Cloud Shadows on Mountain Chute
If you travel by car up to the top of Pike’s Peak, the Parks Department recommends that you drive all the way to the top without stopping. They say that if you want to look at the various scenic stops along the way up, that it is better to stop and enjoy them on the way down. It’s supposed to be easier on your vehicle because of the steep grades and the thin air. If you continually stop on they way up, it is harder for your car to get going versus stopping and going on the way down. Makes sense to me! So that’s what we did. That’s where this shot comes into play. It’s the view from the first turn-out or scenic overlook on the way back down from Pike’s Peak. It’s a beautiful view of the mountains below and it kind of reminded me of a chute that you might see at a ski area as you look down. There was even a little dusting of snow on some of the rocks at the top.
This is an HDR that I converted to a monochrome. I tried to “Ansel Adams” it up a little even though I think he did mostly black and whites. Something about shooting mountains and clouds that just calls for either.
I hope you enjoy it and thanks for dropping by!
View from Atop Pike’s Peak
Pike’s Peak is one of the larger and well known mountains in Colorado going up to 14,115 feet above sea-level. It is even designated a National Historic Landmark. It was named after Zebulon Pike, Jr., an explorer who led an expedition to the mountain.
We were very lucky to be able to drive up to Pike’s Peak. We tried to go up in mid-morning or so, but when we got to the base, they had the road to the top closed due to fog and ice. So, we went over to the Garden of the Gods and spent some time there while we waited for the peak to clear up. Luckily from the Garden, you can see Pike’s Peak. Around 1:00pm or so, it cleared and we were able to drive up. The drive up is a little scary, but fun at the same time. Great views, but if you suffer from a little vertigo, it could be a little nerve racking. Many places have no guard rails and there really are no shoulders once you are up beyond the tree-lines. The drop-offs are steep so it can make your stomach quiver a little. However, if you just keep your eye on the road, it’s not too big of a deal, at least for the driver. The passenger on the other hand gets the curbside view!
This shot was taken behind the gift shop looking down towards Manitou Springs. As I said, it has great views, but as you can see from the snow on the ground, it was a bit nippy. Bring a jacket if you decide to go!
Evan's Expo 