Enchanted Rock - at the Summit #2

In one of the pools at the summit someone decided to pile up some rocks, Druid-style.

Enchanted Rock - at the Summit #1

Little pockets of life like this were isolated on the summit, where the plane of the rock was relatively level. Tracks of deer and other animals could be seen in the mud of some; in all of them it was interesting to see the bits of granite mixed in.

All in all this area was little more than 10x10 feet; an angle was used to make it appear much larger...

Enchanted Rock - Climb to the Summit #8

Near the summit we came across pockets of life that are impervious to the incredible drought that Texas has suffered this year. The cactus, however, didn't look as healthy, as can be seen here...possibly because animal life has been forced to seek it for moisture not available elsewhere.

Enchanted Rock - Climb to the Summit #7

This little guy was walking way in front of its owner. By sheer luck the image was captured while all four feet were off the ground...

Enchanted Rock - Climb to the Summit #6

This one fell in with a little luck, as the girl neatly fills the gap in the brush; her boyfriend was a few feet in front and had just walked out of the frame. When I saw them approaching and realized they would be on the other side of the brush, the Big Cahoona was raised into position and the series began...

Enchanted Rock - Climb to the Summit #5

At the same place I moved to the right for this shot with the summit in the background. Lettering was added in Photoshop Elements 7.0, as this was the banner piece in a collage highlighting plant life at the Rock.

Enchanted Rock - Climb to the Summit #4

During this drought it was rare to find a splash of color to capture against the granite background, so this was a treat to find on the way up. It's cropped way in, though, because most of the cactus was in bad shape - either rotted or half-eaten by creatures of the night...

Enchanted Rock - Climb to the Summit #3

We diverted from the main trail and found this rock formation, which created an interesting frame for the tree and rocks behind. Had to use flash to bring out detail in the foreground since the late-afternoon sun was shining so intensely.

One thing that can be said for the D300s - it has a mighty good flash, though I haven't yet learned to use it just right. Another thing that helps in a shot like this is the Active-D lighting, which for now is always kept on the automatic setting.

Enchanted Rock - Climb to the Summit #2

Whenever I take pictures of people - especially strangers - it is done surreptitiously. Of course if there are children around I keep the lens cap on...as a parent I sure wouldn't want anyone I don't know taking a picture of my own kids. But cases like this are acceptable; these guys are caught in a moment of togetherness without obvious intrusion, and the viewer can caption the event with his own story...

Enchanted Rock - Climb to the Summit #1

Now from the beginning...

We arrived at the park in late afternoon with a full sun, which is not ideal for photos, but the purpose at that point was simply to climb to the top and explore possibilities for sunset. Being a more experienced landscape photographer, my friend took the lead on where we should be stationed when the shadows grew long.

This posting was snapped on our way to the summit - the drought this year sadly left many trees lifeless, but also made for some interesting captures.