Antelope Island Storm

Most people do not believe me when I tell them this shot was taken at Antelope Island, Utah. You see, Antelope Island is rarely this yellow or “lush” due to a lack of rainfall, but if you go out there in the spring and get the right light, it’s amazingly yellow.

This shot was taken on a trip where I intended to hike to the top of Frary Peak, the tallest point on Antelope Island. As I hiked along the western side trail, about 100 head of buffalo climbed the ridge where I was walking, placing me smack in the middle of them. I was more scared for my life than I have ever been, dropped my camera pack and prepared to run (though there isn’t anywhere to run). I was very lucky as the buffalo passed by me (some within 30 or so feet) and continued on their merry way. Since my progress was slowed down there was no way I was going to make it to Frary Peak, especially with the oncoming storm, so I began the hike back to my truck. While along the route I looked back and saw this scene. The wind had really picked up and the clouds had darkened but it was fabulous to see. Once I had finished taking my shots, and while I was putting my camera back into my pack, my tripod actually blew over from the force of the wind. Luckily my camera wasn’t on the thing. The storm did catch up to me on my way back and pelted me with rain and hail, but it was one of my most memorable photo outings.

22mm, 1/320 second, f/11, ISO 100, polarizing filter