May 20, 2009

perceptions and reality


today was one of those beautiful days where the sun was shining, i was up early and i had no where to go but anywhere i wanted...well, anywhere cheap, not overnight and well, with photographic opportunities. my choices were north (done so much), east (hmmm) or south (a bit far for a 10:00 a.m. start). so, on the recommendation of another photographer in town i headed to chewacla state park in auburn, alabama. "go" she said, "the trails are sooooo easy" she said. (perception is reality slammed home when the mind of an 18 year old and the mind of a *ahem* older woman did not agree on "easy" - hahahaha).

she didn't know i have asthma and have been battling allergies all spring. but, yay! i conquered the hike down a steep trail to go to the falls. they were beautiful and powerful but not very tall. i didn't carry the tripod down the trail due to the steepness and the case of nerves i had even carrying my camera somewhere that steep. i slapped on the fiddy and off i went. oh...but wait. i'm totally ahead of myself.

along the drive, i passed a huge field of daisies and blackeyed susans. now, since there is a low front moving in, the wind was whipping about 10 to 15 mph and macros were out of the question. but i did get in a few fun shots.

daisies1

wildsusans

the park is an easy drive from montgomery - about 40 miles. it has a lake/beach area, plenty of cabins and camping, and cheap admission ($2). so, back to the hiking down the steep, gulley washed trail to the falls. along the way, the trees were gorgeous hardwood with lush greens everywhere. the canopy was fairly overgrown, leaving plenty of areas were moss and ferns were grown; however, with the traffic volume there was plenty of red clay where foot traffic wore off the natural carpet.







it was a fun hike down the hill, i met other hikers including a student drawing for classes at auburn and two couples spending time together splashing in the falls. and of course an adorable puppy that looked like wishbone on steriods. i led off with the money shot of the falls. so i will close this portion with this shot. i think she had the right idea and this is what i need to do on my next hike there.




the drive home was nice and i was lucky to spot this gorgeous field of indian paintbrush by the side of the highway. though i got a few good shots of it... i couldn't get close due to fencing and a large culvert. i seriously needed my zoom but couldn't find it today. so i settled on using the 100 mm. people came out of texas roadhouse (where i parked) to see what this crazy woman was doing trying to get to the field of wildflowers. *sigh* i need land and plenty of wildflower seeds because i would seriously plant acres of these flowers if i could. of course i would rather have texas bluebonnets or english bluebells, but i could make do with these. could you?

field

21 comments:

  1. Lucky duck! Great shots and a lovely adventure!

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  2. Char these pics are beautiful, as is the narrative accompanying them :-) I have asthma and allergies too (but they don't affect me too badly anymore) I'm glad your's didn't get in the way of your fabulous photography skills :-)

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  3. glad you fared the allergies for this beautiful place!
    it was certainly worth the photos!

    sigh ... i love daisies.

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  4. Char what a beautiful day you had. I am living vicariously through you as long walks and adventures are out of the question for me right now. I love the pics of the falls and the last with all the flowers and the fence. beautiful.You are so talented! Gave a great day!

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  5. Even though I love waterfalls and that shot is really great, I love the last shot so much. That fence in front of the field of flowers just does it for me! Reminds me of being out west in Nebraska. Thanks!

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  6. your narrative style included me on this happy trip, I really am so inspired by your adventures!...and photos of course

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  7. What a beautiful place to snap a few.

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  8. what an amazing day !
    I want those wild flowers and THAT FENCE !!!

    and I love your thought process....north ? east ? it's already 10 am.....that is SO MUCH like most of my "photo" days go !!!

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  9. oh, WOW! that looks like an amazing place! i love the daisy shot. and you're right, that girl sittin' back reading has the right idea! i love that shot! did she know you took it?

    there is a place near me call turkey run in indiana. the place you have photographed reminds me a lot of it.

    were you serious about driving up to nashville? i would absolutely love to meet you!

    i might also get to meet grey street girl, and i am meeting melanie from the velvet trunk friday morning for breakfast. how fun would that be if we could all meet? four photographers/bloggers/strangers meeting in nashville? oh, my gosh. that would be awesome! let me know if you were serious.

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  10. 1) You used the term "Money Shot" in your post which made me laugh

    2) Once again fabulous shots. I would have been under those falls too

    3) Come hike Half Dome with me if you want some spectacular shots!

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  11. Looks like a great hike - and I love that last shot!!

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  12. I love walking, hiking, anywhere, anytime. Sounds like you had a great day. The last shot is perfect, it's good the fence was there, it gives much distinction to the image.

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  13. I love the photos! My favorite is the daisy. I love taking pictures of flowers, but need a better camera before I can get really good ones.

    I know the feeling about being determined to get the shot...to capture the picture your eyes can see.

    What a wonderful and beautiful day you had:~)

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  14. I wish I'd been there, it sounds like a great day. And of course, gorgeous pics - not that we'd expect anything less from you ;)

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  15. Wow, what a productive day you had. That field is incredible. ALL the shots are incredible! Isn't it fun finding new places, whether they're tough to hike or not? LOL Great story :)

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  16. Glad you had an amazzzing day & some fab shots here! Always so nice to discover new location for some inspirations... ~XO*

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  17. That last shot and the daisy are my favorites but they are all so beautiful! How great to go discover new places.

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  18. those wildsusans are fantastic! what a great place....and i could totally make do with field of those wildflowers ;)

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  19. i'm so jealous of your little adventure and the wonderful photos you captured. I've got to get out this weekend - i want wildflowers!! but it's calling for rain once again. boo

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  20. Wow, lots of great photo opps there... But I have to ask, how was the hike back up? Love the wildflowers!

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  21. What a marvelous day you've had. My, oh my. You do make me want to move home.

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i feel as if each comment was between us as we sat and sipped something warm....i love to hear what you're thinking.