Mark Dodge
Member since Mar 2009
hiden location 
Mark has posted 137 photos and 1169 comments
Offline, Last Logged on Jul 14, 2010 13:04:06 
Category: Waterscapes
Date Shot: Sat, Nov 21, 2009
Date Shot: Sat, Nov 21, 2009
Camera: Canon EOS 50D
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-200mm
Filter: HOYA Circular Polarizer
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-200mm
Filter: HOYA Circular Polarizer
Submitted: Sun, Jul 11, 2010
Viewed: 51 times
Rating: 6 ×
Viewed: 51 times
Rating: 6 ×
Member Comments: 
If you ever visit Northern California in the Winter months, contact me and I can give you detailed directions for some excellent locations to shoot waves. If you would rather have a personal guide, I'm for hire :o)
If you ever visit Northern California in the Winter months, contact me and I can give you detailed directions for some excellent locations to shoot waves. If you would rather have a personal guide, I'm for hire :o)
I'm a novice photographer. I live in the Sacramento, California area. I frequent the Sierra Mountains and surrounding areas, as well as the Pacific coast all along the state. I sincerely appreciate your comments and constructive criticism. Thank you for visiting my gallery.
Stormi Day wrote on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 02:27 [ Send Email ]
just so you know..you are definitely an inspiration:)
just so you know..you are definitely an inspiration:)You need to login before post a message
Sara M. Skinner
United States, California, Pacific Grove OfflineLast Logged on Jul 29, 2010 13:20:45
Yosemite National Park // Jul 3, 2010
Where the creek ends in this shot is where Yosemite Falls starts. You don't want to be playing in the water here :o)Yosemite National Park // Jun 20, 2010
It's been a fantastic month at Yosemite National Park. The runoff from the snow melt is the best it's been in over 5 years. All of the falls within the park are simply beautiful.Yosemite National Park // Jun 15, 2010
All of the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park are currently flowing the best they have in over 5 years. As July approaches the run off from snow melt well begin to fade. It's a good time to get up there right now. So beautiful!Cozumel Marine National Park // Mar 21, 2010
The reefs surrounding the Island of Cozumel have been making a very strong comeback after hurricane Wilma spent four days pounding them in the Fall of 2005. The larger Groupers and schools of fish are returning in large numbers as well. It's fantastic to see :o)Sonoma Coast State Beach // Jan 4, 2010
So far it's been a great Winter for waves along the California coast. This is my oldest daughter having a go of it.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Dec 29, 2009
Happy New Year Everyone!Bodie State Historic Park // Nov 20, 2009
I want to thank everyone for all of your support and encouragement. It really means a great deal to me. There is so much talent here on MPP. I love the diversity of shots and truly enjoy the natural beauty of all of our state parks. Thank you very much for sharing all of your wonderful photos and for bringing the beauty of our parks to everyone. I'm thankful and grateful :o) Here's wishing you all the very best to you and yours this Thanksgiving season.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Oct 26, 2009
The Governor of California is not interested in protecting State Parks. This is such an unbelievable decision. It makes no sense economically or ecologically. Please read about this irresponsible decision: http://www.calparks.org/takeaction/governors-press-release.htmlInyo National Forest // Oct 18, 2009
Situated at the base of Mount Morrison, the deep blue waters of Convict Lake invite you to enjoy a liesurely picnic or stroll along the lakeside trail. The epitome of peacefulness today, Convict Lake got its name from an incident that was nothing but peaceful. In 1871, six inmates from a Nevada prison escaped here, and eventually battled their way out with a shootout, ultimately giving Convict Lake its name. http://convictlake.com/history.html (This link provides a more detailed historical account of just how lawless the West was once upon a time.)Point Lobos State Reserve // Oct 11, 2009
Point Lobos State Reserve is one of the most popular dive sites along the Northern California coast. This is due to the geological diversity below the surface.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Oct 9, 2009
Many California state parks are still threatened with closures and neglect. Please visit: http://www.calparks.org to help with preventative measures. It's simple. It's easy. It's free. . . and it may just help prevent closures of your state parks, for future generations. Thank you :o)Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve // Sep 29, 2009
