Fall is on the Mountain

[NorthernFocus]

A couple of days ago there was a dusting of fresh snow on the mountains above us. Color is showing up on the higher slopes and this morning we had frost on the ground for the first time. So we took the dog for an alpine hike to enjoy the brief fall while it lasts. Capturing broad views that do the beauty justice was beyond my skill level with landscapes. I did take a few tighter shots.

Shot with D7200/70-200mm f4

Sized and uploaded intended for view in the lightbox.

We hiked up onto a high slope locally called "the ball field"(I have no idea why). It's a high alpine valley above timberline and strewn with boulders. The only plant life are tiny alpine/arctic tundra varieties. The mountain peak in this shot is O'Malley. The florescent red foliage on the ground is bear berry. I shot it backlit to maximize the effect of the bright red. A polarizer was also used though with minimal effect due to shallow angle to the sun. There is a ground squirrel at center bottom of the frame so I guess technically I can claim that this is actually a wildlife shot.



A bit tighter view of the colors. This is stitched from two frames shot at 70mm.



Tighter yet.



And a closeup showing bear berry among lichen and other alpine foliage.



And no self respecting/self proclaimed wildlife photographer could leave the mountain without a shot of something with a pulse. Though it was difficult with Grace running all over the mountainside.

[Ziggy]

Nice series Dan. It is much to early to be saying that s word.

[Donald]

Lovely set, Dan. Although I suspect my colour blindness is not enabling me to see the brilliance and vibrancy of the reds to the same extent as those of you without a colour blindness.

[Shadowman]

Very vibrant captures.

[dje]

Nice captures Dan, I like the widest shot the best.

Dave

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the comments guys. It's a good thing we made time for the hike yesterday. Today it's raining at my house. I suspect by morning it will be rather white up there.

[IzzieK]

I love this series, Dan...the colours are very beautiful...I do not have any preference because of your story. I would have asked for a close-up of the bear berries if you only had shot here...and that critter is beautiful too. I have a dried up skull of that amongst my junk box...

[bnnrcn]

Very nice set with lovely colors Dan. Those images make me want to be there

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, ladies. Glad you enjoyed the post.