"The Forgotten Valley Road"

I initially passed on processing this image, feeling it did not merit any further work. I feel differently now that I am anxious for some new stuff to come out of the upcoming spring and I am bored. It was a difficult blend job, but I think the resulting image works. I found this valley on a whim, but when I came upon it, it was indeed memorable. Mostly, the vibrant colors of the grass. I came away from this day with some of my best photographs, so this one was overlooked. This is cattle country, and the cattle feed here throughout the year. As the cattle feed, they also deposit manure, which gets ground back into the soil. By the end of summer, the grass is gone. When the rains come in the winter, the soil becomes a nutrient rich land of compost. The grasses come back in a verdant way. This old road is now remembered. Thanks for your impressions and please enjoy the Larger view!

Thanks for taking a look. I would be interested in your thoughts. The Larger preview is

recommended!

Nice, Nice, and Very Nice! Awesome comp and terrific blend. Now, for some kids on cardboard boxes to come lurching at breakneck speeds down the hill on that lush grass. Well seen and captured, Mark! Time to put the scuba gear on down here in the LA Basin. Are you getting bucket loads of rain in BField too? Cheers! Chris

Thanks Chris! We have been spared the worst of the rains. Yesterday, we only saw a few spits, all the while it was very ominous looking. Today has brought more rain, but nothing steady, The weather folks on local TV say that the up-slope winds have shielded us from the brunt. Still, I think by days end tomorrow there should be some heavy snows at 5k plus elevations. I plan to be out at least once this weekend, my guess is Sunday afternoon. I hope I can get in a sunrise shoot also. In fact, the very location you are looking at in this post is where I plan to be. Try to see if you can get away this weekend so we can get together!

Mark - Vibrant really describes this image. I have always been fascinated how road turn to paths turn to trails over time. It seems you have captured the transformation. I have hike on many trails that were once roads, carriage paths and the like, and I see no resemblence to their former life. I'd say your blend is pretty perfect. The soft shadow in the hills give a dreamy feel.

 

Hope the rains haven't been too damaging to your area.

 

Harry

There is indeed the feeling of spring in the air in this image. Regards, Adrienne

Very beautiful image.....................................................Regards.

Thank you Harry, Adrienne and Talal. Yeah Harry, this was probably nothing more than an access road to the valley and probably is still used from time to time, but I doubt for anything regular. I decided to give it another use, a photo subject. As far as the rains, no problems where I am, but I can't say the same for people in the burn areas near L.A. The good thing is that we are getting alot of snow in the nearby mountains. Maybe a photo opp this weekend!

Beautiful light on the lush green hills, the road provides a good lead-in, the tree connects all layers. The exposure blend is perfect. It must have been great being there.

This is one of your best! The path that is well placed in the composition, the slope of the hill with the trees are awesome and I like the haze beyond it as it keeps to separate the mountains beyond. The elements all come together in a very pleasing scenery. Congratulations! Ah! wonderful California. Best regards. - Lester

Pure beauty.

Beautiful indeed. Well done!

Beautifully seen and presented. My compliments. Regards, ~~~~~~~~Linda

Nature changes continually. Very beautiful composition, with diagonal which realizes two scenes, the first one preparing the other. Excellents colours, with good shades of green. Thanks for comment to my photo. Best regards from Italy, Antonio Giusti

Thank You Peter, Lester, Pulok, Tony, Linda and Antonio! Sorry folks for the delayed response.

Mark, this is a truly beautiful image and setting. It makes me long even more for spring. Such a rich image but not overly done. Congrats! A joy to view indeed.

Thanks Drew! Spring is right around the corner and I am anxious for the show to begin!