It’s funny to think that only a month ago, we were enjoying the fall foliage when it was at its peak. Since then, we have had a significant amount of snowfall and we decided to get a head start on snow hiking. We wanted to get up to the ridge before the clouds started rolling in for the afternoon. Without a doubt, every time we make plans to get outdoors for a hike and photograph taking, the clear skies are replaced by clouds. These clouds aren’t the fluffy and sporadic kind with occasional sun shining through. These clouds cast a blanket of continuous gloom and you can kiss good lighting goodbye. We refer to this as “Maine-clear.” Without a doubt, a day that was supposed to be completely sunny according to the weather reports online, turns into an afternoon of clouds. We decided to go with the flow and see what kind of photographs we could get anyway.
This time, we parked at the Industry Volunteer Fire and Rescue, because there was no where to park on the side of the road with all the plowed snow blocking the usual roadside parking area. With a short walk, the trail is only about 1/4 mile from the firehouse. When we got to the trail head, we were expecting to hike through a lot of snow, but this proved to be easier said than done. The snow was pretty deep. Luckily for me, my partner got the honor of breaking the trail. His feet are way bigger than mine and I got to walk in his tracks made by his boots. He is also over six feet tall, so his stride is wider than mine. This made me work a little harder than usual, but well worth getting outdoors for some fresh air and exercise. It was only about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and it was quite a workout getting up the 1/4 mile incline to the ridge. When we got to the top, I got settled in and took a few photographs despite the growing presence of clouds in the sky, once again.
The following photographs were taken after 2 o’clock in the afternoon and I experimented with three different lenses and filter: A Canon 55-250mm lens, Canon 18-55mm lens, Sigma 10-22 wide angle lens and a circular polarizing filter. I hope you enjoy the view and if you are interested in making the hike yourself, you can find directions here.
(f/7.1, 1/60 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
The Industry Volunteer Fire and Rescue in Industry, Maine.
(f/9, 1/50 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
Walking along Route 148 in Industry, Maine.
(f/9, 1/30 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @20mm)
Center Hill Cemetery and the head of Pico Trail.
(f/7.1, 1/60 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @20mm)
Hiking uphill in the snow.
(f/7.1, 1/50 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
A snow filled trail.
(f/6.3, 1/200 second, ISO 100, 55-250 @ 55mm)
Tracks through the snow.
(f/7.1, 1/50 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
The sun coming through the trees.
(f/7.1, 1/50 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
Fallen autumn leaves scattered on the snow.
(f/6.3, 1/200 second, ISO 100, 55-250 @ 55mm)
Hiking toward the ridge.
(f/7.1, 1/50 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
The trail leading to the cliff.
(f/9, 1/100 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
A bright sky over Clearwater Lake.
(f/10, 1/500 second, ISO 100, 55-250 @ 55mm)
The sun setting over the lake.
(f/9, 1/500 second, ISO 100, 55-250 @ 55mm)
A golden sky over Clearwater Lake.
(f/10, 1/500 second, ISO 100, 55-250 @ 55mm)
A view of Clearwater Lake.
(f/5, 1/125 second, ISO 100, 55-250 @ 55mm)
A view of the mountains from the edge of Pico Ridge.
(f/10, 1/100 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
A view of the mountains through the trees.
(f/4.5, 1/125 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
The tree line from Pico Ridge.
(f/10, 1/100 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
A pale sky over the mountains
(f/10, 1/500 second, ISO 100, 55-250 @ 55mm)
A rainbow over the mountains.
(f/9, 1/50 second, ISO 100, 10-20 @ 20mm)
The end of the hike.
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