Northern Lights from the North Cascades

[Tim Seaver]

This is more of a sneak preview than a report. I'm spending a few weeks in the North Cascades and just wanted to post this one image while in between hikes. This is taken from Boulder Butte, a peak on the North End of Lake Chelan, a side hike that can be done from the Purple Creek Trail. This trail winds from 1200' at the lake to about 7000' at Purple Pass before descending slightly to the spur trail to Boulder Butte, then into a basin where one can camp at Lake Juanita.

I went up hoping to get some shots of the stars against the jagged shapes of the peaks visible from this outlook, but then was treated to an amazing show of Northern Lights, in a flaming arc that spanned the Northern skies. After shooting about a zillion images of the light show, I tried a few silhouettes to take advantage of the bright skies, and this was my favorite... I think it really captures the feeling of the moment:

The dust in the air gave a great "light saber" effect to the headlight.

All for now!

 

[grouseking]

Holy wow!! That is the coolest pic I've seen all year.

 

[Paradox]

I thought I was looking at a poster for a Hollywood movie until I read the post. Very interesting.

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Blown Away!

What an unbelievable representation of modern man experiencing the universe. This picture should get a cover shot on National Geo!

KDT

 

[NeoAkela]

That is one amazing piece of art you have there! Looks like a sci-fi poster! Stunning and beautiful!

 

[forestgnome]

Wow! Now that is stunning...a masterpeice. Agreed, that needs to be in National Geographic.


FWIW, I really like the natural image of pinpoint stars. Startrails can be cool I prefer to capture what is seen. You've done extremely well to capture and translate an incredibly beautiful experience. I'm glad you were there with your talent.

Thanks for posting

 

[pocahontas]

Awesome!

I hope I get to experience this amazing phenomena someday

 

[mookie]

coolest photo, ever .

 

[leaf]

wow! spectacular, tim.

 

[Tom Rankin]

The heavens declare...

 

[1HappyHiker]

JAW-DROPPING!

Thanks for sharing this with the VFTT community!

 

[ColdRiverRun]

I thought I was looking at a poster for a Hollywood movie until I read the post.

What an unbelievable representation of modern man experiencing the universe.

That is one amazing piece of art you have there! Looks like a sci-fi poster!

TS phone (post) home?!

Yeah, it's ok if your into dramatic and unique stuff.

I like how you say, "light saber effect" like it's not a real light saber. Nice try, I know a light saber when I see one.

 

[Tom Rankin]

I like how you say, "light saber effect" like it's not a real light saber. Nice try, I know a light saber when I see one.

Now, the secret is out, he uses his Jedi Mind Power to hike so fast!

 

[Peakbagr]

Still blown away by the photo, every time I return to it.
Just a fantastice image, Tom.

Alan

 

[cbcbd]

Awesomeness