Posts tagged ‘Travel’

October 18, 2011

Fiery Fall Foliage

The pacific north west is not very well known for fall colors. I feel there are some well guarded secret spots, located in the west cascades and the Willamette National forest areas of Oregon. The scenic drive from Estacada into the cascades is an amazing place to start your fall tour. Highway 224 (Clackamas highway) is a pretty drive following the river. This weeks shot is a view, right from the highway. I couldn’t help myself but take a u-turn and get back to capture this shot, as the late afternoon sun dramatically lit the fall foliage. The 8 second exposure, thanks to the ND Grad filter, helped capture the flow of the water along with the amazing colors.

For folks in the side of the world, experiencing fall – happy travelling and shooting, enjoy the fall as it lasts. And for those who don’t get to see fall colors first hand, welcome to enjoy the same thru the shots !!!

Buy Print  Flickr Page

West Cascades Scenic Byway
Estacada, OR, USA

September 16, 2011

Sleepless in Seattle

If you had been following my blog, I bored you last week with my Seattle trip. Continuing that … … … With Sunday still left, decided to pursue the Seattle skyline shot. Decided that probably staying near downtown would help. Being Saturday evening and given the fact that all the hotels were booked, started looking out for options. That is when I came across Airbnb. Pretty interesting concept, where folks rent out their vacation homes or part of their homes. Stay options, with no frills. Though I was initially skeptical, worked out pretty good. Especially the vacation homes at the prime coastal areas are pretty good deals. May be should give it a try some time. Are you aware of this service ? Have you used the same ? what are your experiences ?

After researching a bit, the only option that seems to work out, with out a car, was Kerry Park, which was just 6-7 blocks away. That sounded pretty good and thought I could even walk down if the I decided to stick around, way past sun set. But, I did not realize there would be so many steps across each block, with such a elevation gain ! Lesson Learnt: When in Seattle, check altitude difference along with distance, if planning to walk :)

The overall walk or rather hike up was fruitful. It was indeed a peaceful stroll once you get to Kerry Park. The views were quiet awesome. As for the shot –  it was 30 second exposure, taken few hours after sunset. This is indeed an HDR, to capture the low light and warmth of the scene.

Buy Print  Flickr Page

Space Needle @ Dusk
Seattle, WA, USA

September 9, 2011

When things don’t go right

It was one of those trips when nothing seemed to get together. When an official trip to Seattle came up, gladly planned to leave a day or two early with some shooting plans. I was inclined to get the classic Seattle skyline shot. It all started off with the train arriving late at the destination, resulting in missing to get the rental car before they closed :( . Based on the planned car rental, had booked an hotel that was 20+ miles away at Des Moines. Now with out the car, it took 2 hours by public transit :( . By the time I crashed at the hotel, I was in no mood to head back to down town, neither had the time for it. Anyways as I was heading towards the hotel, noticed the huge water body and it turned out to the back waters (not sure what they are called) from the ocean. A 15 min bus drive took me, to the not so very well known, Des Moines marina. I was just in time as the sun was going down the horizon. There were not much clouds, but something with the ocean and the climate crated such hues that made it a memorable evening. The water was pretty clear and so slow moving , creating some nice reflections too !!! Here is this week shot from the walk @ Des Moines Marina for you to enjoy.

So what do you do on those days when things just don’t align for you. Do you really fight against it or just go with the flow. When things don’t go right , do u just go left ;-)

P.S: Did you know Google + is out of beta and open for everyone. Feel free to check it out, its awesome. You can connect with me here.

 Flickr Page

Dusk @ Des Moines Marina
Seattle, Washington, USA

September 2, 2011

Enroute to Mt Hood

It was quiet a hectic week, but who can complain, when it ends with an amazing drive to the Mt hood, on such a beautiful sunny Saturday as the week came to a closure! Being about 2 hours from my place, it is just the right spot for a short day trip. From enjoying the afternoon sun to shooting some star photography, later thru the night, the entire trip turned out to be a well desired break! Is it sounding like a teaser, oh yeah it is, am processing the star shots and will share the same soon. Till then, here is this weeks shot, from enroute to Mt Hood. Have a good weekend.

