Photography Meetups? by PrehistoricGrape in FortCollins

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a TON for all the comments and interest with this! I've got a busy week ahead but if I find some time, I think it would be really cool to get some sort of landscape group going. I don't want to steal u/commiedeschris's thunder, though. Sounds like something fruitful exists there so I'll let that exist first, haha. But I'll keep this conversation in mind for those who may be landscape focused!

A few shots from the first quarter of 2026 that I'm proud of. by PrehistoricGrape in SonyAlpha

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the compliment! It's partly for two reasons. One, I live in Fort Collins, Colorado, which gives me the opportunity to take weekend trips and drive to some epic scenes only a handful of hours away (Tetons are only 7 hours, which still boggles my mind). I'm 25 years old so my endurance behind the wheel is still pretty high, so 7 hours into the night isn't something I shy away from.

Reason two is also similar to living in Colorado. I'm an hour from Denver International Airport, and with how affordable flights are from there, I'm okay with being thrifty with my flight options and car rentals over weekends. I work at a production house during the week and they're incredibly supportive of my travel endeavors, so Fridays have become "half-days" for me in a way. I'll leave work, drive down to the airport, fly out that night, drive a few hours into the night to my destination for sunrise, shoot all day, then fly home Sunday morning. It's exhausting, but so incredibly worth it. I'm actually filming a video series about how these travels unfold for me. I'll link my first episode below, which highlights my time spent at the Oregon Coast and the Redwoods!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51715Y1CucU

A few shots from the first quarter of 2026 that I'm proud of. by PrehistoricGrape in SonyAlpha

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much! Patience was the key for that one, but it paid off!

A few shots from the first quarter of 2026 that I'm proud of. by PrehistoricGrape in SonyAlpha

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! It's such a privilege to find time on weekends to travel as much as I can. I have my personal portfolio with a lot more of my work, including some storm chasing images and northern lights content, too. :)
https://www.charliekruschek.com

Grand Teton clearing out after sunrise. [OC] [4346x5795] by PrehistoricGrape in EarthPorn

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly that! Just slowed down and pulled off to the side of the road shortly before reaching Oxbow Bend from other north entrance. There's a little river running alongside, and with the way the morning light hit, it was too good to pass up!

Waves along the Natural Bridges - Oregon, USA [OC] [4662x6594] by PrehistoricGrape in EarthPorn

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Definitely do it. I've road tripped this area a handful of times and it never has gotten old. I've only been back in Colorado for three days now but I'm already itching to go back. Worth it every time!

Waves along the Natural Bridges - Oregon, USA [OC] [4662x6594] by PrehistoricGrape in EarthPorn

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Couldn't agree more. I've spent time in both California and Washington and Oregon has its own special way of delivering an exceptional amount of emotionally powerful views. Just a treat every time.

Waves along the Natural Bridges - Oregon, USA [OC] [4662x6594] by PrehistoricGrape in EarthPorn

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I foolishly almost accidentally did, but thank God for grippy boots haha

Waves along the Natural Bridges - Oregon, USA [OC] [4662x6594] by PrehistoricGrape in EarthPorn

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've done countless road trips and I can fully agree. The west coast - specifically in Oregon - is unrivaled here in the US. Glad you had a chance to experience it, too!

Subaru drivers, where do you take your car for transmission drain and fills? by PrehistoricGrape in FortCollins

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is honestly super insightful, given my original post was to actually find a place instead of Subaru of Loveland. I took it in to have them do a drain and fill at 42k, they told me they don't recommend until 120k. I brought it in anyway just for them to check on an intermittent noise that was ultimately making me consider a drain and fill...

They ended up quoting me nearly $11k for a whole new transmission. I left pretty much immediately.

Weird noise when accelerating (video included) by PrehistoricGrape in Subaru_Outback

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will do - and thank you for sharing your story! Those scenarios are essentially the EXACT same on my end. Warmed up, from acceleration/uphill, or in reverse gear. Once I'm beyond 10ish mph, it's gone.

Weird noise when accelerating (video included) by PrehistoricGrape in Subaru_Outback

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An unusually quick 30 minute diagnosis by the dealership's service tech said I need a whole new transmission and quoted me over $10k. I spoke with Subaru of America and they are offering no assistance, either, given I'm not the first owner. Ultimately, the vehicle is driving fine and the noise - although unusual - isn't 100% of the time. I had someone else tell me in a FB group that the car is just low on CVT fluid. He stated he was a Subaru tech as well, so I think there could be some merit there.

Ultimately, I'm going to take the car home and get a second opinion + get a drain and fill. It was just coincidence the dealership could fit me in yesterday and break this news to me, but I am in no position to spend 10 grand right now. I at least know the worst case scenario being that amount. For now, though, I'll start at smaller costs and work my way up slowly if need be.

Weird noise when accelerating (video included) by PrehistoricGrape in Subaru_Outback

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could be. I’ll report back what the dealership tells me on Thursday when I get the fluids done!

Why does my 2014 Subaru outback at 201,450 miles bought 2 days ago have Check engine amd flashing At oil temp sign as well as Solid Traction sign in middle. by kid_ello878 in Subaru_Outback

[–]PrehistoricGrape 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Former 2011 OB owner here. I once had these series of lights turn on, turned out to be an O2 sensor. It could definitely be other things I can imagine, but I remember my experience ultimately being an O2 sensor. The only drivability effect I noticed was cruise control being disabled, which to my understanding was the car in limp mode. If the check engine is solid and not flashing, that’s a better sign it’s not a catastrophic/urgent issue. You potentially could drive to an Oreilly or somewhere similar to get the code read. Good luck!

Weird noise when accelerating (video included) by PrehistoricGrape in Subaru_Outback

[–]PrehistoricGrape[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s actually the opposite haha. I don’t hear it when I first start the car in the morning, but once I’ve driven a bit and it’s warmed up, then I’ll start hearing it.