Eldorado Canyon 2013

Had a brief window for some outdoor time this past Saturday.  So I dragged the kids to Eldorado Canyon State Park.  I thought the rocks to clamber on and water to mess around in and on would resonate with them.  It didn't as much as I'd hoped, but was still a decent time.

We mostly rock-hopped our way along South Boulder Creek, following the water as far as we could and heading up to the road when needed.

The kids searched in vain for a place to cross, the water always running a bit too briskly for them to feel comfortable making an attempt.  I admired their restraint.

I've come to believe there are only two ways to shoot running water -- with a really long exposure to get that nice, dreamy flowing effect ...

... or with an extremely short exposure to freeze the action in place, which results in a more chaotic energy in the shot.

Once more with feeling -- slow and ethereal ...

... or fast and frenetic.  I currently prefer the slower stuff.

The July monsoon season seems to be keeping water levels high after a pretty dry June.

She clearly seems happy.  He appears to be, too, but it's hard to be sure with that mop of hair shading his face.

I'd read about the existence of a Streamside Trail online, but didn't realize it was as close to the park entrance as it was.  And on the opposite side of the creek.  The little stretch we covered did offer a nice overview of the creek.

A fine way to kill a couple of hours on a warm Colorado Saturday.  We got to the park early enough to grab a decent parking spot, but it had filled up completely by the time we left.  After observing some teenage female rock climbers, Taryn announced that would be her in a few years.  And it wouldn't surprise me if she was right!