OFFICIAL Kings Canyon Camp Swank Thread

[Stan4dSteph]

NA ~ The colors in your pics came out so vibrant! Best camera ever!
:)
Yes! What kind is it? I'm sure you've said it here a bazillion times already but I am lazy. :p

[Snowflake]

Yes! What kind is it? I'm sure you've said it here a bazillion times already but I am lazy. :p

It's a Canon SD
It looks like mine (she takes better pics, too)

I have a Cannon SD900 and LOVE love LOVE it

[Not Afraid]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090366.jpg





I decide that playing a game of leap frog is an appropriate thing to do while GD and CP argue.

[Not Afraid]

My camera is a Canon PowerShot SD 700 IS

[Stan4dSteph]

I decide that playing a game of leap frog is an appropriate thing to do while GD and CP argue.I thought you were practicing your "pee in the woods" stance.

[innerSpaceman]

I decide that playing a game of leap frog is an appropriate thing to do while GD and CP argue.
I love that picture. The symmetry of GD and CP's profiles, and your pose! Great Stuff!


But speaking of frogs ... there was one under my tent when I packed it up. He sorta startled me when he hopped out from under there.


And then sorta startled me again .... when he hopped out of my truck in Los Angeles last night!!!




Seems he hopped right into one of my milk crates and hitched a ride to Southern California ... where I hope the local ecosystem agrees with him.

[Kevy Baby]

I am very happy that I didn't keep anyone awake with my snoring this year!

[innerSpaceman]

Rushing River right outside our tents covers a multitude of sins.








Or well, I rather hope so ... and not just snoring.

[Gemini Cricket]

There were so many cool things about this camping trip.

The food. So many days of awesome food. And, of course, the night the Taquito Kid (Capt Jack) pwned us all.
The stars were amazing. The milkyway, shooting stars, satellites... One of my favorite things.
Yosemite - so pretty. First time seeing it all in person.
Our campsite was ideal. Lots of trees and a raging river.
Cool hikes. I liked Jon Muir's rock, the Don Cheadle Trail, the Daphne Zuniga Meadows and Raging Rapids Falls.
Great company. :)

[Not Afraid]

That was John Muir's Poppet. ;)

[Snowflake]

I can't remember who's pics I looked at, but those kebabs looked incredible!

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, GC ... I wish you had come along on our Paradise Valley hike. It was beautiful and amazing. Next time I hope.

Our misfire hike up the Don Cheadle trail was a comparatively lame hike, but an ULTRA-FUN ADVENTURE ... thanks, in large part, to you. But also to the rest of the great company and the hysterical situations we found ourselves in.


Hahaha, we now call it a "Brad" whenever we lose the trail. You are immortalized in hiking nomenclature!



* * *

In light of cancelled pie-in-the-sky plans, I admit to a tinge of jealousy when I see the pictures of you and Thurston in Yosemite. But it's still such a fun bit of irony that I can't help but take delight in it. Not Afraid's the best person to visit the Ahwanee with ... but I hope you will come with me someday to see the more hidden wonders of the Valley that take a little trekking to - - - while I can still trek (which, judging by how my feet feel today, won't be too long).

[Ghoulish Delight]

Okay, starting with wildlife.

I did NOT get a picture of the bear. We were about 1/3 of the way back from Paradise Valley (a ~14 mile hike all tolled), I was exhausted, it was getting dark. I heard a snap off the trail, looked over, and not 10 feet away was a small black bear staring right at me. I decided not to hang around and take a photo, especially since it likely would not have come out without a flash, which was the last thing I wanted to use. However, I did get pictures of the deer (the ones in camp, and the one we saw on the trail a few minutes before the bear), some birds, and a snake. Didn't get shot of the millipede.

Click for larger version, contact me for ginormous version.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2568714116_491b22bfe2.jpg?v=0 (http://flickr.com/photos/66141390@N00/2568714116/sizes/o/in/set-72157605538251452/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2568714204_0e7d3f3530.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2568714204_6238c47502_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2567892627_2ebd334f1b.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2567892627_deb7a16549_o.jpg)

Credit to Lisa for this one
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/2568719696_2068a35137.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2567892627_2ebd334f1b.jpg?v=0)

This next one is the one from the trail
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2568729868_2279e7f95a.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2568729868_c1f05df6dd_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2567913375_ef71632116.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2567913375_ff46a16a60_o.jpg)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Awesome pics, everyone! I knew every aspect of the trip would be covered by someone.

[innerSpaceman]

Hence why I didn't much care that I had no camera of my own.


Thanks, everyone, for the pics!!

[lashbear]

Hmph. Stupid campers and their stupid camp.

Who needs stupid camping anyway. Hmph.

I had a MUCH better time cleaning my bedroom.

Bah, humbug.

[Ghoulish Delight]

On the Don Cheadle Trail (damnit, never going to remember the actual name), I set up my tripod and timer so we could take a group shot. We scrambled up the rocks a bit to pose so it was a mad dash for me to get from the camera into the shot in time.

Here's the final shot:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2568722134_07ec6b7a90.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2568722134_78fc07312d_o.jpg)

You'll notice how great everyone's smile is. That's because they aren't smiling, they're laughing. Why? Because 1) They got to watch me nearly kill myself about 6 times running across those rocks and 2) this was the attempt immediately prior to that last one:

notice I had the presence of mind to at least turn and face the camera the millisecond before I slid into position.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2567898247_340316af89.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2567898247_752e418023_o.jpg)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh, here's a link to the full album, while I pick and choose my favorites to post here:

http://flickr.com/photos/66141390@N00/sets/72157605538251452/

[NirvanaMan]

Hey, you guys.... what's with all the pictures of trees and stuff ?? Where's the Bacon? Where's the girthy weiners ?? Where's Bob Eubanks ??

What did you not see my Lash/Stoat tribute a few posts back? Plenty of bacon shots in there!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Alex uses a visual aid to describe how to hide a dead body:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2568723890_74a1b4335e.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2568723890_ac6cde1b21_o.jpg)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Lisa and Scout Master Brad brave the icy currents:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2568749682_0db160cf85.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2568749682_34afdfdc63_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2567926135_9b780cf473.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2567926135_e578d42803_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2568749910_d31c205c80.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2568749910_16f3d515bd_o.jpg)

[Gemini Cricket]

Nice shots, GD!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2568749910_d31c205c80.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2568749910_16f3d515bd_o.jpg)

I love this picture.
:)

[Not Afraid]

In light of cancelled pie-in-the-sky plans, I admit to a tinge of jealousy when I see the pictures of you and Thurston in Yosemite. But it's still such a fun bit of irony that I can't help but take delight in it. Not Afraid's the best person to visit the Ahwanee with ... but I hope you will come with me someday to see the more hidden wonders of the Valley that take a little trekking to - - - while I can still trek (which, judging by how my feet feel today, won't be too long).


The good news is that GC is FIRMLY bonded with my Brother and SIL and is welcome any time to visit. It is an easy day trip to Yosemite Valley from their home and many a hike awaits. If we were not on a mission to spend time with my ailing brother, I would've introduced GC to the wonders of the Mist Trail or taken him to Glacier Point (sadly, my favorite Sierra Point hike in Yosemite is no longer open). However, I was intent on seeing for myself if my brother was going to survive this ordeal.

Of course, the real treat in visiting my bro is the trips not to Nature's Disneyland, but to the little-know local spots that are magnificiently impressive and wondrously isolated.

[Not Afraid]

Nice shots, GD!

I love this picture.
:)


Me too! Our little river adventure was one of the big highlights of the trip.

[Kevy Baby]

The good news is that GC is FIRMLY bonded with my Brother and SIL and is welcome any time to visit.How can anyone NOT fall in love with GC? The man is the most lovable person I know!

