High Sierra Topix

Was invited to the annual backcountry get together put on by one of the HST
members, and finally made this one. The highlight was the company , and any
time their is a chance to meet the special folks from HST is a special moment
for me.
From the photography side of things I still brought all my gear since the forecast
called for 20% chance of thunderstorms for the duration of our stay at Island Lake.
Having visited this area 20+ years ago, and even though it is pretty, it would not
have been a location that I would have otherwise revisited for photography purposes.
To my pleasant surprise there were a few gems that presented themselves
as they will be presented to you in order.

"Levitating Tree": After my afternoon scouting of the area, the two locations that
showed the most potential at the "golden hour" were the western side of Island
Lake, and a small dome northeast of the lake. This shot was taken at sunset
from the western side of the lake. The tree was located in some shallow
water and by taking a photograph from the right angle it would be perceived
as though it was levitating above or on the lakes surface. The reflection
of the clouds that were bathed in soft alpenglow would add to the 3 dimensional
effect that was sought. The shadow of the tree on the mirror finish of the lake
adds still more depth to the photo, as does the deep blackness of the shadow
against the orange brightness of the alpenglow.
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s10/ ... 1303-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"Island Lake Sunset": Taken maybe 50 feet from the above photo.
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s9/v ... 4836-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"Sierra Cyclone" & "Eye of the Storm": Both shots taken from the dome-like
feature northeast of Island Lake. This dome had outstanding views to the north
and east. As the thunderheads started to build in the afternoon my eyes were
treated to the most magnificently formed thunderhead that I have yet witnessed, and
being a storm chaser that makes this even more impressive to me.
This thunderhead was massive, and as you can see it was in constant flux,
the lower grayish colored part of the cloud resembled smoke from a massive
fire that was emanating from the top of Sierra Crest or possibly the bottom of
a massive tornado about ready to touch down on top of the crest, but either way
a very unique site. The alpenglow on the upper part of the cloud gives the viewer
the look of a giant fire/flame.
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s9/v ... 8206-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s10/ ... 6150-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for the report and the photos. I think you ran into my brother-in-law out there. He mentioned watching that thunderhead for hours as the sun set. Very cool to see what he was talking about.

Met a group of three guys who joined us that evening after talking to them
earlier on in the day at the same spot on the dome, if I remember correctly
one person said they were from Ventura, but could be wrong. They stayed at
the southern end of Island Lake under a blue tarp near the shore.

That was them. Not sure if one of them is from Ventura, but my bro-in-law lives in Visalia.

Great shots as usual, Mav. I especially like the T-storm pics.

Thanks Tom.

Truly stunning photography, especially the thunderhead on fire.

Spectacular photos.

Thanks Jessegooddog and Tehipite Tom.

Great shots, as usual Maverick.
Thanks for sharing.