Mono Lake is a place like no other. It was originally formed from a great deal of volcanic activities as late as approximately 347 years ago. The energy this place gives off is magical and mystical. Often surreal. Every time I visit here it never looks the same.Point Lobos State Reserve // Sep 23, 2009
This shot was taken along "The Slot" looking Northwest just after the sun dipped below the horizon. When you enter Point Lobos you are given a map. You can locate this position very easily. The geological diversity here is amazing. Especially since the reserve is fairly small.Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve // Sep 7, 2009
The appearance of Mono Lake is so unique. It never looks the same, no matter.Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve // Sep 7, 2009
It doesn't matter how often I visit Mono Lake. It never looks the same. The light in the high altitude. Wildfires to the West. The direction of prevailing winds. Each of these affects the visual presentation of each scene that occurs according to nature's rules.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Sep 1, 2009
Sonoma Coast State Beach, Goat Rock, California. Hopefully this State Park is not on the list of 100 parks closing in the State of California after Labor Day weekend, this year. Unbelievable, and in my opinion, a very irresponsible decision on our Governor's behalf.Inyo National Forest // Aug 14, 2009
In 1951, a film titled "The Secret of Convict Lake" was released with the location as the film's setting based on the events in (1871) starring Glenn Ford and Gene Tierney. According to the narrative included with the movie "How the West Was Won", Convict Lake was in the opening scenes. It was also used in Star Trek Insurrection, and in an advertisement for Nature Valley granola bars in 2007.<br><br>Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum // Aug 13, 2009
While most raptors are solitary, only coming together for breeding and migration, Harris's Hawks will hunt in cooperative groups of two to six. This is an adaptation to the desert climate in which they live. In one hunting technique, a small group flies ahead and scouts, then another group member flies ahead and scouts, and this continues until prey is bagged and shared. In another, all the hawks spread around the prey and one individual flushes it.<br><br>The wild Harris's Hawk population is declining due to habitat loss; however, under some circumstances, Harris's Hawks have been known to move into developed areas.<br>Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve // Aug 2, 2009
Mono Lake Tufa Tower at sunset.Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve // Aug 1, 2009
The primary reason these Tufa (too-fah) towers are exposed at Mono Lake is due to diversion of snow melt to Los Angeles. If you google "California water wars" you can read about how this has impacted the ecosystem here. This lake is 2.5X denser in salinity and 100X more alkaline than the ocean. There are no fish. Primary water residents are limited to a type of brine shrimp. If the water level continues to decrease the brine will not be able to survive as the salt level increases. This will collapse the entire ecosystem here.Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve // Jul 31, 2009
Tufa (too-fah) towers along the western shoreline at Mono Lake, California, can easily be photographed from the beach. Access to this area is approximately 100 yards from the parks parking lot. It's a mystical and magical place to visit.Yosemite National Park // Jul 30, 2009
Tuolumne Meadows along Highway 120 heading East through Yosemite National Park. The average altitude is approximately 8,500 feet above sea level. The streams, ponds, and lakes throughout this high Sierra region are crystal clear, cool, and flow all Summer long.Bodie State Historic Park // Jul 27, 2009
Bodie, California, once a booming mining town, completely deserted. Considered one of the most lawless towns of the wild west. I couldn't believe how desolate this place was. You can feel the heaviness and desperation the struggles this town faced for decades until it's final demise.Eldorado National Forest // Jul 20, 2009
If you hike the trail head just to the West of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California, the first lake you encounter is Eagle Lake. A few thousand feet up into the Sierras you will come upon lower and upper Velma Lake. These lakes are crystal clear and incredibly cool as they are fed by melting snow run off from the snow caps along the peaks. Lower and Upper Velma lake are very near the tree line between 9,000 to 10,000 feet elevation.Fort Ross State Historic Park // Jul 16, 2009
California Mule Deer love to graze along the bluffs among the open areas where the forests and ocean meet. During mid-day, and at night, they like to bed down close the edge of the forest, never moving too far from either habitat. As youngsters, they typically graze in groups regardless of gender. As adults, Does usually graze in groups, and Bucks usually graze alone. They are called Mule Deer because the shape of their ears resemble those of a Mule.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Jul 6, 2009
