The crew and I leave Port Angeles on Friday, September 20. We are spending the weekend in pretty Fairholme Campground at the western end of Lake Crescent. We walk down the path from our site to a small beach.
Spike tries the water, but it’s a bit too cold for a soak, even for him.
Our campsite is shady and overlooks the lake through moss-laden trees. It’s a fern garden here!
This morning we go down to the beach and I take this shot into the sun and clouds across the lake.
Today is cloudy and dark with almost constant mist and frequent drizzle. It rained hard all night. I don’t have much charge for my laptop, so these photos will have to do for today’s post. I have a lot to learn about my new camera, but I’m enjoying the process. I hope you do, too!
In summer the water would be a brilliant blue and the trees deep green. Now the colors are subdued.
The photo below was taken from very far way. I was experimenting with the zoom feature. Fun!
The campground has a swimming beach and a boat dock. Hardly anyone is here.
If it were a different time of year, we would stay longer. More rain and colder temperatures are in the forecast. The crew and I will move again soon.
rvsue
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Pictures say a thousand words and these certainly did. Beautiful country. Nice duck!
Thanks, DeAnne!
Glad to see you are using your new camera. The images are as usual beautiful. But the last one of the lone duck is splendid. The framing is perfect.
When you get used to your new camera please look into getting the filter kit we referenced in an earlier post. It doesn’t seem like much but they will do wonders for clearing up the UV and polarized light that is causing issues with the clarity of some shots.
Please don’t take me wrong. Photography is 95% knowing where to stand and 5% technical know how. You have the 95% down pretty good, your images are beautifully composed. You just need a little help in some of the technical aspects, and use of filters is part of that, to take your images to a higher level.
Enjoy,
Alan
Hi, Alan,
I appreciate your kind words about my picture-taking ability. Thank you.
Not all my recent photos are fuzzy due to a lack of a filter. I’ve taken several photos in fog, like the one of the PTV in the previous post. Those are suspended water particles you see. I hope you don’t think my focus is that far off!
I don’t doubt I could improve my technical skill… or at least acquire some to begin with! I’d like to see how this camera does taking desert photos. I’m sure filters would help, as you suggest.
I don’t understand how I can put a filter on a camera lens that retracts. At this point I’m okay with the results I’m getting which are the comments on this page… LOL!
It is not out of focus. UV light causes issues with clarity other than focus. Polarized light has similar issues. The MagFilter adapters attach to the front of the lens and allow you to use filters. They sit in front of the actual lens and don’t interfere with its operation. I am talking mostly about your distant shots like the view of the mountains across the lake. The only issue is I don’t know the diameter of your camera lens assembly, need to know the outer diameter, Mick can help you with that. Once you get the adapter you just need two filters a Polarizer and a UV. Trust me, you will love what they do.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=magfilter&sprefix=magfilter%2Caps%2C251&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amagfilter
The Amazon ad says the 42mm fits the Sony DSC-HX20.
Manufacturer’s link:
http://carryspeed.com/products/magfilter
Sue, here is the polarizer on amazon. If you decide not to get it that is ok, It is up to you and your needs. It was just a suggestion, your images are beautiful. I won’t bring it up anymore.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=MagFilter%20CPL%20(Circular%20Polarizer)%20Filter
I can’t look at these links right now. Low charge. They go on a camera with a telescoping lens with a closing mechanism?
READERS: I can’t embed my code in the above links right now. Be advised that anything you purchase through these links will not give me credit. I assume you care… LOL!
Yes.
Love that new camera! Great shots!
Thanks, Lynne! I love this camera, too, although I’m not yet totally comfortable with it.
These photos are exquisite! I thought you took up painting there for a minute. How can you stand to leave this beautiful place so soon?
I have to leave here, Gayle… no sun for the solar panel, storm is on it’s way, and cold weather is not far behind. At least I got to see it! Thanks for the compliment on the photos.
I made the duck my desktop wallpaper and it looks like a watercolor painting when enlarged.
Oh, desktop photo, perfect idea, that’s a one-in-a-million photo (and the duck thinks so, too, I’m sure!) Your need to move due to solar, you might want to read latest post on gonewiththewynss.com on Go Power! portable solar kit. Allows you to park in shade and put the small panel in sun so you always have supp. power. Click on their home page photo “Portable Power More Connected Than Kevin Bacon” to read about what sounds like a good idea to us’ums at home not really doing this! Just a thought. Probably no sun to be found anywhere you are now.
