Stanford Dish

Headed to the Stanford Dish by the dawn’s early light.

Stanford Dish by the Dawn's Early Light

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 70mm, -1 EV, f/16, 1/15s

A lot of cloud cover. So much for the glorious morning light. So, I plodded up the hill. Higher up, I could see over the trees and all the way to the Palo Alto Baylands, which the morning sun had transformed into a sepia monochrome.

Palo Alto Baylands at Dawn

^ Click for larger image.

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 200mm, -1 EV, f/16, 1/125s

I ascended up some more and could see Hanger One at Moffett Federal Airfield. At this point, I was glad I brought along the tripod to steady the camera since I was out of breath. No amount of VR is going to help after a steep hill climb.

Hanger One at Moffett Federal Airfield

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 70mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/100s

There is ample opportunity to photograph the Dish along the way from various vantage points. While the skies were a bit dreary, the hike was also comfortably cool. Tradeoffs.

Stanford Dish

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 200mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/100s

I finally reached the Dish and head up for a closer view. About this time, the sun was starting to break through the clouds.

Stanford Dish

Nikon D800, AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 100, 26mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/640s

I did see a lot of squirrels. Pretty amazing to capture a sharp photo of a squirrel at 1/40s.

Squirrel at Stanford Dish

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 200mm, 0 EV, f/16, 1/40s

Instead of continuing down the trail, I headed back. Here’s the other dish.

The Other Stanford Dish

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 185mm, 0 EV, f/16, 1/60s

Every once in a while, I would look back and see if I should photograph the Dish again. By now, the skies were bluer.

Stanford Dish

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 82mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/320s

On the descent, there’s a hazy view of the Stanford campus.

Stanford University Campus

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 70mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/250s

The fallen. Love the golden grass and blue skies.

the-fallen_9548

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 70mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/320s

One last glance at the Dish.

Stanford Dish

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 70mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/320s

The King of the Hill. Oops, dirty sensor.

oak_9555

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 145mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/250s

And a pretty bluebird waiting by the exit to bid farewell.

bluebird_9565

Nikon D800, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, ISO 100, 145mm, 0 EV, f/8, 1/200s

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