This past Saturday I hiked Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park. Old Rag is a very popular hike with good reason. The hike is strenuous, challenging, and offers perhaps the best vista in the park. I have hiked Old Rag many times, but that was over 20 years ago. I have been trying to get in a little better physical shape so I could attempt this hike. The only downside was that my hiking buddy Duke could not join me this time. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. We were both a little disappointed when I left home on Saturday morning. After a 2 ½ hour hike up the mountain I finally made it to the summit. It was much better than I remember. The arrangement of boulders and rocks on the summit makes for great photo composition material.
Since it was mid-day I shot mostly Infrared and a little HDR. I also shot some Panoramas with a 28mm perspective adjustment lens. I bought this lens last year, but have not used it often. The lens allows you to adjust the perspective higher or lower after leveling the camera. I’m not sure why, but stitching these images is a little more involved and often requires me to do the layout by hand. The blog picture is made from 20 different exposures.
I was also scouting the site for a possible location for Star Trails. I say possible, because of the necessary variables, clear night, good weather, etc. I’m not interested in sitting at the top of Old Rag in February.
It was a great hike and nice to return after so many years. I’m hoping to return soon, if only for the exercise.
2 comments:
Don, Very cool image! I love it! I always get new ideas when I read and see your blog. Thx!
Thanks Bill. Lot's of people inspire me, glad that I'm able to do the same.
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