(I disabled your link, Gayle, as I do all links that compete with similar products sold by Amazon.)
Hi, Gayle!
That’s why I have my panel on the PTV. I park the BLT in the shade and the PTV with panel in the sun.
It doesn’t make any difference what set up one has in this environment. The trees are so tall and thick together, the sun only comes through for a short time close to noon. Then add the clouds and the rain…
Love the last picture…so peaceful.
Eileen in Phoenix
Thank you, Eileen. I love to hear when a photo of mine conveys a state of mind.
Wow, gorgeous photos! Especially the reflected rippling water, and the zoom of the duck. Lake Crescent at its most serene!
Lake Crescent is a serene lake. I don’t know if it’s this way all year round. The surface is extremely calm. I suppose I could hang around and see what happens in a storm, but I THINK NOT. 🙂
beautiful…
thanks…
Great pictures, as always! I was there last fall–such a beautiful lake! BTW, the weather forecast for tomorrow is pretty dire: High winds and lots of rain. Take a good look at the trees surrounding your campsite. Hope they are sturdy!
Hi, mockturtle!
Thanks. I’m happy you like the photos.
Yes, we’re on the road today, although I don’t know where we’ll find a place to camp without trees . . . 🙂
No, I wouldn’t stay here in a storm…
Hey Sue,
Wow our Saturday could not have been nicer, but tonight and tomorrow look nasty. Stay safe.
The photos are works of art. They are lovely.
Been a long day at a Brain Injury Picnic for me, sending good thoughts your way,
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
Hi, Hugs!
You are involved in a lot of good things, girl. Stay safe in the storm . . .
Nice words about my photos. Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Great pictures but the best one of the lake and clouds is now my new desktop. Water is pretty scarce in Texas so I can gaze at this and imagine I’m there.
Hi, Susan,
Ah, the ultimate compliment… a reader makes my photo her desktop! Thank you. I went with the duck for my desktop. I’ll have to see how the lake and clouds looks as wallpaper.
I have plenty of water to share right now… in and on the ground and in the air!
I used the duck and “Stretch to Fill” screen. It almost looks like a paint-by-number.
I like to think of it as a watercolor. 🙂
I share the opinions of other readers – your photography is wonderful. Remember, I too have a Sony Cyber Shot – I love to know more about those filters Alan is referring to. Also, I’ve been meaning to ask …. what are your maneuvers for saving the inside of your trailer with wet-dog syndrome?
mary-pat
Hi, Mary-Pat,
Alan will have to tell you more about filters for this type of camera.
Wet-dog syndrome? Well, I start with vinyl flooring. With brief periods of rain in other parts of the country than the PNW, I let the footprints dry and then sweep them out the door.
Here I have to “swab the deck.” Sometimes I’ll put a towel on the floor right inside the door for us to step on and for me to push around. (I kept all my new and old towels when I hit the road.)
Both Bridget and Spike hate to be out in the rain so they rarely get very wet. Spike soaks in warm, sunny weather so I keep him outside until he dries.
Thanks for the compliment on my photos.
Mary-Pat, see my response above.
Hi RV Sue
I’ve always loved your photos but there is something really special about the color in these. We drove from Yakima to Packwood today along the Triton River.I can’t remember if you visited Mt. Rainer NP when you were here. It is absolutely stunning. We got to see the green and golden glow while driving up the mountain. We’re camping in Packwood to let the storm go through. We need to do laundry, and access the internet. When we got back from Mt.Rainer
There were two cow elk grazing near the trailer! Magical! Enjoy Oregon. .
Marilu
Hi, Marilu,
Thanks for the compliment. The special color you see in the photos is part the subject and part the camera. I can see the improvement over my former camera.
You ARE in a “magical” part of Washington. I’m happy you have had many wonderful experiences there. (I think you mean the Tieton River?). I’ll come back for Mt. Ranier. I chose Mt. Adams, instead.
Elk near the trailer? Not fair!!!
You have quite the talent for finding the most beautiful places.
Hi, Ann… Not hard to do in this part of the world. 🙂
All of the pics are lovely but the close up of the duck, i just love it!!!