   Flickr Page

Mt Hood
Oregon, USA

August 27, 2011

Sunrise from Matunga Hill, Hampi

“If dreams were made of stone , it would be hampi”  – One can completely relate to it, the moment they get into the vicinity of the place. Hampi – has some amazing and stupendous architecture captured in stone from the Vijayanagara period. Apart from the architecture, the place is also know for some strong and dynamic sunrise / sunsets. Matunga hill is a prominent hike up, where one can enjoy the same. Since a relatively a larger crowd trickle in to bid goodbye to the sun rather than to witness the sunrise, I decided to hike up at dawn. There are a couple of paths leading to the topmost point, where the Veerabhadra Temple is located. It is better to carry a torch irrespective of if you are planning for the sun rise or the sun set as the place is not well lit. After taking up the stepped ramp from the west , reached the top just prior to sun raise. There were only a very few folks around, but was really surprised to see a small shop selling garam garam tea and noodles, at that place and time :)

As it was quiet misty, was not hoping much for the sun to come out. Just as I was enjoying the watery tea, the sun decided to give a peek out. It was quiet dramatic, with the Achyuta raya temple at the foothills , the dense forest and the sun peeking thru the misty morning mountains afar. Boy, was I glad to have the 10-24mm wide angle. Did my best to capture it, though I knew I was not able to do complete justice.

 Flickr Page

Sunrise, Matunga Hill, Hampi
Karnataka, India

May 28, 2011

Tibetan Golden Temple @ Coorg

Bylakuppe, located in District Coorg (Madikere) in Karnataka is the second largest Tibetans settlement outside Tibet. Close to 20K monks stay here living in the Tibetan tradition. They co exist peacefully with the neighborhood, continuing with their chanting and training, not bothered about the tourists and onlookers.

The focus of the settlement is The Golden Temple and the focus of the temple, of course, is the 60 foot Gautama Buddha, accompanied by Guru Rinpoche and Buddha Amitayus on the sides. The huge hall is so cool and smooth, with reflective flooring. The walls adorned by amazing paintings are sound absorbent. The surrounding is so calm that you would just feel like sitting in silence. No wonder, even the people who don’t have the habit of meditation, will just feel like being in silence and meditate. The amazing architecture goes hand in hand with the silence and the Tibetan culture.

The temple is probably juxtaposed here amidst the natural beauty of Coorg. One can spend hours out here, at a minimum plan for at least an hour. Right in-between the misty morning walks at the coffee fields and an amazing sunset at raja’s seat, you could fit the visit to the this temple. Photographing the place (indoor) is as good, even at noon. But don’t be surprised if you forget your camera, once your are inside and get lost in the silence, which is even better :)

On the processing, the HDR helped capture the golden sculpture along with the intricate work and paintings. Let the movement on the people as such, as it kind of added to the shot.

Buy Print Flickr Page

Golden Temple, Bylakuppe
Coorg, Karnataka, India

January 14, 2011

The New Dawn

Just a fortnight onto 2011 and I had a chance to make it to Nandi Hills twice clubbed with a hike. Great way to start a year ! But yeah both the times the security check at the foot hills jeopardized the sun raise shots , which was ridiculous. Anyway, the hike at Nandi hills today, with my bro was a real treat. We got to find some real sweet secret spots. Note to self : Plan for an overnight @ the place, to better leverage these view points and avoid the early morning check post trap !

Below shot – The New Dawn (as apt as it seem) – is from an un documented spot at Nandi Hills, which is around 60 kms from the maddening crowd of Bangalore. Being a week day not many people were around , allowing oneself to bathe in nature’s lap with out any disturbance. Though the sun was almost up , the blanket of fog was still covering the distant mountain ranges. It is worth checking out the larger version by clicking on the image below (like all other Photos , it would open up the larger version @ my dedicated photo site) to see around 10 mountains tips over at the horizon. The early morning dawn light with the for created an amazing splash of colors.

And Happy Sankaranthi (இனிய பொங்கல் வாழ்த்துக்கள்) to all. This is partly the Indian version of Thanks Giving for those who are not aware !

Buy Print Flickr Page Undocumented Location, Nandhi Hills
Near Bangalore, Karnataka, India
November 1, 2010

Shivanasamudram (Bharachukki) Falls

This is one of the amazing falls @ 2-3 hrs drive from Bangalore. There are different names around this falls like Bluff, Shivanasamudram, Shivasamudram, Gaganachukki, Bharachukki. Mother Kaveri splits into two major branches creating Gaganachukki and Bharachukki falls. The below is that of Bharachukki , few kilometers to the south-west of the Gaganachukki falls. Even here, the falls is huge (roughly with a width of 850 mts). It is a beautiful panoramic view and with the full flow one can find different kinds of smaller falls. Like Jog falls, not sure if each of these have their own names :).  The center falls is very different in that it creates different levels before flowing and continuing down . To its left are couple of beautiful ones [not with too much of water] and lends itself for longer exposures even during early evenings (as it would be in shade :) ). Onto the right, the rock formation tends to create multiple stepped falls with the right amount of water [will post this some time in future !!!] .

Some suggest to get to the falls before noon as the light would directly be falling on the falls. But for me it is always the dreamy effect and the dusk light that creates the magic. Its worth checking out the larger versions by clicking on the below image.

