645S, I have a 55, 80 & 150 for that and again, I’m still a B&W guy.
Any ideas, weight vs mobility (I’m not the spring chicken I used to be)
Always take more ideas on places to see. Any experience with ghost towns that still look like ghost towns, without cute plaques erected explaining on this spot in 1984 bla bla bla?
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Great photo. I'm really looking forward to going. Will contact you directly and we can all get out for some time.
I just put a post at the end about what to bring. Spped of travel with smaller eq or lug the 4x5.
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Two inexpensive books will be a big help in planning your itinerary and maximizing photo opportunities. First is the Photo Secrets - San Francisco and Northern California by Andrew Hudson ($16.95) and the second is "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite" by Michael Frye.
You can do your own thing but these well illustrated books (including maps) are great for pre-scouting locations. At the price these books are one of the best values around.
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Two inexpensive books will be a big help in planning your itinerary and maximizing photo opportunities. First is the Photo Secrets - San Francisco and Northern California by Andrew Hudson ($16.95) and the second is "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite" by Michael Frye.
You can do your own thing but these well illustrated books (including maps) are great for pre-scouting locations. At the price these books are one of the best values around.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=209507\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Try googleing, Bodie.Been there one time.Not on the coast.Go to Yosemite then over the Tioga Pass, if it's open.Then go North on 395 from Mono Lake and then right off 395 down a long dirt washboard laden road for 1/2 hour.I was there in October.Might be snowed in by November though.A true ghost town.
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You do realize that November will be quite cold for Northern CA, right? I mean it's not horrible, but November "starts" our rainy season, which means you could get rain for two weeks straight--no joke. September is our driest and warmest month. So far we have had maybe 3 days of warm sunshine. The rest of the time, from January until now have been of three types: Overcast, Wind, Cold, or a combination thereof. It's been a long winter for us this season. If you want to spend a night in Humboldt, the Lost Whale Inn is WONDERFUL. It overlooks the ocean and has a deck all around it. It's individually owned and has about 7 rooms in an old Victorian style house. It's amazing, comfy, homie, warm, so, so nice.
www.lostwhaleinn.com
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=203743\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
That _could_ happen, but in most years you'll have some very lovely weather with temperatures that sit between the sometimes-oppresively-hot summer and early fall conditions and the occasionally-it-actually-does-get-cold-in-California weather that can arrive a bit later.
Frankly, my favorite seasons for photographing California are fall and winter. If you want the best chance at minimizing foggy conditions, the last half of September through the better part of October might be a better bet - but the combination of sunny, foggy, and perhaps a winter front coming through can create some of the most compelling and dramatic conditions for photography in California.
I'll second the earlier recommendations about the coast south of San Francisco, which happens to be the portion that I know best. (I can drive over the hill to photograph sunset and be back home later that evening. Lucky me! :-)
If you have some flexibility, a few ideas to consider:
1. Come just a _bit_ earlier. Around the last week of October the fall colors in portions of Yosemite Valley are quite stunning, and they provide quite a different view of the Valley than you might be familiar with. (There are wonderful fall colors in other portions of the Sierra, in particular on the east side, in early October as the aspens turn.)
2. Watch the conditions and evolve your plans accordingly after you arrive. If a really big winter front does happen to come through you might not want to be on the North Coast, but you might want to head to Yosemite Valley and get some photos combining fresh snow and fall colors. If the weather turns out to be warm and sunny, the North Coast could be the place to go first.
Dan
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That _could_ happen, but in most years you'll have some very lovely weather with temperatures that sit between the sometimes-oppresively-hot summer and early fall conditions and the occasionally-it-actually-does-get-cold-in-California weather that can arrive a bit later.
Dan
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=211013\")
There are no oppressively hot days in Humboldt county along the coastline. If you do a weather.com search you'll see what I mean. average temperature for this month is 59 degrees, cloudy, and 5-20MPH winds. If you are inland 15 miles, it's a completely different story.
[a href=\"http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/95521?from=36hr_bottomnav_undeclared]http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatolo...mnav_undeclared[/url]
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Two inexpensive books will be a big help in planning your itinerary and maximizing photo opportunities. First is the Photo Secrets - San Francisco and Northern California by Andrew Hudson ($16.95) and the second is "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite" by Michael Frye.
You can do your own thing but these well illustrated books (including maps) are great for pre-scouting locations. At the price these books are one of the best values around.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=209507\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I just looked up these book on Amazon. Looks interesting. I thank you for the ideas. I am so looking forward to going.
Do you have any great images you might share on here from the area?
Lee
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Do you have any great images you might share on here from the area?