During Summer months, the marine layer along the Pacific Coast can create some dramatic scenery. The cold air pushing in from the ocean mixes with the warmer air that's been heating all day over the mountains. This exchange generates moisture that nourishes plants and animals through the dryer time of year.Salt Point State Park // Jul 4, 2009
Salt point boasts some of the most diverse geological formations along the Sonoma Coast. Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone.Ano Nuevo State Park // Jul 1, 2009
This young, male Northern Elephant Seal is attempting to mate. He indicates his intention to the female by brute force. A larger wave came ashore and the female swam away as the water rose. This male was not a suitable champion for her. Female seals only mate with "successful" bulls. Most bulls never mate, due to the hierarchy established by combat between males for breeding rights. A sucessful bull could easily sire over 500 pups in a lifetime. Some quick facts: Average Male Size: Length= 14ft Weight= 5,000lbs. Average Female Size: Length= 11ft Weight= 1,400lbs. Max Recorded depth: 1603 meters (Nearly a mile). Average Dive Time: 20 minutes. Minimum Surface interval between dives: 3 minutes.Ano Nuevo State Park // Jul 1, 2009
This young, male Northern Elephant Seal is attempting to mate. He indicates his intention to the female by brute force. A larger wave came ashore and the female swam away as the water rose. This male was not a suitable champion for her. Female seals only mate with "successful" bulls. Most bulls never mate, due to the hierarchy established by combat between males for breeding rights. A sucessful bull could easily sire over 500 pups in a lifetime. Some quick facts: Average Male Size: Length= 14ft Weight= 5,000lbs. Average Female Size: Length= 11ft Weight= 1,400lbs. Max Recorded depth: 1603 meters (Nearly a mile). Average Dive Time: 20 minutes. Minimum Surface interval between dives: 3 minutes.Ano Nuevo State Park // Jul 1, 2009
This young, male Northern Elephant Seal is attempting to mate. He indicates his intention to the female by brute force. A larger wave came ashore and the female swam away as the water rose. This male was not a suitable champion for her. Female seals only mate with "successful" bulls. Most bulls never mate, due to the hierarchy established by combat between males for breeding rights. A sucessful bull could easily sire over 500 pups in a lifetime. Some quick facts: Average Male Size: Length= 14ft Weight= 5,000lbs. Average Female Size: Length= 11ft Weight= 1,400lbs. Max Recorded depth: 1603 meters (Nearly a mile). Average Dive Time: 20 minutes. Minimum Surface interval between dives: 3 minutes.Ano Nuevo State Park // Jun 24, 2009
This male Northern Elephant seal was taking a nap along the South cove at Ano Nuevo State Park during mating season. You can tell this one is fairly young because of the lack of scar tissue about it's neck. Males fight each other over breeding rights. The younger males seek refuge away from the main part of the colony if they can't compete with the older males. This one is about 12 feet long.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Jun 20, 2009
Winter storms and waves along the Sonoma Coast State Beach are full of drama. My favorite location to catch all of the action is at Goat Rock, within the Sonoma Coast State Beach system. You can see the lot from where I capture these wonderful waves by cutting and pasting this link: http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/image.cgi?image=12446&mode=sequential&flags=1&year=2002Sonoma Coast State Beach // Jun 19, 2009
This is the end of the line for Winter waves starting out in the Bay of Alaska. These waves are generated by stormy weather and travel thousands of miles to reach the California coast. You can notice the previous wave that hit the beach is flowing back into the ocean as another is pushing in to reach the beach. When these two forces meet, the results are spectacular.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Jun 17, 2009
Every Winter, storms in the Bay of Alaska generate huge waves that travel South throughout the Pacific Ocean. It's a great time of the year to visit areas such as Goat Rock, Sonoma Coast State Park. These waves push up huge and relentlessly against the rugged rocky coastline. It definitely makes for some wonderful opportunities to shoot waves.Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge // Jun 15, 2009
Take a stance. Do something. Get involved. Don't leave it up to "everyone else". Your efforts will make a difference, today, and for future generations.Salt Point State Park // Jun 14, 2009
