THIS WAY DARKLY

Those who follow my work know that my fascination with water is seemingly endless. I find water so compelling and often wonder if my enchantment isn’t some kind of latent primordial yearning. Whatever it is water is like the sirens’ call to some place deep inside me and I am constantly seeking it out in all its forms.

After photography my next greatest love is hiking and exploring, taking that road or trail I’ve not yet traveled. This is how I came to find the treasures of Patrick’s Creek. I was staying in Crescent City, California when I decided to explore highway 199. Highway 199 meanders northeast along the Smith River. The river was named after Jedediah Smith hunter, trapper, fur trader, trailblazer and explorer. I man after my own heart, certainly a trail to be followed.

I can’t really say how far it was to Patrick’s Creek. I do recall that it was a beautiful drive. There is a lovely inn right on the creek and just over the bridge is a dirt road that follows along the stream. I turned onto the dirt road, parked the car, loaded on my equipment and set off with Lakota in tow.

I don’t know how far up this road we walked several miles I am sure. All along the way I would drop over the side and investigate. We must have gone up and down the bank fifty times before we came upon this alluring spot. For me photography is all about luck and light. When those two things intersect you can take some extraordinary images.

And, so it was with This Way Darkly. The light was just right to produce the iridescent quality of the water’s aqua color and highlight the texture and contrast of the rocks and moss. I couldn’t say exactly how I arrived at the title. As is so often the case it just popped into my head the first time I saw it. The image seems somehow dark and foreboding yet, at the same time beckoning. Listen closely as the flowing, jade waters whisper for you to follow. Follow where? Ah, that my friend, is entirely up to you and your imagination.

This image was captured from the banks of Patrick’s Creek, Six Rivers National Forest in California.