Triangle photogs, Scott (Stime187) and I have been trying to meet up somewhere for the last couple of months... now we need to make it happen!

I propose we all meet at dawn at Jordan Lake this coming Saturday, February 2nd, or Sunday, February 3rd. It would only be a morning sort of meet for me, because I have to work in the afternoon. But if enough other people come, then they can hang out longer.

Why Jordan Lake? Aside from some lovely vistas and being able to document the historic drought in NC this year, if you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you can see Bald Eagles (I have tried a couple of times, and haven't seen them yet).

So, in sum:

Where?: Jordan Lake (specifically at the wildlife observatory, off of 751 near New Hope Church Rd.)
When?: Saturday, Feb. 2nd or Sunday, Feb. 3
Why?: A meeting of the minds, the eyes, and a communion with nature.

I'm there. I vote for Saturday morning as early as possible (better light).

Mark, you mind google mapping it for those of us trying to find it?

Here.

The observation point is just to the north of the intersection of 751 and New Hope Church Road, on the opposite side of the road (on the right if you are heading south on 751 like you would be from Durham or Raleigh). There's a little brown road sign with binoculars that says "wildlife observation point" or some such thing, and it's a narrow gravel road. If you are interested in coming, PM me and I'll send you my cell phone number, just in case.

PM'd.

Hey, if you all do this Saturday morning, I'm probably in, as long as it's early. Gonna be a pretty packed weekend, but Scott, if you wanna give me a lift, I'll wake up early. I haven't really taken my camera out since early January, so it'll be good to get out.
Reed

Originally Posted by Reed Goodwin

Hey, if you all do this Saturday morning, I'm probably in, as long as it's early. Gonna be a pretty packed weekend, but Scott, if you wanna give me a lift, I'll wake up early. I haven't really taken my camera out since early January, so it'll be good to get out.
Reed

You absolutely have a ride if when/we do this.

Okay, sounds like Saturday so far.... sunrise is at 7:16, so we should probably plan to be there around 6:00/6:30. The only catch is that rain is forecast for Saturday, but the weathermen are often wrong.

Originally Posted by Markitos

Okay, sounds like Saturday so far.... sunrise is at 7:16, so we should probably plan to be there around 6:00/6:30. The only catch is that rain is forecast for Saturday, but the weathermen are often wrong.

We'll just keep an eye on it as we get closer...

Too bad my new grad. NDs are at home in the mountains and not here...

Soundeth good to me.
Reed

Originally Posted by Markitos

Well, if you're lucky, Scott will let me try his out a little bit on Saturday.

Scott.... You have a mission.

Originally Posted by subimatt

Scott.... You have a mission.

Would that be the 5D? Sure thing, Mark. You're welcome to play with it.

Originally Posted by Stime187

Would that be the 5D? Sure thing, Mark. You're welcome to play with it.

Yup, mission Convert Mark to Canon is a go.

Haha, yeah, that should be quick after a peek through the 5D...
Reed

Originally Posted by Reed Goodwin

Haha, yeah, that should be quick after a peek through the 5D...
Reed

Weather is looking good for Saturday now... hope it stays.

So, does 6am sound good to you all?
Reed

I think meeting there at 6:30 should be good since we'll still be 45 minutes before sunrise...

6:30 works for me too. Means 30 more minutes of sleep, haha.
Reed

Yeah, without grad. NDs, I don't care much about the sunrise, but it'll still be fun to be out there and check out with you guys.

6:30 would be better for me as well--I close at work the night before so will be there until about 1:00...

Whew, that's gonna be a doozie. Get some coffee. Should help
Reed

Originally Posted by Reed Goodwin

Whew, that's gonna be a doozie. Get some coffee. Should help
Reed

I hear ya, Mark. When I was up in Banff NP (British Columbia) this past summer I was going to sleep at 11:30 PM and getting up at 4:00 AM everyday. Brutal schedule.

Well, I just figure this is the only way we're gonna do this, at least for now. I'm excited... I don't need sleep.

