Your Top 10 Photos of 2010...

[JimS]

About this time every year, we all begin to recap and recall the year in hiking, and reflect upon all of the wonderful places we've been. Many of us take our camera along with us, and capture special moments. These may be aestetically beautiful, or capture something with a special meeting.

I invite you all to join me in looking through your photo vault this last week before the holidays, and post you top ten shots. Perhaps include a nice blurb about what, where, and why too...

Note: As always when posting pictures here, please host them on a third party site, and post a smallish picture here!

[JimS]

A little history, last year's top photo thread...
http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?5667-Your-Top-9-(photos)-of-09...&highlight=top+photos+09

[ow2010]

Lion Head (7/7/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5271632636_171ce622b5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271632636/)

Alpine flowers on Mt. Washington (7/7/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5271023491_0725549018.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271023491/)

The classic view of Franconia Ridge from Mt. Lafayette (7/27/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5271600896_8d4476ed8b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271600896/)

Mt. Lafayette from Mt. Lincoln (7/27/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5271024145_07ebd90d7f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271024145/)

Foggy forest on the Willey Range Trail (8/3/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5271660568_f394c09abf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271660568/)

Lonesome Lake from the ledges on Cannon Mountain (8/14/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5271661814_e78b320078.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271661814/)

Franconia Ridge from Cannon Mountain (8/14/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5271022103_e04a0883e8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271022103/)

Franconia Ridge from Mount Kinsman (11/21/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5203/5271634442_ff7dbff2ba.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271634442/)

South Kinsman from between the two peaks (11/21/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5271635064_5bf7435447.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271635064/)

Alpenglow over Mt. Lafayette and Mt. Lincoln from Lonesome Lake (11/21/10)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5271025951_111eb86181.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57254455@N08/5271025951/)

[Brad]

These are some great photos.

[Snow Miser]

Very nice photos ow2010! Franconia Ridge is so beautiful.

[tranquilityandpeace]

Wow, really breathtaking pictures!

[JimS]

I didn't mean to start the thread and run, so here's my top 10...

My photography this year has been rather productive, but I didn't get out nearly as much as I would have liked after switching jobs. But, that's life, and I'm thankful for any time spent in the outdoors.

In chronological order:

Carter Notch Fox - A light snowfall really set a nice mood for this curious fellow at the bunkhouse after a great night at Carter Notch
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4362410496_2d5590f17a_z.jpg?zz=1


Observing the Undercast - I picked a perfect day to be above treeline this time, and had one of the MWO Observers give a sense of scale to the view from Goofer Point towards Lakes of the Clouds
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/4387371798_74324cc580_z.jpg?zz=1


Spring at the Heath - If you've never been to the Saco Heath, it's one of the most unique and spectacular places in the region in Mid May...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4591671966_f62e9eb5ab_z.jpg


Presidential Lupines - While the lupines at Sugar Hill get all of the attention, the Israel River Valley is just as striking!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4676347755_f63944bf17_z.jpg


Dew on Grass Pink Orchid - For the second year in the row, I've included a Grass Pink. I love this flower!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1095/4732752025_9fe425cb8f_z.jpg


Roadside Moose - This Hayfield had gone to seed by early August, and this young Moose really was out standing in his field!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4804664069_3b75416a25_z.jpg


Washington from Lafayette - Caught a fantastic sunrise from the summit of Lafayette, and I loved the minimalist view of the ridges.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4916556706_47d75ac9db_z.jpg


Godrays in Greenleaf - Not one hour after the previous shot, I was thilled with the way the steam of the coffee interplayed with the cold air inside the hut!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4913836624_0cbd3e03cf_z.jpg


Hurricane Earl - Though the waves weren't that impressive with this storm, a long exposure really made the water and rock look powerful and surreal!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4958112284_521d35b370_z.jpg


Chocorua Lake - Wanted this shot for a long time. Well over a dozen times. Finally got it!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5072445818_c980d17c07_b.jpg


Thanks for taking this journey through the year in pictures with me! To a safe, happy and beautiful 2011!

[KSearl]

My photos certainly won't hold up to the ones taken by the talented members of the forum (especially Jim's)...but here are my favorite from this past year. I think they are OK, but mostly like them because of the sentimental value they have the memories they bring back from such wonderful hikes. Here's to a great 2011 and more great pictures to share.