[Gemini Cricket]

How can anyone NOT fall in love with GC? The man is the most lovable person I know!
If that's true, then how come Eric Bana never returns any of my phone calls?
:D

That's very nice of you, KB. :)

I understand now what Cherny meant when he said that being back after a trip made him feel weird. Like being on the vacation was starting to feel more normal than the 'real world'.
I feel so odd being back. I was beginning to really love the woods, the stars and that river. I even miss my teeny tiny tent.

I also must mention that I lost my voice on the last day. I am voiceless. I got sick.
:)

[Not Afraid]

Because I made him talk the whole way home. ;)

[Ponine]

Does anyone have a file sharing "thing" ? I know highly technical term.

Anywhere that everyone could send their indiviual pics, so everyone could get a complete set, instead of downloading onesie twosies?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Picasa allows you to download whole sets at a time, but I haven't played with it.

[Ponine]

Picasa allows you to download whole sets at a time, but I haven't played with it.

And that set I grabbed. But like yours on flikr, and someone elses on photobucket.

[innerSpaceman]

I feel so odd being back. I was beginning to really love the woods, the stars and that river. I even miss my teeny tiny tent.

I'm having trouble re-adjusting to city life, and I want Eddie Albert to whisk me off to a life in Pixley so I can be near the Sierras.



One of the reasons I loved taking the 63 shortcut back is that it eaaased me back into "civilization," and was the perfect link to create a slow build-up from the almost pure nature of the national park to the megatropolis of Los Angeles (which was appropriately fog-shrouded and thus invisible when I arrived after one of the most scenic 6-hour drives I've ever taken).


Better yet, the 63 shortcut will provide a much more stunning approach to the Sierra-Nevada Mountains than the pure 180 approach from Fresno. Even if it didn't cut off 30 miles of the journey (most of it from the boring stretch of the 99), it would be a worthwhile route to King's Canyon for this factor alone. OMG, the views of the snow-clad peaks of the towering mountains, and the tawny foothills teeming with Oak trees. Absolutely beautiful.



Thanks again, NirvanaMan. :cheers:

[Kevy Baby]

BTW: we need to start the "who's got my stuff/who's stuff have I got " discussion. I think we ended up with a clear bowl (tupperwear-ish) and some red gloves that are used for kinky sex or fire (or both, depending on your proclivities). I think the latter belong to Cap't Jack.

Also, I think we have some BBQ tongs with wooden handles, but I need to check on that.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Anyone see a set of keys? CP can't find hers.

[lashbear]

What did you not see my Lash/Stoat tribute a few posts back? Plenty of bacon shots in there!
I did indeed !!

Lots of Bacon, and more than a few shots of Vegemite. I feel honoured. :cool:

[Not Afraid]

My stuff is still in my car.

[innerSpaceman]

Not to start next year's planning thread right now ... but I wanted to throw out a good suggestion I heard while I remember it.

Howzabout we do away with the Team Breakfast and accept the fact that we are always going to have some variation or other of eggs and bacon?

If we standardize breakfast to that, plus maybe some variable sides, we can perhaps have an early "seating" for those who want to get out to nature in the lovely morning, and a later seating for the sleep-in crowd.

Better yet, we could have delicious garbage eggs every single morning, using the leftovers from the night before. That would make every breakfast yummy and avoid the nearly obsene leftover glut we had this year at camp's end.




Just sayin' :)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Didn't like my breakfast, huh?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Man, I'd forgotten how much I love camping and hiking. LOVE. And the trek to Paradise Valley (thank you, iSm, so freaking much for suggesting and encouraging) has only increased the desire. CP and I have come away from this trip with a definite desire to do more of both. The hurdle we face is that all of our camping and hiking experience has been in King's Canyon, which is a very unfair comparison for any other, we'll have to really be careful not to hold that up as a standard. But that hike was glorious, and it was the most remote place I've ever visited, and I want more.

[Kevy Baby]

Didn't like my breakfast, huh?I was thinking the same thing http://home.mindspring.com/%7Ekevin_elder/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bigcry.gif

Not to start next year's planning thread right now ... Ugh... let me recover from this year's first.
________________________________


On a completely separate note, I have to say how much fun it was having Thurston around. He is THE coolest dog ever!

[Gemini Cricket]

I was actually inspired to unload my car, put stuff away and do laundry. I must be high on something.
:D

[innerSpaceman]

Didn't like my breakfast, huh?
Pfft, compared to Garbage Eggs, I didn't like my breakfast!


No, it was just an idea to cut down on the surplus leftovers. Throw the prior night's dinner debris in a frying pan with some eggs, and viola - yummy breakfast and a way to be rid of leftovers as-we-go instead of accumulating them to the overflowing end.

Whip up some bacon and maybe a different side each morning and we're in business for a breakfast that's easy enough to allow for early risers and late risers alike.


For the record, your breakfast was yummy, GD. But I cheated and used a knife and fork. It was messy potential extraordinaire. But good eatin'.

[Alex]

Well I'm planning next year. I'm thinking I need to recreate this trip with my usual camping group (and particularly with Lani).

One of the reasons it wasn't a big deal for me to come out alone was because we thought we'd seen the main sights down there on our other visit -- I'd never, for example, do a first visit to the Grand Canyon without Lani. We didn't realize we'd missed most of the good stuff. So now I've got to bring Lani up to speed and it seems this particular weekend is about perfect for it being uncrowded and generally warm (despite the nonsense you all talked it was decidedly NOT cold on Saturday night. I barely pulled into my sleeping bag that night.

[Ghoulish Delight]

It was definitely colder in my tent Saturday night than any other night. I was still sweating in my sleeping bag, but it was noticeably colder. I wonder if your location, being somewhat further away from the river, was a little warmer.

[Alex]

That could be. But then I didn't think it was cold at the campfire either and everybody was commenting on it there as well (and while being cold doesn't generally bother me much I do still generally recognize that it is cold).

[Ghoulish Delight]

For me it was a relative thing. It was definitely a good 10 degrees colder that night than it had been the past couple of nights. Not that it had me changing out of my shorts or anything.

[Capt Jack]

much review to do before photo posting. for as many as I took, many arent very good while some are even worse.

truck unloaded. gear stowed until needed next and my skeeter bites are healing nicely. while its good to be home, it all seems sadly lacking. I suppose thats to be expected after such a journey. massive kudos to all for making the trip all I could have ever imagined it could be and more.

Katie, it was great to see you again. btw, I have your thermos. PM me to arrange getting that back to you. awesome meals, but after last year, I never doubted it would be. thanks for being a fantastic team mate once again as well as being great company for the rides there and back, and providing nearly all of the equipment, prep and supplies for the stay.

Kevy, yeah, the hand condoms are mine. dunno...just throw em in your camp box until we manage to hook up again. Sorry KS and I didn't get a chance for goodbyes on the last morning, but we were striving to get back to SD before nightfall and miss the LA rush hour nightmare. as always, a pleasure spending time with you and your lovely wife. Susan, hope youre feeling better.

Brad, awesome omelettes. even the one I screwed up for you. :blush:

CP, thanks a ton for the loan of the guitar and to all the campers willing to quietly endure my so called 'playing'. I'll work on it :)

Alex, Im glad you came. it was a pleasure to meet you. gotta say, not at all what I expected, but couldnt begin to say what I did expect. :snap:

Chris, glad you were able to make it up there. wouldn't have been the same without Lord Swank on site.

a good portion of this trip will be ultimately impossible to fully describe. the site was one I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams. special thanks to Lisa for pointing us there.

to everyone. the trip couldnt have been better. from meals, to hikes. fires to singalongs, I consider myself beyond fortunate to have been allowed to join you all in this once again. so many memorable moments that I'll repeat in my mind a thousand times. endless thanks to you all

[Not Afraid]

On a completely separate note, I have to say how much fun it was having Thurston around. He is THE coolest dog ever!

And he just ADORES you and Susan.

Case in point: I came back to camp after a couple of hours of hiking and exploring. Thurston was happy enough to see me, but when we walked by Susan on the lounger, he left my side and crawled into Susan's lap.