It is also significant to note that the Asia’s fist hydro electric project was started here in the beginning of the century(1902).

Buy Print Flickr Page Bharachukki Falls
Shivanasamudram, Bangalore, India
October 5, 2010

Sunset @ Santa Monica

When I flew down to meet my nephews at California, had a couple of pleasant surprises. Apart from the trip to Universal Studios, was able to plan out short drives to Santa Monica, long beach, Joshua tree national park etc [that was supposed to be teasers for future posts ;-)]. Driving thru the Pacific Coast Hwy, a sharp turn and was greeted with this pleasant sun set scene. Probably after the days hard work, some one was returning with the day’s catch.

Flickr Page Santa Monica
California, USA
September 25, 2010

What a place to write ur thoughts out …

This one is from the Hampi trip. It is one awesome place. It really deserves to be called the playground of kings & gods.

As I were enjoying the subtle sunset, saw this girl, all by herself, lost in writing something on her diary – may be something for her beloved

Was about to set the tripod for a classical sunset shot, just then the security rushed to indicate that the tripod was not allowed (as always, wonder where they come from !!!), not very lucky with that. Realized would not be able to capture the dusk, as the light was getting low. Then decided to increase the ISO and try out a diff angle. To compensate for the little noise tried out the textures. Really love the way it adds to the mode of the photo and how it came out.

Flickr Page Hampi Ruins
Karnataka, India
May 30, 2010

Mahabalipuram – Panchapandava Rathas

The monolithic temples @ the Mahabalipuram are known as rathas as they resemble wooden chariot. It is an innovation of Pallava King Narasimhavarman-I (Mamalla) [AD 630-668]. A Huge rock sloping from south to north was utilized judiciously to cutout different forms of temple, besides few animal sculptures.

Though these monolithic temples are termed as panchapandava rathas, they have nothing to do with Mahabharatha. These rathas with their ekatala to tritala, vimanas and different in plan and elevation, exhibit splendid forms of south Indian art and architecture. The nakula-sahadeva ratha has apsidal vimana, a relief sculpture of ardhanariswara on the wall of Dharmaraja ratha, with perfect balancing of the masculine and feminine features. It is considered to be one of the finest specimen of the early Pallava art. The ratha also contains Pallava-Grantha, inscription recording the titles of Narasimavarman-I.

The group of the five rathas were executed as models of South Indian temples and were not consecrated as their stupas are still attached with the bed rock.

Buy Print Flickr Page

Pancha Pandava Rathas, Mahabalipuram
Chennai, India

April 25, 2010

You just can’t Fence Nature !

Horsley Hills, Sunrise
Horsley Hills
Karnataka, India

Horsley Hills – a unexplored hill station – is around 160 kms from Bangalore. This kind of was a good place for a weekend outing. The guest house was really neat, cost effective and you can generally get custom food made, if you get the required things (chicken etc) and provide sufficient time !

The sunset point was really good and easily accessible – thought we actually missed the sunset due to timing. This also had a lot of potential for star gazing and star trail photography – the point being walkable from the guest house [do remember to carry a torch].

There is no specific sun rise view point, but you could go up for a small hike adjacent to the holiday inn (or something named similar, close to the Governors’ Bungalow, if you are an early bird !!!

April 18, 2010

Painted Hills


Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds
Eastern Oregon, USA

What is it made of

Layers of hard claystones which include ancient soils (palesols) and lake beds. Recently the surface of the hills had weathered into softer clay. The claystones were formed by several geographic events in the past 33 million yrs. the volcanic activity of cascade mountains (some 100 miles west) deposited layers of cooled ash. The atmosphere with the help of the plants and animals oxidized the ash. Ground water feed’ed the varied minerals. And in due course today’s claybeds were formed (wow what an amount of structural and chemical changes would have happened !!!!)

 

Colors of the Painted Hills

Aluminum, Silicon, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Titanium, Potassium, Oxygen, Hydrogen – All this above and some additional elements by a very special secret recipe forms the beautiful colors of this wonderful scenery. Depending on the amount of moisture and the light available , the shades keeps varying thru the day and all seasons.

 

How come there is not much of flora on the hill

Its a interesting to note that there is not much of flora on the painted hills. And the reason is more interesting  – The clay on the painted hills has a great ability to absorb water and swell. And most of the plant are not able to compete with the soil for water. And the once that do, u can see them in the crevices and gullies of the red hills (the yellow ones that blossoms during the spring are chaenactis and bee-plant.

For the Flowers view of the mountain check this out !!!