Lee
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=211141\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have a few images of the area up on my landscape site, www.houseoflandscapes.com Don Libby has a great B&W image of Pfeiffer State Beach on his site, www.ironcreekphotography.com
The Big Sur fire is under "control" (term lightly used)----Hwy 1 is open and all businesses in Bug Sur are now open.
ken
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That _could_ happen, but in most years you'll have some very lovely weather with temperatures that sit between the sometimes-oppresively-hot summer and early fall conditions and the occasionally-it-actually-does-get-cold-in-California weather that can arrive a bit later.
Frankly, my favorite seasons for photographing California are fall and winter. If you want the best chance at minimizing foggy conditions, the last half of September through the better part of October might be a better bet - but the combination of sunny, foggy, and perhaps a winter front coming through can create some of the most compelling and dramatic conditions for photography in California.
I'll second the earlier recommendations about the coast south of San Francisco, which happens to be the portion that I know best. (I can drive over the hill to photograph sunset and be back home later that evening. Lucky me! :-)
If you have some flexibility, a few ideas to consider:
1. Come just a _bit_ earlier. Around the last week of October the fall colors in portions of Yosemite Valley are quite stunning, and they provide quite a different view of the Valley than you might be familiar with. (There are wonderful fall colors in other portions of the Sierra, in particular on the east side, in early October as the aspens turn.)
2. Watch the conditions and evolve your plans accordingly after you arrive. If a really big winter front does happen to come through you might not want to be on the North Coast, but you might want to head to Yosemite Valley and get some photos combining fresh snow and fall colors. If the weather turns out to be warm and sunny, the North Coast could be the place to go first.
Dan
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=211013\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Dan, Would love to come many times. This one will be special, Sue and I will be on our honeymoon and we are more than willing to come back several times in the future.
Lee
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Always take more ideas on places to see. Any experience with ghost towns that still look like ghost towns, without cute plaques erected explaining on this spot in 1984 bla bla bla?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=204976\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
If you're over by Yosemite, and the snow hasn't closed Tioga Pass, go over to the ghost town of Bodie. It is in a state of "arrested decay" and has plenty of photo ops.
And nearby Mono Lake is rather well known to the photography world.
(http://tjb.smugmug.com/photos/252873708_on2sF-S.jpg)
Rt 1 along the coast is not to be missed. From a small beach with perfectly round boulders in the Mendocino-Salt Point area, to Goat Rock at the mouth of the Russian River, to Point Reyes and Muir Woods just north of San Franciso, it is an amazing experience in all seasons. Yes it winds around and you'll do about 30 miles per hour average, but that's all part of the experience.
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If you're over by Yosemite, and the snow hasn't closed Tioga Pass, go over to the ghost town of Bodie. It is in a state of "arrested decay" and has plenty of photo ops.
And nearby Mono Lake is rather well known to the photography world.
(http://tjb.smugmug.com/photos/252873708_on2sF-S.jpg)
Rt 1 along the coast is not to be missed. From a small beach with perfectly round boulders in the Mendocino-Salt Point area, to Goat Rock at the mouth of the Russian River, to Point Reyes and Muir Woods just north of San Franciso, it is an amazing experience in all seasons. Yes it winds around and you'll do about 30 miles per hour average, but that's all part of the experience.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=212450\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I would love to get to Bodie, I've hear a bunch about it. Is it open and accessable at all hours. I get up very early and would hope to visit just after sunrise and before the spandex clad tourists show up.
Once we leave Yosemite will will fo up north then work our way down Rt 1.
Lee
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Humboldt county does not comprise the whole of Northern California.
While it is often cool along the coast - especially the north coast - in all seasons in California, even a bit inland it can be quite nice and further inland quite warm. (Wildfire season in the majority of California typically extends well into October.)
A surprise to many visitors to the areas of Northern California around SF: The nicest time of year is typically September/October.
Dan
There are no oppressively hot days in Humboldt county along the coastline. If you do a weather.com search you'll see what I mean. average temperature for this month is 59 degrees, cloudy, and 5-20MPH winds. If you are inland 15 miles, it's a completely different story.
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatolo...mnav_undeclared (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/95521?from=36hr_bottomnav_undeclared)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=211119\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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I would love to get to Bodie, I've hear a bunch about it. Is it open and accessable at all hours. I get up very early and would hope to visit just after sunrise and before the spandex clad tourists show up.
Might want to double-check the open hours. To my knowledge it is _not_ "open and accessible at all hours."
Dan
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Might want to double-check the open hours. To my knowledge it is _not_ "open and accessible at all hours."
