Well at least we’re not shiftless.

After getting skunked with our search for several waterfalls we stopped at the Iron Goat interpretive site as a turnaround. Instead of just turning around, we decided to just drive down a small section of the Old Cascade Highway that takes off westward from that point. What a nice find. There are views of the river through the trees and several places to stop. One spot is where the bridge spans a creek over a waterfall. There were a few unoccupied primitive camping spots that looked fantastic. This area was a great find. Sometimes it's best to wander around aimlessly exploring.

The Deception Falls parking area was closed, but there was room to park on the highway shoulder. This was probably the best nature trail that we’ve ever seen. Besides being simply wonderful, there were so many places to shoot and running water galore. The only problem was that the sun was toying with me in several spots. In one place, which was the old river channel (that apparently must still run in exceptionally high water) I climbed over slippery, mossy rocks, under logs, and over slippery, muddy rocks. I set up my tripod and the sun came out. After standing there waiting, I gave up and started back. Then I could see the sky through the trees. It was blinding looking towards the sun, but I thought that a cloud might soon bring relief, so I went back and set up the tripod again. And waited. And gave up again. And started to return upon which I decided that the cloud might decide to help me. I repeated this process over and over. Once I made it all the way back the sky darkened. I hurried back and set up only to have the cloud move away before I could shoot. I finally gave up in that location.

There were several other spots where the sun made it impossible to get my shot. But those views were slightly obstructed anyway. I suppose that the important thing was that I got to see those places in person. As far as photography goes, I’m finding it difficult to lament the missed shots since I did get the right conditions in so many of the fantastic spots.

We finished the day with a wonderful visit with Jim and Wendy. It was a fantastic day.