Take care…
Thank you, Wendy. I smile at your enthusiasm! I was thrilled to see how that photo came out. I have a feeling I’ll be taking a lot more bird photos.
Fabulous pictures, Sue!
Thank you, Eileen! (and thanks again to Mick for giving me this camera!)
I can hear the quietness from those shots of the lake.
Thanks, Steve.
ditto on the great photos…
Thank you, Connie. Regards to the Mugster.
Ah, the peacefulness and calm come through your photos wonderfully. I hope the storm doesn’t cause you any damages. I’d want to stay here for awhile if it weren’t for the weather.
We had a good soaking rain here Thursday and Friday – almost 2 inches in some places. And it definitely brought the temperatures down. Hopefully we’ve seen the last of this long hot summer.
Rain in Texas, at last!
Hello, Cari! I’m happy you’ve received some relief from the heat. Thanks for the compliment on my photos.
Opps! I thought you had driven like a mad woman to get to Crescent lake in Oregon. I was thinking you were desperate for rays on your solar panels.
Marilu
Hi, Marilu!
I may make a mad dash to Oregon soon, especially if this rain doesn’t quit. I’m getting a nervous itch to avoid cold, too.
It’s so fun to get to see places I haven’t been! This looks like another beautiful spot to camp.
Hi, Dawn!
Yes, this is an exceptionally fine campground. I like the way it is laid out. The loop we’re on has several sites, like ours, overlooking the lake. Then below, close to the shore, is a stretch of walk-in sites. It’s rare, in my experience, to see tent sites given such prime locations, which is nice… and it’s done in a way that doesn’t degrade the view or privacy of the RV sites.
Great photos as always. Your blog and photos always convey a sense of peace.
My brother and his family spent a week at Lake Crescent this summer during our hottest weather … the water was always freezing cold but they couldn’t keep the kids out of the lake.
There’s a lot to see and do in the PNW, but you arrived pretty late in the season to enjoy it. August is typically our best month. Now we’re into Fall storms which bring rain and sometimes wind, plus long foggy mornings. There can be nice days in between but they get scarce as the end of Sept approaches. The last week in Sept can be a scorcher. I used to work at the University of WA and as students moved into the dorms that week, they complained bitterly about the lack of a/c. Maybe you’ll get a final streak of good weather after this storm passes. Fingers crossed.
What a striking contrast when you compare the photo of your rig in the banner, to the photo above. Each area certainly has it’s own beauty but the difference is amazing.
Hi, Caroline!
I enjoyed your comment very much. Thank you for the information re: weather in the PNW this time of year. I know I’m pushing it staying here this late. I’m looking for the one last “window” so I can take a drive out to Neah Bay and Cape Flattery. I may have to get out of Dodge . . .
This isn’t anything like Arizona! Thanks for the compliment on my photos. I’d make a terrible war photographer… I’m always looking for peaceful shots.
You just never know about the weather here! Even the forecasters rarely get it right. Last weekend they said it would rain Wed night thru today. Yet it didn’t rain at all during the day all week. And yesterday was supposed to be Tstorms around Seattle yet it was sunny and warm. We’ll hope for a break and you make your dash towards AZ for the winter.
Last yr you mentioned a possible trip to a popular FullTimers location on the Mexican coast south of CA. Is that still a possibility? Where exactly was that?
Puerto Penasco. I don’t know if I’ll go there or not. It’s become quite developed.
Oops, Sue + Developed….NOT. I don’t see you in Puerto Penasco.
My friend Jeanne of Sooke, Vancouver Island, BC said she fired up her wood stove and yes it’s been raining in her area w/lighting. Last week it was sunny, warm and beautiful in her area. In Phoenix, temps have dropped into the mid to high 90’s. We are feeling the coolness LOL. Believe it or not, I love storms…bring it on Mother nature (in Phoenix that is). Safe travels to your next camp.
Hi, Rita…
Well, I wanted to experience the Pacific Northwest and that experience wouldn’t be complete without some rain! I’m happy to hear you Arizonans are cooling off.
Really enjoyed your photos:) I love reflection pictures especially with the fall colors. T
Thanks!
Lovely pics with your new camera. The contrast of clouds and water reflections is spectacular!
Thank you! Usually I point the lens toward the sun when it sets, not in mid-morning. Experimenting to see what this camera can do . . .