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=509 (http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=509)
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http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=509 (http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=509)
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Thanks for the website. Looks like it will be open from 9-4 on the days in November when we are up there. Does anyone know if it is better to photograph this town in the morning or afternoon? I tend to try to do mornings in places because way to many people sleep in and miss the morning. 9 am is a bit past the magic hour of light unless it is in the hills and I imagine that this town is in the hills?
Any further advice?
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Thanks for the website. Looks like it will be open from 9-4 on the days in November when we are up there. Does anyone know if it is better to photograph this town in the morning or afternoon? I tend to try to do mornings in places because way to many people sleep in and miss the morning. 9 am is a bit past the magic hour of light unless it is in the hills and I imagine that this town is in the hills?
Any further advice?
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The road in there was real bad when I was there 10 years back.Drive slow.There is not too many people around.Maybe 10 at a time .It's a pretty big place.Look in the store windows, it will blow you away, how preseverved things are!
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The road in there was real bad when I was there 10 years back.Drive slow.There is not too many people around.Maybe 10 at a time .It's a pretty big place.Look in the store windows, it will blow you away, how preseverved things are!
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I saw the video they have on the California's State Parks website on the arrested state of decay and it spoke of the washboard roads up to it. The video showed what one might see in the windows.
Any other ghost towns out and about in the area since all the gold dried up?
Lee
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I saw the video they have on the California's State Parks website on the arrested state of decay and it spoke of the washboard roads up to it. The video showed what one might see in the windows.
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As dirt/gravel roads go, this one is actually pretty darn OK. Lots of people drive out there in regular old sedans, RVs, and motorcycles. Unless you aren't comfortable driving on dirt roads period, I wouldn't worry too much about this one. And the first part is paved.
(All bets are off in case of heavy rain or snow...)
Dan
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Regarding the road..... Last time I went to Bodie was late in the afternoon. Twelve miles up a mostly gravel road, passing no sign of humanity. When I got there, there was only one car in the parking lot. I parked on the side of the dirt road rather than proceeding a couple hundred yards further to the lot because it was closer to where I was going to start shooting. I meandered around the town and shot till the light was gone, never seeing another person. By the time I got back to my car, I was the only vehicle there and found I'd gotten a PARKING TICKET!!!!!!!!
I was cursing up one side and down the other, while laughing at the same time. Easily one of the most out of the way places I've ever been...... and I get a ticket.
Brad
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Regarding the road..... Last time I went to Bodie was late in the afternoon. Twelve miles up a mostly gravel road, passing no sign of humanity. When I got there, there was only one car in the parking lot. I parked on the side of the dirt road rather than proceeding a couple hundred yards further to the lot because it was closer to where I was going to start shooting. I meandered around the town and shot till the light was gone, never seeing another person. By the time I got back to my car, I was the only vehicle there and found I'd gotten a PARKING TICKET!!!!!!!!
I was cursing up one side and down the other, while laughing at the same time. Easily one of the most out of the way places I've ever been...... and I get a ticket.
Brad
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Could only happen to you right. Out in the middle of nowhere and you get a ticket. What a hoot. Was it from the ghost of Bodie, the old dead sheriff of the town?
Lee
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Regarding the road..... Last time I went to Bodie was late in the afternoon. Twelve miles up a mostly gravel road, passing no sign of humanity. When I got there, there was only one car in the parking lot. I parked on the side of the dirt road rather than proceeding a couple hundred yards further to the lot because it was closer to where I was going to start shooting. I meandered around the town and shot till the light was gone, never seeing another person. By the time I got back to my car, I was the only vehicle there and found I'd gotten a PARKING TICKET!!!!!!!!
I was cursing up one side and down the other, while laughing at the same time. Easily one of the most out of the way places I've ever been...... and I get a ticket.
Brad
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I've been to Bodie many times and I'm not surprised AT ALL by the ticket. Bodie is a State Park and you pass an entry hut on the way in with a park ranger on site. It's normally pretty empty (depending upon time of year & day) but even so the only way they can control the place and keep it in 'arrested decay' is to have a single parking area from which you have you walk around. My guess is that you wandered off into the graveyard area etc. I'm sure that if they'd been able to, you'd have been towed!
A couple of things not to do in November ... don't drive through Bodie and follow the road out to the North/East - well, not unless you've got a satellite phone for when you get stuck. (It's an interesting route if you want to find some other Nevada vs CA ghost towns - I found that having a Land Rover helped enormously! ) I'd also think twice about taking the southerly route out towards Mono lake vs normal route in from the main road.
Don't be surprised if the Tioga pass is closed. If it is, then you're just as likely to be stuck on either the west side or east side of the range for a long, long way.
There are a few 'Friends of Bodie' who run photo workshops that can get you in to the area at more photogenic times of the day. Ditto for access to the interiors too, although a few have public access such as the church.
