10/13/14 Elk by Ponca Access Road after Storm, River High

Mandy and I got back from LR late this afternoon and drove through Boxley Valley. The main Ponca Elk herd was just coming out when we arrived at 3PM.  No doubt they holed up during the big rain storm. Not sure how much rain fell, but the river is running quite hard now.  All the waterfalls will be running well for days. Another half inch of rain is predicted for today and perhaps a half inch tomorrow. Our land is saturated I assume it is about the same everywhere. Shooting should be good tomorrow.  The elk will be out if there are no thunderstorms.

Waterfall Fan Alert -- Falls Running Hard

Eden Falls, Lost Valley Trail

The water table is very high now and Buffalo River waterfalls are flowing hard. Rain today, and predictions for tonight mean that this weekend should be about as good as it gets.

Some of the flowering trees are now starting as well.  This morning I saw some, but not all, red buds blooming. Also some flowering plums. I expect dogwood blooms within the week. Wildflowers are strong now as well.

If you are going for the "cottony" look, slow shutter speeds are the rule. Another choice is taking an HDR, that offers that soft look, and more interpretive choices . I prefer HDRs.

If you want to get that special "roaring waterfall" picture like this one on the right, now is the time. These next 2 weeks will be outstanding. Rain is predicted most of next week. This great waterfall weather should last.

Be sure to check the weather reports. Our weather can change from day to day, one way or the other. There is a lot of rain predicted, I think overall that prediction is pretty reliable. It will be wet. If experience is any guide, I think if you plan to visit, check every day and be prepared to shift your schedule.