The Beach Boys are't the only ones who love the Ventura Beach Sunsets

I took this image of the Ventura coast sunset while I was waiting for my wife to arrive from her work. It was both a spectacular moment and a lonely one. If you know what I mean.

The Sequoia National Forest

This is an image taken near Lodgepole in the Sequoia National Forest. Trevr, that's right, Trevr spelled Trevr. Protecting my ability to type. Sorry for that, but I knew it would become an issue.

Trevr is our youngest son, we were in the Sequoia mountains and had to pass through this massive collection of granite slabs. This is one of those shots that I have tried to conquer for years. I mean by that, correct shadowing using post production software. I think I've finally got it. OnOneSoftware to the rescue.

San Ynez Fog

The San Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara county is wine country. The landscape is a combination of oak trees and wine vineyards. The oak trees could cast shadows on the grapes, but there you have them in the middle of the orchards. The grapevines are planted in a way as not to be impacted by the shadowing.

But I digress. This posting is about comparing the same image, presented in both color and black and white. How does the different treatment affect your reaction?

Special Note:

I've added a place for you to react to my postings. All one has to do is click the option that represents your reaction to the posting. Thanks in advance for your effort.

Coos Bay - Sand Dunes

The sand dunes in Oregon are a great playground for the quad-running set. By buddy Claud showed me the area. There are ten miles of sand from Coos Bay to the Pacific Ocean and forty miles of sand between Coos Bay and Florence to the north.

Civil War Re-Enactment

A number of years ago I was asked to join my father-in-law to a presentation of one of the key battle reenactments of the Civil War. Basically put, the participants are acting out the battle and the viewers are using their imaginations to visualize how this battle must have been carried out in the war between the states, Civil War.

I brought my camera but not my tripod. Big mistake. You have to realize the simulated battle field was just that a large field. Hand holding cameras with telephoto lens attached could result in blurred images. I shot the battle anyway and was pleasantly surprised with the results. Also, luck was on my side with this shot of the fire coming out of the rifle.

Snoquera Cascading Stream

Last Saturday some of my family members went up into the Cascade Mountains. It wasn't an exhausting hike but it was tranquil. I've become more aware of the lack of noise when I'm away from my day to day life. Pleasant.

Let's Tip Our Tulip to La Conner

The La Conner region of Washington has the most incredible display of Tulips. It is a celebration of April on a grand scale.

No words necessary.

What do you see first, the Red Tulip or the Yellow Tulips?

Final Look Back

We will be back! :)

Departing Orcas Island

Our final walk outside of the Inn at Ship Bay.

Ready to board the Ferry.

Looking back.

Cascade Falls on Orcas Island

My wife Michellyn and I were returning from Mount Constitution. Although the vistas from Mt. Constitution are grand, the weather limited our visibility. We almost passed a marker indicating a set of waterfalls. We turned around and this is what we saw.

Sometimes it is the textures that catch your eye. That was the case with this image. It was taken while we were driving to Mt. Constitution.

And some areas are private lands.

First Mate at First Light

After an early walk along the sea cliffs I looked down to see this Crane at first watch. This shot has a Japanese Painting feel. At least for me.

Tranquility Overload

When I came upon this scene, I was taken back by the Kinkade painting like feel. I must have taken a dozen shots, all slightly different angles. This one stuck out for me.

Action Photos

This Bald Eagle has just secured his dinner of salmon. Watching the powerful dive, snatch and fly away was amazing.

Washing Dinner.

The Bald Eagle takes a final turn then enters the flight path to his nest.

I'm Watching You

What a treat I had this weekend. Orcas Island lived up to all it's hype. A pair of Bald Eagles resided outside our suite at the Inn on Ship Bay. Magnificent birds.

from Ferry to Faire Land

The Ferry from Anacortes sails between several other islands on the way to Orcas Island. This photo represents the magical feeling the area invokes. My wife Michellyn noted, "I can almost see Captain Hooks ship". The next few days will be about presenting some of the images we experienced on this Getaway.

Orcas Island Getaway

Orcas Island, the gem of the San Juan Islands. We are off for a romantic weekend.