Another thing to consider is that Bodie is at over 8000ft so weather conditions can change pretty quickly and for the worst at that time of year.
With respect to the Pacific Coast trip: Definitely worth meandering up route 1 although it'll be angry weather in November - not necessarily a bad thing as you'll either get nothing or great pictures. I'd also second the recommendations for the Redwood Forests up in the Humboldt area. The Avenue of the Giants route off from 101 is worth the trip whatever the weather and it's also worth taking the time to visit some of the groves off from the main drive.
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I've been to Bodie many times and I'm not surprised AT ALL by the ticket. Bodie is a State Park and you pass an entry hut on the way in with a park ranger on site. It's normally pretty empty (depending upon time of year & day) but even so the only way they can control the place and keep it in 'arrested decay' is to have a single parking area from which you have you walk around. My guess is that you wandered off into the graveyard area etc. I'm sure that if they'd been able to, you'd have been towed!
A couple of things not to do in November ... don't drive through Bodie and follow the road out to the North/East - well, not unless you've got a satellite phone for when you get stuck. (It's an interesting route if you want to find some other Nevada vs CA ghost towns - I found that having a Land Rover helped enormously! ) I'd also think twice about taking the southerly route out towards Mono lake vs normal route in from the main road.
Don't be surprised if the Tioga pass is closed. If it is, then you're just as likely to be stuck on either the west side or east side of the range for a long, long way.
There are a few 'Friends of Bodie' who run photo workshops that can get you in to the area at more photogenic times of the day. Ditto for access to the interiors too, although a few have public access such as the church.
Another thing to consider is that Bodie is at over 8000ft so weather conditions can change pretty quickly and for the worst at that time of year.
With respect to the Pacific Coast trip: Definitely worth meandering up route 1 although it'll be angry weather in November - not necessarily a bad thing as you'll either get nothing or great pictures. I'd also second the recommendations for the Redwood Forests up in the Humboldt area. The Avenue of the Giants route off from 101 is worth the trip whatever the weather and it's also worth taking the time to visit some of the groves off from the main drive.
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Thanks for the insight. I expect to find some places snowed in and or non-passiable. I hope my future bride will still be talking to me after several miles of washboard road. We are still very excited about going.
I really think you are right about getting really great pictures or nothing because of every changing weather conditions. I've got hundreds of images out west of mountains with dead blue sky... I've even been asked to take my polorizer off on some trips and have to explain that that is all there is unless you there in a storm.
Some of the more striking photos I've made or seen are right before or after a storm. With my old bones I hope the storms give great images and clear out fast too.
I'm still very torn on taking the 4x5 field camera and my digital or my medium format stuff. I have not worked with a 4x5 much outside in 17 years. This one is new to me and the 645 Mamiyas is a second nature thing. More lenses, 50,80 & 150, give some options I do not have with the field camera.
Have you shot out in yosemite with a field camera or have them been smaller like medium format and or 35mm? film or digital?
Lee
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We just got back from that trip! Humboldt County is a winner and worth extensive exploration. Don't miss Stout Grove and the Wildcat drive along the Lost Coast (out of Ferndale). Sweet little magical beach out side of Ferndale: Just keep driving past the Wildcat entrance to the the Ferndale beach, but don't stop there, but keep going to the next parking area. Walk down the trail to a rea magical deserted spot of beach.
Enjoy!
PS Don't buy gas in Mendocino. It was about $5.50 a gallon! No where near that anywhere else.
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We just got back from that trip! Humboldt County is a winner and worth extensive exploration. Don't miss Stout Grove and the Wildcat drive along the Lost Coast (out of Ferndale). Sweet little magical beach out side of Ferndale: Just keep driving past the Wildcat entrance to the the Ferndale beach, but don't stop there, but keep going to the next parking area. Walk down the trail to a rea magical deserted spot of beach.
Enjoy!
PS Don't buy gas in Mendocino. It was about $5.50 a gallon! No where near that anywhere else.
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Gas has been almost 5 bucks a gallon in Humboldt all summer. Just recently it has dropped to around 4.30 for regular. Glad you enjoyed your trip here. I was in Ferndale about six months ago, but I took the Centerville road. It was a nice drive. I live about 20 minutes from Ferndale, but I've yet to explore the area well. There are so many little places like the one you describe it's almost infinite discovery of new areas around here.
I'm looking at Google maps right now, but I can't find where you were. I see Wildcat road, but it's miles and miles past Fendale till you get to the ocean. Can you clarify where you were? The Wildcat road turns into Mattole Rd.
