In September of 2025, my work is generating the most income it ever has in my career. Yet, I'm being forced to shut down my successul operation, against my will, due to one cause alone: 95% of that revenue is being stolen by piracy and copyright infringement. I've lost more than $1 million to copyright infringement in the last 15 years, and it's finally brought an end to my professional storm chasing operation. Do not be misled by the lies of infringers, anti-copyright activists and organized piracy cartels. This page is a detailed, evidenced account of my battle I had to undertake to just barely stay in business, and eventually could not overcome. It's a problem faced by all of my colleagues and most other creators in the field.
I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. I spent $80 on a new North Face hiking pack (the one I used last weekend was borrowed) and spent the afternoon in the New River Gorge. I don't know if this outdoor bug is temporary or permanent, so we'll see. The Gorge is still green, with very little color so far. This is surprising, given the progression of fall colors in Charleston. With clear blue skies, great sunlight, and t-shirt weather in the high 60s, this was a perfect day for hiking. I might go back again tomorrow. (Warning - This is another photo-intensive post!)
CSX train at Kanawha Falls
From Route 16 at Cotton Hill:
This section of the New River, called the 'Dries', is famous among kayakers for large waves that form in the section of the river in the foreground during high water. The 'Dries' name is derived from the lower water levels here due to an upstream dam that channels water through a diversion tunnel to a hydroelectric power plant downstream.
On to Fayetteville and across the New River Gorge Bridge:
The rest of these are from the rim of the Gorge along Endless Wall Trail.
Almost looks like 'Old Man of the Mountain' with a coal miner's helmet
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From Dan: Please Read
To my regular readers, I offer my apologies for this heavy-handed notice. Unfortunately it has become necessary, so please bear with me!
Please don't copy/upload this site's content to social media or other web sites. Those copies have been a critical problem for me, seriously harming this site and my photography/storm chasing operation by diverting traffic, viewers, engagement and income. "Credit" and "exposure" does not benefit this site or my operation, rather they threaten my ability to cover my operating expenses. Please read my full explanation for this notice here.
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