Ending 2012 At Onondaga Falls
by Gene Walls
Title
Ending 2012 At Onondaga Falls
Artist
Gene Walls
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
This is my last waterfall photograph of 2012. The shot was taken after sunset on New Years Eve. The image was captured with a Canon 5D Full Frame DSLR camera, through a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L lens, at the 33mm focal length. Four manual exposures were shot @ f/8. Shutter speeds were set to 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 second, ISO 100. The four exposures were simply merged in Photomatix Pro 4, without additional processing. The camera was mounted on a Manfrotto tripod, with a Manfrotto 222 Pistol Grip head. A remote shutter release cable was also used.
This is Onondaga, the first Waterfall at the very top of the Glen Leigh gorge in Ricketts Glen. This was the thirteenth “named” waterfall site that was photographed during this hike, just before taking the Highland Trail out of the park. I was disappointed to see that the tree that had fallen across the waterfall’s plunge pool was still there. It has been almost two years since the tree was downed by bad weather in 2011. Although, I must admit that the dead tree does look much more interesting with a thick frosting of undisturbed snow and hanging icicles.
Ricketts Glen is located near the small rural village of Red Rock, PA, at the junction of Pennsylvania State Routes 118 and 487. The park is about midway between Williamsport and Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania, in the north eastern region of the USA.
WARNING: Ricketts Glen waterfall trails are extremely dangerous in the winter months! They are closed to the public from late November unit spring. Winter hiking is only permitted if you are a well-equipped hiker with previous icy condition hiking or ice climbing experience. Each climber must register and sign in before entering the trails and must also sign out after the hike. Crampons, ice axes and climbing ropes are absolutely required here (for good reason). This is NOT just a “walk in the park”.
Your comments are always welcome! Constructive criticism is appreciated.
© 2013 Gene Walls
Uploaded
April 2nd, 2013
Embed
Share
Comments (3)
Jordan Blackstone
Despite not liking Winter, I have to say this is my favorite Winter scene! Well done, Gene!! =) v/f
Gene Walls replied:
Greatly appreciated, Jordan! It took 8 hours of hiking and ice climbing to get there, only to find that the tree was still hanging there. I have since come to appreciate the way the undisturbed snow and ice had decorated the fallen tree. I'm really happy that you like this shot so much! Thank you! Kindest regards, Gene
Byron Snider
Beautiful winter image, the snow on the log in the air in front adds great character to the image fv
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you so much, Byron! I was disappointed to find that the tree was still hanging there after more than 2 years in that same position. I'm glad you found the positive aspect of it. Best regards, Gene