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Glass Beach near Ft. Bragg is a curiously sad place where trash was dumped for years and now glass has been worn into small polished stones by waves. Interesting photos…
Dave Chew
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I was just at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. It's easy to miss because there are two locations. One is to the right where most everyone goes, and the best spot is the left trail. You'll need to climb down some not too easy shallow cliffs to the glass, and yeah, it's there for sure. The other location has been picked clean pretty much.
I went there late in the day at higher tide, and was not impressed, with hardly any glass. So I took off and asked some locals what was up. They said the right side is where all the tourists go and pick up and carry off all the glass. They told me to jog hard left along the fence, and then drop down into the beach from the short cliffs.
The only problem is that when I got there the low tide was after sunset, so I couldn't and didn't try to shoot anything. So there you go--make sure the low tide is light enough to shoot images.
What about the quality of the area? Well, I really didn't much care for Fort Bragg, but it's not bad. They have an interesting marina. If you go to Fort Bragg, then stop at the town of Mendocino. It's only a few miles past FB, and it is worth seeing and eating there. Fort Bragg does have some really nice coffee shops and I'm sure if I spent more time there, it would get better photographically.
As for Glass Beach, after I went back to the local spot, I was about 2 hours away from high tide, but I did hike down and got a good look. Where I was, which is much higher than you would be at low tide, there was glass about 1-2inches thick on top of the sand. Most of it is white, then green, and specs of red, I assume from wine bottles. If you planned it right and reviewed what you had before you took your camera, one could get some interesting shots in that area. It's not an easy or pleasant place to shoot however. The climb could be dangerous if you aren't very careful. You won't die from a fall, but you could easily break a leg or arm on the way down. Once down, you are in a sort of cauldron and that is where you have to set up your equipment. Then you are working right on the ocean. Then you get to climb out with your pack. Anyway---
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King Range proposed wilderness, south of Petrolia. Roadless Pacific Coast.
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Gas has been almost 5 bucks a gallon in Humboldt all summer. Just recently it has dropped to around 4.30 for regular. Glad you enjoyed your trip here. I was in Ferndale about six months ago, but I took the Centerville road. It was a nice drive. I live about 20 minutes from Ferndale, but I've yet to explore the area well. There are so many little places like the one you describe it's almost infinite discovery of new areas around here.
I'm looking at Google maps right now, but I can't find where you were. I see Wildcat road, but it's miles and miles past Fendale till you get to the ocean. Can you clarify where you were? The Wildcat road turns into Mattole Rd.
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I took a drive down there a few days ago. It's an interesting place. Thanks for the heads up.
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You do realize that November will be quite cold for Northern CA, right? I mean it's not horrible, but November "starts" our rainy season, which means you could get rain for two weeks straight--no joke. September is our driest and warmest month. So far we have had maybe 3 days of warm sunshine. The rest of the time, from January until now have been of three types: Overcast, Wind, Cold, or a combination thereof. It's been a long winter for us this season. If you want to spend a night in Humboldt, the Lost Whale Inn is WONDERFUL. It overlooks the ocean and has a deck all around it. It's individually owned and has about 7 rooms in an old Victorian style house. It's amazing, comfy, homie, warm, so, so nice.
www.lostwhaleinn.com
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Maybe in Humbolt county November starts the rainy season in Northern California. But I'd say with Northern California in general, the odds are way better than 50/50 that you'll have a nice, sunny week. Really the bulk of the rain comes in January/February/March in areas more than 100 miles south of Oregon, and away from the coast.
Those up in Humbolt and Eureka have plenty of good weed to keep them mellow over the long, grey, rainy winter
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Time is getting close. About 3.5 weeks until this November trip takes us to Yosemite, Bodie, Humboldt and others. Can't wait.
Finally came upon the mix of equipment to take.
Hassy
150mm
80mm
3 backs
Nikon D300
18-200 lens.
Thing is I am still such a film nut I can hardly wait to shoot B&W out there.
Lee
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It would appear that we may cross paths. Rather on the spur of the moment, we've decided to drive from "LA" up the coast highway (SRT 1). No schedule. We have 10 days to get to wherever we feel like getting to. Current plan is to drive up to Oregon border and then back down. Will be taking laptop to offload CF cards. Only have a 40D, but still, I like to take auto bracketed panos. Many GB.
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Maybe in Humbolt county November starts the rainy season in Northern California. But I'd say with Northern California in general, the odds are way better than 50/50 that you'll have a nice, sunny week. Really the bulk of the rain comes in January/February/March in areas more than 100 miles south of Oregon, and away from the coast.
Those up in Humbolt and Eureka have plenty of good weed to keep them mellow over the long, grey, rainy winter
Do you live here? If you're in Humboldt County in November, expect rain and lots of it. On average we get about 5.7 inches in November, which is just under our wettest month in December, which is about 6.3 inches. As far as sun goes, if you get around 10 miles away from the coast, sun is a good chance. On the coast, it's usually overcast all year long, with sunny days being accompanied by 20 mph wind, and still sunny days very infrequent.