This is a good friend of mine. We go hiking and shooting (photographs) together along the California coast. It's amazing to see all of the Abalone divers and fisherman this time of year. Nearly every park we visit we see people out enjoying every aspect of each park. The small towns scattered throughout the California Park system benefit from visitors at the park. Some towns rely heavily on the financial support of park visitors. Closing the parks is like closing down these towns as well. Makes no sense at all.Salt Point State Park // Jun 14, 2009
I took my eldest daughter to Fort Ross Lodge for the weekend. We visited Salt Point State Park, Fort Ross State Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore. The very first time she went camping was when she was about three months old, at Fort Ross State Park. It's in her very essence, these surroundings. I watched her come alive as she photographed what has influenced her connection with our planet. Closing these magnificent areas because of budgetary headaches is foolish. Our parks generate approximately 135% return on every dollar spent to maintain them. This makes no sense. It is clearly the first step towards marking them for sale to private investors. Please get involved to help stop these closures http://www.calparks.org. Sea Ranch is a huge stretch of property between Salt Point State Park and Mendocino that has already succumbed to commercial development. Good luck trying to access this magnificent stretch of California coastline.Salt Point State Park // Jun 14, 2009
I took my eldest daughter to Fort Ross Lodge for the weekend. We visited Salt Point State Park, Fort Ross State Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore. The very first time she went camping was when she was about three months old, at Fort Ross State Park. It's in her very essence, these surroundings. I watched her come alive as she photographed what has influenced her connection with our planet. Closing these magnificent areas because of budgetary headaches is foolish. Our parks generate approximately 135% return on every dollar spent to maintain them. This makes no sense. It is clearly the first step towards marking them for sale to private investors. Please get involved to help stop these closures http://www.calparks.org. Sea Ranch is a huge stretch of property between Salt Point State Park and Mendocino that has already succumbed to commercial development. Good luck trying to access this magnificent stretch of California coastline.Salt Point State Park // Jun 14, 2009
Even if it is at our doing. There's a small section of Salt Point State Park that has succumbed to fire damage last year. It looks apparently at the hands of humans tossing cigarette butts out the car window. Never the less, it is a part of the natural cycle of our environment, whether we want to admit that we are a dominant factor or not. This park is on the list for closure in California. What's to become of it if this happens?Salt Point State Park // Jun 12, 2009
Remember when your parents would take you to someplace special outdoors? I always loved to visit the tide pools. I took, and continue to take, my children. It's an interesting and fun family thing to do. It's also an opportunity to educate our children about how fragile our planet is, and how to be responsible regarding the environment. This way they can pass it on to future generations, first hand. You can also help by getting involved with the conservation of 80% of California State Park closures. Please visit: http://www.calparks.org to help. Thank you deeply.Salt Point State Park // Jun 12, 2009
Tidepool at Salt Point State Park. This park is listed to be closed. It is one of the very first State Parks in California to establish a marine sanctuary. I hope this closure doesn't cause poaching and destruction, since there will be nobody there to protect it.Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park // Jun 6, 2009
Once a year they light the Fresnel lens that once protected mariners from the rocky shores. If our State Governor has his way, this may become a celebration of the past. Visit our partner site www.calparks.org to find out what you can do to help prevent this from happening. Thanks :o)Salt Point State Park // Jun 3, 2009
Salt Point State Park has some of the most diverse geological formations along the coast of California. It's easy to find a safe spot for watching the waves roll in. Sunsets here can be some of the most beautiful I've seen.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Jun 2, 2009
I shot this last December during a heavy Winter storm, accompanied by dangerous surf. It's a spectacular site to behold, the fury of Mother Nature. Sonoma Coast State Beach, Goat Rock, along with every other beach along the Sonoma coast are listed for closure. I can't imagine not being able to shoot these waves when they hit the coastline this Winter. Please help to save California's State Park System. Visit our partner site www.calparks.org and www.savestateparks.org, for further information.Salt Point State Park // Jun 2, 2009
