Heavenly Bliss on Decker Creek
by Gene Walls
Title
Heavenly Bliss on Decker Creek
Artist
Gene Walls
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Tuesday began as a perfect early September morning in the back woods of West Virginia. I went out alone to catch a few photos of this wonderful set of waterfalls near my aunt's home. I discovered this site last autumn and wanted to see if I could capture some fresh summer views.
These dramatic waterfalls are located on Decker Creek in northern West Virgina. This amazing site can be found between Dellslow and Masontown along Route 7, about ten miles southeast of Morgantown, WV. The falls are not far from the narrow winding two-lane road. They are a short distance upstream from a convenient roadside picnic area, but they are down at the bottom of a very steep ravine. If you visit here, be sure to wear good hiking boots.
Decker Creek runs through Preston and Monongalia Counties, on its way to the Monongalia River in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
This used to be the ugliest stream that I had ever seen. Acidic coal mine drainage and untreated sewage had turned the water a disgusting rusty orange-brown color. Nothing could survive in the stream then... it was totally dead, terribly smelly and a remarkably offensive sight to see.
Over the last four decades, a very ambitious program was implemented to stop mine runoff and pollution from fouling the stream. The seemingly impossible goal was to actually return the creek to its natural state. I am quite shocked that it is taking less time to clean it up than it took to mess it up. Today, Decker Creek has become a popular destination for world-class kayakers, fishermen, nature lovers... and even the occasional waterfall photographer.
An immense commitment by "The Friends of Decker Creek" was required to save this stream and return it to a condition that is almost as clean as it was before coal mining had become this area's biggest industry. That effort still continues in 2013, to eventually return Decker Creek to the way it was hundreds of years ago. The current objective is to have the cleanup done by 2016. I pray that it will get even better as time goes by, for the sake of our children... and their children's children.
The image was captured on the morning of September 12th, 2011 with my Canon 10D DSLR, through a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L lens at the 40mm focal length. A ND-4 Neutral Density filter was used with a Circular Polarizer. The shutter speed was .7 seconds at f/16, ISO 200. The camera was mounted on a Manfrotto tripod, with a Manfrotto 222 Pistol Grip head.
Your comments are always welcome! Constructive criticism is appreciated.
© 2011 Gene Walls
All copyright and reproduction rights are retained by the artist. Artwork may not be reproduced or altered by any process without the express written permission of the artist. This includes my image and the 100% original text that describes the work. A copyright watermark is embedded within the image to guarantee successful prosecution, in the event of any violation.
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April 17th, 2013
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Viewed 271 Times - Last Visitor from White Plains, NY on 03/15/2024 at 3:50 AM
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Comments (35)
Daniel Jean-Baptiste
Nicely done, congratulattions on your sale.
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you very much, Daniel! Your congrats are greatly appreciated! Best regards, Gene
Richard Thomas
Another delightfully lyrical river scene, Gene, you really know how to bring out the fluid beauty of these places! F&V#26
Gene Walls replied:
Greatly appreciated, Richard! Thank you very much for your extremely kind compliment! Kindest regards, Gene
Ella Kaye
idyllic scene and presentation; v
Gene Walls replied:
Idyllic is the perfect word to describe this place, Ella! Thank you very much! Kindest regards, Gene
Sotiris Filippou
cant wait to try myself to take a photo like this :) just beautiful :) v/f 16
Gene Walls replied:
Your kind words mean a lot to me, Sotiris! Judging by your work displayed here, you are very capable of capturing any scene that you find. Get you feet wet and just start snapping away. Kindest wishes, Gene
Francesa Miller
VERY well done capture. It makes me want to be there.
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you most kindly, Francesa! It's a great site in northern WVa. Best regards, Gene