North Mountain

[Sam W]

I have not lived in Rockbridge Virginia very long. So I am frequently discovering beautiful places that are new to me. I headed out late yesterday afternoon having no idea where I might end up. In less than an hour I ended up on a steep and narrow dirt road, headed up the side of North mountain. I discovered a trail at the top and I took off on foot. The sun was quickly setting. I hiked as far as I could so that I could save some daylight to find my way back. I should have saved some more daylight but I did manage to find my way out with some worried moments. Next time I will be better and more safely prepared i.e. flashlight, compass, cell phone.

I captured these handheld photos during the first half of the hike. C&C welcome.

Risky positioning:
#1



#2



With the sun sitting quickly - House Mountain viewed from North Mountain:
#3


Late addition- Lake Robertson in the foreground, Blue Ridge Mtns in the background:
#4

[Wavelength]

Sam, these terrific images...Yes, i too wonder how you positioned yourself to capture that first one...worthy of risking indeed

[Wavelength]

The last image is a killer!!!!!

[Manfred M]

I'd have to agree with the phone and flashlight. I rarely head off anywhere late in the day without those two along, although I've found myself in places where the flashlight is much more useful than the cell phone as I've gotten into areas where there are no cell towers in range... My headlamp has come to the rescue more than once!

I find that your first shot really works well for me. While the colour shot is not overly colourful, I do find that going B&W really accentuates some of the strong lines in the image. And these lines are what make the shot.

[bnnrcn]

Nice series Sam, my fav is #1

[Mike Buckley]

Agreed with everyone!

As Manfred suggested, I encourage you to always have a head lamp. Using it rather than a traditional flashlight frees up your hands.

[Sam W]

Sam, these terrific images...Yes, i too wonder how you positioned yourself to capture that first one...worthy of risking indeed

Thanks Nandakumar, I just tried not to look down :-)

[Sam W]

The last image is a killer!!!!!

Thanks a bunch Nandakukmar.

[Sam W]

I'd have to agree with the phone and flashlight. I rarely head off anywhere late in the day without those two along, although I've found myself in places where the flashlight is much more useful than the cell phone as I've gotten into areas where there are no cell towers in range... My headlamp has come to the rescue more than once!

I find that your first shot really works well for me. While the colour shot is not overly colourful, I do find that going B&W really accentuates some of the strong lines in the image. And these lines are what make the shot.

Thanks Manfred, I figured if worse came to worse I had nearly a half moon and clear skys and could pretty safely keep the ridge to my right on exit. Okay, a CPF was next on my list but you have talked me into headlamp.

On the B&W, I plan to return when I have more time with perhaps a tripod. On the color, perhaps a great location for Fall colors and/or morning sun.

Thanks for your comments.

[Sam W]

Agreed with everyone!

As Manfred suggested, I encourage you to always have a head lamp. Using it rather than a traditional flashlight frees up your hands.

I'm on it. Thanks Mike.

[Rebel]

Love #2 Sam, nice work!

[Shadowman]

3rd image does it for me, the sky is too dynamic in the first and the foreground just cannot compete. Nicely done.

[Sam W]

Nice series Sam, my fav is #1

Thanks Binnur, you are liking my B&Ws lately

[Sam W]

Love #2 Sam, nice work!

Thanks Matt!

[Sam W]

3rd image does it for me, the sky is too dynamic in the first and the foreground just cannot compete. Nicely done.

I agree but I did not notice until you pointed it out - thanks!

[Sergio M.]

Sam,

The photos convey to me the exhilaration, exertion, and excitement you experienced to get these shots. Well worth the effort and good exercise to boot.

I like all three for different reasons, but like John, my favorite is #3. I like your choice of framing, composition, lighting, and most of all the view.

Sergio

[mknittle]

All good Sam, I like them all #1 best followed by #3 the silhouette of the branches are a nice touch.

[Sam W]

Sam,

The photos convey to me the exhilaration, exertion, and excitement you experienced to get these shots. Well worth the effort and good exercise to boot.

I like all three for different reasons, but like John, my favorite is #3. I like your choice of framing, composition, lighting, and most of all the view.

Sergio

Thanks Sergio, I appreciate your comments. Yes, can't wait to get back when I spend more time there.

[Sam W]

All good Sam, I like them all #1 best followed by #3 the silhouette of the branches are a nice touch.

Thanks Mark, was worried a bit about the branches but I also felt they added something of interest.

[mugge]

Sam, the first one for me. Hate flashlight to pieces.
Cheers Ole