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03/30/2013 01:19:32 PM · #26 |
My advice on wildlife was based on being on the north side of the Grand canyon. The south side is lower in altitude and I don\'t recall seeing much forest looking across the canyon.
The temps are on the rise, here in Hurricane UT daytime high is reaching mid 80\'s, some of your travel temps will be 90+. Do bring plenty of water and sport drinks (Gatorade).
As for diversions that are easy, I would take the Hoover dam bypass and go over the Mike O\'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The bridge sits to the west and higher than the Hoover dam. from what I have read there is a parking area on the Nevada side and a walkway across the bridge. I would time it for a little before sunset and get a few shots with the light coming from behind, and a few more after sunset when they bring up the lights on the dam. I just talked to wife and I think we will go there next weekend (LOL we are fighting because I want to give the wife\'s injured foot another weeks rest, and she wants to go today). |
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03/30/2013 01:43:57 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by alans_world:
As for diversions that are easy, I would take the Hoover dam bypass and go over the Mike O\'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The bridge sits to the west and higher than the Hoover dam. from what I have read there is a parking area on the Nevada side and a walkway across the bridge. |
You basically HAVE to cross that bridge now if you're traveling from Vegas to Flagstaff/Grand Canyon. You used to cross right over the Hoover Dam itself, but the new bridge eliminates that. You can go down and drive over the dam (which I would still recommend for people who haven't done it), but you can't reconnect back to the main highway after crossing the dam. The road is closed off (or at least it was last summer) after you wind part way back up the hill on the other side of the dam. Found that out the hard way :)
There is free parking on the Nevada side of the bridge, and it is really cool to walk out on the walkway. Being immature as my brother and I are, we were impressed with how long it took for our spit to travel to from the bridge down to the river :)
Do know that if you want to go to the visitor center and walk around on the dam, you'll basically need to pay to park in the garage, which was $7.
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03/30/2013 02:06:20 PM · #28 |
| It's been awhile since I was there, they were just building the bridge, looking forward to seeing it. Wife is getting pissy (she wants to go) Might have to do a road trip today, and relish in the "I told you so's" tomorrow.. |
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04/04/2013 12:35:43 AM · #29 |
For those who wanted to know what our structured hikes will be, when we are in the GC trip (that's with a group, after we've already done a few days in Zion and Bryce:
Day 1: Marble Canyon: -
hike along the Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and the majestic Paria Plateau. What hikes are done on specific days is dependent on weather and road conditions. CHOCOLATE CLIFFS HIKE: (4- 6 miles and ~700 feet of elevation gain). Hike up the base of the Chocolate Cliffs utilizing abandoned road beds and rocky routes to discover 1000 year old petroglyphs, ancient petrified logs and jaw dropping views of the Vermilion and Echo Cliffs. The majority of this hike will be off trail with potential new discoveries and scenic vistas around every corner. This is a true "off the beaten path" adventure and a favorite of local guides.
Note: A full day of off trail hiking in a wilderness setting. Prepare for scrambling up and down hillsides
with uneven footing and loose rocks at times. Helpful hiking skills and tips such as hiking techniques and
foot placement through various terrain, trekking pole use and pacing will be communicated throughout
the week by your knowledgeable guides
(Whew, reading that noe, maybe I ought to think again about how much camera equipment to carry!)
Day 2: Hikes in the Marble Canyon/Lee's Ferry area may include: UPPER AND LOWER CATHEDRAL WASH HIKE - This hike is not along a defined trail but follows the intermittent stream bed, or wash, inside a narrow canyon with interesting rock formations. This spectacular canyon concludes at a beach along the roaring Colorado River. WATERHOLES CANYON HIKE: This photogenic 5 - 6 mile hike takes you across scenic mesa lands before descending into a narrow sandstone slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation. Waterholes Canyon is an "intimate" canyon experience which involves some sandstone scrambling along the stream bottom with colorful narrow cliffs rising overhead.
Note: A day of hiking over open plains and sandstone hills to access a tributary canyon of the Colorado River. Often called "canyoneering" - hiking in southwest canyons require some scrambling. You will encounter rock obstacles that will require one person at a time to negotiate and will necessitate maneuvering (under the direction of your guide) before the group can proceed. You will also use your hands on occasion. This is not a day of making long miles but rather the challenge of new terrain.
Now I'm getting more worried about all that I'm carrying! :)
Day 3 (sounding better):
Hikes include one of the the following: FALL CANYON HIKE - located on the south side of the Colorado River at the base of the Echo Cliffs. This 4-5 mile secluded canyon hike will take you to spectacular red rock amphitheater formations. HORSESHOE BEND RIM HIKE: - Hike (approximately 5 - 6 miles) cross country along the sandstone rim of Glen Canyon with spectacular and commanding views of the Colorado River 1,000 feet below.Total distance traveled will depend on group interest and ability.
