I was doing some photography this weekend to see how our new CSWL aka the "Night Reaper" would do in the environment.
I will post those shots later.
But I did a some digital "re-mastering" and produced this shot of a PF50 in action.
http://polarion-usa.com/images/PF50-FromTower.jpg
http://polarion-usa.com/images/PF50-FromTower-Lrg.jpg
This was literally a snap shot in the sense I just plopped the camera down and shot the image to get some meter references:
http://polarion-usa.com/images/PF50-FromTower2.jpg
I had a hard time getting clear shots from the tower because of the wind speeds. The tower is vibrating and sways as well. Nevertheless I did get some useable shots from and around the tower.
It is a fire observation tower that has a 360 panoramic view of the East San Diego County area all the way to the US/Mexico border and well beyond the coast line west.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060624/news_lz1dd24weeken.html
It's quite the trek up to the tower, especially at night.
I met one of the Park Rangers who mans the tower while I was riding motocross with my son in the area a couple of weeks ago. Got to talking with him about coming back at night. I don't think he really thought I was serious.
When I went to seal the deal, he then sent me to everybody and their brother to get permission...Things were not looking good.
After navigating my way through several layers of bureaucracy I finally got the thumbs up. Was greeted by Law Enforcement, Border Patrol and Specialized US Park Rangers along the trek to the tower the evening of the photo shoot. This is due to high level of "foot traffic" in the region. Which translates to drug trafficking and illegal aliens.
Once we lit off the lights, we started getting radio traffic inquiring as to what the heck was going on up there? Residents who know their area as far as 20 miles away were asking....This area has never had any type of significant illumination before.
I left the Park Rangers a PH40 with 3 batteries...They were blown away.
A. These folks needed it up there
B. They were gracious enough to let me use the area
C. Hopefully practical usage will generate some additional interest
I am now good-go-go anytime up there! Go figure?
I have found some really good potential spots for stretching these light out.