Big Crack Campground

My best friend, Claud, and his extended family, have a private campground in the Olympic Peninsula area. It is named "Big Crack Campground". Why is another story.
This is a tribute to the earth mover on site.

Busy Bee of a day

Some days are as busy for me as I imagine they are for this Honey Bee. Today is one of those days. Up at 4:00am; take Johnny to SeaTac airport, photographing in Seattle, training, testing a new camera lens, posting a photo, taking new camera lens back for exchange, home for Big Bang Theory.

San Ynez Ranch Lands

The San Ynez Valley is located about thirty miles from Santa Barbara. It is a horse and ranch community. Exploring the backroads, walking through the fields. Discovering wild flowers you haven't seen before. Listening to the warm Santa Ana winds. I've seen cougars, bobcats, deer even buffalo. Weasels, birds a plenty. But the horses are major.

Ready for April Showers

Katie was after me to go walking in the rain. I finally gave in to her demands and when we were ready, we stepped outside and no rain. I was delighted. She was happy to splash in the remaining rain puddles. I got this image.

Cascading Stream in the Cascades

The Cascade Mountain Range was well named. As you hike through this wonderland, you repeatedly pass by cascading streams. On a hike to Snoquera Falls last year I was treated to this cascading stream.

Ferns, Frost and April . . . what?

We had some snow this week. Then some sun. Oops, I wasn't going to complain about the weather. Sorry.

This Heron reminds me of a story . . .

The neighbors cat, Katie Kitty, was known as an excellent gopher catcher. One day I was out for a walk and I noticed a Blue Heron laboring to take flight. Upon looking closer I realized Katie Kitty was on the back of the Heron as the bird was lifting off the ground. How many cat lives was this prey worth. About seven feet off the ground I got my answer. Katty Kitty jumped off and besides her pride, all was well. No lives lost that day.

Who doesn't like "old Barns"?

When we are traveling through the backroads of America, I am always compelled to stop and photograph "old Barns" we come apon. Most of the time I don't stop but I'm always tempted.

Will you sit for a portrait?

I've been often asked, "how many shots did it take to get this image". Well, good question. It is not uncommon for a photographer to shoot all day and settle on a handfull of images that are really good. I was lucky the day I saw this butterfly. The butterfly wasn't interested in photography and I only got one shot off.

Spring Snow on Jordan Road-Canyon Creek

North-East of Granite Falls, Washington is a picturesque little road. Mountain Loop Hwy. This image is of Jordan Road-Canyon Creek. You can almost feel the cold water, can't you?

Spring Stream on Meadowdale Trail.

When we went exploring the Puget Sound beach area of Meadowdale Park, we thought the beach would be the surprise destination. It was this little stream on the journey down the hillside that was a surprise.

What was it? I don't know.

Sometimes you find unusual "things" as you wander up a new beach. I have no idea what this structure used to be. Maybe a sailing ship hull. The large spikes that were used in its construction leads me to believe . . . I just don't know.

Exploring Puget Sound

Our adventure today will be exploring some of the many beach areas of Puget Sound. We'll drive north of Everett. Then try to discover sights we have not seen.

This image was taken near Des Moines. There is a long fishing pier that allowed me to take this picture.

Landing Zone

There are more exotic birds than the seagull. But they are perfect subjects for photo practice.

A Home with a View

Des Moines is a small beach town. This home sits on a hill, overlooking Puget
Sound. This area has sail boats a plenty. A wonderful beach to walk. A view of the Olympic Mountains. Fun to be had.

Soos Creek Trail

The Seattle area is surrounded by walking paths. Routes that allow one to experience the woodlands around Puget Sound. The Soos Creek Trail is one of these trails and wanders for just over five miles. I was looking for the Sandhill Crane nesting area. I was about to turn back, when I saw white. No, I wasn't about to pass out. Behind a large tree and up a hill was a natural bed of bulb flowers. If anyone can identify this species let me know.

Guess what, I won at Poker last night?

I was so excited. I called my wife and told her, "honey, I just won a boat". She asked the usual questions, like "where are we going to keep a boat". I answered, "In the front yard".

April Fools !!!

p.s. I discovered this boat, work in progress, in a front yard.