Fun In the Mud

Last Friday, I talked about the wonders of an Alaskan Fall. While the Fall colors were familiar, the transition between seasons is quite brisk in Alaska. In contrast, the Midwest’s shift to Autumn seems like an Adagio compared to Alaska’s Vivace.

Although many of our Alaska photography locations were scouted in advance, we also enjoyed serendipitously discovering interesting places as we traveled through the countryside. Today’s image was one of those.

The Shot

A year ago on September 17, we strapped into ATVs to follow a trail through the wilderness to a promising photo location.

From left to right, mud-splattered Erin Grey, me, and Jon Christofersen.

The “trail” was challenging at times. Losing momentum often meant considerable effort to free your vehicle from the mud! At times, water and mud entering the floor of the ATV was up to our ankles.

After several hours of fun in the mud, our destination turned out to be a photographic dud. But on the way back, this Friday Photo opportunity presented itself. I enjoyed the framing and the symmetry of the trees and clouds grounded in the Fall colors and topped off by an imposing peak featuring the first snow of the season.

Thanks for looking,

Chuck Derus