Karl

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs417.snc3/25145_1295522105674_1158978130_30732847_7681366_n. jpg
1. Hepatica on North Pawtuckaway Mountain 04-03-10

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs327.snc3/28967_1318797567546_1158978130_30778029_814919_n.j pg
2. Franconia Ridge from the summit of Mount Moosilauke on 05-07-10

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs530.ash1/31117_1330371256881_1158978130_30804881_6471872_n. jpg
3. Wild Iris behind my Dad's house in a swamp in South Hampton, NH 05-22-10

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs570.snc3/31117_1333823543186_1158978130_30812232_2097450_n. jpg
4. Washington from Mount Osceola on 05-29-10

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs089.ash2/37795_1398141031083_1158978130_30967472_3929546_n. jpg
5. Looking north, up the Presidential Range from Mount Jackson 08-07-10

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs377.snc4/46024_1420036738462_1158978130_31025400_4480474_n. jpg
6. My wife, sitting and enjoying the views on Middle Sugarloaf 08-29-10

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs204.ash2/46685_1429056603953_1158978130_31043141_636488_n.j pg
7. Signage on the Franconia Ridge 09-02-10

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs627.snc4/58716_1429054803908_1158978130_31043124_7760055_n. jpg
8. Of course, the Franconia Ridge 09-02-10.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs833.snc4/69389_1467300720032_1158978130_31120093_7429002_n. jpg
9. Barn with Mount Wonalancet in the background, at the height of foliage on 10-10-10.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs718.snc4/63805_1443130275786_1158978130_31071907_4197753_n. jpg
10. Me and my boots on the summit of Liberty, looking at the Bonds 09-18-10

[ow2010]

Those are some great pictures Karl! I especially like the shot from Moosilauke with views of Franconia Ridge AND the Presidentials - I can't wait for that hike.

[leatherhides]

Very Nice photos, I really like the foggy forest one. What kind of Lens/Camera were you using?

[JimS]

Agree...great stuff Karl!

[ow2010]

Very Nice photos, I really like the foggy forest one. What kind of Lens/Camera were you using?

Just a Sony Cybershot DSC-TX1. I turned it black&white in photoshop and brought out some of the contrasts.

[MOAB149]

You are truly an artist. Just breath taking imagery. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Brad]

Trying to pick 10 is tough - and keeping the selection to be "around the WMNF" to stay in theme is hard. But, here is my selection.

1. Ice on a frozen lake.
http://images20.fotki.com/v533/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_6207a-vi.jpg

2. Icy Sunrise
http://images41.fotki.com/v209/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_6226a-vi.jpg

3. Ice dripping in the stream
http://images41.fotki.com/v9/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_6602a-vi.jpg

4. Shawnee Peak with night lights for skiing + frozen lake + reflection
http://images56.fotki.com/v542/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_7243a-vi.jpg

5. Hot air balloon in N Conway
http://images43.fotki.com/v504/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_9495f-vi.jpg

6. June Auto Road Sunrise Drive
http://images17.fotki.com/v1622/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_0816f-vi.jpg

7. Stairway View
http://images43.fotki.com/v504/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_3122mw-vi.jpg

8. Sunrise on the deck
http://images55.fotki.com/v605/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_5116e-vi.jpg

9. Full Moon Night
http://images55.fotki.com/v605/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_5230f-vi.jpg

10. Fall Morning
http://images9.fotki.com/v54/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_0217a-vi.jpg

And a Bonus Picture - Lookin At You Babe
http://images58.fotki.com/v85/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_1957a-vi.jpg

[mtruman]

What a fantastic start again this year! Great albums from Owen, Karl, Jim and Brad. I think I've been lucky enough to see and comment on almost all of these during the year, but the comments bear repeating. Beautiful! Spectacular! Gorgeous! Breathtaking! Inspirational... Well, you get the idea. Thanks for kicking this off again Jim. Just the reason I needed to go back and review the year. My entries soon.

[Snow Miser]

I have to second what Mark said, "Beautiful! Spectacular! Gorgeous! Breathtaking! Inspirational". I recall most of these great photos from throughout 2010. :)

[JimS]

Great set Brad...but you only included one of my two favorites of yours from the past year. Where's the island in the mist? So hard to narrow down!

[Brad]

Do you mean this one?

http://images18.fotki.com/v60/photos/5/8235/9057488/CRW_5815-vi.jpg

I had to cut them off somewhere. 2010 has been an amazing year for me photographically. Normally I am off to work every day and snag a chance or two every once in a while to get some pictures. Now that I am in Maine full time - doing real estate - driving around - I always have my camera with me and it is such a wonderful thing. Pull over, turn around, and get that picture right then. So, it is fun for me to look back over the year and I see very different photos than I have gotten in the past and more of them. It has been fun.

And there have been up the coast of Maine with a friend photo shoots. Multiple Auto Road Sunrise Drives. Sending a text message to Jim S at 3AM saying I am heading to Portland Head Light because of high tide and a storm going by - and he answers right away that he is heading there too. It has been quite a year.

[JimS]

Do you mean this one?

Sending a text message to Jim S at 3AM saying I am heading to Portland Head Light because of high tide and a storm going by - and he answers right away that he is heading there too. It has been quite a year.

