Delta Lake State Park

Driving into the park at Delta Lake on Friday evening I was distracted by the view of the “pond” at the entrance. The reflection of the trees on the water illuminated by the sun definitely held my eye. This is the view across the water to the right from my last post of this area (Golden Reflection). I was determined to get to the beach but promised myself I would return the next day a little earlier to get this reflection.

And surprisingly, I made it to the park yesterday! There was a little more haze in the sky due to a thin cloud layer but there was still a reflection to capture. I parked as close as I could and walked back along the entrance road looking for “the view”. I didn’t have many choices but gave this spot a try…

Not the image I had in my head. I searched for a better view but the cattails lining this edge of the pond were definitely an obstacle. And why are the mosquitos so nasty! I neglected the repellant thinking the cooler weather would have reduced their numbers. It did not!

I gave a zoomed in view a try hoping if I focused on a smaller section of the reflection it would be what I was trying to achieve. It is a little better but I was not happy losing the little blue in the sky which would balance the yellows of the leaves and sunlight.

I noticed a pair a of trees behind the branches on the right of the first image that were standing out against the bigger trees. I started thinking I could get a better view if I walk around the pond toward the beach. There is a road heading in the direction I wanted to use. It is for the park rangers but it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. I started walking.

I got lucky! I found a spot the rangers must use to explore this pond as there was a small boat pulled up onto the edge of the water. I was able to get right to the water and had the best view of my two trees. I even had natural framing between some trees and cattails. Bonus! I grabbed a few images before the mosquitos drained all my blood.

I felt good. I didn’t get the image that was in my head (I’ll try again soon), but I stayed in the area working different angles. The effort paid off! I’ll have to remember this spot in a couple weeks when the leaves are in full autumn glory.