3 strikes on Plateau Point

Kristen M. Caldon Photo

Backcountry and Remote Locations Imagery
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
5
Last week I had my yearly cross canyon hike, and as I baked in the sun, sweated out the humidity, moving slowly along the trails, soaking all the sights in. I watched the storms move in and out every afternoon, building each day, winds would pick up and swirling clouds would rush in, pelting down rain, kicking up dirt, and draining the canyons in massive flash floods. I hoped that when I climbed out the Bright Angel Trail from the Colorado River, that the storms would build again when I would have the chance to get right out in the middle of it all, Plateau Point. This is one of my favorite locations; 1,300 ft. above the Colorado River with big views in all directions, a fine place to find oneself in the Grand Canyon.
Come to find out, luck was with me. I was out on the porch at Indian Gardens writing a letter when I looked up and saw the most dramatic, magnificent light out on the North Rim, with storms heading my way. I ran, almost all the way out to Plateau Point (1.5 miles) and plopped down at the very edge, ready for action! As I held myself steady, finger tight on the shutter and ready to click, I begged for the lighting, tempted the storm, "Come on, Zoro, BOOM, Brahma, BOOM, Come on, let me catch you, BOOM!"
I shot until the storm blocked out the golden afternoon light, and I got up and ran back, all lit up, lightning, rainstorm on my heels. plateaupt.3strikesweb.jpg

Feature image for home page:
slide.jpg
 
I was very excited to see that you've posted something new.

What a shot!

I really need to get down in that canyon. I'm jealous of all of the time you've been able to spend in it. Keep it up!
 
I hope one day I can head to Grand Canyon during an electric storm. This would top all of my storm chasing adventures so far.

I know the feeling when you beg for a lightning strike to happen while shooting. And all the hit and miss shots and you're still hoping for the perfect shot. I really love your shot and wish that one day I will get something similar.
 
Gorgeous photo! Reminds me of watching a couple storms last year at the north rim
 
You have a knack for the right place at the right time. Thanks for posting

Salud
 
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