Storm clouds over East Vidette and the Bubbs Creek forest, from the climb above Vidette Meadow.

Before the Rain

East Vidette, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Shot on the climb out of Vidette Meadow with rain starting and thunder working somewhere behind the ridge. I was hunting a campsite — above the mosquitos, mindful of the very specific signs about local bears stealing entire canisters — and East Vidette kept appearing through the trees looking like this. Thirty minutes after the shutter, the sky opened. By morning the tent was sheathed in ice. Worth it.

Nikon Z 7_2 · 17-35mm f/2.8D · 20mm · f/5 · 1/200 · ISO 64

July 2, 2025

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