That's the one...and that was fun!

[KSearl]

When people post 10 pictures, I can't help but try to pick out my favorite in each set. They are all fantastic, though. I wish I had the artistic touch that you guys have.

But...here goes my attempt at choosing favorites:

Own, I think I have to defer to your gloomy forest picture. I really love that one.

Jim, You don't make choosing a favorite easy. The top runners are definitely the Lupines w/ the Presidentials...although the baby moose is awesome too. The picture of the observer on the snow covered Washington is very cool too...I feel like I've seen that one driving around Conway in traffic :)

Brad, Great photos. I really like the stairway shot and the island in the mist. I can recall another photo that I really liked too, from a top Kearsarge North, on the fire tower. You captured some of the wooden rail in it, and I really like it...can you post that one too?

Great job everyone...we have a lot more forum members to go...let's go guys...get posting!

Karl

[Brad]

Karl, it is nice you remember photos from that hike. Here are 2 and I think one of these is what you recall.

http://images16.fotki.com/v3/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_2516_7_8f-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v1622/photos/5/8235/8343137/IMG_2519_0_1f-vi.jpg

[KSearl]

Hi Brad,

Yes, it was the second one. I really like this shot. I love the skyline with the clouds and mountains and the foreground with closer trees and weathered railing. It's one of my favorites for sure.

Thanks for posting it...again!

Karl

[gpetrics]

Thanks for starting this thread Jim. Fun to have an excuse to go through the shots and dig some keepers out. I shoot so much these days, it's easy to loose sight of the cream...

In January 2010 my girlfriend and I went up to find some mellow snowfields on the wild west side of MTW (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/09-10/the-wild-west-side/) and came away with one of the most beautiful days of the season.
http://famousinternetskiers.com/media/greg/09-10/wild_west/IMG_9441.jpg
http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/media/2010Calendar/low_res/KC_in_ammopipe_fill_noflare.jpg

I was then VT bound for two months, and didn't get back to the Whites until early March 2010 when the snowpack was much more mature. A tremendous storm blew through with SE winds in early March (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/09-10/a-trifecta/4/), and deposited probably 60" of snow via wind loading on the west side, and caused what I think was a 30-year avalanche cycle opening new ski lines, and burying terrain that often is much more highly consequential. Jacob's Ladder was a sight to (not) behold.
http://famousinternetskiers.com/media/greg/09-10/the_trifecta/jacobs_ladder_full.jpg

In the Northern Presidentials the snowpack was equally bizarre (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/09-10/a-day-fit-for-kings/) (from normal). Portions of the mountains that are 5.8 or higher rock climbing were somewhat straightforward ski descents. In our (albeit short) 3 years of riding in King Ravine we had NEVER seen this particular line with even a flake of snow in it. It's not hard to believe this might have been a first descent... although it's equally as likely that it was skied in 1965 by a dude in leather boots. Who knows?
http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_3449.jpg

Likewise over on Lafayette things were strange with regards to the snowpack (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/09-10/roadside-katahdin-coolers/)
http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/media/greg/09-10/roadside_kat/IMG_4144.jpg

Finally in April 2010 we returned to the Great Gulf (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/09-10/a-completely-average-april/) and the snow was shallow there since the loading in the GG happens on west winds, and last year was a year for SE winds (at least when it snowed). Nevertheless there's always snow on MTW!
http://famousinternetskiers.com/media/greg/09-10/garnaganza/IMG_6615-2.jpg

Also got this shot of an infamous Icelanticskier (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/spam-4-icelanticskier-schuss-mount-washington-nh/) descending the thin snowpack in the Great Gulf.
http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/wp-content/uploads/greg/2010/10/spam-4-icelanticskier-schuss-mount-washington-nh/FIS_ICEL_MTW.jpg

Then came the summer... Most of my time I could afford for photography I devoted to an experimental photography project in VT (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/09-10/from-light-to-dark/) that I hope to carry over into winter. Ergo I don't really have much stuff from the Whites. We did however bivoac in the Dry River Wilderness one night, and I got one keeper. Other than this one though I have little that holds a candle to all the great summer/fall photographs of the Whites out there, so I will generally defer to the skills of other photogs for summer shots (cough! JIM! COUGGGHH!)...
http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/wp-content/uploads/greg/2010/09/fromlight-todark/camp_pano_crop.jpg

Finally, I managed to capture what I think are some really compelling shots last weekend, when we found some improbable occidental powder (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/10-11/occidental-powder/) above an undercast.
http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/wp-content/uploads/greg/2010/12/occidental-powder/IMG_3955.jpg
http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/wp-content/uploads/greg/2010/12/occidental-powder/IMG_4109.jpg

[Brad]

Greg, those are fantastic.Thanking for posting them

[mtruman]

Once again, thanks to Jim for starting this again this year. It's great to get that little push to go back and review all our photographic memories. I had a particularly hard time picking just 10 this year - not because I took so many good photos but because they evoked so many wonderful memories. It was so much fun reliving them over the last few days. In the end I chose some for their photographic qualities and some for the memories. Hope you enjoy them.