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It would appear that we may cross paths. Rather on the spur of the moment, we've decided to drive from "LA" up the coast highway (SRT 1). No schedule. We have 10 days to get to wherever we feel like getting to. Current plan is to drive up to Oregon border and then back down. Will be taking laptop to offload CF cards. Only have a 40D, but still, I like to take auto bracketed panos. Many GB.
Would like to cross paths while up in the area. Going to Humbold and also looking to go to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. If you message me directly I can give you my cell and such. I hope to meet up with Doug too, and he knows the area.
Does any one have images of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park? I hear it has a wonderful bedding of ferns, nicere than Humboldt.
Lee
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Do you live here? If you're in Humboldt County in November, expect rain and lots of it. On average we get about 5.7 inches in November, which is just under our wettest month in December, which is about 6.3 inches. As far as sun goes, if you get around 10 miles away from the coast, sun is a good chance. On the coast, it's usually overcast all year long, with sunny days being accompanied by 20 mph wind, and still sunny days very infrequent.
Doug,
Just purchased a new rainproof jacket this weekend for the trip. So how do I rainproof my Hassy?
I do hope to see some good views, even with rain. Some of the best photos I've ever taken were before or just after a rain storm.
Lee
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For ferns, you can't beat Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek. It's a deep, narrow little canyon with a small stream running along the bottom and tons of ferns on the vertical canyon walls. It's a dirt road to get there, but most normal cars can handle it. During summer season, they have primitive plank bridges across the stream, but those aren't there this time of year, so if you want to go walking up the canyon you'll need boots that can handle a couple of inches of water (or just bring a towel and do the crossings barefoot).
Prairie Creek Park may have better ferns, but Humboldt has bigger and better redwoods. Do both if you can. (Jed Smith Park farther north has big redwoods too, at Stout Grove.)
Lisa
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Doug,
Just purchased a new rainproof jacket this weekend for the trip. So how do I rainproof my Hassy?
I do hope to see some good views, even with rain. Some of the best photos I've ever taken were before or just after a rain storm.
Lee
You could actually photograph in the rain here because a lot of the time it isn't pouring, but drizzling. Usually though when it's raining it's blowing about 20+MPH too. It's just nasty as far as weather goes. And I'm again talking about along the coast. I haven't spent much time inland since I moved here in 2004. Also, the rain here isn't like in most areas where you get a "rain storm" and then the sky clears or it just stops raining. It usually rains for 2-10 days straight when it does rain. Then it will rain off and on lightly and taper off like that. It's a beautiful place to photograph, but it's a really hard place to photograph well. The only time I've gotten decent shots is when I go back to the same area every single day for like 40 days. The weather is just so sporadic that any thing else and your tossing dice.
Look online for a rain sleeve for your Hassy. If you can't find one, I use large turkey basting bags by Reynolds. I just cut a hole for the lens and rubber band off the open end around the tripod. I use the basting bags because they are virtually indestructible and completely water proof.
Give me a email when you know exactly when you'll be in the area and we can hit a few spots.
I've only been to Prairie Creek State park once or twice, but I liked it. When you come, just keep your eyes on the side of the road for "state parks" signs. Don't be afraid to just turn out and drive up one. Get out and hike. Keep in mind, and this in no way should scare you, that this area is isolated wilderness wise. There are a lot of large cats in the woods and bears too. About every two years or so you hear about someone getting attacked by a cat--mountain lion. I've never heard of anyone getting attacked by a bear. The bears here are of the black bear type and rather shy. They just run away from you. That being said, I always hike with a large fold out knife on my side, around 4-6" blade, but not for bears. That's for cat defense. I've also heard of people carrying pepper spray, which I think is also a good idea. It's like shark attacks though, so don't get paranoid about it. It's just that people don't understand the specifics of statistics. It's true that your chances of getting attacked by a shark, or mountain lion, are less than getting struck by lightning. However, if you put yourself in shark infested waters, your specific chances of getting attacked just went up a 1000% (or whatever) from the all around average.
I never let that sort of thing bother me. Last two nights I was hiking at about 12PM in full moonlight and a clear sky--alone--and far from any people or well traveled roads. So like I said, no worries. Just better prepared than not.
You may want to do a search for "Trinity Alps" also. That's about 150 miles inland and it is a fantastic place to photograph. I've never been though.
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You may want to do a search for "Trinity Alps" also. That's about 150 miles inland and it is a fantastic place to photograph. I've never been though.
