Lake County Colorado

[PhotoDaddy]

I've planned a family trip to Central Colorado for the end of May, and I'll be spending a few days in a cabin in the shadow of Mt. Elbert; about 9700 ft. Since I live in the Texas Hill Country, I'm not sure what to do with myself, or my camera, while I'm there. Here are the parameters for the more sagacious of you to ponder if you decide to put an arm around my shoulder and help me out here:

• We are all lowlanders who are used to oxygen in our air.
• I'm bringing 5 and 6 year old boys
• I'm driving from Texas
• We'll be there during the last week of May
• I have a Canon Elan 7 with a 28-135 IS lens
• I have 2 circ polarizers (regular and Moose) and a UV filter
• I have a Bogen monopod (the big 'un with little folding legs, 3231 I think) with a quick release ball head

Since I enjoy landscape photography, I figure that will make up the majority of my photo time. I'm concerned about what kind of climate to expect, and if good landscape photos are possible while schlepping the wife and kids along at high altitude.

Anyway, any suggestions for film or locations would be greatly appreciated.



Here's a little pic I took before dawn on Valentine's Day when we had our first snow in decades. I used the equipment mentioned above and Kodak E100GX.

[Cowgirl]

Hey!

I'm from Fredericksburg!

Anyway, I LOVE Colorado/Wyoming and go there as often as possible. In fact we're going in late July.

I too have small kids and the altitude slows us down. But we always have a great time.

I've always had great results using a polarizer. I also use a Moose filter, and it helps a lot, when the mountains seem more 'blue' than usual. When shooting landscapes I mostly use Velvia (50) and Provia (100), my Bogen tripod and ball head. I shoot morning and evening, and leave the mid day for playing or gold panning.

Rain showers can pop up quickly in the late afternoon, so expect any type of weather. I always have extra clothes/blankets/big water jug in our car while exploring the mountains. You just never know... We do a bit of backroading, and the local BLM folks have always been pretty helpful. I do suggest that you make sure and ask if any backroads may be 4x4 only.

What towns are you going through? Buena Vista? Salida? Durango? Lake City?


Have fun!


Kathy

[PhotoDaddy]

Hey!

I'm from Fredericksburg!

Anyway, I LOVE Colorado/Wyoming and go there as often as possible. In fact we're going in late July.

I too have small kids and the altitude slows us down. But we always have a great time.

I've always had great results using a polarizer. I also use a Moose filter, and it helps a lot, when the mountains seem more 'blue' than usual. When shooting landscapes I mostly use Velvia (50) and Provia (100), my Bogen tripod and ball head. I shoot morning and evening, and leave the mid day for playing or gold panning.

Rain showers can pop up quickly in the late afternoon, so expect any type of weather. I always have extra clothes/blankets/big water jug in our car while exploring the mountains. You just never know... We do a bit of backroading, and the local BLM folks have always been pretty helpful. I do suggest that you make sure and ask if any backroads may be 4x4 only.

What towns are you going through? Buena Vista? Salida? Durango? Lake City?


Have fun!


Kathy

Howdy Cowgirl,

We'll be going through Buena Vista, Salida, and Granite on our way to Twin Lakes, where we'll be staying. Our return journey will include a couple of days in the Colorado Springs area (hope to visit Pike's Peak). We plan on bringing layered clothing suitable for rain or shine, as well as plenty of water. In fact, the couple that owns the cabin suggested we start taking Vitamin C and hydrating real well on the way in, and bring aspirin to ward off headaches at altitude.

As for film, I've never used Velvia (no tripod), but do use Provia extensively. I've been flirting with the E100GX recently because it gives me the warmth I like without having to use my Moose filter (and a tripod) to get the shot. As you can see, I really should have a tripod, but when it comes down to $ for kids vs. $ for tripod, you know who wins that contest.

Thanks for the reply, and enjoy this beautiful Spring we're having. Too bad the bluebonnets are kinda sparse (here, at least), but they should be awesome next year.

--PhotoDaddy