11/24/08

My World Tuesday

Lake Vincent's about 25 miles from us, is fed by a natural spring and is a popular fishing and boating venue. During 2008 they drained it in order to clean it up and then re-stock the fish in it.


The lake's surrounded by beautiful open countryside and topped by blue Oklahoma skies, which still never fail to stun me with their beauty and sheer scale. Another local feature I love is the wonderful red dirt, which can be easily seen at this time of the year, as everything else dies back.

In order to drain the lake, the valve below was opened on the dam to allow the water to flow out into the surrounding countryside. A good friend of ours is the local Game Ranger and he is overseeing the whole procedure, which at times has proved challenging.


One of the most interesting things to come out of it's depths, has been the re-appearance of cars from the 1950's period.

When I first saw the pictures in the local paper I thought they had all been dumped or worse still driven in! In fact they were placed against the dam to shore it up and in other area's needing support.


Since our last visit there in early summer, the rising water has already reclaimed some of these amazing old vehicles and soon they will all be gone from sight.



It is an amazing sight to see these old cars in plain view and also a photographers dream. We were also surprised at the thousands of shells covering the sand, especially the large Clam shells.


Draining the lake also revealed petrified tree's that have long been submerged. They make an interesting sight as the lake refills and will soon be back underwater.

Whilst we were there it was surprisingly busy with hunters and bird-watchers, it is a very popular local natural attraction for the wildlife and the peaceful views it offers. What I love is the total silence you get out there, with just the stir of the breeze around you.

As many of you know, I lost all the pictures I previously took when my PC crashed, and so I was delighted to return and be able to retake them. Since that time I have gained a wide angle lens, and this time all these pictures were taken using the Manual settings only.

I am much happier with the results and also deliberately chose to go later in the day, when the light was much softer and golden. It's amazing how reading a few good photography books can help!

We waited until the sunset over the lake and although it wasn't a spectacular sunset, it still allowed me some pretty shots. The Hubster also got some rock skimming in across the still waters, whilst he showed endless patience waiting on my snapping!

To join in the fun go to My World Tuesday

22 comments:

Pam said...

Girl, that sunset with the shell of the cars is my FAVE. So unique. Just think, you witnessed something that probably won't happen again for ages. Meanwhile ... my sinuses are begging for that curry!

Louise said...

So fascinating! The cars are a photographer's dream, as you said. Wonderful post--information and pictures. Well done!

Anonymous said...

Cool pics and such an interesting place. Glad you got to go back and collect some more wonderful photos and memories.

Jane Hards Photography said...

These are magical. It really is a world away from the midlands. Looks like you made the best move though.

Sherri said...

Your pics are great!! The last one looks like a steel alligator gliding through the water! The sunset pics of the lake are beautiful!!

Leora said...

Those shells of cars are cool. As is the pretty clam shell. Thanks for showing an interesting piece of Oklahoma.

Sandi McBride said...

Isn't this amazing? I can remember once when I was little, and I don't remember where it was we were living, but the lake nearby had swallowed an entire town...and when it was drained the town reappeared for a brief time. I had nightmares about it for years.
Sandi

Jill of All Trades said...

How very cool. I bet it was kind of eerie too.

Unknown said...

Sandi, a town appearing would have freaked me out too!

Jill, actually it's not as the cars being there is not sinister. It really is a very tranquil place.

The Antiques Diva™ said...

You my dear Brit Gal have won an award on my blog! Congratulations!
You know, of course, that I love this posting on Vincent Lake. My husband grew up on the shores here fishing, and playing in the fields. I might have to buy one of your photos and frame it for him for Christmas!
The Antiques Diva

imac said...

Its amazing, really interesting.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an amazing post. It's hard to believe all those cars were under water. It also makes me wonder how all of that rust was not bad for the water. Your pictures were wonderful!!

Texas Travelers said...

Great job on the Manual setting photography. Well done.

Troy

Gill - That British Woman said...

that is really interesting. What great photos.

Gill in Canada

??? said...

The car pictures are really unique, I enjoyed that post very much

The Factory said...

You have a great eye. You should get paid to do this you know.

Sylvia K said...

Great post with great photos and info. Love the sunset and the red earth. Thanks!

Pernille said...

This is very interesting. Very cool and beautiful photos too:)

The sunset with the shell of the car is fantastic! Well done:)

Snippety Gibbet said...

I still love these images.

Anonymous said...

The scenery is beautiful, but I love the abandoned cars. They make for an interesting artistic statement

Leslie: said...

Wow, Sarah! I loved this story and all the photos! It's fascinating to read about why all those old cars are in the lake. And what a photographer's dream to see them there like skeletons in the golden glow of the setting sun. Amazing post today. Love it! Cheers...

:D

Wendy Hill said...

Your photos are stunning. Sorry I haven't been as faithful in reading lately - the holidays do tend to get quite busy!