I like the photos and am sorry about the tripod loss. I've shivered like that: it's a horrible feeling. A hot bath can help you recover. Looks like a moderate water level on the first shot. It makes for a nice light reflection.
Dave: I was thinking that you might run these into b/w conversions. These are real beauties. I like them both, but by just a bit, I have favor for the second, tall view -- as being more unique with lots to hold your interest. Fantastic processing and composition. You really pulled out that reflection and worked the whole scene into it's best perspective.
Wow! That is some experience. I am glad everything turned out okay, except for your tripod that is. Hopefully no camera gear got wet when the dry bags failed. I am glad you are safe, yes wet and cold is definately a very bad combination!
Thanks for all of your kind comments and observations.
Barry - I can see how the 1st one looks a little tipped with the floor of the chamber sloping a bit, but I think it's level, by the angle of the log and reflection.
Robert - Since we didn't have much of a glow on the walls at the time we reached this chamber, I pictured it as a B&W while shooting it. The abundance of lines, textures, and tones left no need for the distraction of color
Bihn Ly - The water and sand on the floor of the chamber acts like a nice reflector and brings some soft light to the under-side of the rock walls.
Don - The tree isn't very far above the last 30 foot rappel into the end of the 'from below' Subway hike, maybe a couple of hundred yards.
Gordon - I stumbled into a hot bath when we finally got to the hotel, and didn't get out for an hour.
Jim - I did have problems with my 5DII in the canyon, often freezing up every couple of shots and wouldn't work again until after taking out the battery for awhile. I didn't know if I fried a lens or the camera, but by the next day, all was working fine again.