I looked into visiting the Trinity Alps once, but found that the "good parts" are too far from regular roads for a day hike, but would require multi-day hikes with camping. (That's normal roads I'm talking about - I don't know anything about the possible availability of four-wheel-drive-only primitive dirt roads.)
My spouse flies a small plane, and we've flown over the Trinity Alps a couple of times. It looks much like some of the higher parts of the Eastern Sierras. Great from a small plane, if you have access to one or want to look for flightseeing in the area.
Lisa
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I looked into visiting the Trinity Alps once, but found that the "good parts" are too far from regular roads for a day hike, but would require multi-day hikes with camping. (That's normal roads I'm talking about - I don't know anything about the possible availability of four-wheel-drive-only primitive dirt roads.)
My spouse flies a small plane, and we've flown over the Trinity Alps a couple of times. It looks much like some of the higher parts of the Eastern Sierras. Great from a small plane, if you have access to one or want to look for flightseeing in the area.
Lisa
I think if you have a 4WD you can get within a one to two hour hike to some nice spots. I can check with a friend of mine who has been many times. But you are right, and that's why I haven't gone yet. Another friend of mine goes annually, but he and his friend hike in and out over a 5 day period. Next year he is bringing his goats to pack the equipment, so I may go with them. I don't think I could carry all of my equipment plus camping gear.
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Time is getting close. About 3.5 weeks until this November trip takes us to Yosemite, Bodie, Humboldt and others. Can't wait.
Finally came upon the mix of equipment to take.
Hassy
150mm
80mm
3 backs
Nikon D300
18-200 lens.
Thing is I am still such a film nut I can hardly wait to shoot B&W out there.
Lee
You will find that you need a wide angle lens for Yosemite. I use my 50mm on my Hasselblad quite a bit in Yosemite. If you have one, I recommend you take it with you.
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You will find that you need a wide angle lens for Yosemite. I use my 50mm on my Hasselblad quite a bit in Yosemite. If you have one, I recommend you take it with you.
Do not have a 50mm lens. I have a more complete Mamiya 645 system, but love the optics of the Hassy. I've been keeping my eyes open for one I can afford but have not found one yet. What do you think of the older chrome one? Both of my 80 and 150 are CF lenses.
Do you have a website with images you have shot there. I'm always looking for what I might get to see. I hope to do a few posting here after I return. I've been digging through others suggestions for state parks across northern Calf and hope to see some good ones there. Any experience in other places in Calf too?
Any other ghost towns besides Bodie in the north of California?
Lee
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Do you have a website with images you have shot there. I'm always looking for what I might get to see. I hope to do a few posting here after I return. I've been digging through others suggestions for state parks across northern Calf and hope to see some good ones there. Any experience in other places in Calf too?
Any other ghost towns besides Bodie in the north of California?
Lee
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I don't have a website, but you can find a number of good photos of Yosemite by googling 'yosemite photos'. Also, search 'yosemite photo books' on amazon.com
You will also want a shift lens because the granite faces are so close and so high that if you are always pointing the camera up, you will be disappointed with the results.
Another necessity is a graduated neutral density filter to balance the skies. I recommend a two and three stop.
Because the Valley is so narrow and the sun is low in the Fall, scenes tend to be very contrasty. If you are shooting scenics in color, Velvia will get blocked in the highlights or shadows, so I recommend Astia. It also scans very well. I also use a warming filter, otherwise the shadows are blue. This is especially true with Provia, which is blue sensitive.
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Lee -
If you want to see Yosemite photos, I have a bunch on my web site (see the "signature" link at the bottom of my post, go the "California" section, then about halfway down the page - click on the thumbnails to see larger versions with commentary). I go about once a year, so I've accumulated quite a few. Your D300 with 18-200 mm lens should nicely cover the full range of focal lengths you'll likely want there.
I don't know of any good ghost towns in No Cal other than Bodie.
Lisa
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Speaking of Bodie, there was some early snow in the eastern Sierra last weekend. Both Bodie and Mono Lake had snow on the ground for a couple of days (pardon the JPG compression).
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Lee -
If you want to see Yosemite photos, I have a bunch on my web site (see the "signature" link at the bottom of my post, go the "California" section, then about halfway down the page - click on the thumbnails to see larger versions with commentary). I go about once a year, so I've accumulated quite a few. Your D300 with 18-200 mm lens should nicely cover the full range of focal lengths you'll likely want there.
I don't know of any good ghost towns in No Cal other than Bodie.
Lisa
Lisa,
Very moving images. I was very excited to see Moon over Yosemite. It really did work. I'm a long fan of night shots. Also the image of snow at The Clearing was peaceful and reflective. The silence of snow can even warm these old bones.