#1 - Mount Liberty Winter Summit
This was a beautiful day for multiple reasons. It was one of the nicest winter hikes we've ever done, we got to enjoy it with our good friend Tim and it was our first winter 4K. The shot shows Nat on the final steps to the summit with Franconia Ridge, Mt Garfield and the Pemi spread out below the clouds. It was one of the most spectacular places that I've ever been.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjG9hb1fDI/AAAAAAAAb2I/nMWztHdwMbQ/s800/IMG_1410.JPG


#2 - Feeling Very Small
On an absolutely perfect day in March we hiked Mt Pierce with our friends Tim and Val. It was sunny, warm and windless and there was endless snow beneath our feet. On the summit of Pierce we were treated to a Presidential view that has to be very rare indeed. I wandered out beyond the summit and Nat took this picture of me standing in a place where I have never felt so small.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHDVqQqsI/AAAAAAAAb2M/IUqKl0AC9KQ/s800/814291341_img_3707.jpg


#3 - Cutler River on the First Day of Spring
On the last day of our March trip we were driving through Pinkham Notch on the way back from hiking Starr King and Waumbek. It was the last day of winter and the first day of spring and had already been an amazing day. As we drove around a bend I saw what looked like a beautiful winter scene along the Cutler River. I wasn't able to stop in time and almost didn't go back. More than a mile up the road I finally decided to turn around and went back and found the spot and was glad I did. This one was ultimately my single contribution to the OBS Photo Journal for 2010. I'll have to work a bit harder on that in 2011.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHDhR05mI/AAAAAAAAb2Q/t_UUsw6ixcU/s800/P1040979.JPG


#4 - The Wildflowers of Walmart Valley
While we were living at the Residence Inn during our home reconstruction we were blessed with some unexpected bits of beauty. The hotel was surrounded with vacant lots that were mostly sand and scrub. The view across the street was to the huge Walmart and multiple strip malls that made up the area. Not much to look at for sure. But from early spring until early fall those vacant lots were constantly bathed in a changing array of wildflowers like I've never seen before. Every morning and evening we would wander through them with the dog marveling at the beauty beneath our feet. I shared an album of these with my Facebook friends titled "A Spring Evening In Walmart Valley (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=61361&id=1524393743&l=b74eafc330)". If you look around you there is beauty in the most unexpected places.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHD_ODVMI/AAAAAAAAb2Y/en65xqlaXVY/s576/IMG_2636.JPG


#5 - Half Dome Evening Light
In June we spent 6 amazing days in the #1 place on my life list - Yosemite. Choosing 10 top photos for the year out of the ones from any of those days in the home of John Muir and Ansel Adams would have been tough. Leaving room for the others from the rest of the year was darned near impossible. I somehow managed to include only 4 here. This one is an example of the sights that Yosemite Valley somehow manages to try to make commonplace. It's Half Dome with the incredible light that it reflects as the sun sets across the valley each evening. What is most amazing to me is that this was taken from the parking lot in Curry Village about 100 steps from our tent cabin. I have never felt so immersed in total beauty as I did in this place. For a bit more of the Yosemite experience there are about 400 more images here: http://picasaweb.google.com/mtruman42/Yosemite2010#

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHEF5K7aI/AAAAAAAAb2g/4k93RI4APUY/s800/IMG_2690.JPG


#6 - Tenaya Lake
During our stay in Yosemite we managed to meet up with our friend Erich (Bluedog) who just happened to be there the same time as we were. While we didn't wind up hiking together we did spend an amazing day driving from the valley across Tioga Road and down to Mono Lake, stopping about every 15 minutes along the way to soak in the incredible views. I could post about 50 of my favorite Yosemite photos from during that trip but this one won out in the end.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHEjznyPI/AAAAAAAAb2o/FDJ2GqDf19Y/s800/P1050434.JPG


#7 - Yosemite Valley from Sentinel Dome
Our shortest and easiest hike in Yosemite was Sentinel Dome. Near the top of Glacier Point Road it's a couple of mile stroll to what has to be one of the most awe inspiring places on earth. Pictures cannot do it justice. This was one of the favorite spots for Ansel Adams and the home of the Jeffrey Pine - his famous photo subject that now is just the remains of a fallen legend. In this shot Nat stops just before the summit of the dome to take in the valley spread out at our feet with Half Dome and Clouds Rest to the right.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHE7JzjlI/AAAAAAAAb2s/BHTWpKmtBkI/s800/P1050457.JPG

