Waves and Weather at La Push II

The next day brought clearing weather and less wind. It was completely different there. Sun, then rain and wind. Often in spring we have rain cells with their strong vertical motion. It's a rarity to have lightning, but hail can be a factor.

 Later, towards evening, it seemed all the "best" clouds were to the south, and sometimes felt it might have been better to have gone to Second Beach. While mulling over a seemingly missed opportunity, a small sparrow landed not six feet away, and sang a most beautiful, complex song. He looked squarely at me, and flew away. It was very calming. I stood up and walked a few paces, and a bald eagle took to flight not ten feet away. We were both startled and he was enormous.

Clouds parted for a very calm and beautiful sunset.

 Contrast was lower now as the last of the light on the sea stacks so I stayed for this light, then headed back along the river and climbed the driftwood for a dark and quiet walk back on the beach.

Racing Clouds and Tides on Olympic Beaches

 Life in profusion drapes the rocks at Shi Shi Beach. Heavy layers of mussels await the returning tide. Shi Shi is a cacophony of beautifully sculpted rocks and a steep shoreline that the sea nests against when the tide returns. To the south, a wide crescent beach sweeps to the distant and rugged Point of the Arches.

Spring Blooms

Due to a number of very dedicated people, these areas are set aside for posterity and saved from the continued taming of the wildness of our coasts. There are few visitors here for much of the year, but as the weather moderates, these beaches are greatly enjoyed by many. It's heartening to see many families backpacking here to enjoy this heritage. 

Wind and Sea

In spring, the weather changes daily, often hourly. One need only wait for change from sun to rain, with rainbows seemingly pressed against the cliffs towards evening. An eagle glides by. The rapid and humorous call of two oystercatchers landing.

Sweeping Waves

Another long beach expands to the south at Second Beach. A simple name for a magic place. The Quileute name is Quateata. The hillsides along the beach show the difficulties of winter, with offset and jumbled trees from land sliding toward the sea. This day was restful and calm.

Rain Clouds in Portland

Normally, you don't get too excited about rain and clouds here in the "rainy" side of the Pacific NW. The predominant clouds here in Winter and early Spring are those dreary Stratus drizzly, chill you to the bones types. But on rare occasions, we see more "interesting" cloud formations. Here are few examples shot in three hours of some actual cumulus and cumulonimbus here in Portland.

The west hills of Portland

Some beautiful shadowing effects, but no lightning

Leaving downtown, one of my favorite places to photograph clouds is at the Columbia River near the airport. With 360 degrees views, there is usually something going on. Although not spectacular this day, it was still a quick escape from the urban landscape.

Spring rain on the west hills

Last light offered some very nice colors of pinks and deep blues

Afternoon at Arch Cape, Oregon Coast

One can always find interesting things to photograph on the Oregon Coast at all times of the day (or night). There were some very nice altocumulus clouds on this warm afternoon a week ago. As soon as we hit the beach we were greeted by pelicans, landing a short distance from us. Although the back lighting was not ideal for bird portraits, it's always a pleasure to see them return to our beaches in late Spring.

Pelicans Approach

I decided to to a bit of split toning on this photo of the stacks at the end of the beach to bring out the sky and shadow contrast in this rather bright and somewhat harsh light. I used some of the great tools in Adobe Lightroom.

Arch Cape Sea Stacks

Near the sea stacks is Arch Cape Creek. Salmon can be found here, running in when the tide is high. There is some interesting colors in the rocks and clay near the creek which makes for some abstract possibilities.

Abstract at Arch Cape Creek