These two shots are from Sahale Glacier Camp in North Cascades National Park. Each image below is composed of 2 shots photomerged in CS 6. I opened the two images to be connected in Camera Raw and synchronized my changes, lightening and darkening the sky and foreground with brushes and then used the automated photomerge option. A first for me and I am pleased with the results!
Edison is a small town in NW Washington, not far from Puget Sound. Located in Skagit County, Edison is just north of the town, Bow, along Chuckanut Drive. Heading west, passing through town the Bayview-Edison Road zig-zags and soon comes to a cause-way type bridge over the slough.
Here is a series of images from sunrise, 11/23/2013 from both sides of the bridge. 
Here is a barn along the way, on Farm To Market Road…
These next 4 images are from just before the sun crested the horizon…
Once the morning sun’s rays arrived the scene changed, adding an entirely different light…
Walking back and forth along the top of the bridge there is a lot to capture!
These next two images are of the same boat, from opposite sides.
Crossing the road and looking south west here is the view of water.
Reflections can add greatly to any photograph. There is something striking about reflections, they add depth, color, scale, texture and sort of pull you into the image.
Mount Shuksan
Cypress Island
One item you’ll need to capture reflections is a polarizer. Try to position yourself at a 45 degree to the light for best results and as you rotate the polarizer you’ll see the reflection pop out. Be prepared to get low, maybe on your belly to get the shot!
Pond along Reiter Road
Boats along Samish Bay
I am always on the hunt for any size body of water.
Balloon reflected in a artificial “pond”
Sunset Through an Open Window
Small puddles work great!
Liberty Bell from Washington Pass Overlook along the North Cascades Highway
The water does not have to be clear!
Tulips Reflected
Mud Puddle Reflection
Even wet surfaces can create wonderful reflections.
Reflections in Sand
Everytime you see any standing water, try for a reflection!
Amphitheater Mountain Reflected, Pasayten Wilderness
Squalicum Bay
Sunset and Muddy Water
There are many barns here in Skagit County, here are a few images from my neck of the woods…
I am not normally a “boat person” so I am not too sure how I would up with so many boating images this year, but I did and here are the best of them!
Cypress Island
Bellingham Bay Marina
Cypress Island
Samish Bay Inlet
Cypress Island
Cypress Island
Samish Bay Inlet
Samish Bay Inlet
Bellingham Bay Marina
Samish Bay Inlet
Samish Bay Inlet
Bellingham Bay Marina
Samish Bay Inlet
Samish Bay Inlet
Samish Bay Inlet
Cypress Island
Cypress Island
Cypress Island
Samish Bay Inlet
Cypress Island
Cypress Island
Bellingham Bay Marina
Bellingham Bay Marina
Cypress Island
Cypress Island
Cypress Island
Samish Bay Inlet
Cypress Island
I am blessed, being so close to the Skagit Valley tulip fields (not to mention the North Cascades and a whole host of other marvelous places…)
I am reviewing more than 40 photo shoots from this year, eight of which were visits to the flower fields. Here is a sampling of this years best images. 
Visiting the North Cascades National Park often offer the possibility of encountering some local denizens. Some of the locals I have run into are: mountain goats (usually at higher altitudes, looking for salt); Black Bears (most often in August, busy foraging); and Deer, of all varieties. I have also had the good fortune to cross paths with salmon, marmots, pika and ptarmigan. 2 years ago I had a close (well, not that close) encounter with a wolverine in the Entiat Mountains and a Grizzly Bear in the Pasayten Wilderness, about a Mile from the Canada border. Alas, no pictures of these last two!
Mountain Goat at Sahale Camp, North Cascades National Park
Mountain Goat at Sahale Camp, North Cascades National Park
Visitor at Sahale Glacier Camp, North Cascades National Park
Goat on Sahale Arm North Cascades National Park
Bear at Horseshoe Basin, North Cascades National Park
Bear at Horseshoe Basin, North Cascades National Park
Bear at Horseshoe Basin, North Cascades National Park
Bear crossing Park Creek Pass, North Cascades National Park
Black Bear on the Pacific Crest Trail, North Cascades National Park
Salmon Spawning, Indian Creek, North Cascades National Park
Salmon Spawning, Indian Creek, North Cascades National Park
Salmon Spawning, Indian Creek, North Cascades National Park
Salmon Spawning, Indian Creek, North Cascades National Park
Salmon Spawning, Indian Creek, North Cascades National Park
Salmon Spawning, Indian Creek, North Cascades National Park
Deer, just above Cascade Pass, North Cascades National Park
Deer, just above Cascade Pass, North Cascades National Park
Deer, just above Cascade Pass, North Cascades National Park
Pumpkins, kids, sunny skies, warm fall day…what could be better? 
These boats are deserted, moored and docked along a small inlet from Samish Bay, part of Puget Sound in Skagit County, Washington. 
Every year I make the trip from my home in Sedro-Woolley up to Sahale Glacier Camp. And every time I go I am astounded at the wonder of the place…
The road up offered this scene, we almost careened off the Cascade River Road so I could stop for this shot.
Cascade Pass is always a busy place, where lots of day-hikers, backpackers and climbers pause…
The trail up to the Sahale Camp from Cascade Pass is just stunning…
I met a group of hikers from Seattle who let me take their picture!
Each camp spot is surrounded with turret-like stone walls, there is no bad site, all are perfect.
The sunset was superb.
The night was mostly cloudy, but the morning was picture perfect!
We encountered several black-tail deer on the way back down.
I can’t wait to return!
North Western Images - photos by Andy Porter 