[€uroMeinke]

I continue to regret only spending a day and a half there, but I'm so glad I went for the little I stayed. Here are a few of my favorite pics:


Can't help but post a few pics of Thurston

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010116.JPG

But there was other wildlife

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010123.JPG

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010263.JPG

Which Thurston downright civilized

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010147.JPG


No fish were caught

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010162.JPG

But you could still have a cold beer
http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010166.JPG

Lounging in Style

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010160.JPG

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010173.JPG


http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010176.JPG


Inside the Base Camp

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010192.JPG


Mountain Man Brad

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010195.JPG


Vegemitini Madness

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010197.JPG

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010199.JPG


Nutter Butter S'more

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010211.JPG


Think about your Actions

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010214.JPG


The Zumwalt Meadows Bridge

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010242.JPG


Exuberant ISM

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/P1010252.JPG



Lone Cowboy

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010315.JPG



Fun on the Muir's Pulpit

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010328.JPG



Bliss

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010329.JPG

Fun in the River

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010333.JPG


And what trip to Kings Canyon could be complete without taking an Autohike

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010343.JPG

More photos Here (http://photos.xenarchy.com/thumbnails.php?album=67)

[belleh5]

Thanks for the pictures everyone!!!

[Capt Jack]

a few pics (http://s286.photobucket.com/albums/ll100/Capt_Jack2/)

enjoy

[NirvanaMan]

[quote=innerSpaceman;216578
Thanks again, NirvanaMan. :cheers:[/quote]

Happy to help. I remember playing around with Google Maps before leaving between meetings on Thursday. I was dragging around the route to see what made sense. Knowing that 198 wasn't a good route, I was seeing what I could do. Then I discovered the 63 which looked pretty solid. I texted Chris but he was unaware of the route. When we were on the way, Lisa called from one of the last pay phones in existence and we had a long and barely audible conversation. Clearly they must not maintain these quaint antiquities anymore.

After we disconnected, Aud asked me, "What did Lisa say?" "Well, I think she told me that I definitely shouldn't go the 63 and that it was a terrible route, despite cutting 30 miles off the trip." "You were on for a while" noted Aud. "What else did she say?" Well, she went on about how bad the route was, gave some helpful advice about where the campsite was and the like, then at the end, asked me again what road I was thinking of taking. I told her it was the 63. Lisa asked 'What's that?'"

"So what are you going to do?"

"Umm, I'm going to take the 63."

:)

[NirvanaMan]

My stuff is still in my car.

My stuff is in a pile in the living room. I did take the martini glasses out of the portable martini set traveling pimp case. But I have yet to wash them.

[innerSpaceman]

My everything's everywhere. I have no intention of putting things away till the weekend. My tent and related crap is still in the truck, since I have to lay it out on the roof of the parking garage to clean it.


Other than that, it's just been laundry (another two loads this morning) and some general unpacking (but not much).


Camping is a process.

[Morrigoon]

My stuff's still in the car. Just took the cooler out today. Probably throwing out everything in it at this point.

Damn that trip was fun :)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

We unpacked same day. I think all I have left is to wipe down the chairs.

I did unpack a last thing or two from my toiletries bag this morning - still plenty of smoky camp smell in that bag. :)

[katiesue]

Kevy the bbq tongs are mine.

[Kevy Baby]

Kevy the bbq tongs are mine.The weird thing about this item is that I have a memory of someone claiming those at the end as theirs - I was surprised to find them loose.

Since I don't have any plans to be in the San Diego area any time soon, are you planning on being up here (OC) in the near future?

[katiesue]

It's no rush - I've got two sets.

I can pick them up at the Chino Park Swank Camp right :D

[innerSpaceman]

I cannot overstress how vital it was to my bliss (and I expect the bliss of others) that we snagged the coveted and perfect camp sites, likely among the best sites on earth.

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/1442/swanksignqq5.jpg

Though some had no doubt we'd get them, relying on what I call the Bonita Effect (which works like a magic charm), I think that obsessive planning and, naturally, crafty execution were key to obtaining the sites (hey, if only to provide the absolute confidence needed for the proper Bonita Effect).

A competitor for the sites showed up within the hour of Kevy & Gus Gus arriving from Fresno, Not Afraid and Gemini Cricket arriving from Oakhurst, and Ghoulish Delight & Cadaverous Pallor arriving from Orange County by leaving at 2:30 in the morning.

I daresay that if these precautions were not taken, the sites would have been.


And let me tell you, camping by the banks of a wild and roaring river was simply amazing and inimitable. And because riverside sites can't be subdivided so easily, the acreage of our combined campsites was nothing short of huge. (In fact, we lived on only 3 of the 5 campsites we took over ... using the others only for parking and bear boxes.)

The location of Camp Swank was, in fact, an attraction in and of itself ... and you did not have to leave camp to experience the grandeur and majesty, harmony and peace, beauty and loveliness of King's Canyon in all its glory.


And so, the King's Canyon experience was with us 24/7 for the entire length of Swank Camp. It was fantastic!



Thanks to N.A. and €uro for turning us on to one of their favorite places. Kudos to the three duos mentioned above for arriving early enough to claim those campsites in the name of Swank Camp!!

[Not Afraid]

The thing is, there are more beautiful site just like the ones we had just down (or up) the river. So, no need to wax so poetic. It wasn't is make or break deal and we know that going in (or, at least I tried to convey that.)

[innerSpaceman]

I didn't think of it at the time those old timers claimed there were riverside sites at Sentinel ... but a bunch of us walked back to camp along the river all the way from the Ranger Station thru Sentinel Campground, and I didn't see any campsites along the river.


10, 11 and 12 are the only ones on earth. ;)

[lashbear]

and you did not have to leave camp to experience the grandeur and majesty, harmony and peace, beauty and loveliness
AHA !!!!!!!!

So - Hiking ISN'T necessary to enjoying Swank Camp !

Gotcha ! :evil:

[Not Afraid]

Lashbear. How do I LOVE thee? Let me count the WAYS!

[Morrigoon]

Nope, it is, in fact, perfectly acceptable to lounge at Camp Swank (although the waterfalls are worth the occasional 1/4 mile hike)

Speaking of which, I stopped by Grizzly Falls (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090460.jpg) on the way home. What a delight. You can almost see the falls (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090449.jpg) from the parking lot, they're so close. And spectacular.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Nope, it is, in fact, perfectly acceptable to lounge at Camp Swank (although the waterfalls are worth the occasional 1/4 mile hike)

Speaking of which, I stopped by Grizzly Falls (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090460.jpg) on the way home. What a delight. You can almost see the falls (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090449.jpg) from the parking lot, they're so close. And spectacular.
Links don't work. I want to see this - I visited Grizzly Falls many years ago and remembered it when we passed.

[Alex]

It's an ok waterfall (of the three waterfalls I got up close with -- Mist, Roaring River, Grizzly, it is by far the least of them). Part of me feels like it needs to be better if it is only going to be 8 feet off the road.

But it was nice to stop there n the drive in since, at 6 a.m., I had it all to myself. Here's a picture:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2572382007_ee2baf53d0_b.jpg

[Alex]

And here are Morigoon's links fixed:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090460.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090449.jpg

[Ghoulish Delight]

I didn't think of it at the time those old timers claimed there were riverside sites at Sentinel ... but a bunch of us walked back to camp along the river all the way from the Ranger Station thru Sentinel Campground, and I didn't see any campsites along the river.


10, 11 and 12 are the only ones on earth. ;)Other direction.

[innerSpaceman]

Then they're not in Sentinel. The other direction from our sites is all Sheep Creek. The other direction from the Ranger station is Canyon View and then Morraine.


And of course you don't have to leave Swank Camp to experience bliss. But that's not necessarily true of a cabin, and not even likely true of last year's Swank Camp location. Still, Swank Camp is a state of mind, and I don't mean to suggest otherwise.






There, is that sappy enough?