This is my eldest daughter. We visited Salt Point State Park, along with other parks in the area, during her visit this past week. I raised my children camping on weekends and vacations in so many of the California State Parks. Places like this are on the chopping block due to California's economic meltdown. The list for park closures is huge. Nearly 80%. It truly breaks my heart to witness these areas becoming inaccessible or sold off to private businesses for commercial or residential development. The impact this will have on the future of our planet could be catastrophic. Please get involved and help conserve our natural resources: www.calparks.org. Please...Salt Point State Park // May 20, 2009
Salt Point State Park has some of the most interesting geological formations. All three types of stone can be seen all mixed together, due to how this area was formed millions of years ago. The eons of errosion have formed some of the most spectacular landscape I've ever seen.Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve // May 19, 2009
Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve is located just North of Salt Point State Park. Sunlight is a valuable commodity along the redwood forest floor. It's amazing to see all of the colorful and very tiny flowers that live among these giants.Salt Point State Park // May 18, 2009
Salt Point State Park has some of the most bizarre shaped shorelines due to the type of rock that formed this location. If you have time, check the website for interesting reading: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453Sonoma Coast State Beach // May 14, 2009
The entire Sonoma Coast State Beach area is free to access. There are so many well kept and maintained beaches within this system. To name a few, School House Beach, Duncan's Cove, Goat Rock, Salmon Creek, and Shell Beach. You can find small creeks with waterfalls flowing all the way to the ocean. There's also the Russian River, near Goat Rock, that flows into the ocean.Sonoma Coast State Beach // May 13, 2009
There are no fees to access any of the Sonoma Coast State Beaches. Please help conserve these magical locations.Point Reyes National Seashore // May 12, 2009
Point Reyes National Seashore is the "Yosemite" of parks along the California Coast.Point Lobos State Reserve // May 10, 2009
Point Lobos State Reserve has some really gorgeous scenery the year round. Incredible rock formations, tidal areas, trees, and marine life make this a favorite location for so many to explore. It's also one of the most frequented dive locations near Monterey Bay.Point Lobos State Reserve // May 10, 2009
Point Lobos has some very unique formations along the shore. The trees, tide pools, and geological formations make for spectacular viewing any time of the year. It's also one of the most frequented dive locations near Monterey.Point Reyes National Seashore // May 9, 2009
Point Reyes National Seashore has some of the most diverse and dramatic scenery in the State of California. The wildlife on land and in the ocean is just a diverse. It's no wonder the Indians found this area so appealing.Point Reyes National Seashore // May 8, 2009
Point Reyes National Seashore offers miles of hiking trails through some of the most beautiful scenery along the California Coastline. It's no wonder this area is recognized as a national park.Ano Nuevo State Park // May 5, 2009
This was taken one foggy evening in the southern cove of Ano Nuevo State Park. The marine layer pushes in each evening and can create some very dramatic scenery against the rugged coastline. Winter is one of my favorite times of the year to visit this area.Fort Ross State Historic Park // Apr 26, 2009
Fort Ross State Park has some fascinating history behind it. As you explore the two southern most coves you can still see some of the base structures of fishing and furring operations from decades ago.Salt Point State Park // Apr 26, 2009
Salt Point State Park has incredibly rugged and diverse terrain. Access to remote areas along the rugged coast is fairly easy as they have an extensive array of trails. This park has some of the most dramatic cliffs along the shore. When the surf is up around sunset you can catch some incredible moments.Point Lobos State Reserve // Apr 25, 2009
Point Lobos State Reserve is a very popular dive location due to the dramatic underwater terrain. The topside terrain is breath taking as well. Incredible diversity exists here.Eldorado National Forest // Apr 24, 2009
Eldorado National Forest holds some of the most beautiful scenery in the Sierras. I especially like where it meets Lake Tahoe.Sonoma Coast State Beach // Apr 23, 2009
Sonoma Coast State Beach is a fantastic location to visit the year round. I especially like to visit during thhe Winter months as the ocean and wildlife can be very dramatic.