This is the famous Ansel Adams photo of the Jeffrey Pine from 1940:
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/images/2008/11/26/jeffrey_pine_web_processed.jpg

And another one in an unusual color image from him in 1948 (from the Smithsonian):
http://media.smithsonianmag.com/images/Ansel-Adams-Jeffrey-Pine-10.jpg

And this is my photo of what is left of it today. I wonder what sort of amazing image he would still have managed to make from it now.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TD0ZH_ySS6I/AAAAAAAAZ4g/5iMteVV0aes/s512/P1050469.JPG


#8 - Hetch Hetchy
With all the beauty of Yosemite Valley it is also a pretty crazy place. On our last day we decided to escape the crowds and drive to the "quiet side" of Yosemite - Hetch Hetchy. This is the "other Yosemite Valley" that John Muir spent so many years of his life unsuccessfully trying to save from becoming a reservoir to provide water for San Francisco. It turned out to be one of the most amazing places we've ever been. The trails were a never ending carpet of wildflowers, the path along the rim of the reservoir led to new beauty at every turn and with the exception of a very few other hikers we had it all to ourselves. It was like discovering the Garden of Eden. This photo of Kolana Rock overlooking the Hetch Hetchy reservoir captured the most amazing image in a day of amazing images. The photo cannot do it justice (and neither can the words). Our photo journey through Hetch Hetchy is also chronicled in my forum post here: http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6213-Hetch-Hetchy-Yosemite-s-Garden-of-Eden-June-2010

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHFCisMJI/AAAAAAAAb20/N--4O7wBeYM/s800/P1050620.JPG


#9 - Ice Plant in Monterey
This one makes it in on sentimental value. From our first trip to California almost 25 years ago Monterey has been one of my favorite places on earth. In the spring when the Ice Plant is blooming the scenes as you drive along the ocean south of Monterey and along 17 Mile Drive are a frequent repeat of this image. This was taken on a less than spectacular afternoon with gray skies covering Monterey Bay which are still not able to overcome the beauty of this place.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHFYLRPcI/AAAAAAAAb24/TthGUQh78wc/s800/P1050665.JPG


#10 - Crawford Notch Morning Light
The final image is another example of finding beauty in everyday places where you least expect them. In October we spent Columbus Day weekend getting in our final time of 2010 in New Hampshire. We had four straight days of amazing hikes and were in some of the most beautiful places in the Whites including the frozen pre-winter summit of Moosilauke and a perfect autumn afternoon on Zeacliff. This image came from neither. As we drove through Crawford Notch on one of the mornings the dawn light set fire to the clouds and I stopped to take this from the side of the road in an otherwise completely unremarkable place. Seems like a fitting place to end the year in pictures.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/TRjHF99sb1I/AAAAAAAAb3E/E0j_qwsUuL0/s800/IMG_0051.jpg


Postscript - The Photographer
OK, I'm cheating since I've already put in my 10 (and actually one extra as well) but I had to add this one. The day that we hiked Pierce with Tim and Val we had a typical winter welcoming committee of Gray Jays as we reached treeline. Tim got this picture of me doing what I love to do most - taking pictures in these amazing places. Watch the birdie!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KuEV5mt1_ak/S6a0Rnh22wI/AAAAAAAAX14/PWVQdFEZ8yE/s640/814291272_img_3699.jpg

[ow2010]

Wow, great pictures, Mark! I especially like the shot from Liberty and I know exactly what you mean when you say it's one of the most spectacular places you've ever been...can't beat a winter summit with a thin veil of clouds over the valley.
Your shots of Yosemite are stunning as well. Thanks for sharing!

[KathyC]

All of you have such beautiful pictures. Mine are not as good as many, but I liked them.

Echo Lake back in the summer.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/Shmurfone/NHSummer2010052.jpg

From the top of Cathedral ledge.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/Shmurfone/newhampshirejuly2010003-1.jpg

Just a mushroom.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/Shmurfone/NHSummer2010058.jpg

A Happy Guy at the Fruyburg Fair.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/Shmurfone/NH1010129.jpg

Diana's Bath.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/Shmurfone/NH1010171.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/Shmurfone/NH1010196.jpg

The Beautiful tall trees of NH.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/Shmurfone/NH1010199.jpg

A Butterfly in my yard.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/Shmurfone/RandomPhotos005-1.jpg

[Snow Miser]

They're all beautiful photos Kathy! I especially like the "A Happy Guy at the Freyburg Fair". :)

[KSearl]

Greg - Your pictures are great. You have some amazing shots of people skiing. Your snow-packed landscapes are really incredible.