[Ghoulish Delight]

There, is that sappy enough?No, it could use some music.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2568717488_beb215deb1.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2568717488_7072204f34_o.jpg)

[Capt Jack]

No, it could use some music.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2568717488_beb215deb1.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2568717488_7072204f34_o.jpg)

I assure you, this pic has nothing to do with "good" music :rolleyes:

thanks to all for putting up with it

[Kevy Baby]

No, it could use some music.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2568717488_beb215deb1.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2568717488_7072204f34_o.jpg)I love that shot GD - very good!

I assure you, this pic has nothing to do with "good" music :rolleyes:

thanks to all for putting up with itI LOVED your playing! It was like having a sound track to the weekend. It was wonderful every time you played: thank you!

[Gemini Cricket]

The music was awesome. CP and CJ were wonderful guitar players.
:)

[Morrigoon]

Hahah, I screwed up the coding.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090450.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090460.jpg

[MouseWife]

I love accoustic guitar. :snap:

I am sorry if I am coming in out of left field with this, but, I must have missed if it was posted:

Did NA and GC make it into Yosemite? And, if so: Do Tell!!! What did you see? What did you think? What did you feel???

You guys didn't go into the Chukchansi casino? Does anyone know what that means?

Again, sorry to come out from left field with this but.....

[innerSpaceman]

GD and Capt. J. were especially adept at capturing camp life in their photographs. They approached subject and composition with a unique flair. GD's photos of camp food are a good example of the unusual that captures an essential part of Swank Camp.

Not Afraid's nature shots of close detail are also extraordinary and unusual. The textures and patterns revealed in the scale just beyond common perception are simply wonderful.

[Morrigoon]

Here's one of my late uploads. Too cute not to share:

"Hey you two, get a rock!"
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090391.jpg

[Morrigoon]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090397.jpg

[Kevy Baby]

Did NA and GC make it into Yosemite? And, if so: Do Tell!!! What did you see? What did you think? What did you feel???They went up a day early and spent part of the day in Yosemite. You can read about their experiences earlier in the thread.

[innerSpaceman]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090391.jpg

^ That's one of my favorite photographs of the LoT. At first I thought, oh it's too dark ... and then quicky realized the play of light and shadow on Muir's Pulpit and on the romantic couple and their dazzling pose make it one of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen.

[MouseWife]

Thank you KB.

Morri, I just LOVE your shots!!! How cold was that water, by the way?

{off to find earlier posts.....}

[Morrigoon]

On the auto trail... the scariest tree EVER:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090425.jpg

[Morrigoon]

It was this cold:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090403.jpg

Oh, and there was, uh, something in the sand there (can you see it? hint: top right and bottom center)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090409.jpg

[Gemini Cricket]

Did NA and GC make it into Yosemite? And, if so: Do Tell!!! What did you see? What did you think? What did you feel???

You guys didn't go into the Chukchansi casino? Does anyone know what that means?

We went to Yosemite. Here's proof:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/Camp%20Swank%202008/CampSwank2008014.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/Camp%20Swank%202008/CampSwank2008009.jpg
We saw Bridalveil Falls, Upper and Lower Falls, Yosemite Falls... Correct me if I'm wrong, NA. And we saw the Awahnee Hotel.
I loved Yosemite. I was completely blown away by the panoramic view we saw of the valley coming out of the tunnel. It made me all teary-eyed. It was the same way when I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time.
I felt... teeny-tiny compared to El Cap. I felt blown away.
:)

We didn't go to Chukchansi. But it's enormous (you can see it from the road). And NA and her brother think Chukchansi translates to "Chuck and Nancy" in English. I agree.
:D

[Kevy Baby]

{off to find earlier posts.....}I thought there was more, but I did find this one (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?p=216501#post216501) and this one (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?p=216555#post216555).




ETA: And this one (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?p=217064#post217064)



ETAA: And this one (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?p=217068#post217068)

[innerSpaceman]

While I'm on a roll of favorite photographs, here's another from the same situation, but quite different in feel.

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/1692/50scouplejb6.jpg


GD's camera had some problems with exposure, noticeable when there was close and distance in the same shot, or light and dark. Here the photo is slightly overexposed ... but the result, along with the amazing look of the subjects, creates a late 1950's/early 60's feel that is nothing short of awesome.

[Not Afraid]

GC and I left on Tuesday evening and drove up to Oakhurst to visit with my ailing brother. On Wednesday, we took a few hours to visit Yosemite. It was GC's first time through the tunnel on 41 and it was such a pleasure to hear his audible gasp as the valley came into view. After spending lots of time at Inspiration Point, we explored the valley at a nice pace, stopping now and then to take a walk or do some exploring. It was a lovely day.

[Ghoulish Delight]

While I'm on a roll of favorite photographs, here's another from the same situation, but quite different in feel.

GD's camera had some problems with exposure, noticeable when there was close and distance in the same shot, or light and dark. Here the photo is slightly overexposed ... but the result, along with the amazing look of the subjects, creates a late 1950's/early 60's feel that is nothing short of awesome.
Actually, CP took that one with her camera.

And most of my pics where the exposure looks off are probably ones where I failed to notice I was still in shutter-priority mode so the shutter speed was way off.

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, then I take back all the compliments I made about Ghoulish Delight's photography. :p

[MouseWife]

Thanks GC/KB for the links.

Wow. Those are some awesome shots!!! Yes, the view right out of the tunnel {I think called Tunnel View} is amazing. And, it varies depending on the time of day, the weather, the number of freakin' people lined up to take shots, too.....

I am so glad you finally had a chance to go. And, with Lisa. She is awesome.

The bear, you also saw bears in Yosemite? It took me over 20 years to see a bear!!! But is was so cute, a sow and her cub. Although, no one believed me about the cub....but it was there, climbing the steps of the post office.

LOL Chuck and Nancy! I wondered if it meant bear or something. Maybe I need to ask the Lashes? ;) It is huge. And fun.

{Thanks KB for doing the searches and giving me the links!! :snap: }

[innerSpaceman]

One more and then I'll stop (and it's purely coincidence it's another GD/CP shot).

Groovy Guitar Chick in the Woods:

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4531/groovyguitarchickft1.jpg



Not only is the image pure Hippy-Era Goodness, but I love the inadvertent through-lines of the colors. The gray-blue rocks to the two blue chairs through Jen's blue jeans, and then the brown-red trees merging with the hat and the coat and Jens' flowing hair and the guitar. Beautiful.

[MouseWife]

GC and I left on Tuesday evening and drove up to Oakhurst to visit with my ailing brother. On Wednesday, we took a few hours to visit Yosemite. It was GC's first time through the tunnel on 41 and it was such a pleasure to hear his audible gasp as the valley came into view. After spending lots of time at Inspiration Point, we explored the valley at a nice pace, stopping now and then to take a walk or do some exploring. It was a lovely day.

Aw, that sounds so ideal. I wonder if people who do live so close really enjoy what they have? I don't know because the waiter I spoke with in Oakhurst said he had lived there for 2 years and hadn't yet been!!! Can you believe it?

[Gemini Cricket]

We saw the bear in Sequoia Nat'l Park.
:)

[Not Afraid]

Most of the people I know in Oakhurst do visit Yosemite, but only in the off season when it's not such a zoo. They also take advantage of the thousands of other extraordinary Sierra sights that don't get the attention they deserve because of their proximity to Yosemite. My Brother and SIL have taken me to some really fantastic and deserted places in the mountains.

[MouseWife]

Oh, okay. Great shots of it, btw. :snap:

Has anyone thought of making a Camp Swank book, like, on Shutterfly or something like that? A printed one? Or are other people here adept at that sort of thing and wouldn't need to hire someone?

A book with captions and all would be sooo cool.

[Gemini Cricket]

It would be kinda cool if someone combined all of the Camp Swank 2008 pics all in one place. That would be neat.
:)

[MouseWife]

Most of the people I know in Oakhurst do visit Yosemite, but only in the off season when it's not such a zoo. They also take advantage of the thousands of other extraordinary Sierra sights that don't get the attention they deserve because of their proximity to Yosemite. My Brother and SIL have taken me to some really fantastic and deserted places in the mountains.

