Friday, January 20, 2012

Without a safety net

Yesterday, my trusty hiking companion, Shado, and I tackled Pass Mountain in the Usery Range.
Shado is a GREAT hiking companion. Except on trails you climb or descend cautiously. He hikes those with total abandonment. One leap, and he is down the descent. One HUGE leap, and he is over the boulder, awaiting you as you struggle upwards. 
Shado is always on a waist leash. The leash is hands-free and utilitarian in other ways. Shado and I stay tethered. I am his safety net. I guess he would drag me to safety if need be. Ouch. 
Photography was difficult. I had the wrong lens, no circular polarizing filter, too much morning glare, and too much scenery. And I had trusty Shado. We made it to the lookout, about 2 (? 3?) miles in. Then we hiked back out. Narrow trails. A few mountain runners passed us by. 
I'm headed back out to Pass Mountain soon. Shado will go again, too. My trusty companion. If anyone wants to join us - let me know! We are silent hikers, we watched for birds and snakes, and we take photos along the way. Next time, right lens, right filter. And trusty Shado. 

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Great hiking.
And a great companion.
Costas

Banjo52 said...

I don't know what lens or filter would lead to better pics than these! Very much an "I was there" realism to these. And your Shado shot sure captures him in just the spirit you describe. I can see it happening.

Jo's World said...

You make us "townies" feel like real wimps, with our block walking and watching out for loose dogs and cars!

Shado probably had the best time ever, not sure you did!

Cheers and hugs,

Jo and Stella

Jo's World said...

Hi Bren,

I forgot to tell you that you need to come to my blog and pick up a small award.

Cheers,
Jo

Unknown said...

one of Jake's girls our lab) is strong enough to pull me up steep steps easily and so full of energy!
We all need these companions

Unknown said...

You did a fantastic job. I love all of these photos.
Thanks for the in-vite to hike. But at 70 yrs my leg's have hiked there last Im sorry to say. I am a green horn when it comes to photography. What pray tell is a circular polarizing filter? I know nothing!!!

Great post, great hiking partner also.

Rohrerbot said...

Hey! Those are great shots. Sun here is tricky. I have the same issue with my camera. Looks like a great walk. This weekend is the stay at home weekend because I have a lot of gardening work to do around the place....ugh and the shampooing of the carpet:( Some of my students are going to start vegetable gardening and I'm helping them get started tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend:)!

Rohrerbot said...

Oh...and I should mention that I love the first pic a lot. It has a really cool blue tone to it. I saw it this morning but got sidetracked by the million and one questions of teenagers. Finally responding now:)

Brenda's Arizona said...

Wow, thanks for the kind comments! I wasn't sure of posting this one.

Snapper II, polarizing filter is a lot like using polarized sunglasses. Cuts the glare. With a circular polarizer... it cuts more than just than the linear light. And with a circular polarizer, you can rotate the filter while it is on your lens, gaining different results. Not tricky, but fun.

Here is a bit more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarizing_filter_%28photography%29

Anonymous said...

thank you for the workout and the landscape.

MedaM said...

Shado is so cute dog and indeed really great companion. I think your photos are beautiful and interesting. The soil is so dry and the trails narrow and quite deep. Thanks for this hiking and thanks for visiting my blog and for your nice comment.

Kathy said...

Wish I could go! Maybe someday!

Pat Tillett said...

To me, it's not the lens, it's not filter. It's the eye behind the camera. You've got a good one!
Love that big old pup!

sonia a. mascaro said...

Great hike and stunning pictures!
So good to have a trusty hiking companion, like gorgeous Shado.

Love your banner with Shado too.