"Stream of Consciousness"

A day of high expectations ended up with mostly disappointment. I had arrived in the afternoon from Bakersfield, which is close to sea level. I ventured into the Little lakes Valley without acclimatizing, and at over 10,000 feet, made for quite a challenge for this flatlander. I felt lightheaded at times and suffered a mild headache. I had suffered a broken toe 2 weeks earlier and it was now throbbing too much to continue. So turn back I must. Meanwhile, a vivid sunset was unfolding but out of clear view on the other side of the canyon. Things just weren't going my way today. As I neared the parking lot, my only desire was to get out of my wet socks and boots, get back to camp and have a much needed glass of wine and dinner. Suddenly, I heard the nearby creek noise intensify, so I scouted what looked like a decent composition. The light was fading and of two exposures blended, the longer required a 30 second shutter time. Yes, I know many do not go for the milky flowing water, but I am not of that club. I like the results of long exposures with flowing cascades. As tired and dejected as I was, I still felt it was worthy of the effort. The clouds had just enough punch to make the light worthwhile. I reasoned that despite my dissatisfaction for the day, I didn't drive 5 hours to sulk. The altitude had clouded my appreciation, but I had enough remaining to get one last shot. A stream of consciousness had prevailed. Thanks for your time!

Hey Mark... Maybe you should go in for oxygen deprivation more often, this is exceptional :-)... Mike

I wish more of my bad days would turn out this good. This is great and I'm with you on the silky looking water of long exposures. Nice job.

The watermotion fits very well do this motif and light conditions.

Outstanding image Mark, i think at the end karma was on your side and rewarded you with this fantastic image.  I like the milky water (i'm also not of the "anti-milky-water" club), in many cases it is a wonderful way to convey movement and a sense of coolness in the water, as in this case.  You have also been blessed with a great background in those snow covered mountains towards which your stream leads the eye.  You have achieved a great image.  You deserved that glass of wine after all... Cheers - michel

Outstanding image, the slow shutter speed effect adds to the beauty of the composition here, wishing you all of the best.

Outstanding colors. Congrats!

Thanks Mike, Fred, Yngve, Michel, Rashed and Mihai! Michel, I had hoped I could  get a shot like this with the peaks more prominent. Still, I think this works well. The peaks are more subdued and the emphasis is on the flowing water. I appreciate the feedback everyone!

Mark,

   Breathtaking image.  Just needs to be printed & framed. Thanks for sharing. Take care, Patsy

Thanks Patsy, always good to hear from you. Yes, I think this will look very nice rolling out of my Epson!

Another beautiful shot, Mark ... well done !!

wonderful shot.  would love to go here - particularly during fall!  thanks for sharing. 

Excellent shot Mark.

Thank you Ricardo, Chandra and Brian. I appreciate the positive feedback!

Little Lakes Valley is one of my favorite ski destinations.

Nice job here.

My profile pic is self portrait of me enroute to Bear Creek Spire, which I believe is the peak on the left in your image.

Great composition.

Hello Ron! Yes, this is one of the nicer hiking or cross-country skiing destinations I'm sure. It is very accessible (that is if your acclimatized) and within a mile you are in the throes of High Sierra country. I hope I can return when I am up to a longer venture (the broken toe is nearly mended). Your profile pic really shows the grandeur. BTW, when are you going to start posting again? I haven't seen anything new from you in awhile!

Super nice shoot, congrat