I would like to learn more about the hwy 49. We just don't spend enough time exploring that as we are usually pressed for time to get to the next destination.

Or, Bass Lake {is that what it is called?}. Is that worthy of time? And, of course, the many places to visit if you exit out the Lee Vining way.

And, anyone do the lakes around Mammoth? I just can't seem to find this horse ranch/camp/resort? we passed along the way to Ruby Lake. And, for some reason, when I google it, I encounter a lot of problems. But, it is southwest {I believe} of Toms' Place/Lake Crowley and one of many gem-named lakes.

[MouseWife]

It would be kinda cool if someone combined all of the Camp Swank 2008 pics all in one place. That would be neat.
:)

http://www.shutterfly.com/shop/product_c18000/Photo_Books

I dont' know what it would cost, and, it would take scaling down the shots to do this particular thing, but, I saw it at the store and it was really cool. But, I would think that someone could do it on their own. Maybe not a hard cover but still something to cherish.

And, while I may not have everyone's links yet, I have favorited yours and GD's to enjoy later. I love experiencing the fun through them! :snap:

[~MS~]

coming out of lurk mode here, the photos are awesome, and there is a free digital scrapbook software online by Creative memories that you can download and drag/drop the photos into premade templates, you can swap pages around to put the template you want on the page you want, you get it all done, upload it to creative memoriees and then people can order them. They have hard cover ones and they just came out with a new 5x7 one that has soft cover. I've made the books thru snapfish, ofoto and CM and of the 3 the CM is the most professional, nicest book. I have the upgraded (read paid for it version) of the software and LOVE it.

Edited to add, there are several other choices for online books like that as well, a little research by someone you guys could figure out which would be the pricepoint you guys are looking for. I haven't done one by winkflash but they offer discounts on a fairly regular basis.

[innerSpaceman]

Has anyone thought of making a Camp Swank book, like, on Shutterfly or something like that? A printed one? A book with captions and all would be sooo cool.


Now that there's been two of 'em, I'm gonna turn my extensive collection of (other people's) Swank Camp photos into slideshows with music.

A book would be sweet, but it would be prohibitive to print out all those photos. The slides timed to music will be very nice though (ha, when they are finished sometime just before Swank Camp 3).



ETA: Hmmm, what do those services charge to print out a book with say, 200 photographs??

[Not Afraid]

I would like to learn more about the hwy 49. We just don't spend enough time exploring that as we are usually pressed for time to get to the next destination.

Or, Bass Lake {is that what it is called?}. Is that worthy of time? And, of course, the many places to visit if you exit out the Lee Vining way.

And, anyone do the lakes around Mammoth? I just can't seem to find this horse ranch/camp/resort? we passed along the way to Ruby Lake. And, for some reason, when I google it, I encounter a lot of problems. But, it is southwest {I believe} of Toms' Place/Lake Crowley and one of many gem-named lakes.

I've spent lots of time at Bass Lake, both camping and hanging out. It's primarialy a recreation lake in the Summer, so lots of speed boats and water skiing. There are bald eagles that live by the lake and are wonderful to see. We stayed at the Pines for a week when we got married and, since it was off season, we had the area to ourselves which was wonderful.

Mariposa on 49 is a wonderful little town. My wedding ring is from a jeweler in Mariposa. It is an old gold mining town and has a wonderful little museum as well as some great little fun shops. We often take a day trip to Mariposa when we're in Oakhurst.

Highway 120 is one of my favorites in California. I love the high country and Yosemite is simple astounding in that area. Lee Vining is a sparse place to camp. There aren't many trees surrounding the area.

Mammoth used to be a wonderful little town but they've been building it up over the past 10 years and it's become more like chi-chi Aspen. It has last it's charm for me. However, there are still many other lovely spots in the Eastern Sierras that are worth exploring. And, a trip up the White Mountains to see the Bristlecone Pines - the oldest living thing on earth - is wonderful. Not to mention fantastic views of the Sierras jutting from the earth.

[~MS~]

It really depends on how many photos you'd want per page Steve. I did one with 24 pages - so 12 sheets of paper because they count each side. I had 2/3/4 photos on some some I did collages and a few were full page one picture. My cost for the book came to about 49.00 plus tax/shipping. You can shop around and see which one has the best 'deal going' all of them have free downloads for their program. Some allow more editing/text/journaling freedom than others.

[Ponine]

coming out of lurk mode here, the photos are awesome, and there is a free digital scrapbook software online by Creative memories that you can download and drag/drop the photos into premade templates, you can swap pages around to put the template you want on the page you want, you get it all done, upload it to creative memoriees and then people can order them. They have hard cover ones and they just came out with a new 5x7 one that has soft cover. I've made the books thru snapfish, ofoto and CM and of the 3 the CM is the most professional, nicest book. I have the upgraded (read paid for it version) of the software and LOVE it.

Edited to add, there are several other choices for online books like that as well, a little research by someone you guys could figure out which would be the pricepoint you guys are looking for. I haven't done one by winkflash but they offer discounts on a fairly regular basis.

ah... and THIS is why I was hoping to get ALL the pics in one place. Without having to download them all one by one.

And ISM, it depends... we can fit TONS of photos in the different books depending on the software. Have a 4x6 and 14 1x2's on the same page....

But in my experience, the books run at least $25 for a decent book.
I'll check the CM pricing.

eta: costco tends to have a discount sometimes with one of the companies too.

[MouseWife]

Don't know but I like ~MS~ idea of doing it with online programs ourselves and then maybe just creating spiral books? Maybe?

BUT

A photo cd set to music...well, now, that would be nice!!! Can you put captions? I ask because not everyone knows everyone or where places are.

But, anything is so time consuming. I meant to make one for our 25th, never did. Now I have the idea to make one for the Hubsters' 50th later this year....Um....I have about 6 months. {don't make any bets I get it done...}

[Not Afraid]

Mac offers a great publishing function. Flippyshark used it a few Christmases ago to make a wonderful travel memoir.

[Kevy Baby]

It would be kinda cool if someone combined all of the Camp Swank 2008 pics all in one place. That would be neat.
:)I haven't posted the one picture combining the two idols from this year's weenie roast

Mammoth used to be a wonderful little town but they've been building it up over the past 10 years and it's become more like chi-chi Aspen. It has last it's charm for me. However, there are still many other lovely spots in the Eastern Sierras that are worth exploring. And, a trip up the White Mountains to see the Bristlecone Pines - the oldest living thing on earth - is wonderful. Not to mention fantastic views of the Sierras jutting from the earth.I want to check out Tamarack Lodge (http://www.tamaracklodge.com/)

[innerSpaceman]

Ooooh, I'm so excited. One of the things I hate about the digital revolution in photography is the end of the photo book. I believe most photos are displayed to best advantage when they are with other photos.

For instance, scenery shots are often beautiful, but relatively uninteresting to a viewer in compared to "people" shots. Combing both in a page lets the eye wander freely from one to the other, and creative layouts often bring out the best in color, subjects and variety.

I haven't done any of that since the film age ended. Though my more laborious replacement of creating slide shows with detailed timing set to music is a unique and suitably expressive way to display photographs.



But I'll check into the book services. Could be promising.

[innerSpaceman]

I haven't posted the one picture combining the two idols from this year's weenie roast

Oh, but I love that photo.


If you're not going to link to it, can you send it to me, please. :)

[Not Afraid]

Yes, Tamarack sounds promising as does Glacier Lodge out of Big Pine.

[Kevy Baby]

Oh, but I love that photo.I'll get it up (the photo that is).

I remembered to bring my card reader to work (where my computer STILL is), but forgot the camera (with the card).

[MouseWife]

If it is done with a company, perhaps they'd offer discounts for multiple orders?

