Another super early morning outing from 18 July, 2017 is documented this time around. The hike, which was yet again filled with spectacular and humbling views of extraordinary scenery, was of the Bluebird Lake Trail in extreme southeast Rocky Mountain National Park, and covered more than 14 miles round trip while ascending somewhere close to 3500 total vertical feet. These totals are inflated to some extent, as I was compelled to double back about a mile for a couple of shots of a lily pad filled lake I had passed due to the threat of a storm. With the threat over, I was able to capture a couple of my favorite shots. The trail crossed several stunning water features including three lakes and four waterfalls while crossing the North Saint Vrain, Cody, and Ouzel Creeks. This created ample opportunity for me to practice my long exposures of streams to produce the “fuzzy, moving water” effect. Please take a peek through and I hope to hear some of your thoughts and feedback in the comments or guestbook section. Have fun, and please don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @ “the_mogul_skier”. Thanks!
Date(s): 18 July, 2017. Album by Paul Yarborough. Photos by Paul Yarborough. 1 - 23 of 23 Total. 713 Visits.
1 A pre-dawn, long exposure shot of the North Saint Vrain
2 This and shot #9 are my first attempts and experimentation with shooting directly into the sun. Although not perfect, I liked them each well enough to post here in the gallery.
3 Early morning jackrabbit.
4 One of many bridges encountered along the way. This one crosses the North Saint Vrain.
5 The North Saint Vrain as seen from the previous bridge.
6 The trail paralleling the North Saint Vrain.
7 Bridge number 2 as it crosses Cody Creek and the Calypso Cascade.
8 Calypso Cascade.
9 Sunburst shot looking back at bridge number 2.
10 Lush trail.
11 Ouzel Falls.
12 Bridge crossing just below Ouzel Falls and directly over Ouzel Creek.
13 Morning sun on the trail as I rise above Ouzel falls.
14 The expansive view looking westward from the trail.
15 Parts of the area were decimated by fire decades ago in the late 70's, and although many signs of the fire still remain, the area is teaming with life and rebirth and is covered in new green(see next photo).
16 Fire area covered in new green grass, bushes, and young pine trees.