Day 4 (travel to the GC National Park and south Rim...Tour the famous Desert View Watchtower designed by the famous Fred Harvey "architect" Mary Jane Colter. Desert View Watchtower provides great sweeping views of where you have been (Vermilion and Echo Cliffs) and where you are going (South Rim locales and inner canyon features). Afternoon: In the afternoon a two mile (round trip) hike to Shoshone Point will be offered. Shoshone Point is a favorite of locals. The easy hike takes you through a pristine Ponderosa pine stand that gives way to a Pinyon pine and Juniper woodlands before reaching the rim. The point affords spectacular views of the inner canyon as well as numerous North Rim landforms. Time to explore the historic Grand Canyon Village will be available before checking into the the Lodge
Day 5: After breakfast in the lodge and a pre-hike meeting, hike to Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles and 1140 feet elevation loss - one way) via Ooh-Aah Point on the the Kaibab Trail. Switchbacks and amazing canyon views at each corner will be the order of the day. This hike is to be counted among the highlights of the week! You will traverse several of the geologic layers of the Canyon including the Coconino Sandstone which contains fossilized reptile tracks. Time to enjoy "inner" canyon views,
looking out for California Condor soaring overhead and trail side talks by your guides will be enjoyed at Cedar Ridge.
Afternoon: The Cedar Ridge hike continues. Weather permitting an option to hike lower into the canyon to Skeleton Point (an additional 1.5 miles and 1000 feet loss of
elevation - one way) will be offered for those who want a more strenuous hike. For those that do not choose to go further into the canyon they will return to the rim at their own pace. Once the rim is reached a leisurely hike to Yaki Point will be offered. NOTE: There is a National Park Service Shuttle bus stop at the South
Kaibab Trailhead that will transport you back to the lodge at any time
First I've read the itinerary...my wife made the overall plans...not as much time in the GC as I thought. I hope Marble Canyon is as nice!
Message edited by author 2013-04-04 00:36:09. |
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04/04/2013 01:11:31 AM · #30 |
Originally posted by Neil:
Accessories:
2 Water bottles (may use bladder, but I'm a bit worried about leaking since the bladder is internal to backpack)
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I've used lots of the newer bladders in rough conditions including falls at high speeds on mountain bikes and not ruptured one. The old ones are a separate conversation, but the new ones are made far better. If you are concerned about it, buy a dry sack and place them in it and check periodically. ENSURE you have them closed. You can do this by closing them and then squeezing the bladder itself with your hands. Many folks do not tighten them enough to prevent leakage, but it's not hard to do. Then place in a nice lightweight drysack like those from Sea to Summit. The closure won't be waterproof, because your tube exits it, but it will hold any leakage and add negligible weight. Overall a bladder is FAR lighter and the main reason I choose something else instead is due to very low temperatures, which make them a liability.
Definitely agree with Jason about the dark skies. I live in dark skies, so I take it for granted, but East Coasters should definitely take advantage.
Why are you taking a mini-tablet along with you in the backpack? If you're planning to offload, cards are much lighter and less fragile, so I don't quite see why to bring it along...
Message edited by author 2013-04-04 01:12:04. |
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04/04/2013 02:28:15 PM · #31 |
Wow! A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Keep in mind that my experience was in the early 1980's, and I was using a manual focus Canon AE-1 with a 50mm or 55mm lens.
Bryce was fantastic - was only able to drive along the rim, stopping at several overlooks. Great colors and interesting forms (from the hoodoos to the switchback trails). There was still snow in the shaded places.
I drove down, around the East end of Grand, and came in through the East Gate - was after sundown, and my first sight of the canyon was under a full moon on a clear night. There is no word that can possibly describe its size - nothing you can even say it is "like".
Stayed overnight in the "old lodge" - with the shared bathrooms, and went back out the East gate the next day. Stopped at Navajo point and took pictures. They had a 40x telescope there with "photographic quality lenses", so I took one picture through the telescope, and one though the opening just beside the telescope.
When I got the slides developed, I couldn't spot the one I took through the telescope. I finally found it by looking at the very edges of the image - the one through the telescope was missing some rock formations that were there in the other. Otherwise, no difference.
My suggestion (especially for the Grand Canyon) is you need to take with you a mental idea of what you want to shoot. Think about images other than "of the canyon" - they will all pretty much look the same (and the reason they're considered cliche). Oh, and be prepared to adjust it as you experience the reality.
I do strongly suggest doing night shots of the Grand Canyon - especially if the moon is full or nearly so and the sky is clear - not something I'd ever seen before I experienced it first-hand - what incredible beauty!
Do be safe - it is desert and canyon - not a very forgiving place for the foolish or unprepared.
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04/04/2013 04:04:05 PM · #32 |
Originally posted by Neil:
First I've read the itinerary...my wife made the overall plans...not as much time in the GC as I thought. I hope Marble Canyon is as nice! |
It's arguably a better place for photography. I've been to both. |
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04/07/2013 01:01:53 AM · #33 |
This ought to get you going a bit Neil...
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04/07/2013 01:04:09 AM · #34 |
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04/07/2013 03:46:43 AM · #35 |
I'm not a vegan, but the best vegan sandwich I ever had was at the Zion Lodge. I would say it was worth the drive just for that sandwich, forget all the hikes and scenery, the sandwich was the highlight of my visit.