November 22, 2009

Mahabalipuram – Arjuna’s Penance


Arjuna’s Penance

Mahabalipuram, India

Arjuna’s Penance, as locally known as , is located in Mamallapuram or Mahaballipuram [???????????](60 kms from Chennai enroute to Pondicherry). It is believed to be from 7th century, measuring 96 feet long by 43 feet high.

Arjuna’s Penance, perhaps the world’s largest bas-relief, is the universe itself in stone, throbbing with a vastness of conception. Legend has it something close the tale of Noah, but differs in its cast of characters. It goes like that, King Bhagirath brought down the Ganges from Heaven to purify the souls of his ancestors. His plan went awry when he realized that the flood would inundate the earth, so he had to undergo a penance to convince Shiva to intervene, who came down to earth and let the flood trickle through his hair, dispersing the waters safely in innumerable streams all over the world.

 


Arjuna’s Penance
Mahabalipuram, India

Arjuna’s Penance has the magically sculpted scene, which opens the doors of cosmic imagination, it has over 100 figures of gods and celestial creatures, birds and beasts, man and saint.

Mamallapuram is 60 kms from Chennai and connected by a good road that runs along the coast. It a good one day trip, or probably a weekend drive if clubbed with Pondicherry from Chennai.

August 5, 2008

American Southwest – Monument Valley


Three Mittens, Monument Valley Navajo Park
UT , USA

 

Monument Valley is not really a valley, but an upwarp of sedimentary rock that is at least 260 million years old, surrounded by sentinels that have yet to fully erode. The floor itself is more than a mile high, part of the 130,000 square-mile Colorado Plateau. Sandstone is easily eroded, and the wind, rain, cycles of frost and heat have been at work, cracking and chiseling the valley to its present form.

June 11, 2008

Grand Canyon – The Making


Toroweep, Grand Canyon National Park
AZ, USA

While the Colorado river accounts for the canyon’s depth, its width and formations are the work of even greater forces. Wind rushing thru the canyon erodes the limestone and sandstone- a few grains at a time. Rain pouring over the rim cuts deep side canyons on the softer rock. Perhaps the greatest canyon building force is snow or ice ! Water from the snow melt and the rain work its way into the cracks on the rocks. When frozen, expands, forcing the rocks away from the canyon walls.

March 23, 2008

Rock-a-mania

 
Skyline Arch, Arches National Park
UT, USA

Click here for Slideshow of the whole trip.

February 20, 2008

Just Do it !


Enroute to Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT, USA

Thinking you need rest makes you restless.
Thinking you have to work hard makes you tired.
Thinking you have worked hard brings self pity.

Just Do It !!!

October 7, 2007

Fall in Love with Nature


Alpine Scenic Loop
Provo, UT, USA

For the full set check this out.

September 29, 2007

Ancient Drawing Board

Lower Calf Creek Trail
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Utah, USA

It was an amazing experience just walking between mineral-streaked cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, beaver ponds and pre-historic rock art sites en route to the 126-foot-high Lower Calf Creek Falls. The total roundtrip distance to the falls is 5-1/2 miles. Though the summer sun was above and my (a little over a year old) son was on the backpack, the hike was pretty enjoyable with very little elevation change. Most of the trail is sandy & that slows the pace, at times !

The most interesting part of the hike were the wall paintings and the Indian granaries (zoom in & zoom out) and of course the jewel of the crown being the lower falls itself.

On an entirely different perspective, we travel so far, hike so long to get a peek into the lives of the Anasazi Indians. These petroglyph on the walls of the canyons does provide the glimpse. But you know what, in most of these trails you see a notice that there are messages that indicate a heavy penalty if you make new makings (or painting) on these canyon walls (of course !!!)

We do have the technology to make new painting on these walls, that could last more the existing ones. If we are not allowed to make new paintings today how would people, 800 – 1000 years from get a glimpse onto ours lives …… right :-)

Wrong !!! As technology grows, live changes and so is the medium. Who knows even the blog(s) like these -yeah the same one u r reading now ;-) could serve the purpose of providing the window to our lives, in future. Time’s Person of the year , 2006 clearly indicated the significance of the user generated content (if you already don’t know Times Person of the year 2006 is YOU) .

The count of blogs, as of writing this post, just on WordPress.com alone is 1,562,804 blogs with 53,197 new posts today. Even after dropping off the test blogs and the inactive ones, it is still quiet a number – the point is there is a good amount of user content getting generated every day on the Internet.

What would happen to these valuable user generated content, once the user is no more ?Even if someone decides to manage and maintain a users content after user’s time, On what basis would the user account details be shared with the family or friends ? May be the blog or the site could be graciously closed, but what if the users demise is not expected ? Would these become asserts of the individuate and hence be part of his Will ? How would we differentiate between the valuable and junk out of these content ?

So many things to ponder about ….