What talents you have!!!!! One of them is writing and the other is photography. You take gorgeous pictures. Some one comment that know where to stand etc was more important than knowing all the technical stuff. I couldn’t agree more. You have got it, Sister!! A great camera needs a great eye looking through it.
Thanks, Pauline! We all have talents. I’ve often wished I had some of yours.
Hi Sue………………your photos with the new camera are brilliant! But not only that, I agree with Pauline in the above comment, that you have an excellent eye for composition. These recent photos are beautiful………..of course the subject matter is outstanding. I like that you put your name on the photos when they are posted…..very sensible. Don’t you just love a good zoom!! I have recently acquired another camera in addition to my Nikon SLR. The new one a Panasonic Lumix, has a 24-600 zoom and it is amazing, especially for flower photography. I am having so much fun with it, so easy to use and no brain power required in regard to settings as I have to do with the Nikon. Point and shoot is sometimes the best! Happy snapping……..
Hi, Glenda!
I like my old Panasonic Lumix. I plan to keep it in the PTV, at the ready for quick drive-by shots.
Your enthusiasm for photography mirrors mine. It is so much fun. I don’t know if I’d like it as much if I had to fool around with settings and technical stuff. I agree… Point and shoot is sometimes the best!
Snap happy!
BTW… Is this the Glenda from Australia? or the Glenda from Glendale, AZ? or the Glenda I camped next to on Darby Well Road?
Hi Sue,
Just a note to let you know that if you’re passing Lake Quinault you can walk the doggies on the many miles of trials on the south side. That area is one of my favorite places that I have ever been.
Hi, Jeff!
I’d love to do that. Now make the rain stop. 🙂
You got it. I’ll make it stop raining for you Wednesday!!
Absolutely gorgeous pictures of the water, better than professional post cards.
I like your camp spot.
Thank you, Ginger. It is very picturesque here.
The pictures with the new camera are lovely, as are the words that go with it.
Right now the Colorado high country is getting 20mph wind and one can see snow on the mts at 10,000 ft. You would not want to be here. It’s this time of year when I wish I could pack up my house and dogs and move instead of laying in firewood and getting out the arctic clothing for the next 5 months of life!
Hi, Mary,
I remember dreading the long winter ahead when I lived in northern New York state. I looked forward to it when I lived in Florida and Georgia, of course.
Now I don’t have strong feelings either way, although I especially love the summer travel months when the crew and I have more adventures.
Stock up on firewood, good books, and hot chocolate!
Your pics are getting better & better. My favorite is the sky reflected in the lake…very nice!
Nina
Thanks, Nina!
I’ve got a bone to pick with you. I haven’t accomplished a thing in the last week because of your blog. I started reading because somewhere I had heard about rusty and wanted to find out about his story and then I was hooked. I have spent the last week reading from the beginning and finally caught up to the present. Shame on you for making such ordinary days exciting. Lol. I tried to get caught up quickly by just reading your posts but unfortunately you have such interesting readers comments that I got hooked on reading them as well. Now maybe I can get some work done. Kidding aside I very much enjoyed reading your blog. I have been researching this lifestyle for about a year and am about 2 to 4years away from joining you. You are an inspiration. How did you handle your waiting years? I think you need to write a children’s book on the adventures of spike and bridgett.
Hi, Nora … and a very big welcome to my blog!
Hats off to you for reading my blog from the beginning WITH COMMENTS. I don’t think I could do it! Thank you for joining us here. And yes, my readers enrich my blog and the experience of those who stop by here.
How did I handle the waiting years? Like you . . . reading blogs of those already on the road. There were times I sat at my computer and sobbed, looking at the places I wanted to be, but knowing I was stuck for several years, working and saving to set myself up for the road. It was worth it!
If I can make anyone’s waiting years brighter and more hopeful, I’m happy to do so. I appreciate you writing, Nora.
I have a question about your frig. Does it run on DC or AC with an inverter? I guess I want to know if your solar will run your frig
I have been following you since the beginning and I enjoy your blog. Thank You.
Hi, Frieda!
Thank you for staying with me and the crew since the beginning. I’m glad you’re with us!
The fridge will run on AC, DC or propane. In other words, I can hook it up to shore power (which I rarely do) or run it on propane (which I almost always do). The control panel (electronics) runs off my house battery which is, of course, charged by the batteries and solar panel of the PTV.
Thank you. That answers my question.