Mark - Well done photos. I agree, I think your view of the Presidentials from Pierce is great! The picture of Yosemite Valley from Sentinel Dome is unbelievable. It doesn't even seem real!!! If it looks that amazing from the photo, it must have been breathtaking in person. Your Jeffrey Pine Tree pictures are pretty neat. I've never seen this before. At first, as I was scrolling down, I thought the second shot was yours comparing it to the black & white image. Then I kept reading and scrolling. It's sad the pine isn't still alive, but I'm glad to see there is still remnants of it. A piece of natural history for sure. Great set of photos!!!

Kathy - Your shot of Echo Lake is fantastic...the butterfly is great too. I'm certainly with Bob, I like the "Happy Guy"!!!

Karl

[Snow Miser]

Here are 10 of my favorites from 2010.

Looking north towards Crawford Notch from Mount Hedgehog.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5301810814_4d5af22a65.jpg


A view north from Bear Mountain, CT

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5301810754_19db44939d.jpg


The Pinnacle, Hamburg, PA

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5301216043_88e42f9d76.jpg


Mount Washington from Mount Pierce

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5301215553_34630bb39d.jpg


Mount Washington from Mount Jackson

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5126/5301810898_bc685cab85.jpg


Mount Washington from Mount Webster

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5301810922_a22739eab9.jpg


Lion Head - STP2010

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5301810958_aca84f1c19.jpg


Hermit Lake from Lion Head - STP2010

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5301215677_4d8c86b833.jpg


Under the tent at STP2010

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5301215719_e758a933fe.jpg


One cold day in Bucks County, PA

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5301216071_84377256c2.jpg

[JimS]

Thanks for starting this thread Jim. Fun to have an excuse to go through the shots and dig some keepers out. I shoot so much these days, it's easy to loose sight of the cream...


Then came the summer... Most of my time I could afford for photography I devoted to an experimental photography project in VT (http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/09-10/from-light-to-dark/) that I hope to carry over into winter. Ergo I don't really have much stuff from the Whites. We did however bivoac in the Dry River Wilderness one night, and I got one keeper. Other than this one though I have little that holds a candle to all the great summer/fall photographs of the Whites out there, so I will generally defer to the skills of other photogs for summer shots (cough! JIM! COUGGGHH!)...
http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/wp-content/uploads/greg/2010/09/fromlight-todark/camp_pano_crop.jpg




Now THIS is a shot! Not to say that I don't love all your ski work, and your postings on http://www.famousinternetskiers.com, but this is amazing!

We've got to make sure we connect this winter for a dawn hike up something silly!

[BAXTERCA2]

I've tried... But, I don't think I'm uploading pictures correctly so, instead of looking like a big idiot. How about 5 pics from 2010.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me work on my photography skills this year (you know who you are) and a big Thank You to everyone who has shared their top 10 of 2010. There are some really nice pictures/stories out there.

Happy New Year!!

Added 5 more.

[Snow Miser]

Very nice photos Karen!!! I especially like the church in B/W, and the fireworks. Were the fireworks in NYC or Boston?

[BAXTERCA2]

Very nice photos Karen!!! I especially like the church in B/W, and the fireworks. Were the fireworks in NYC or Boston?

Thanks Bob.
Fireworks where taken in Boston. My first firework shots (sort of). Chris B and Brad gave me advice over 2 days prior to the 4th. I shot at Hampton Beach and Onset Ma then into Boston for the 4th. What a learning lesson, tripod, tripod, tripod.

[mtruman]

Very nice Karen! My favorites are the A-Frame tree with rays, the Merrimack River scene and the beach scene. Wonderful light.

Great shots Kathy and Bob. Good images and I'm sure good memories.

I agree with Jim Greg's shot in Dry River. Beautiful light and color.

I'm sure we're still going to be treated to more new photos as well. Keep 'em coming!

[KD Talbot]

There has just been some incredible eye-candy here! Just outstanding shots by everyone, thank you for sharing them here, and thanks to Jim for pushing me to do this every year! I offer these dozen shots, all from New Hampshire:

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100120-20100120-DSCN8099.jpg
Powow River, Kingston, NH 1/20/2010

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100204-20100204-DSCN8487.jpg
Bondcliff as seen from the Summit of Owlshead 2/4/10 My 51st Birthday

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100331--1263.jpg
Raindrops and Pussywillows at Kingston State Park 3/31/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100411--1575.jpg
Bloodroot Sanguanaria canadensis 4/11/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100504--162.jpg
Evans Notch 5/4/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100622-DSC_5575-26.jpg
Sunrise Powow River, Kingston, NH 6/22/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100720-DSC_6934-54.jpg
Red Spotted Newt Notophthalmus viridescens Still in its Eft form. 7/20/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100818-DSC_8545-20.jpg
Another Powow River Sunrise 8/18/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20100909-DSC_9810-86.jpg
Sometimes We Fail to See the Beauty in the Simplest Things 9/9/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20101016-DSC_1470-54.jpg
Emma on Mount Waumbek 10/16/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20101129-20101129-DSC_2755.jpg
Fire and Ice Over Greenwood Pond, Kingston, NH 11/29/10

http://www.ghostflowers.com/forumshots/20101205-20101205-DSC_2934.jpg
Hanging with the Big Guns 12/5/10

KDT

[mtruman]

Way to ring in the new year Kevin! I'd say that I'd already seen and enjoyed them all but somehow I missed the one from 9/9 - and it's my favorite. The title says it all. Happy New Year to you, Judy, Emma and the whole Talbot clan. It's going to be a great 2011. See you on a trail soon!

