Some snaps from my trip to HPL

S

Shel_B

Joined
Aug 7, 2020
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Columbia Gorge in an Early Morning Mist
Taken from historic State Route 30, east of Portland and before The Dalles.

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Cloud Over the Idaho Plain, Evening of 7/29

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Horses Feeding at 6:00am, Montana/Idaho Border
I watched them for a while and took several shots until I got what I wanted.

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The Famous Oregon Tree Smiley
I didn't take the pictures, but I found out about this fascinating smiley while talking with a relative in Portland.

In Polk County, Oregon, the autumnal season heralds the arrival of a massive smiley face made of trees.

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Every year, the happy symbol can be spotted by drivers traveling on Oregon 18 between Grand Ronde and Willamina. The Hampton Lumber company designed and planted the trees on the company property in 2011.

"After every harvest, our foresters start planning the reforestation process," Kristin Rasmussen explained. "They typically plant a variety of native species depending on the elevation and soil conditions, including Douglas fir, western hemlock, noble fir and western red cedar."

As for its distinct coloring, the smiley face was created by larch trees, which turn yellow and drop off in the fall, which is why the smiley face is best visible at this time of year.

Although the smiley face won't necessarily be part of the fall foliage forever, it should be visible for the next 30-50 years — then it'll be time for the trees to be harvested.
 
ecotourist said:
Lovely photos.

One of my neighbours says he was told there was "nothing to see" on the prairies. I think he got bad advice and I've told him so. You just need to keep an open mind and open your eyes.
Click to expand...
I love to see the shape of the land. Without trees, the shape becomes clearly visible. The quality of light becomes more obvious, and the changes in its color are more evident. The "magic hour" is a great time to enjoy the Great Plains, as the grasses take on a more golden hue, the light becomes softer and contrasts less intense.

The last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise are coveted by professional photographers. Referred to as “the golden hour” or “magic hour,” these times provide the perfect light to capture stunning photos. Learning to harness the power of the golden hour is a tool every photographer can use.

Magic Hour
 
I've also begun my journey. It is not nearly as beautiful as @Shel_B journey but, Shel those are some great pics, I've snapped some but this is your thread lol. @53' Stude I posted a sunset of in the other thread if you wanted to see.
 
Continental Breakfast at a Cheap Motel, Kimball, Nebraska
I took two of the little chocolate-covered donuts from the display case, took a bite of one,
and tossed the rest into the trash.

Breakfast.webp
 
Somewhere in Iowa, Early Morning

I spent the night in a deserted old barn a short distance up a dirt road off a secondary road that was an exit of I80. I was tired of being in motels, and it was a warm night with great smells and sounds. I didn't sleep much, but I slept well, and morning came with a slight chill and a bit of dampness.

I threw on a heavy shirt, walked around the area, and came across this scene about 50 yards behind the barn.

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Wyoming Fenceline, About 60 Miles West of Nebraska Border
I'm a sucker for looking out over vast expanses of open plains and prairies. I feel free and unencumbered, maybe in some ways like the cowboys of the old west before the common use of barbed wire and fencing.

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Shel_B said:
Somewhere in Iowa, Early Morning

I spent the night in a deserted old barn a short distance up a dirt road off a secondary road that was an exit of I80. I was tired of being in motels, and it was a warm night with great smells and sounds. I didn't sleep much, but I slept well, and morning came with a slight chill and a bit of dampness.

I threw on a heavy shirt, walked around the area, and came across this scene about 50 yards behind the barn.

View attachment 112824

Wyoming Fenceline, About 60 Miles West of Nebraska Border
I'm a sucker for looking out over vast expanses of open plains and prairies. I feel free and unencumbered, maybe in some ways like the cowboys of the old west before the common use of barbed wire and fencing.

View attachment 112823
Click to expand...
Beautiful shots, and love the story!
 
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