 Posted 6/11/2007 9:52:50 AM
|
|
|
|
The Chasm Lake hike..... a shared diary. Yearning for a great sunrise landscape shot at one of the most dramatic and highest lakes in the area.
The planning phase! I want to be at this high alpine lake by sunrise on Tuesday morning, June 12. It is a 5 hour hike (one way), so I will be leaving the trailhead before midnight to be at the 11,760 feet elevation lake on time for first daylight.
Distance: 4.2 miles one-way
Lake elevation: 11,760 feet
Trailhead elevation: 9,400 feet
Net elevation gain: 2,360 feet
Longs Peak Trailhead
Rocky Mountain National Park
Referring to the Naval Observatory tables linked in this article, I know the sun will rise at 5:30 am MDT at 58 degrees E of N.... a good angle to illuminate the sheer mountain face and the lake. Also, I know i will have a small sliver of moon (9%) in the eastern sky to add some illumination to the trail. Will still need a headlamp.
The weather forecast is not ideal, with a projection of 76% cloud cover. However, from experience I know the sky sometimes opens to the east and allows the sunlight to reach the peaks at the right moment around sunrise. Might be worth the gamble Complete overcast skies are not good, but I do want an interesting sky. With the current forecast, i might get interesting clouds hanging on Long's Peak....3000' above the lake. Because there is an approaching storm from the west, I might get very colorful skies. The forecast for light winds (1 MPH) at sunrise time is very desirable, as a water reflection shot is desirable. it will be cold, but as long as there is no wind, nor lightning, I'll be fine. I don't know if the lake will be frozen or open water. I expect to encounter numerous snow fields on the trail and in my scene. But, this trip will be accomplished without snow shoes. (I'd rather carry an additional lens.)
Because this is a rigorous hike, I'll take only essential camera gear. Camera, wide angle lens, tripod, soft graduated neutral density filters w/ lens adapter and filter holder, remote shutter release cable, extra batteries, extra CF cards, lens cleaning gear and double bubble level.
2 liters of water should be enough. High energy food, breakfast and lunch energy bars. GPS unit. Extra socks. Rain jacket. Fleece jacket for warmth. Sunglasses. Sunscreen. Emergency blanket. Waterproof matches. Leatherman. Hope. Luck.
I'll write more planning details later this afternoon, as I see the weather develop and the updates to tomorrow morning's forecast.
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2007 10:30:28 AM
|
|
|
|
| Geesh you be careful now ya hear.. 
I may not always be wRIGHTbut I am never wrong Profile -  Top 24 - 
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2007 12:26:33 PM
|
|
|
|
Hi Richard, you take extreme care. Sounds like a mission and a half, that's what is called dedication to ones art.
BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
My Profile My Top 24 Images
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2007 1:03:44 PM
|
|
|
|
I walked to the end of my driveway this morning. Had to take the trash down. Time: 6:45ish am. Elevation: Roughly 3000 ft. Weather clear and warm. Distance: About 10 yards (both ways).
Your sounds like way more fun, Richard. 
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2007 5:35:42 PM
|
|
|
|
The hike is a "go". Scary, high base T-Storms this afternoon with gusty winds and lightning. But, as of 6:30 on Monday night, the sky is partly cloudy. Could be party cloudy still at sunrise on Tuesday morning, which is the gamble I'm hoping pays off. Tomorrow's forecast is for rain and T-storms, but not until afternoon.
So, I am packing up to leave at 10:30 pm tonight. Will layer my clothes to be ready to adjust for temps from 20 degrees to 80 degrees. Bought a new headlamp for the dark part of the hike. It's a Princeton Tec. Great new technology.... sort of halogen LED lights.... will continuously light the trail long enough to get to dusk light.
Will try to grab some sleep between now and trail time.
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2007 5:40:44 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2007 8:46:14 PM
|
|
|
|
Weather deteriorating too much, as of 9:30 tonight (Monday). So, because it will be too dangerous above treeline for the next 24 hours, I will postpone my trip.
This is a disappointment. i was all packed and ready to go. But, I had to make a call on the potential and the odds are now low for morning light. This, too, is a part of landscape photography. Trip postponed, not canceled. The forecast is better later in the week.
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2007 8:51:09 PM
|
|
|
|
A photographer at heart!!!  Take care, keep warm, & stay safe!!! I can't wait to see what you see!!! ps: No cell phone?? 
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2007 8:51:59 PM
|
|
|
| | |