I agree. I love prints. I printed up some from out last trips and plan to knock down some of the kids photos and make a wall of photos from our trips.

I haven't made any larger than 8x10, though. But, with some of those online services, the prices are very reasonable so I just need to find the right shot and decide how big I want to go.

And, thank you NA for the info on those locations. I like off season, too. :0)

[Gemini Cricket]

I haven't posted the one picture combining the two idols from this year's weenie roast

And speaking of pictures and KB, I never did see the USH Waterworld pic you took of me...
:)

[Kevy Baby]

And speaking of pictures and KB, I never did see the USH Waterworld pic you took of me...
:)I thought I had downloaded the pix to my computer, but apparently I did not. I will hunt them down and get them uploaded. I promise.

[Alex]

If it is online I don't mind any of the photos I've shared being used. I'd like veto authority, though, before any are used in printed materials.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Starry night


You'll probably want to click for the full view of this one
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2567894571_810f19cac7.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2567894571_d67113ec01_o.jpg)


I call this one "There are winners and losers when the wind shifts"

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2568717630_2f3fd1c8b6.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2568717630_04bda12279_o.jpg)

[Gemini Cricket]

I was amazed at how GD's camera took pictures of stars so well.
:)

[Alex]

That's what I forgot to do that I meant to do!

I haven't tested the bulb exposure on the new camera yet and intended to play with some 5 minute exposures.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I think 30 seconds is the max mine will allow. Of course, for stars that's about all you want since any longer and the earth's rotation will be screwing up the shot.

[Gemini Cricket]

What tripped me out was how GD got those pics without a tripod.

[Ghoulish Delight]

All I did was set the camera down on my knee. And the one I ended up posting, I set it down on a table.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Thanks for the new avatar, GD. (Though I adjusted the levels a bit so I could SEE MORE STARS!) Man, I miss that sky...

[Not Afraid]

I was standing next to him when he took the table shot. I thought bout putting my face over the lense just to be a butthead.

[Alex]

I think 30 seconds is the max mine will allow. Of course, for stars that's about all you want since any longer and the earth's rotation will be screwing up the shot.

Mine will stay open for as long as I want. And earth motion is what I'm going for. Plus long enough that the canyon walls start to appear out of the darkness. A couple of years ago I got a cool 120 second exposure of Half Dome off moonlight.

But alas. I guess I'll have to go back.

[BarTopDancer]

I was standing next to him when he took the table shot. I thought bout putting my face over the lense just to be a butthead.

There is an LOL Cat for all occasions.

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/funny-pictures-curious-cat-ruins-photo.jpg

[Gemini Cricket]

I miss the stars, too.
:)

[Kevy Baby]

I once had fun with locking the lens open outdoors and the running around triggering my flash in various places. In one of the exposures, I flashed myself (waist up only) and I look like half a body floating in space (I had flashed the ground a little ways behind me so it is illuminated).

[Gemini Cricket]

I sent my parents the link to my pictures. Both my parents asked me, 'What the heck is a Swank Camp?' They thought it was some sort of camp for players or weirdos or something. lol.
I told them they were right.
:D

They wanted to know who the redhead was. I told them not to get their hopes up.
:rolleyes: :D

[Not Afraid]

Awwwww. but you spend so much time with me!!!! Didn't I "turn" you yet? ;)

[MouseWife]

If it is online I don't mind any of the photos I've shared being used. I'd like veto authority, though, before any are used in printed materials.


Alex, I will respect and abide by this. Don't know that I'll be printing any pictures, but, I would maybe be making an online book. But no prints. I think for me this time I'll just be doing one for the Hubster. That will confuse me enough.

[Alex]

And don't be afraid to ask. Odds are it'll be fine, I just want that little bit of control (and depending on the photo I might offer a different version that'll print better).

[innerSpaceman]

Frell. Not that I'm intended on printing any, but I don't know who's photos are who's. Not true in all cases, but most.

For instance, grrrrr, I see that 8 photos had errors in downloading ... and though I gave them descriptive names, I don't know who's they are, and I have to look through everyone's pictures again till I find them. Bah.

[Ponine]

okay, in all this downloading mess...
I've been at this for two hours now. Trying to dowload everyones pics to a digital frame for CJ.

NM, GD, GC, and Morri

Is there any where that we can place these , or can we zip them and put them somewhere to allow for faster downloads?

In my case I already grabbed NA's, Euro, CJ, and KS

[Ponine]

For instance, grrrrr, I see that 8 photos had errors in downloading ... and though I gave them descriptive names, I don't know who's they are, and I have to look through everyone's pictures again till I find them. Bah.

Do have file names? Everyones are vastly different, I may be able to tell you by the type of file name.

[innerSpaceman]

Nope, I changed all the names to be descriptive. And it appears they are a random sampling of 8 from different people's sets. I only named one of them so distinctively that I clearly knew which shot it was (NirvanaMan's) and none of the other missing photos was from his set. So I have to go through all of them again. Ugh.

It took me hours and hours and hours.


But, ya know, fun hours!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Give me a day and I'll have ours available to download all at once, full size as well.

And I'll echo Alex's "run it by me" policy including the "most likely say yes" clause.

[Disneyphile]

I'm still sorting through mine. Hopefully, they'll be up by tomorrow.

[Betty]

Why not have everyone send them to one person? You can use the free version of yousendit.com to accomodate the large file size.

Then upload them all to one place - I know google's picassa has a free online photo album thingy...

[Kevy Baby]

Okay, I finally have a couple of my pictures posted. Obviously, I have a penchant for Thurston.

A Swank Dog and his Dad
http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Camp%20Swank%20Selects/DSC02648.JPG
I love this dog!!!
http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Camp%20Swank%20Selects/DSC02651.JPG
Contemplative Cricket
http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Camp%20Swank%20Selects/DSC02653.JPG
The river that ran 30 feet from out tent
http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Camp%20Swank%20Selects/DSC02658.JPG
A swank couple
http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Camp%20Swank%20Selects/DSC02667.JPG
How can you not love this dog?!?
http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Camp%20Swank%20Selects/DSC02671.JPG
Okay, not actually at Camp Swank, but on the way there. I found this sign VERY amusing:
http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Camp%20Swank%20Selects/DSC02684.JPG
Two of the camp totems combined. Please note that this image is in poor taste and is definitely Not Safe For Work.
I mean it: it is bad. So bad I won't post it here; just a link (http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Camp%20Swank%20Selects/DSC02675.JPG).

[MouseWife]

LOL So...whose avatar is THAT going to be? :evil:

[Kevy Baby]

LOL So...whose avatar is THAT going to be? :evil:Because of the lack of work safeness, it shouldn't be an avatar.

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, yeah, I guess. It's a good thing you caught me.:evil:

[Kevy Baby]

Oh, yeah, I guess. It's a good thing you caught me.:evil:Now young man, we already discussed this detail...

[Disneyphile]

I think it's too big to be an avatar. ;)

[Kevy Baby]

BTW: Did anyone get a photo of the Taj Ma-Tent interior? I just realized that we did not take any.

[Capt Jack]

I have one thats cycling by on the picture frame Ponine got me. its you reclining in the taj-ma-bed. I'll see if she can tell what set it came from

[Kevy Baby]

I have one thats cycling by on the picture frame Ponine got me. its you reclining in the taj-ma-bed. I'll see if she can tell what set it came fromI didn't see it in the ones you posted (or am I a complete idiot?).

[Capt Jack]

no. not an idiot. its not part of my set. shes been gathering everyones shots to localize them somewhere (where exactly is still TBD).

this is the only Ive seen so far

(oy. sorry its so large)

[Kevy Baby]

Thanks Jack! (And some day, I will stop calling you Jack when I am with you IRL!)

[Ghoulish Delight]

I took it. I've got a bigger version if you want to print a poster.

[Kevy Baby]

I took it. I've got a bigger version if you want to print a poster.Thanks for the shot. The one I got from Jack is sufficient.

