Located in central Oregon's high desert, Smith Rock is a world class rock climbing point of interest. The sheer rock walls and spectacular scenery offers some of the best views in the Pacific Northwest. A state park, Smith Rock can be crowded during the day with rock climbers and hikers from all over the planet.

The plan was to capture the light of the rising sun on the east walls of Smith Rock. I set up the camera before sunrise. It was mid-June, but the temperature was below freezing - making for clear air and sky.

Look very very close at the top of the tallest center-frame darkened feature (the sunlight had not yet illuminated this more forward wall) and you may see a small quot;artifactquot; (click on the image to get a full-screen view). I was curious as to what it was. Blown up (it is only a couple pixels), it turns out to be a hawk using its vantage point to survey breakfast opportunities.