I have read from numerous people that going to the falls right after a rain is the best time. Well, it may be the best for a few reasons, but it sucks on many others:) I went back to Jean’s Run today, after a rain, while still nicely cloudy. The lighting was good, the rocks wet and the falls moving. I got soaked! And that was without falling in:) The rock climbing was slippery and every time you grabbed a tree for a hand hold it was like you stuck your hand in the mud. I think next time I will stick to more established trails. Pushing through the brush on these seldom used trails shook all the water in the foliage onto me. It was miserable, and I cut my losses and called it short. There was so much humidity in the air, the filters kept fogging up, and well, you can’t wipe them, they do not dry. You can see the fog in some of the photos. I thought I would at least share some of the keepers from the day.

Here is what I saw upon entering the trail head



Here are a couple of the uppermost falls







Here are two shots of a tiny Rhododendron rooted in a rock! I was amazed, there is no real noticeable void in that crack for dirt let along roots, but off it goes. I couldn’t decide which of these two I liked better. If you look in the third waterfall photo above, in the rock in the forground left you can see this tiny guy.





Now I am a firm believer in the philosophy, “Take only pictures, leave only footsteps” But, can I confess to you,….. …. I had a momentary digression, a laps in judgment, a weakness. I had a handful, and would you have passed them by?



As always comments welcome.

Hey Jeff,

I like the shot of the mushrooms the best. They remind me of something out of a children' story. The first waterfall I am not in love with - mostly because the highlights are so burnt. However, it really does give the impression of movement.

LOL - love the berries. I would not have left them either.

James

Jeff, sounds like you had a rugged trip to the falls! Sure does look like a beautiful place and at least, you got the pictures!

Like James said, the mushroom shot is excellent and the blueberries look delicious.

Glad you made it without injury to self or camera.

Best regards,

Dick:)

Hey James,

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I like the shot of the mushrooms the best. They remind me of something out of a children' story.

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Their color and contrast to the ground made them pop! I had to grab a shot.

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The first waterfall I am not in love with - mostly because the highlights are so burnt. However, it really does give the impression of movement.

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Is it? I though I may have been pushing the envelope a little on that. I will try and tone it down a little. Thanks.

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LOL - love the berries. I would not have left them either.

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They were GOOD too.

Hey Dick,

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sounds like you had a rugged trip to the falls! Sure does look like a beautiful place and at least, you got the pictures!

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I called it quits well before it got to rugged. Maybe returning to the falls where I sprained my ankle was playing with my mind here:) Like you say at least I got a couple shots, and a nice hike out of it.

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Like James said, the mushroom shot is excellent and the blueberries look delicious.

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Thanks, and they were very tasty, the blueberries that is:)

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Glad you made it without injury to self or camera.

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Thank you, me too!

It is boysenberry and raspberry season up here in the City. My wife and I have been going up into the hills and picking them when we go hiking with Mahkayla.

I added a new lens attachment to my collection, the Canon 500d step-up macro lens. I borrowed it from Adam Felde (the fellow who's story is currently up on the front page) when we were together in Death Valley. I was very impressed by the quality of it.

I tried to bring it up with me hiking tonight, but it was pushing 7:30 PM when we left, and the light was pretty much sucked dry by the time we got well into the woods.

James

James,
The 500d is excellent. A lot of people use it on Canon and other equipment. I just read recently where John Shaw highly recommends their use, well the Nikon equivalent anyway. My macro work is usually done with a Tamron 90. But the versatility of the 500d is great. I look forward to seeing some of your shots with it.