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Half Way There

© Melissa Olsen

Half Way There

Uploaded: June 29, 2010

Description

Spencer Trail, (now an unmaintained, climb at your own risk trail) is a steep out and back hike at Lees Ferry to the top of the Vermillion Cliffs with great views in all directions. The start of the trail begins climbing moderately up the slope towards the cliffs which tower above you. The path begins climbing somewhat more steeply as it performs a series of switchbacks up the slope. When it reaches a cliff band, it runs parallel to it for a short distance, before resuming the climb at an even steeper grade.
When you are within site of the summit, the path levels out, then actually descends somewhat, before making the final steep climb to the top of the cliffs which offer views to Page, Lake Powell and the Red Rock country.

Exif: F Number: 4, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/400 seconds, Flash: did not fire, auto mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 6.10 mm, Model: Canon PowerShot G11

Comments

Bojan Bencic level-classic June 29, 2010

Fantastic colors and composition, Melissa. Beautiful place. #1283239

Gina Cormier June 29, 2010

Just a gorgeous composition Melissa!!!! #8723103

Robert R. Goodman June 29, 2010

Hi Melissa,Looks like the weather was great for your trip.Beautiful capture,the cliff are always gorgeous!!! #8723166

Melissa Olsen June 29, 2010

Thanks Bojan, Gina and Bobby! #8723176

Marty Straub June 29, 2010

This picture has it all, Melissa ~the red sandstone, the winding blue river with green shores, the distant mountain reflecting as if to say, "Come on. Keep going." Very well composed and exposed, and it makes me want to come back for more posts of the top. #8723377

Monnie Ryan June 29, 2010

Congratulations, both on capturing such a beautiful scene and making it even half-way up, which is more than I'd have been able to do! Doing the whole climb? Fughettaboutit! #8723491

Melissa Olsen June 29, 2010

Thanks Marty and Monnie....half way...nope...I made it all the way to the top. My undoing is my stubborn nature relative to not quitting something that I start. LOL #8723500

Teresa F. Smith June 29, 2010

So many colors, and textures. Very beautiful.

#8723588

Linda D. Lester level-classic June 29, 2010

What a beauty....love the colors! #8723634

frank w. degenhardt June 29, 2010

Melissa- In reading about what you did to get this picture and get to the top, I was thinking of following you up there, but opted for a helicopter. LOL. You go girl. What you did get beside tired is such a gorgeous, breath taking, view of this place that is touch by God with the gorgeous colors, the beauty of nature at its finest. I love the blue of the water and sky contrasted against the earth tones. Stuning work my friend.
Have a wonderful day and take care. #8724740

Danny B. Head June 30, 2010

These photos bring back nice memories. Several years back, I paddled 94 miles starting at Lee's Ferry and ending at Bright Angel Trail.. such a great experience. I had begged the doctor to give me a release for the trip. I had taken a 2 story fall and broke my hip... Luckily, I made the 5 mile climb out without issue. Again... beautiful images! #8725321

Melissa Olsen June 30, 2010

Thanks Teresa, Linda, Frank and Danny.
Great job on the paddle and the hike Danny! #8725330

Patricia A. Stalter June 30, 2010

I'm tired just reading about the hike! I take it your knees are doing ok now?
I'd be with Frank in the copter... #8725535

Thomas E. Hinds July 01, 2010

Beautiful composition, textures, color, subject... very nice pov and capture, Melissa! My kind of place! #8728813

Phyllis A. Houghton July 01, 2010

Gorgeous! I want to go there! The vantage point it great. Colors are breathtaking. What state are you in? #8728828

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