Winter slog - the adventure is always worth the effort

As we kickoff our winter workshop today I am reminded of our first winter workshop when temperatures were hovering around -14 degrees.  That seems almost impossible today as we sit at a balmy 26! :) I can tell you the landcruiser was toasty toasty as we gingerly made our way down the parkway, headed to a little sheltered spot on Boone Fork Creek.  Higher winds had removed all chance of overlooks and mountain tops and we hoped to find some sheltered spot where the trees still held the snow. Our goal was to find icy frozen water, with the fresh snow all around.  A little fog would make the images all the more special. Navigating the parkway looking through fogged up windows I was not quite prepared for what was to come, but I had my winter gear, and I was bubbling with energy and excitement.  My two layers of gloves. full face mask securely snapped, and 6 layers of the top and I was ready. I must have looked like Ralphie’s little brother in The Christmas Story.  :)

Now all I needed to do was strap the camera bag on and I was ready.  We were off, down a snowy trail. Tommy tracking ahead and me traipsing behind.  My boots were slightly too big but I could fit an extra pair of socks on and be pretty toasty.  My movements however were awkward and I felt slow and ponderous breathing heavily in the fleece mask.  Soon it was caked with ice and breathing got more and more difficult.

What felt like hours later we arrived at a stream crossing.  It was completely covered in snow. You couldn’t tell where water or rocks were apart from one or two small openings in the snow. We looked at it for a while contemplating our options. Crossing this stream led to the waterfall not too far ahead. But stepping in the river would mean severe pain and an immediate return to the car (at least an hour away).  It also could mean problems for the next couple of days, possibly longer.

The light was fading fast, a decision needed to be made...

After a begrudging several minutes of deliberation we decided this was the end of the line and if we wanted to shoot this was the best there was. I spent several minutes wrangling the tripod to form this simple composition and we quickly headed back for the warmth of the truck. 

The light continued to evaporate, the wind whistled through the trees and all my 6 layers and the cold seemed to invade every crevice. Slogging through the 2 feet of fresh snow I was sure these were the worst hiking conditions ever. Tommy kept on trucking ahead of me and I just kept plodding behind and eventually we made it out.

Those heated seats in the landcruiser and the Irish stew I was inhaling at the Pub in downtown Blowing Rock a little later were an unimaginably good. 

Most days you end up empty, but every once in a while something magical happens.  And no matter what, the adventure is always worth it.
Happy shooting to you this winter and remember to be prepared and use the buddy system.