A selection of images from the Victorian High Country

[Grumpy John]

Some random images from the many trips I've done in to the Victorian High Country.

#1 the iconic Dargo Hotel. The white 100 series is me.


#2 Basalt North Track.


#3 Crossing the Wonnangatta River.


#4 Billy Goat Bluff Track, taken from the helipad.


#5 Campground at Sheepyard Flat.


#6 A river crossing on the way to Craigs Hut.


#7 Craigs Hut.

[Isac]

All super shots John. I love the sense of scale in #2, #3 and #4. Looks a bit chilly in #7 - did you see the list in the hut?

[Grumpy John]

Thanks Isac. I tried to get the feel of the tracks in #2 & #4, but nothing can convey the feeling when you cannot see any sign of road as the track disappears under the bonnet. In some places you almost have to stand up in the cabin to see where the track is going.
Yeah, when the cloud rolled over it did get quite chilly. The list, I probably saw it, but I have no recollection. Shooda taken a picha.

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day GJ

A wonderful set of images / memories of part of Oz that's still untouched by our "Disneyland commercialism from developers wanting to offer an 'experience' "
The track reminds me of the Arkaroola Ridgeback Tour - one of the few 4wd tours I have done several times and enjoy the adrenalin rush from the ups & downs

An excellent set of images - I hope you've made a coffee table book of the best ones
Phil

[Grumpy John]

Thanks for the kind words Phil.
Is the Arkaroola Ridgeback Tour the one that goes through Wilpena Pound?

[wigz]

Great set John. I like #5, #6 and #7 the best.

[Grumpy John]

Thank you Alan.

[Toddyh]

Stunning area isn't it John. #2 and #7 for me.
Have you really pumped up the contrast in #1?

[Grumpy John]

Fantastic unspoilt bushland, love it.
Thanks for looking.

[Grumpy John]

Stunning area isn't it John. #2 and #7 for me.
Have you really pumped up the contrast in #1?

Some global adjustments in ACR, a bit of a crop but no fancy PP.

[Toddyh]

Ah would be the clarity bump. It just looked a little unnatural to me that's all.

[HansE]

Hope to follow you there before I get to old and senile!

[Grumpy John]

Thanks Hans, some people say that you have to be a bit crazy to drive some of the tracks in the High Country .

[HansE]

That's me

[Grumpy John]

"Ah would be the clarity bump. It just looked a little unnatural to me that's all."

You're probably right Toddy. I tend to get a bit carried away with the clarity at times and lose sight of the original image. I need honest criticism such as yours to keep me in line, thanks.

Here's the original RAW file saved for web, no PP at all save for the resizing. Feel free to have a play with it.

[Toddyh]

I definitely think a little bit of saturation and vibrance here John to bring out the realistic colours. Overcast days do tend to drain colours.