Flying to Seattle, got some questions......

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/07/2005 08:42:09 PM · #1

Flying out to Seattle on Saturday morning. Packing both Film and Digital gear. Anyone have a recent experience with going through the x-rays with camera gear and film. We'll be carrying on the camera gear. I've packed the film in the plastic canisters, last I knew this is what was suggested. Any advice?

Also, we'll be spending two days in the San Juan islands, then heading over to the Olympics for a couple of days then down the coast to the Columbia Gorge. Any suggestions for not to miss spots. How about hiking trails. We've done tons of research and have an idea of what we want to see, but would love to hear some local advice if you have some.

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

09/07/2005 08:48:14 PM · #2

I've never had trouble with film going through airports. I have heard that you really have to put film through a LOT of X-Ray machines before it will be affected. This might be a different story if you're using a real sensitive, high ISO film, but regular stuff should be just fine.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

09/07/2005 08:53:32 PM · #3

Put your fiolm in ziplocks, and DEMAND a visual inspection. It is your right even if the security agent tells you its not. Do however try to be as polite as possible while being firm. Also plan on the extra time that this takes. I find that the screeners have very little knowledge of the actual rules.

As far as digital is concerned you will have no problem as long as you don't check baggage.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/07/2005 09:59:53 PM · #4

Our flight leaves at 6:04 a.m. so I'm hoping the lines will be short. Mostly what I am taking is 100 with a mix of 400 tossed in. I had a friend pack his camera gear through LAX last week and he got pulled out of line because they saw the AA batteries stacked in one side and it "looked suspicious".

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/07/2005 10:51:55 PM · #5

My favorite part on San Juan Island was on the west side, called Lime Kiln Point - a whale watch park. We were lucky enough to see a bunch of orcas swim by..... first one way, then the other. We were about as close to them as the people on the whale watching boats were.

My favorite spots on the Olympic Pensinsula are Cape Flattery (awesome boardwalk) and Hurricane Ridge, both good hikes.

If you're looking around close to Seattle, too, then perhaps you want to consider doing an Underground Tour, and seeing North West Trek.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

09/08/2005 12:55:54 AM · #6

Thanks for the advice gang. We have both Lime Kiln and Hurricane Ridge planned, hadn't planned on Cape Flattery, but we'll take another look at it on the flight in.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

09/08/2005 01:01:06 AM · #7

Hey, my neck of the woods. You'll be coming within blocks of my place going to the San Juan Ferry. Do you know where you will be staying in the San Juanâ��s? If on San Juan Island then Roche Harbor and Lime Kiln park (and along the road south of there) are the spots. As for the Olympics Hurricane Ridge is good advice as is the road out to the ocean along Lake Crescent. Make sure you stop at the Rain Forest and the northern beaches (very rugged compared to those further south) on the way through.

In Seattle the must sees are the Pike Street Market (as it will have the most characters), the Seattle Library (architecture) and on the waterfront around Ivar's and Waterfront Park.

If you have the time while you are up north take an extra day and drive up to Artist Point on Mt. Baker. Just follow the road out of Bellingham off I-5 to Mt. Baker and drive as far up as the road goes. It will get you into the back country and as close to the mountain as you can get driving. Many short hikes to beautiful scenery. Also, while down south at the gorge if you have time drive up to Mt. St. Helens, Johnston Ridge Observatory ridge.

edit: I forgot Deception Pass! Only minutes out of your way on the way to the San Juan Ferry. You will not be dissapointed so give yourself some time there.

Message edited by author 2005-09-08 01:28:56.

wgoodey

09/08/2005 01:27:31 AM · #8

In the Olympic Peninsula, Ruby Beach is great. And also First and Second beach, in La Push. I was just there over the weekend. There's a short hike to get to Second beach, and there will probably be quite a few people there, but there are some good views. Cape Flattery was okay. Hurricane Ridge was somewhat of a disappointment. I wasn't too impressed.

Elemmennope

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

09/08/2005 01:33:10 AM · #9

Don't miss Hurricane Ridge. We went on a road trip around the peninsula this summer. I was skeptical as I dislike the crowded touristy spots but it's popular for a reason. Unbelievable views. When we were there (mid-July) wildflowers were everywhere. It was so beautiful. This was my favorite shot I took there.

Lake Cresent, Cape Flattery, Hoh Rainforest... yes, yes, yes. I personally didn't find the rainforest that photogenic, but the hiking was fun. It's an interesting place. Probably even moreso during the rainy season.

The beaches are all beautiful. This is a shot that I took at Rialto Beach, kind of near the town of Forks.

When you get down to the gorge try hiking at Eagle Creek. Great, great trail with a bunch of waterfalls. It's popular but it's not like the thick herds of people at Multnomah Falls. Latourell Falls is another favorite of mine.

Honestly, the entire northwest is so beautiful you're not going to be disappointed no matter where you end up. Have a great trip!

(Camera equipment should be fine during traveling. To my knowledge, it's only film up near 1600 that needs to avoid the xray.)

Message edited by author 2005-09-08 01:56:48.

wgoodey

09/08/2005 01:48:01 AM · #10

Don't expect Hurricane ridge to be green. The trees are, of course, but most everything else is brown at this time of year. Lake Crescent was nice, but I'm not sure if there are any good spots to stop and take pictures. Hoh Rainforest was also good. If you have a tripod, take it. Otherwise expect ISOs of 400-800 most of the time.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/08/2005 01:57:10 AM · #11

Any suggestions for fishing harbors (are there any left in Washington) most of what we have found on the web an in books seem to be more rest spots for yachts?

(I should have posted this weeks ago, it really would have cut down our reasearch time- you guys are great).

Dr.Confuser

Nikon D800

09/08/2005 02:03:08 AM · #12

Originally posted by vxpra:

Seattle - Fisherman's Terminal

Kathyc

Sony DSLR-A100

Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Konica-Minolta & Sony Alpha

09/08/2005 02:13:05 AM · #13

Hi,

I live in Forks on the Olympic Peninsula. LaPush and Neah Bay would both be considered "fishing harbors". Also, Sekiu, if the season is still open there. Ruby Beach is very photogenic as is Rialto Beach. Rain Forest is interesting and a challenge to photograph.