Ordinarily,I would tell you that this is a great hike, thru lush rainforest of old growth trees, past Ranger Falls to Green Lake, at the end of the trail. I will bring you back to this place with other pictures taken on this day another time. But today I would like to take this space to honor a very special friend and mentor.In October of 2004, I took a 12-hour class on "Starting a Small Business". One of the important points I took from it was to find a mentor. A good friend and I walked into the Elk Hills Gallery and Custom Frame Shop here in town soon after and met James Kelly, owner and accomplished photographer. From the first day we became friends, as I am sure anyone who walked thru those doors has felt. Kelly was passionate about his art, but just as passionate about the art of others displaying their pieces in his gallery. He was very encouraging to me from the beginning and taught me about things to pursue and things to avoid. Throughout the year he ordered my mat supplies for me, so I wouldn't have to travel to Seattle to get them. Thru him, I have met many artists with many talents, as we happened upon each other over coffee and a treat in his gallery. He brought fine art and good will to a small but growing community. In August of 2005 he was diagnosed with brain cancer. During March of 2006, my good friend,(mentioned above), and I had the chance to visit him twice at a Life Care Center in another town. He was always upbeat and talking about getting back to work, but also about taking time to get back to his photography. I told him about my online portfolio, as I was just getting started with ArtWanted, and he was very pleased that I had finally taken that big step. He hadn't heard of the site, but was anxious to see it when he got better. I dedicate this picture of Green Lake to Kelly. I know that he had been there a few years back (with camera, of course)and loved this hike. I miss him dearly but am sure that he is in "Paradise" beyond the "End of the Trail". We will see each other again... James R. Kelly 1945-2006 God Bless Your Soul!!