That's the spirit!
Reed

Mind If I tag along? I am supposed to be doing a clutch that day But I think I want to pass on it I'd rather go take some nice photos and learn something haha.

Sounds good to me. The more the merrier.
Reed

Originally Posted by Over Actor

Mind If I tag along? I am supposed to be doing a clutch that day But I think I want to pass on it I'd rather go take some nice photos and learn something haha.

Sweet... do the directions make sense?

I think my friend Sarah might come too, she signed up here but hasn't posted yet. She just bought my 30D a few days ago.

This is becoming an actual meet!

Yeah, we have to combat all these freakin' Texans and northerners.

Wow, so I just spoke with a friend of mine who just got a D80 and she's probably gonna come too. No worries, Scott, she's got a car to drive, so there won't be so much cramping. Gonna be a party!
Reed

Originally Posted by Reed Goodwin

Wow, so I just spoke with a friend of mine who just got a D80 and she's probably gonna come too. No worries, Scott, she's got a car to drive, so there won't be so much cramping. Gonna be a party!
Reed

Nice!

It's alright Mark, looks like there will be other Nikons there. Hehe
Reed

Oh, I can hold my own, I think...

Only one way to find out... Scott, prepare the 5D!

Reed

Originally Posted by Reed Goodwin

Only one way to find out... Scott, prepare the 5D!

Reed

It's ready to go. 5D + 17-40 L will be on hand.

Originally Posted by Markitos

Sweet... do the directions make sense?

Yeah. I'll probably drive from Fayetteville through fuqua and drive through the middle of nowhere..but I should make it there in 1 peice haha

everyone is bringing nice lenses haha.. I have a nifty, and a 24-85, and the olympus stuff haha

Haha, I've only got the Sigma 17-70, Canon 28 f1.8 and the 100mm macro... They suffice for now.
Reed

Welcome to the forums Sarah!

Originally Posted by Reed Goodwin

Wow, so I just spoke with a friend of mine who just got a D80 and she's probably gonna come too. No worries, Scott, she's got a car to drive, so there won't be so much cramping. Gonna be a party!
Reed

Originally Posted by JML

I'm planning on being there too.

Sarah

Okay, between us 4 (sarah, reed, reed's friend, me), does anyone want to carpool?

My truck seats 2 comfortably and can fit 4 if need be.

Sarah, do you want to ride with me? Reed, are you riding with your friend?

Let's figure that part out. I'm fine with whatever works for everyone else.

I'm gonna talk to her this evening. I'm hoping on being able to ride with her. I can do the backseat of a truck, but it's easier to do the front seat of the car But I do know that she's driving. Scott, though your truck has four seats, four people with gear is expecting a lot, haha.
Reed

Originally Posted by Reed Goodwin

I'm gonna talk to her this evening. I'm hoping on being able to ride with her. I can do the backseat of a truck, but it's easier to do the front seat of the car But I do know that she's driving. Scott, though your truck has four seats, four people with gear is expecting a lot, haha.
Reed

I have a camper cover, so all the gear can go back there... that's at least where mine will be. Let's the gear get down to outside temp. too, so you avoid the hot to cold quick transfer.

Also, assuming Sarah rides with me, I'm sure she wouldn't mind riding in the back and let you having the front since you're so damn tall. We can make it happen. But talk to your friend, we'll figure it out.

Oh yeah, forgot about the camper thingy. Yeah, I'll let you know as soon as I know something.
Reed

Ah, that works then. Cool.
Reed

Originally Posted by JML

I'm actually headed out to Kevin's house after we're done shooting, so I'll be bringing my own car. So Reed, you can definitely have the front seat.

Sarah

Okay, cool.

I guess after we do the photo fun there, I'll be going up to raleigh area to take some photos for some girls up there. so Its going to be a very busy day!


Reed I'd like to snap a few pics with your sigma if you dont mind..since Im shopping for one now thanks to scott haha

Yeah, sure thing. Just don't you break it... haha
Reed

Okay, time to nail down the exact meeting time, guys.

And, Reed, is your friend coming? Are you guys riding with me or riding separately? Or are you riding with me?