This was such a wonderful hike that I just have to file a report even though it is a bit late. Our start was delayed due to previous evening festivities so the parking lot at the Ira Springs trailhead was full and we had to park along the road. Even though the Ira Springs trail was crowded, on the trail to Putrid Pete we only two other people--two men collapsed in the shade complaining about the heat. Someone has been working on the trail to Putrid: brush has been clipped and blown down trees cleared. At the critical intersection, lower branches have been cut away so the trail heading up the hillside is visible. The trail all the way up to the top seems more defined. Or is it that I am more familiar with the route now?
This was our third trip up to Putrid Pete. The first trip was foggy and views were limited. The second trip was aborted due to snow conditions. On this trip, Putrid was absolutely perfect.
The views of Defiance Ridge, Mount Defiance and all the other peaks and lakes were amazing.
We found the register and signed in. We noted other NWHikers in the register.
We got a few photos and then ate lunch. As usual, Kazuyo's lunch was a creative triumph!
Then we traversed the ridge over to Mt. Defiance.
We noted a short connecting scramble down to Defiance Trail but stayed up on the ridge until connecting with the main trail shortly before the scramble to the top of Mr. Defiance. The views were dazzling.
The flowers on Putrid, on Defiance Ridge and on Mt. Defiance were spectacular. My photos do not do the flowers justice.
From Defiance we traveled down to Mason Lake. I never tire of this lake. The evening sun is marvelous.
We took the old Mason Lake Lake Trail back down because we wanted shade. While views on Ira Spring are lovely, we did not want anymore direct sun. Someone has been braving the wrath of the Forest Service and maintaining this trail as well.
Mason Creek was lovely.
When we finally made it back to the car we found someone had broken the rear passenger window and swiped a few things. This was an unpleasant end to a beautiful hike. However, I highly recommend this loop hike. Just start a little earlier than we did.
Joined: 15 Dec 2001 Posts: 13775 | TRs | Pics Location: The Irate Roadwalker
Thu Aug 05, 2010 1:47 pm
Yes, those look more natural. Perhaps your monitor's saturation setting is turned down too low? In the picture below it looks like you tried to bring out the shadows. Not sure what technique was used but if there's a way to dial down the saturation boost I think the end result would look better. Just my opinion though.
-------------- I get a warm and fuzzy feeling whenever I see parents taking their kids on backpacking trips, while at the same time wishing they would go away - Slugman
I like the untouched ones better. They capture the natural light better than the retouched photos, and give a more accurate depiction of the area around Mason Lake.
But I see you airbrushed out all the geriatric skinny dippers.
But I see you airbrushed out all the geriatric skinny dippers.
I don't think she did....I think they sank is all Were you up there too AH?
-------------- All the birds have flown up and gone;
A lonely cloud floats leisurely by.
We never tire of looking at each other -
Only the mountain and I. ~Li Po~
Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 6830 | TRs | Pics Location: Fairwood, WA (if it really existed as a town)
Sat Aug 07, 2010 6:27 pm
KarlK wrote:
for crying out loud, make the damned pictures the way you like them and the hell with the critics.
While I tend to agree from my point of view when you post things on a public forum you are in essence opening it up for comments. Besides that personally I don't mind criticism especially if it is somewhat constructive. I can always take and use it or file it in the round file at my discretion. I mean if multiple people are saying something, maybe there is something there to look at/improve on for next time.
Besides the time factor this is why I don't try and doctor photos myself personally. I have no clue of what I am doing, so I just leave em the way they are taken. At least then I can blame it more on the camera than my crappy photography.
and, KarenP, never apologize, never. Not even if the critics are multiple. [politics deleted by moderator, please review our no politics policy], and ... well, you get my point. Besides, I liked the pictures.
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Were you up there too AH? 
