Thursday, October 23, 2014

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