Picture of the Day - June 10, 2009

"Lewis Creek"

Photo courtesy of Winston Rockwell.                    (Click on the photo for a larger view) I have often said that most of us don't have to travel very far from home to find something beautiful or interesting to photograph, and it appears that master photographer Winston Rockwell agrees: "Sometimes, as photographers - and even as non-"shutterbugs" - we get so caught up in a magnificent scene, or a special trip, or a particular event, that we lose sight of the fact that the Creator put immense beauty and tranquility right under our noses. Our world is full of small, undiscovered places, little vignettes that most of us pass by, either because we aren't looking, or because we don't know how to see. But for those willing to step off the pavement, and look for the gifts of nature in the small places as well as the grand, there is beauty in abundance just beyond our doorsteps. Lewis Creek is a small stream that flows laughing through the forest on its way to join the much larger Skykomish River near the town of Index, Washington. It's just a little brook that runs down the hillside, and most people pass right by, though a short trail from the side of the road along the stream bank bears witness to the fact that at least a few have taken the time to pause and look. But when the sunlight filters through the moss-festooned spruce and fir trees, and dappled shadows dance over the rocks and sparkling water, it becomes an enchanted place where a person can sit for hours, imagining faeries and elves, listening to the chuckle of the water over the stones, and dreaming the day away. It's not the Grand Canyon or a magnificent soaring peak, but in its own way, it's much more magical, for it's the kind of place anyone can discover without venturing too far from home, a place to step outside the rat-race for a few minutes, or a few hours, a place where the warmth of the sun and the soft murmur of water over stones seem to melt away our cares and remind us that there is so much more to life than where we work, how much we earn, or what things we've accumulated. It is.... peace."     --Winston "Rocky" Rockwell Here are the camera and settings used to capture this image: Camera: Canon EOS 5D Lens: Tamron SP24-135 Focal length: 52mm Shutter speed: 1.3 seconds Aperture: f/13 ISO: 100 Accessories: ND4 filter, tripod, remote shutter release Please visit Mr. Rockwell at www.northwestnaturalimagery.com where you can enjoy many more of his wonderful images.     Visitor Comments... Name: Terry Givens Town: West Mifflin, PA Beautiful, beautiful scene in today's picture. Makes me want to go there and just sit for a while.     Name: Ed Morrison Town: Dunwoody, GA Simply stunning Mr. Rockwell, but I have come to expect nothing less whenever I see your name under a photograph. A lot of gifted and talented photographers contribute to this site, and IMO you're the cream of the crop.     Name: Gordon Brugman Town: Gatlinburg, TN I always feel the presence of a “kindred spirit” when viewing your images, Rocky. I don’t think it is coincidence that the very day after I spent an afternoon dangling my feet in the chilled waters of my favorite local stream, occasionally taking pictures of the sun-dappled waters, your wonderful stream image pops up on my monitor. Your commentary, as always, captures the essence of the scene and has started my day off right! I’ll have to try to return the favor by submitting one of the shots I took yesterday for Rick's kind consideration.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Rocky, I am convinced that you could take anything and make a great picture out of it!! As others have said, when I see your name, I know it is going to be good. Add to that the great narrative that you include and it always a joy to view another one of your creations. This photo is no exception. It is beautiful!!     Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Thanks for the soothing trip into another part of God's world.   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"