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18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Mobile
Photographing Shark Fin Rock

I had seen this rock in many pictures before. But where was it? How do you get to it? How can I find it myself!?! I did some research, consulted the maps, and made my conjectures. It wasn't until I was out in the field that I realized I had hit upon the spot I wanted. Accessible more easily by water, this was not an option for the unprepared such as myself this January sunrise. I used my butt to slide downhill, grasping at roots and small trees to keep my footing. The last drop was just that, a drop. I let the bag go before going down myself. Not completely sure I would make it back up, I simply enjoyed the fact I had found the spot I had set out to find. The inner, ancient-explorer that lurks within was quite pleased. We enjoyed the spot alone, unsurprisingly on a morning that saw -20 F overnight. Waves lapped up on the frozen rock shore, and giddily I slid over them looking for compositions.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2020
Date Uploaded: 10.2020
Photo Location: Minnesota, United States of America
Camera: iPhone SE
Copyright: © Ian Hanson