My true passion resides on the water. As far back as I can remember, many great memories were made on canoe trips, fishing trips, or camping trips. The Elk River has a bad name in this area as a party river, and this is not unfounded. Spring and summer time on the river can be quite a show…..lots of people coming out of the woodwork. In the off season, this river can be very enjoyable. Great scenery, off the beaten path, and some amazing smallie fishing. This is the first body of water I remember as a child. Float trips with my grandparents who live in the area during the summer were common. I now live in close proximity to the river and frequent it when I need a quick fly fishing fix.
4/8/2011
Lat 36°37’17.66″N Long 94°10’48.30″W
This was shot on a small feeder creek around Powell, Mo. I had to do a little sweet talking to a local land owner to be able to cross his property and access the creek. Rains earlier in the spring has brought alot of debris into the water, so there were plenty of log jams and sediment buildup. This log was sitting at a unique angle to the shore and afforded me a chance to get this shot. weather was extremely sunny, so the picture is slightly bright.
4/8/2011
Lat 36°37’17.66″N Long 94°10’48.30″W
This is the same feeder creek as the above picture. I like the ability of water to create so many different patterns. A lot of water shots are done so that the feeling of movement is kept. In this instance I prefer the instant capture of the water. It brings out all the unique intricacies of the hydrodynamics water has. It also catches the slight definition of how water wears away whatever it touches. Little by little this limestone out cropping will be worn down or covered up.
4/8/2011
Lat 36°37’17.66″N Long 94°10’48.30″W
This creek was lined with these wonderful Dogwood trees. It was fairly early spring, so the blooms were just getting large. When the wind picked up you could almost imagine it was snowing with all the blooms flying around. If you looked closely the insects would show themselves. Lots of bees helping to pollinate and produce next seasons blooms. The small creek chubs would attempt to eat the blooms when they finally made it too the water and meandered down stream.
4/8/2011
Lat 36°37’17.66″N Long 94°10’48.30″W
The two above pictures would explain the true reason I was on the creek. I had been following this creek for a while and was looking for some deeper water to fish. Fly fishing on remote streams is my favorite pass time. I enjoy looking over the topographical maps, searching for unexplored water. This is what led to me approaching the landowner and asking permission to access his water. There were not a ton of fish caught on this trip, but plenty of gorgeous views and pristine waters.
