In the Beginning by tpoulton001

I get asked all the time about how to survive in the backcountry, but little do people realize, nature is hinting at you what will happen. Over the next few months, I’m going to post a bunch of tips on how to get those epic images and keeping you and your gear safe. How to Predict the Weather: You don’t need any fancy gadget to tell you how it’s going to pan out, keep your eyes on the skies and learn how to read the clouds while you’re capturing those epic scenes, and you’ll know whether to head for cover or hang around for that epic light. Cirrus clouds: Thin and wispy clouds forming at the highest altitudes. If they’re stagnant, they indicate good weather for the next 24 hours. If they’re moving quickly, a change in weather is coming within the next 24 hours. Cirrostratus clouds: Thin clouds that blanket the sky at a high elevation. They’re so thin, they give the sun a halo effect. Usually, these clouds indicate a storm within 12 to 24 hours. If they thicken, expect rain sooner. If lower elevation clouds are also present, the chance of rain increases. Altostratus clouds: Gray clouds that cover the sky. Expect continuous rain before the end of the day. Altocumulus clouds: White, gray, and patchy clouds forming at middle elevations. If they build and thicken, it means an afternoon thunderstorm is likely. Stratus clouds: Low-lying clouds that cover the entire sky in a gray blanket. They carry a consistent drizzle, but usually no thunder or lightning. Cumulonimbus clouds: Massive, low-lying thunderheads with a flat base and anvil top. At first, they may look like friendly cumulus clouds (white cotton balls) but watch for vertical growth. If these puffy clouds get taller and bigger like puffy towers; expect to get wet. How to Bear-Proof Your Campsite: Bears are curious animals, and there’s no way to guarantee one won’t come strolling through your camp. But you can take smart measures to reduce the chance of a late-night ursine visit. Divide your camp into four distinct areas: sleeping quarters, food storage, cooking area, washing area. Set up your tent upwind, ideally 200 feet from the other three areas. The idea is to separate yourself from the odors that might attract a hungry predator. Never cook or wash your dishes where you sleep, and clean up immediately after cooking. Also, wash your hands and face before you sleep to eliminate lingering food odors. Most importantly, hang or store your food in the lockers provided. Make sure after a long day behind the camera you check your camera bag for any tasty treats, going to sleep with these in your tent are sure to make for a sweet desert after the bear has finished eating you. Captured at Kinney Lake Mt Robson less than 1 hour easy hike to get to this lake from the highway. This was a patchy cloudy and foggy morning in Valemount. Checked the weather forecast and was pleasantly surprised to learn the forecast was for sunny skies later in the day. It was an easy stroll following the river, since the elevation gain was gradual. Once we arrived at Kinney Lake we spent the morning watching the fog envelope the mountains revealing the mountains one peak at a time. I know this isn't the epic scenes I’m usually producing but I love the textures and soft colours, hope you feel the same way! FOLLOW ME via 500px