Beaver Pond Journal 2014 #3

Journal Entry for Thursday October 2, 2014  Made another late start for the beaver meadow at the end of Indian Lake Road.As we were crossing The Plains we spotted a black bear walking along the road, heading in the same direction as we were traveling. The bear crossed the road, turned around and headed back in our direction. Suddenly the bear's eyesight must have come into focus because it stopped momentarily, then dove into the roadside brush and disappeared. When we first spotted the bear I was hoping to get a photograph, but the bear was too far away and I wasn't set up for the 600f4 lens.

Finally reached the beaver meadow near the terminus of Indian Lake Road. Decided not to shoot another panorama Today. The light was harsh and the autumn colors were fading. An ancient stump covered with lichen made a good subject. A young bush limb was somewhat distracting and I decided to do some gardening but decided to leave it like I found it.

As we packed up and headed back towards the truck, we nearly stepped on a wood frog. Stopped to shoot a couple of images of the frog, then headed for home.

An Old Stump Covered With Lichen

A Wood Frog Hiding in Forest Litter

Beaver Pond Journal 2014 #2

Journal entry for Tuesday September 23, 2014  Made a purposeful late start for the beaver meadow this morning.Pulled out of the driveway at 9A.M. Since it was Tuesday and mid morning, the traffic was very light, making for a pleasant ride north.

Just beyond Lewey Lake at the base of Snowy Mountain we spotted a flock of wild turkeys. Unfortunately I had not reset my camera and fumbled getting ready to shoot as the turkeys moved away, toward some thick vegetation. I also began shooting before I had settled down and as a result most of the images were blurred. Incredibly the first and last images were usable, the rest were discarded. Things were looking up, now the day would not be a bust!

Arrived at Cedar River Flow gate at 11:45 A.M., signed the register then began the drive towards our destination, the beaver meadow at the terminus of Indian Lake Road. We noticed how quiet it was this this morning. Passed a few occupied campsites along the way as we enjoyed a midday snack, apple fritters.

It was 2 P.M. when we arrived at the end of the road and the beaver meadow. All day it looked like it was about to rain, and it did once for just a few minutes. Walked down to the meadow to look the situation over. The overcast light toned down the contrast, so I was certain the results would be good.

Set up my panorama gear then proceeded to shoot two nine image panorama series for stitching together using Photoshop. Next I shot two images of the decaying beaver lodge. I finished the day shooting three images of the stump detail.

September 23,2014 Panorama

Beaver lodge and Downed Timber

Near the Old Dam

A Couple of Stump and Downed Timber Details

The trees at the higher elevations were sporting their beautiful autumn colors. A Great day!

Beaver Pond Journal 2014 #1

Journal entry for August 10, 2014  Today was the day to make our first trip to the Moose River Plains Wild Forest this year. We were up at 3:30, made coffee and lunch, then packed our gear in the truck. Pulled out of the driveway at 4:15 A.M. under a starry sky with a yellow-orange supermoon. Just after clearing the village limits we spotted a red fox running across the road. Portending a great day?
The day's goal was to shoot a sequence of images to blend into the 2014 panorama of the beaver meadow. Also we were interested in photographing any interesting flora and fauna.

Arrived at the Cedar River Flow gate, signed the register then passed through the gate. It sure was quiet as we drove towards The Plains. Saw a moderate number of campers along the way. The only wildlife we observed were a few songbirds,red squirrels and chipmunks, that was all.

When we pulled into the parking area at the end of Indian Lake Road one truck was there, but no one
was around. Mary and I walked across the road and down to the beaver meadow. As we entered the meadow a red-tail hawk flushed from its perch on an old snag, then the hawk disappeared in an instant.

The light contrast was very high, not the best conditions, but we were there, might as well haul down my mountain of gear and get set up. Maybe if I'm lucky the contrast will calm down. Shot a couple of panoramic sequences under the changing light, but didn't like either of them.

While waiting for better light I shot the stump detail image for 2014. Like the panoramic's, I used set up pins to accurately position my tripod and camera from year to year.

Stump Detail

Finally, some cloud cover, allowing me to shoot a panorama sequence under good light. After repacking the photo gear back in the truck we took a break to eat lunch, then began the long drive home.

2014 Panorama

Decaying Beaver Lodge