[Capt Jack]

Thanks Jack! (And some day, I will stop calling you Jack when I am with you IRL!)

nada biggie. I dont mind...'bob' is just sooo boring.


thx Greg. sorry I didnt credit you for it. I was rushed (my sushi was getting warm) and starving

[Ponine]

Thanks Jack! (And some day, I will stop calling you Jack when I am with you IRL!)

Awwww... don't do that.
He likes it.
And he answers! He ignores the other names.

[Disneyphile]

Ok. I now have my photos narrowed down to 54. Now, I'm just resizing them down...

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'm just glad I had a moment to pick an avatar! I need to choose a desktop...

[innerSpaceman]

SW2 Avatars Rule!!

[Morrigoon]

I love how I keep finding photos that didn't post to the photobucket right (told you it kept crashing). iSm, these are for you:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090227.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090230.jpg

[Disneyphile]

Finally uploaded. Here ya go!!!


The GPS chose our way there. It was curvy, but very scenic. We're happy we went!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2576485897_3be32c5a2f.jpg?v=0

Our reward for trusting our GPS - roadside cows!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2577316590_8ee428fd1a.jpg?v=0

And baby cows!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2576486259_293f476eef.jpg?v=0

And the exciting town of Badger!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2577316978_c03c3bce6c.jpg?v=0



Next up - Entering Kings Canyon...

[Disneyphile]

A couple of the many sights of Kings Canyon:

The gravity gas pumps at the Kings Canyon Lodge.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2577328312_a3647dd5ae.jpg?v=0

Grizzly Falls
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2576498007_0b4ec13cb8_o.jpg

Next stop - The Homestead of Swank Camp 2008!

[Disneyphile]

Our Home for Four Wonderful Days -


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2577318582_b46bb1c643.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2577320552_a3350dc460.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2577320638_73ed00b20d.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2577318256_ee4ee6d307.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2577317768_7d14f21934.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2577317446_e446048733.jpg?v=0
But, it's the people (and pug) who truly made it home...

[Disneyphile]

The Many Faces of Swank
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2576486789_a2d551a39c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2576487983_1d142fcefe.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2576487891_c7f1d6f04b.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2576486651_6a87566422.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2576486863_a67b3b9309.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2576486985_3ed92d0f91.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2577491240_2b8e80b654.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2577491060_1f80c8096c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2576659665_9115299feb.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2576659455_316264ae1d.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2577490848_fdcc469312.jpg?v=0



And, now, a lesson about the birds and the bees trees...

[Disneyphile]

Presenting - the Flora and Fauna of Camp Swank!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2576487351_f362ebe55a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2577318676_0820cee611.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2577320870_cdc8976329.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2576490209_af4d297f82.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2576487813_e4ce1b598f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2577318116_6bdb00aea0.jpg?v=0

And, now it is time to hike our car...

[Disneyphile]

The Many Sights Along the Famous Auto Trail
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2577320050_5bb98b230e.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2576489333_2b417b0785.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2577320150_5b39c3614a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2577320258_1aa4b1107f.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/2577319984_5898286bcc.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2577320466_07229ae76e.jpg?v=0
And, finally, there's nothing like a river that roars...

[Disneyphile]

Roaring River Falls

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/2577328884_800bb980c8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2576498177_d8042f8623_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2576488347_888dce746c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2576488251_851ebfcbeb.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2577319440_6b3d99c5d5.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2576488843_2e475fcba1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2576488431_079614fbfc.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2576488639_b11c5bbfbc.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2577319624_0ab2fa5604.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2576488749_03e8c829e4.jpg?v=0

Ok, I'm done. There are a few more (and all can be downloaded) at this link (http://flickr.com/photos/67163320@N00/sets/72157605605099019/).

If anyone wants a certain photo, let me know which one, and I can get you a larger size than what's available at that link.

[Ponine]

what is the size of the actual originals?
as I've stated before, i'm trying to make a fairly complete set out of these, esp anything with people in them.

[Disneyphile]

what is the size of the actual originals?
as I've stated before, i'm trying to make a fairly complete set out of these, esp anything with people in them.Around 2,000x3,000 pixels (2MB) each. They're HUGE.

I can custom size some of the originals for you, if you like. And, I'll be happy to email them. Just link to me which ones you'd want. :)

[innerSpaceman]

So, i don't get it. When Flikr gives you the option to download the "original" size, is that not the original size?

[Disneyphile]

So, i don't get it. When Flikr gives you the option to download the "original" size, is that not the original size?It would be had I uploaded the original size. ;) So, the "original" size are the sizes that I cut them to before uploading.

I didn't feel like sitting here for hours while uploading almost 60 2MB files, and take up unnecessary space in my albums.

[Alex]

I'll post this here since it is tangentially related. Hopefully this trip got the summer off to a good start.

While looking at the King's Canyon map I got on the way out I noticed that Devils Postpile was halfway between Kings Canyon and Yosemite. And better yet, the road there would take me through Tuolumne Meadows, which we've never made it too before (we always mean to then spend all of our time down in the valley. So I dragged Lani.

Very good weekend and two excursions in a row.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2582760702_74999effbb_b.jpg
The "back side" of Half Dome as seen from Olmstead's Point.

[Not Afraid]

I LOVE that drive and I'm jealous you got to visit. The road won't be open in April when we're up there, but maybe I can manage a trip before then.

[Ponine]

Around 2,000x3,000 pixels (2MB) each. They're HUGE.

I can custom size some of the originals for you, if you like. And, I'll be happy to email them. Just link to me which ones you'd want. :)

I'll have to test them, but I think they will work in the frame just fine. I bet they are fine to print too.
You didnt have too many so I already grabbed them.

[MouseWife]

Alex, that is a lovely shot! I can feel it!!!

Devils' Postpile~we were talking about heading there in the near future. Yes, unfortunatley, trips before Memorial Day do not allow for that route {395}. And, I remember when we went this year and it was supposed to be open, it may not have been yet. {per another visitor}.

Did you two make it to the Postpile? I've only been once and next time I want to go on top of it.

Hard to imagine all there is to do in Mammoth. Or rather, around it. When we went to Ruby Lake, we passed quite a lot and looking on line, there were a lot more lakes to be seen!!! I am guessing they all need to be hiked in to as well?

[Alex]

We did make it, but it was late afternoon when we got there and they the mandatory shuttles are in force so we pretty much just checked it out and then caught the next bus back.

But that is the risk we take with our unplanned travel. Sometimes it just works out that we don't have the time we'd have otherwise wanted. But we've scoped it out and know it is an area we'd enjoy returning to. The tufas at Mono Lake were amazing too.

Here's a picture of the Postpiile. Fortunately early evening is the exact right time to be there.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2582034747_6b5af2d6be_b.jpg


Here's the meadow there. I think I'm going to have to say it was prettier than Zumwalt. Sorry Lisa.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2582186729_7fdbe3ca22_b.jpg

And a marmot needing the LoL treatment, but I can't think of anything.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2582804660_fa8090f4e4_b.jpg

[Ghoulish Delight]

I love the blue tones your camera captures, Alex.

Ponine, here's (http://www.jenniegreg.com/FullGalleries/Swank%20Camp%202008.zip) a link to a zip file with all of our photos (files starting with "DSC" were taken with my camera, "IMGP" with CP's). Right click and "save as". If you want bigger versions, let me know.

[Disneyphile]

That marmot is so cute and fuzzy! I want one!!!

[Morrigoon]

And a marmot needing the LoL treatment, but I can't think of anything.


Ask and ye shall receive:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/random/curmudgeon.jpg

Great photo, btw!

[MouseWife]

Lovely shots, Alex!

I most definitely need to plan another trip up there. I need to learn more about the mandatory shuttles, last time we were there it was just park and hike. And, I need to see how long it takes to get there from Toms' Place. I think that is going to be our new 'base camp' area.

