Sometimes fate results in new visions. In this case, I was traveling down the Quinault Valley after a splendid time in the high country. I had seen lots of bears, and they were all simply ignoring me because of their propensity to eat large quantities of mountain blueberries for their winter fat stores.
I came around a corner in the trail, and found myself face to face with a bull elk, about 100 feet away. No problem usually -- but this was the rutting season -- and the bull immediately picked up a fast trot right at me. He meant business!
I backed off and scurried 90 degrees off the trail, and traveled about 300 yards to the river bank. As I was following the river bank downstream to find a place to cut back to the trail, I came to a place where the hillsides were shouldering right down to the river bed.
These two Western Red Cedars were "guarding" the steep hillside, and to me they just seemed to have a sort of majesty and ageless dignity. The varied groundcover, plus the cliffy section just beyond them seemed intimate, and almost like some Jurassic themed landscape.
The light was very low, so I used the tripod with the Mamiya.
Nothing hugely "special", and the cedars are not the largest by far, but I thought that the scene sort of epitomizes the dark grandeur prevalent in this feral river bottom.
Majestic indeed , and portrayed with great detail and sympathetic composition . Add in that soft light caressing the moss-covered elements and you have summed up the magic ingredients of this timeless paradise .
Thanks also for the monologue ; I had to smile and chuckle at the mental picture of you smartly side-stepping bears and amorous elks without apparently batting an eyelid ! Stay safe my friend .....
Majestic indeed , and portrayed with great detail and sympathetic composition . Add in that soft light caressing the moss-covered elements and you have summed up the magic ingredients of this timeless paradise .
Thanks also for the monologue ; I had to smile and chuckle at the mental picture of you smartly side-stepping bears and amorous elks without apparently batting an eyelid ! Stay safe my friend .....
Adrian, I am happy that you got the "feel" of these sacred places. And yeah! I stepped very SMARTLY to the side and off the trail!
Jeffrey wrote:
Such majestic trees. It's hard to imagine how long they have been growing there.
What happened to the elk? No pics?
Jeffrey! You ask "what happened to the elk?"
Uhhh....ummmm....I actually DID take a quick shot as I was skittering backwards. Needless to say it was blurred out...in actuality, I brought the camera up to my face. But the bull was MOVING with PURPOSE...I think I said something like: "Oh my goodness. Methinks it's time to get the H-E-Double Toothpicks out of here".
I'm not SURE I said "oh my goodness"...it just MIGHT have been something a little bit more "feral"....
But hey! That flimsy little bull elk didn't scare ME! No, not me....
bshamilton wrote:
Wonderful tale!
A masterful capture of the majestic strength of these patriarchs, coupled with a subtle delicacy of light.
Beautifully done, Larry.
Barry
Thanks as always Mr. Hamilton! I've been enjoying your superb images.
Trees have such a majesty and sacredness to them to begin with, but you've really captured the essence of that here, Larry. I've run out of superlatives to describe your always impressive photos, so I'm just waiting for your book to come out.
The light strikes me the most in this fine image. The way it makes the moss shine and also the little branch stiking out from the right tree trunk... so beautiful!
As always, I enjoyed the story a lot!
Ute
Larry, yet another beautiful image from you. You have such an intimate knowledge of the Olympics; I appreciate your photos that much more because I know these are taken well off the beaten track where few venture. I always enjoy your commentary as much as the photos, heh heh...I can just picture you hightailing it out of there!
Thanks for providing us with yet another glimpse into the mysterious rainforest.
Very nice! You captured those two guardians very well. I appreciated the commentary as always! It's good to hear how an unexpected turn of events brings one to new opportunities.
Very nice image and I really enjoyed your monologue which made me feel as if I was there. I have not seen many bears this year but have heard numerous reports of sightings. Would love to accompany you on one of those journeys.
Beautiful detailed image Larry. Your story made me chuckle but also think that I'm probably too slow to be in the forest. I'm not sure I could outrun an injured turtle... I've always admired your adventures into the forests and remote areas, not to mention your images.
Randy
Nothing hugely "special", and the cedars are not the largest by far
Still though they do have a prime presence in this composition and more than enough distance between them to emphasize the depth. Lovely intimate setting.
Stay safe my friend .....
I've always admired your adventures into the forests and remote areas, not to mention your images.