BTW - did the name of that notch slip your mind? ;)

[Jersey]

So after lurking for a while I registered just to say how much I enjoy all these great photos.
Happy trails,
Alice

[Brad]

Kevin I do like that Kevin's Notch photo. So simple and nice.

I snagged a few nice shots last night at the Mt Washington Auto Road's fireworks so these just slipped in as 2010.

After sunset and it was dark
http://images12.fotki.com/v254/photos/5/8235/9362847/IMG_3058a-vi.jpg

http://images12.fotki.com/v216/photos/5/8235/9362847/IMG_3099a-vi.jpg

[Trailsend]

Great pictures Bob!!! especially the Pinnacle in PA, thanks for sharing.

[MichelleHartman22]

Very Nice photos, I really like the flowers' color.

[KSearl]

Wow, everyone who has posted pics really have some great shots! I hope there is more to come!

Bob - Love your photos. The Pinnacle looks like a great place to hang out. I really like your Bucks County shot too. However, my favorite is Mt. Washington from Mt. Webster. I recall this exact view being on Webster's summit, and I couldn't get a good shot like this. It's very nice.

Karen - Awesome shots too. I love the first picture of the swans and the Merrimack River sunset. Really beautiful.

Kevin - Your shots are amazing! I'm partial to the Powow River shots since I grew up around the Powow and it ran through my Dad's property (did a lot of fishing there, on a very secluded stretch way out in the woods). I really like the first shot of the river in the winter time. I think Bond Cliff from Owl's Head is great. I've never seen a pick of the cliff up this close. Usually, you see it from the Franconia Ridge...this looks like the same angle but much closer. I also like this because most picks you see from Owl's Head are woodsy, because most say it is viewless. Well, you captured a great view and a new perspective for me of Bond Cliff. I hope to one day hike out there! Your Evans Notch photo is simply beautiful too...one of my favorites.

Brad - This may be a stupid question, but what is the first shot? It looks like lights along the autoroad...but I'm not sure??? The second shot of the fireworks are great!

Karl

[Brad]

Brad - This may be a stupid question, but what is the first shot? It looks like lights along the autoroad...but I'm not sure??? The second shot of the fireworks are great!

Karl
The first photo of the last two that were posted is from the Mt Washington Auto Road's lodge across route 16 looking at Mt Washington. The red light is a car's tail lights as it drove south on route 16. This was taken well after sunset.

[sdways01]

I had a hard time picking only 10, but here they are...

1. My first winter hike of Mt. Monadnock
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Random/Daily-Photo-2010/Monadnock4568/761939020_Dfu8r-L.jpg

2. Chamberlain Falls on Mt. Monadnock
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Random/Daily-Photo-2010/Monadnock5711/828406096_QqGLL-L.jpg

3. Quechee Balloon Festival
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Random/Daily-Photo-2010/QBF9045/906190694_ezeE2-L.jpg

4. Garfield Falls
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Random/Daily-Photo-2010/Maine0727/957670297_Jw9d8-L.jpg

5. Arethusa Falls
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Random/Daily-Photo-2010/Arethusa0358/951423782_VRhJp-L.jpg

6. A beautiful sunrise on Lake Umbagog
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Random/Daily-Photo-2010/Camping1838/988396319_pJksU-L.jpg

7. 21st Annual Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Random/Daily-Photo-2010/Fireworks1715/977950557_7cPa2-L.jpg

8. Flags on the 48 on Mt. Lafayette & Mt. Lincoln (looking to Lafayette from Lincoln)
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/48NH4Ks/Lafayette-Lincoln/LafeyetteLincoln2674/1006601697_RiGRD-L.jpg

9. Mt. Washington Sunrise drive 7-25-10. I did see one very brief glimpse of blue sky while at the summit
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Travel/White-Mtns-NH-7-10/Mt-Washington-Sunrise-7-25/MtWashington0243/950720695_QyS5L-L.jpg

10. Conway scenic railroad in Crawford Notch on Willey Brook Bridge
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Travel/Fall-2010/Crawford-Notch/Fall3760/1045575653_LWFmG-L-1.jpg


And one last one just for fun.... A self self self self self self portrait on Gap Mtn.
http://sdways01.smugmug.com/Random/Daily-Photo-2010/GapMtn6112/1118395908_uGJXg-L.jpg

[Snow Miser]

Great photos Adam! Love the "self self self self self self portrait on Gap Mtn". :)

[Brad]

Another great set of photos

[CHRIS]

There are way to many fantastic photos in here to pick any one. Thanks everybody for posting...

