Notes from March 2010

Empty Quarter travel route grows larger

Initially, we thought to focus our visit on the Treasure Valley area in the northern part of Malheur County. We've reconsidered the route, and are looking at a larger loop of Malheur and Harney Counties. We'll leave Portland traveling I-84 east to Ontario, spending a few days there and the surrounding area (Vale, Willow, Nyssa). From there, we'll head south past Adrian and along the Succor Creek Byway to Hwy 95 and onto Jordan Valley. Then west to Rome, Burns Junction and south to Whitehorse Road. Stay a night or two at Fields Station. Continue North to the Alvord Desert and travel along the Fields-Denio Road to Hwy 78, New Princeton, Crane, and landing in Burns for a day or two. Another new development is to hit spots between Burns and Ontario on Hwy 20, including Drewsey, Juntura, Harper, and Westfall. It's a lot of driving but it seems reasonable, as the route will allow a few days in most locations. On the equipment front, I'm in search of a used Aaton magazine case for the trip, and planning to rent a fourth magazine. The idea is to have enough stock loaded for a day (or more) worth of shooting without having to spend time reloading. Also trying to locate a Canon 50-300mm in Aaton mount either for purchase (at the right price) or for rent.

March 31, 2010  –  permalink

Preparation for final Empty Quarter shoot

In the middle of preparation for the final production shoot for Empty Quarter. The 12mm arrived safe and sound. The key way has a bit of movement, so I will send it with a magazine up to Charlie for service. The rest of the time is spent plotting the itinerary for the 16 days we'll be in Malheur County. Still considering taking some time to hit spots in Harney and Lake, but no final decision just yet. Lining up contacts for shooting. We'll be recording mostly agricultural and cattle ranch work in the Treasure Valley area, in the northern portion of Malheur. Trying to soak up some of the issues at play right now. Disputes over where to locate wind energy towers is a hot topic in the Oregonian. Federal government funded environmental impact studies are being conducted right now. The issue of the endangered sage grouse is being considered a close parallel to the spotted owl on the west side of the cascades. Land use issues continue to be at the center of the debate, and the economy of the three southeast counties remains in shock with high unemployment, particularly in Harney County.

March 18, 2010  –  permalink