Bonnie Rannald's Photo-Explorations in focus with nature. : Trout Fishing

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Photo-exploring the Walker River

A day of discovery, getting in focus with the spirit rocks

Taking advantage of the record breaking warm temperatures in the autumn of 2017, on the first day of December I traveled up to the higher elevations in Mono County, California. Turning on Highway 395 North, I ended up in Bridgeport which is a quaint town that welcomes the adventure minded, out-door enthusiast and has some of the best trout fishing too!

The Bridgeport Reservoir is just past the town and to the north. Its deep blue water holds plenty of brown and rainbow trout. The snow capped peaks of Yosemite National Park and eastern Sierra Mountains accent the sky in the background.

Seven miles further to the north on Highway 182, the East Fork of the Walker River flows under the road. On its 95 mile run the Walker River cuts through mountains, canyons and valleys to finally terminate in the high desert of Walker Lake, Nevada.

In many areas along its banks are wetlands and riparian habitat that provide ideal conditions for much wildlife including the brown and rainbow trout.

Following a dirt turn-off from Highway 182, I noticed a most intriguing out-cropping of boulders.

A closer view revealed rocks that were lying askew in various layers. I began to marvel at the artistry of nature and felt a preview back in geological time with signs of glacial activity, volcanism and fault movements.

Some of rocks were topped with tall, pointed pinnacles.

Other boulders had been eroded to form hoodoos. Hoodoos or “fairy chimneys” are sediment pillars of rock that are created from weathering and erosion in desert climates. As I stood and quietly observed, various forms began to materialize on the hoodoos. A tall hoodoo at first seemed to have a mushroom shape. But then with longer observation it took on a human facial silhouette with the hair tied back. To the left, a hoodoo resembling a dog was watching the humanoid form.

Looking further to the right and the statue of a warrior caught my attention as it appeared to be screaming out a warning not to deface any of these natural monuments.

My imagination was running wild while I was so caught up in the moment. There is a belief that the spirits of ancestors dwell in rock formations like these at the Walker River.

What an inspirational and peaceful day this had become. So many times I have a yearning to go to an area in hopes of get interesting photos. What I sometimes receive is a sensory journey back in time and become caught up in that moment. I am left with an even deeper appreciation of the magical awareness of being there and focusing on the image through my camera. It is in the stillness and solitude that I become one with the environment as I focus on the wonders of nature.

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

Follow me as I continue on more of my photo-explorations and see where the next adventure is!

What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences.

"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"

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http://www.bonnierannald.com/

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

Lundy Lake an Autumn Retreat

Mountains, a clear lake with an iconic tree and sunny aspens!

What better way to spend a warm autumn day than at a quiet lake near the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains? Lundy Lake was my photo destination for this Indian summer day. The 7858 feet (2395 m) elevation lake is located in Mono County near Lee Vinning California.

I was hoping to catch some color changes in the aspens up in the higher elevations but this autumn of 2017 the weather has been so mild for the central areas of California and Nevada.

Arriving at the 100-acre lake, I was excited to see that the trees were accented in various hues of color.

Lundy Lake which was formerly know as Mill Creek lies in Lundy Canyon near the towering edges of Yosemite National Park.

With its clear water, the lake is a popular spot for trout fishing.

Rather not go fishing, then how about a picnic by the calm water in shade of a tree surrounded by the serenity of nature?

The trunk of a bare cottonwood tree stands in the shallow water near the shore and has become a symbolic icon to the natural beauty of Lundy Lake.

Driving on past the lake and the dirt road is lined with aspens, some are still green and many are turning brilliant shades of yellow.

Further along, the serenity of autumn envelopes the scene as the colorful aspens shroud the landscape.

As daylight winds down shadows grown long, time has come to make my departure from this autumn retreat.

What an inspiring photo-adventure this trip has been. Standing on the shore and looking across the deep blue water of this pristine lake, I am alone in the moment feeling the solitude of nature. There’s just something about the season of autumn that stirs my soul but brings such a feeling of peacefulness too.