Nice photos Doc |
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04/07/2013 08:41:56 PM · #36 |
While I was at Horseshoe Bend I did a two row panorama with my homemade nodal point mount. Unfortunately, as you can see, I didn't quite line up the two rows correctly which ruins the effort. You can see I've done some preliminary cloning, but I'm no expert and there is very little to sample in some areas of the lower left. One thing to notice in the difference between a single shot at 16mm and a panorama with a 50mm lens is the lack of distortion in the canyon walls. Note how much more vertical they sit in the panorama. I'm going to keep working at it, but I'm disappointed I made such a rookie mistake.
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04/07/2013 08:48:43 PM · #37 |
I have a large canvas of this one hanging in my livingroom...
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04/07/2013 08:55:30 PM · #38 |
Originally posted by alanfreed:
I have a large canvas of this one hanging in my livingroom...
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Allen what size canvas was made up for this image spectacular must look great on your wall..Gord
Message edited by author 2013-04-07 20:55:44. |
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04/07/2013 09:02:26 PM · #39 |
| After re-reading Powell's book about his journeys down the Colorado River, I took a river trip by Google Earth. It's jolly interesting but less expensive than doing it for real (but way less fun/dangerous). |
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04/07/2013 10:01:58 PM · #40 |
Originally posted by Pug-H:
After re-reading Powell's book about his journeys down the Colorado River, I took a river trip by Google Earth. It's jolly interesting but less expensive than doing it for real (but way less fun/dangerous). |
Was it Wallace Stegner's Beyond the Hundredth Meridian? Great book. |
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04/07/2013 10:38:45 PM · #41 |
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
Originally posted by Pug-H:
After re-reading Powell's book about his journeys down the Colorado River, I took a river trip by Google Earth. It's jolly interesting but less expensive than doing it for real (but way less fun/dangerous). |
Was it Wallace Stegner's Beyond the Hundredth Meridian? Great book. |
No, "The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons" by John wesley Powell (Penguin Nature Classics, introduction by Wallace Sregner, 1987). |
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04/07/2013 11:54:01 PM · #42 |
| Ah, the original! Have not read that myself, but Stegner's is very good too. |
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04/12/2013 11:31:11 AM · #43 |
| I guess Neil must be having his adventure? Hope he's having fun! |
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04/12/2013 12:16:29 PM · #44 |
Not yet...still here but got busy with things like work and taxes and making sure I've got everything I need ordered so it gets here on time.
I just got a backpack...shock absorbng hiking poles (which came recommended to help with knees...my left knee has something up with it ever since I fell pretty hard skiing 18 years ago...most the time it's ok, but lately it's been acting up a lot. I'm bringing lots of Ibuprofen!
Hope people post more pics and info (with pics, please indicate location!)
I hope to have time to go back over the thread this weekend and try to make some definite hiking plans.
Regarding night shoot, what are people suggesting...we will be in the local lodge for the most part...right on grounds in Zion and Bryce...can you get to good spots easily at night...not sure I'm up for a big hike at night!
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04/12/2013 12:32:03 PM · #45 |
In Bryce there were many easy quarter mile strolls to get to some of the hoodoos that you could compose into a night sky. Zion is probably the same way if you are right in the canyon.
Bryce:
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04/12/2013 12:39:39 PM · #46 |
| We want EXPOSURE DATA, Sneezy! |
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04/12/2013 12:43:04 PM · #47 |
| All 30 second exposures at f/2.8 with a 16-35mm lens (likely on the 16mm end). ISO is either 1600 or 3200. |
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04/12/2013 01:19:24 PM · #48 |
| Cool...so are you hiking at night with just a headlamp? Are others out and about or basically you're alone in the middle of nowhere except for the bears and snakes? I'm a little nervous about hiking alone in the dark! |
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04/12/2013 01:23:43 PM · #49 |
Originally posted by Neil:
Cool...so are you hiking at night with just a headlamp? Are others out and about or basically you're alone in the middle of nowhere except for the bears and snakes? I'm a little nervous about hiking alone in the dark! |
Now that I bought the 7100 I also have to decide whether to carry the
D7100
Sigma 10-20
Nikon 18-200
Nikon 10.5
Panny G5 + 100-300/200-600
Versus
D600
Nikon 16-35
Nikon 24-70 F2.8 (sharp but heavy!)
Nikon 28-300
Panny G5 + 100-300/200-600
I'm sure the D600 would be better for the night photos...but much heavier overall!
Also curious how people secure their gear when traveling and when not carrying something...in the room, checked at the hotel desk, in the car?
Message edited by author 2013-04-12 13:25:21. |
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04/12/2013 01:34:46 PM · #50 |
Originally posted by Neil:
Cool...so are you hiking at night with just a headlamp? Are others out and about or basically you're alone in the middle of nowhere except for the bears and snakes? I'm a little nervous about hiking alone in the dark! |
Well, I had friends ( scarbrd was probably ten feet to the left taking pictures as well). There are not many people around at night. We did have headlamps and, in fact, painted the hoodoo with them. Most of the bears and the snakes will not ruin your pictures. A few are obnoxious and are constantly making faces and trying to get into the pictures.
Message edited by author 2013-04-12 13:35:15. |
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