American River Gold Today, a photo from California, West

Photographer's Note

This is one kilometer upstream from Coloma, Gold Discovery State Park. The American River has numerous campgrounds here, not for gold panning but white-water rafting. The water is not fast moving in the morning, but picks up speed here to class IV rapids when the Crystal Basin dams' waters are released mid-morning, creating excitement downstream.

Various commercial raft companies are available to paddle and cruise the rapids, using 6 and 8 person rafts. Everyone paddles and everyone gets wet.

PecoBud, delpeoples has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

weetrees (599) 2012-07-26 15:23

Hey Ray
We are photo neighbours on the gallery front page today :-)

I loved your description of the scene and enjoyed the image.
I do find it just a bit busy mind you but thats just me.
I like the touch of people top left which adds a different feel to the image

John

PecoBud (3778) 2012-07-27 12:43

Dude, with all the fires going on up there, I'd be choking my head off, not to mention that at any time some dumb ass might start a fire, and you'd be running for your life.

Excellent River shot, with fantastic colors and light management. Love your location and POV here Ray, great job!!

TFS.....Your Friend from California.......Buddy

delpeoples (44960) 2012-07-27 23:44

Hi GoldieRay

I bet the old panhandlers in the old days would never have dreamt that there'd be people actually paying to go rafting here! How times change, I wonder what they'd think of us. Anyway, a beautiful high POV, great colours and sharpness and an excellent sense of movement in the photo. Just beautiful.

Have a lovely Saturday, are you enjoying the Olympics?
Lisa