I've seen you have been to Humbolt and Prairie Creek. I will make it to Humbolt and look forward to that. Dodging raindrops, maybe, but still going. Prairie Creek is on my list but may not make it.
I think photographers are given a special inner eye to see tranquility along with composition. You certainly have that inner eye.
Lee
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Speaking of Bodie, there was some early snow in the eastern Sierra last weekend. Both Bodie and Mono Lake had snow on the ground for a couple of days (pardon the JPG compression).
Wow,
Looks like high country lives up to its name early in the season. Sue and I have been talking about how we may miss so much due to winter setting it. BUT… these are wonderful times to see a certain quiet beauty, that only fresh snow can bring.
Very nice image.
Lee
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Does anyone know if the old Bodega Bay School House still stand? If so how do you get to this location and is it worth the trip? (I must admid I just watched the movie "The Birds" last night.)
Is the area all built up with condos and such? Might there be a chance it is still somewhat like it was in the movie?
Lee
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Yosemite National Park was and still is a national treasure. The weather there this week was almost too perfect. By that I mean the sky was almost too blue. I love to see landscapes before and after storms, it give such wonderful hues in the sky when those changes of weather happen.
I have begun processing images and will begin posting a few here in a day or so. The best ones are from our first day in the park. It rained on 3 November and on the 4th as we woke up early still in Eastern time zone internal clock mode we went into the park for early light.
Today is the 7th and we are up in Williams California to do some bird watching. The reserves are beautiful here and alive with wildlife. We travel to Humboldt area later today. We too St Rt 49 up from Yosemite, quite a winding road along the hils and towns. Had the best chili at Fat Freddie's. More on that later.
Check back for more updates and images to be posted soon.
Lee
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Lee,
Potter School does still exist. It is located in the town of Bodega which is inland from Bodega Bay about 4 miles.
If you are coming from Bodega Bay on Highway One you will turn left onto Bodega Highway and the town is about a mile or two.
On your right you will see St Theresa's Church, you can't miss it. Potter School is located behind the church.
[attachment=9561:potterschool.jpg]
[attachment=9562:sttheresa3.jpg]
HTH
Rich
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Lee,
Potter School does still exist. It is located in the town of Bodega which is inland from Bodega Bay about 4 miles.
If you are coming from Bodega Bay on Highway One you will turn left onto Bodega Highway and the town is about a mile or two.
On your right you will see St Theresa's Church, you can't miss it. Potter School is located behind the church.
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HTH
Rich
Rich,
Thanks, can not wait to see it. I just grabbed the images off my camera from Yosemite. The B&W from the Hassy will have to wait till I return. Here is my first images from Yosemite. I have not worked on the colors or exposure yet. Still shooting in Raw with the D300.
Lee
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Back to the original topic......
It's 11 November and I'm in Eureka, CA at this moment. The day's photography just got rained out.
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Back to the original topic......
It's 11 November and I'm in Eureka, CA at this moment. The day's photography just got rained out.
I fully understand. The coast seems to be a very fickeled place to photograph. Weather changes fast. Here is one image I picked up on Nov 10th from the coast. This is west out from Humboldt driving down foggy switchback roads until you get to the west coast. It was the clearest shot I got that morning. In its own way it is pleasing because of the solitude of the location.
Greater success ahead as the weather is better in the morning than the afternoon. I will pull from the camera chip and post more soon. I am still shooting a lot with the Hasselblad both on Iford Delta 100 and Fuji 160S Those will take me some time tp process and post upon my return.
Lee
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Well it has been a month since I have returned and here is a link to some of the photos. I still have a few hundred more, but these are the ones scanned from the color negs shot with the Hassleblad. All are with the 80mm CF 2.8 lens or the 150 CF lens. Show with Fugi 160S rated normal and many from the Induro C313 carbon tripod I carried about. Was not too heavy or light but really sturdy.
The sturdy tripod helped a lot on the coastal shots. Winds were gusting hard. Dismal clouds would be there early in the morning, then open up by 9 AM and roll back in by 11:30 or so for the rest of the day.
Please feel free to look at the November images at:
http://leegephart.smugmug.com/Art (http://leegephart.smugmug.com/Art)
I would love to hear from all as to the ones they like. The inland shots are from Yosemite. My favorite is the gallery feature image. The moving waters over the rocks with some fall leaves stirs my heart.
It has been a while since I have shot 6x6 and I am in love with the square format all over again. I also shot 11 rolls of B&W, more than the colow and will be posting them after I get time to scan those negs. Color ones seem easier for me to scan and I have some things to learn about B&W scans.
Thanks to all who passed on advice. I hope the images are good and others are moved to visit and do one better.
Lee