You are so lucky that you can do that in a spur of the moment thing! Our local area to scout about are the Laguna Mountains, the desert area east of here {for fossil hunting...even though they don't really exist, right?} and the coast for the tidepools and sunsets.

Well, haven't seen Lani in any shots, but, please tell her that MouseWife says hello!! {and I guess I am not worthy of her fitness level if you guys are doing such hikes!! We used to do the President Exericise thing, she was in charge?}

[Alex]

This weekend was essentially hike free. If you can walk a gentle mile, then you can cover all the territory we did.

And I almost never take pictures of people. I so hate being in photographs it doesn't seem fair to subject other people to it. And I'm too much of an introvert to ask strangers if they'd be willing to be in a photo of my own.

[Snowflake]

Beautiful photos, Alex.

:snap:

[MouseWife]

I think that is why I like to take pictures....gives me control of the camera. I think people are shocked when I am taking pictures of my family and they offer to take one for us and I say 'Oh, no!!! I don't want to be in the picture!' I am now and again for the family album so they can't say I never went anywhere with them.

Okay, thanks about the hike info. I worry because of the altitude. The hike we did to the lake last year, whew, it went up pretty high, I could be wrong but I think 11,000 feet? We took it slow and easy but it was high. We drove up to, dang, maybe 9,000 feet to the trail head? I dunno. I know we did have residual effects from that day.

One, a touch of altitude issues, giant blisters for the Boy, and, a view of a full moon in broad daylight as our friends went skinny dipping!! They were a bit ahead of us and we thought what the heck is that white thing over there?

[Ponine]

Ponine, a link to a zip file with all of our photos (files starting with "DSC" were taken with my camera, "IMGP" with CP's). Right click and "save as". If you want bigger versions, let me know.

Got em if you want to take the file down. Thank you.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

That blue isn't photoshop?? Damn!

[Not Afraid]

Here's the meadow there. I think I'm going to have to say it was prettier than Zumwalt. Sorry Lisa.



I think we're going to have to have a Meadow-off, because there can only be one pretty meadow in the Sierras.

[Alex]

Then won't the prize go to Tuolumne?

But just to be sure I guess I'll have to visit them all. And I'll have to return to Zumwalt with Lani since pretty places are prettier to me when I'm with her.

[Not Afraid]

Well, I love Tuolumne as well as Zumwalt, so I am useless in making a choice.

[Alex]

That blue isn't photoshop?? Damn!

Well, the blue wasn't an intentional add by me. It is what came out when I trimmed the edges off the levels.

[Kevy Baby]

I love the blue tones your camera captures, Alex.

That blue isn't photoshop?? Damn!IMHO, the photos are over-saturated. The colors do not look natural to me.

But I work in print, so this is the kind of thing I look at.

I think we're going to have to have a Meadow-off, because there can only be one pretty meadow in the Sierras.Is that before or after the curmudgeon-off?

[JWBear]

Is that before or after the curmudgeon-off?

That sounds like a spray you use to ward off grumpy old people ( and I want a case of it)!

[Ghoulish Delight]

IMHO, the photos are over-saturated. The colors do not look natural to me.

But I work in print, so this is the kind of thing I look at.Who said good photography has to look natural?

[Kevy Baby]

Who said good photography has to look natural?To me, the photos look over-saturated. That is my opinion regardless. Not that over-saturated in and of itself is bad, but to me, they are close enough to natural to make them look like and over-saturated version of something that should look closer to natural.

This is also dependent on each person's monitor and viewing conditions. What may look over-saturated on my monitor could look OK on someone else's monitor.

If one were to try to print those photos using four-color process (the standard printing process for full-color reproduction), they would be very disappointed when the printed color looks nowhere near what they are seeing on the screen.

[Morrigoon]

Don't know why it never occurred to me to ask this before, but Kevy, do you guys do art prints by any chance?

[Alex]

Yes, they're oversaturated. But except for the meadow photo that is mostly because I prefer that for viewing online (the meadow had issuse and I didn't feel like going back to the original) and since, generally, I am the only one who ever looks at the pictures I'm the one I'm pleasing.

If I were to print any of them I would return to the original files and reprocess with that in mind.

[Kevy Baby]

Don't know why it never occurred to me to ask this before, but Kevy, do you guys do art prints by any chance?No: high volume (10,000 - 50,000,000) print (much of it direct mail marketing).

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I love that over-saturated look.

Tangent - I read an article about how the over-saturated, hyper-real colors borne of photoshop have become standard among popular Flickr photographers. It talked about how photography and photo editing that's specifically for display on monitors and handheld devices has become something of its own style. New tools, new ways to view photos, new style. There was also a mention of the fact that sometimes pranksters post classic art photos anonymously, and the comments fields fill with people ripping them apart.

[Disneyphile]

There's definitely a huge difference between RGB and CMYK colors. Kevy is surrounded by the latter, so I can see why it would concern him.

[Kevy Baby]

There's definitely a huge difference between RGB and CMYK colors. Kevy is surrounded by the latter, so I can see why it would concern him.True, but even in an RGB world, the colors still look over saturated to me.

Don't get me started on a discussion on color theory and reproduction.

[Disneyphile]

True, but even in an RGB world, the colors still look over saturated to me.Good point, because my scopes would probably say it's off-the-scale too.

Don't get me started on a discussion on color theory and reproduction.Actually, I would probably find that enjoyable. :D

[Alex]

I don't need to be defended (if that is what anybody is trying to do).

I'm fine with any criticism that comes along and appreciate it when it does (in fact, while taking the King's Canyon pictures I had a conversation with someone, I forget whom, about how I never really trust what people say about photo quality when I put them online since pretty much every photo posted by any person of any quality generates the same ecstatic response).

So, anything actually approaching critique is quite valuable. That's not to say I'll necessarily take it to heart. As I said, most of the photos were tweaked to a view I find desirable since I am the only one looking at them (and I am trying create not a journalistic view of the scene but rather recapture my memory of the scene which isn't journalistic), plus I won't make any claim to any great skill.

If I were less lazy, I would return to the original when sharing online and produce a more understated version for sharing. But I am lazy.

But I do appreciate Kevy's honesty.

[innerSpaceman]

Everything looks so different screen-to-screen, I find it impossible to arrive at a universally accepted wonderfulness.

[MouseWife]

Like Alex, I play with my pictures. Sometimes I prefer it one way, other times another.

But, I do not have the skill to do so while taking the picture, like I've heard Alex, GD and some others doing. Like, the shutter speed, etc. Don't have a clue what those things mean. I've been using a digital camera mostly, have an automatic 35mm with a nice telephoto lense and I also have an SLR but haven't used it much because I really don't know how to. My daughter gave it to me when she bought a SLR/Digital camera.

I think it is wonderful that everyone can fix up the pictures the way they want them. I have a few that I want to enlarge to frame but I just can't decide exactly which ones. Every time I go, I get more to choose from. I just don't have enough walls!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I don't need to be defended (if that is what anybody is trying to do). I was more defending myself than you. I'm well aware that the color is not "natural" and that it's oversaturated and that it would require substantial tweaking to produce the same result in a physical reproduction. But my appreciation for the photo and color have nothing to do with such technical nuances and are purely aesthetic. I enjoyed the vibrant sky in the first and the deep blue of the water in the second as seen on my screen, whether natural, or printable, or not.

(in fact, while taking the King's Canyon pictures I had a conversation with someone, I forget whom, about how I never really trust what people say about photo quality when I put them online since pretty much every photo posted by any person of any quality generates the same ecstatic response).'twas I. And it made me wonder if you'd seen the Ira Glass clip that LSPE posted a bit ago. Not so much about taking critique from others, but about accepting the fact that you are going to judge your own work harshly until you've developed the skill necessary to satisfy your self. Total tangent, but it was a good piece of advice.

[Kevy Baby]

But I do appreciate Kevy's honesty.And I knew that you wouldn't be offended by my comments. But I did try to put my comments in such a way as to communicate that my personal preference is not in this direction. Other than the color, I liked the photos overall.