[KathyC]

Beautiful pictures Adam.

[silver leaf mirror]

I am new to this forum and found it by sheer accident, but I am SOOO glad that I did. What a fantastic group of photographs you all have. They are all wonderful but I'd there are a few that really make my jaw drop (with envy & admiration!): ow2010 - foggy forest, JimS - Chocorua Lake & fox, Brad - ice on the lake & icy sunrise, KDTalbot - willow & newt. I've never traveled out West but the photos that you guys have showcased here have really given me the wanderlust. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Brad]

I am new to this forum and found it by sheer accident, but I am SOOO glad that I did. What a fantastic group of photographs you all have. They are all wonderful but I'd there are a few that really make my jaw drop (with envy & admiration!): ow2010 - foggy forest, JimS - Chocorua Lake & fox, Brad - ice on the lake & icy sunrise, KDTalbot - willow & newt. I've never traveled out West but the photos that you guys have showcased here have really given me the wanderlust. Thanks so much for sharing!

Silver Leaf, the majority of these photos are in the White Mountain national Forest or specifically right around Mt Washington in NH. That is our key love and where the Mt Washington Observatory is located. So, most of us are east coast folk.

[emma68]

absolutely beautiful!!!

[Stets]

Congratulations Jim!


"Godrays in Greenleaf" with a third place in AMC Photo Contest!


Nicely done!






https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Gwldd1ohs-w/TXBk5c-Ct5I/AAAAAAAADZc/IsMYm49q7Sw/Godrays%20in%20Greenleaf.jpg

[forestgnome]

thanks for posting everyone! such nice work!!!! :)

[forestgnome]

baby moose at dawn

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_8182aaa.jpg


reflection in a beaver bog in Zealand Notch

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_8568aaa.jpg




view to Franconia Ridge from a bog in the Pemigawasset Wilderness

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5108aaa.jpg




young bull moose thrashing/polishing his antlers, removing the velvet

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_4793aaa.jpg




same young bull resting in the wildflowers

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/White%20Mountain%20Moose/IMG_7994aaa.jpg



nice big bull in Zealand Notch

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_4746aaa.jpg




same bull taking a rest

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_4730aaa.jpg




two good freinds, Sabrina and Jeremy, who I started hiking with after years of hiking solo exclusievly

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_4305aaa.jpg




intense-moment close-up as he walks by and takes a really close look

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_4061aaa.jpg




then decides he's in good company and takes a rest with me...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_4104aaa.jpg




http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_4005aaa.jpg




more evidence that I now hike with other humans...I think this captures a hikers mood

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_3864aaa.jpg




http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_3744aaa.jpg




http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_3690aaa.jpg



http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_3243aaa.jpg



http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_3525aaa.jpg



moose family on Mt. Washington...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_3223aaa.jpg




dreaming baby moose as mama watches....yes, I was also laying down quietly with them resting

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_3153aaa.jpg




after nap streeeeeeeetch...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_3228aaa.jpg



nuzzle...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_2908aaa.jpg




my favorite-by-far moose, Big Daddy, visiting me for the first time of the season, a precious spring tradition that I hope continues...he's getting old...this has been happening each spring for 7 years. I see him often all spring and summer, then he changes his patterns before the hunt and I never see him again until spring. Here he is coming toward me at dawn in late March.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_6282-copyaaa-1.jpg




and here he is in July, my last sighting of him of last year...he's such a mystery to me...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_7091aaa.jpg




very healthy mama and yearling in spring after baby's first winter...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_0698aaa1000.jpg



nice mellow bull in my favorite moose yard on my favorite mountain...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5725aaa.jpg


happy trails :)

[KathyC]

Beautiful, I love the mist over the mountain.

I know that you easily have 9 more that you could post....:D

[Snow Miser]

All are beautiful photos Patrick! It's nice to have you back and posting your fine moose photos for us. Thanks!

[KathyC]

Wow, just wow, Amazing !!!

When I looked earlier there was only one picture, they are all beautiful.

[Anna LeBlanc]

Patrick it's great to have you home! All of your pictures are beautiful and I'm sure the moose are as happy to have you home as we are. Have you seen Big Daddy yet this year?
Please keep posting and help to keep a smile on our faces.:D

____________
Anna

[Stets]

Stunning!

Patrick, you are a true professional.

Thank you for the images.

Absolutely fantastic!