hotspring by the road, a photo from British Columbia, Western

Photographer's Note

It must be one of life's greatest pleasures to soak in hotspring after full day of hard work. This tub was constructed by loggers many years back and is maintained by anyone who uses it. It is usually full of hot water and if the temperature falls below your desired level of comfort, just open the valve on the pipe! For most it is best to have water at 38-39˚C, but some like it hotter.
On my first day here I was looking around and admiring steep rocky cliff just behind the tub with all the ferns and other vegetation, when Richard (the one on this photo) nudged me and with a big grin (gesturing with his finger to be quiet) pointed to the road. Not more than 6-7 meters away from us a rather large black bear was methodically strolling along, not paying a slightest attention to our presence. 20 seconds later it disappeared in the forest.
I was wondering then, who was more relaxed: the bear or us? Alas, I didn't bring my camera...

sined, mark88, designsoul, cjmm has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

sined (4523) 2006-01-19 4:38

the better way to watch bears !
very pleasant story Leszek
Denis

mark88 (2) 2006-01-19 9:45

Interesujące miejsce dobrze że pokazałeś. Brakuje trochę ostrości, chyba że efekt zamierzony bo widzę tutaj manuala.
Pozdrawiam, Marek.

Graal (103040) 2006-01-19 10:02

Cze¶æ,
fajna ciekawostka, co¶ innego ni¿ ruska bania czy sauna. Opis te¿ przeczyta³em z zaciekawieniem. Podoba mi siê ca³o¶æ.
Pozdr. Al.

jinju (14265) 2006-01-20 3:27

Czesc Leszku,

chetnie bym wskoczyl do tej wody. Zdjecie bardzo ciekawe. Ciut brakuje ostrosci, ale kadr dobry. W Korei takie kapiele to narodowa pasja. Musze kiedys sie wybrac i sprobowac.

john_c (24666) 2006-01-20 11:45

Hi Leszek,
An unusual and fascinating shot! I know there are hot springs up and down the coast, but have never heard of contriving a splendid hot tub to take advantage - a great idea. Given the curiosity of bears, I can well see a bear being intrigued with a bather here! Good clarity, cropping and framing to deliver high impact with this photo, and a superb note. Well captured, Leszek. I wish more people on TE stopped by to appreciate this shot.
John

designsoul (17843) 2006-01-20 14:17

Oh as I am reading this Leszek I dream of a hot tub in the open... what a treat... my own fingers are freezing as I am writing!

A nicely framed and composed shot that shows both the dark womb of the delightful tub and the path in bright daylight beyond.

I love your note that accompanies your shot, too... One early morning the other year I also met a bear cub in the forest. He wanted to climb a tree, me to run when I caught sight of him (fearing the ferocious mother rather than this cuddly creature), but when I saw him and no mother in sight, I just kept staring in disbelief, and he also seemed to hold on with his anticipated trip to the top of the tree. We were quite enamoured with each other I have to say!:-)
sasa

cjmm (4479) 2006-01-20 18:10

Hi Leszek,

I like this photo very much. Great contrast between highlights and shadows, and the story is excellent.

Best regards and a great weekend,
Carlos