An Evening Storm Over The Palouse Canyon

My photography adventure in the Palouse backcountry was rapping up as the storm was rushing in. I paused and wondered if I would have ever seen this magnificent landscape if I hadn't had a camera and a photographic passion driving me on.

The Song Birds Were At Palouse Falls

I've said it before, I'm better at photography than I am at identifying what I photograph. I need some help here. Can anyone identify this beauty?

Katie Made Some New Friends

 I wasn't the only one having fun at the Palouse Falls State Park.

Being Prepared For The Moment

I came upon this hawk. It flew away only to return again, resting on a fence. I noticed two people hiking up the trail below my position and the hawks. I waited knowing the hawk would take flight as the two hiked even closer. They hiked on, the hawk took flight. I was ready. It all happened in an instant.

On Guard At The Palouse Watch Tower

I almost missed this Marmot. I was focused so intently on the Palouse Falls. If I had turned the other way I might have never noticed this guy. Later I saw many more.

Palouse Falls Beyond

That means 'down stream'. Palouse Falls will be an annual destination. Thank you Ice Age.

The Gates To Palouse Falls

We drove into the lightning filled night, hoping we would be able to claim one of the ten camp sights at the Palouse Falls State Park. Success, the bad weather must have given some adventurers pause. Early the next morning I hiked the short distance to this view.

The Stillness Of A Hare

While in the Palouse Falls area of Southeast Washington, this past few days, I came upon this Hare. Question is what is the difference between a 'rabbit and a hare' ? It seems the Hare is larger, faster with longer ears and feet. The baby Hare can see and has hair while the rabbit baby is blind and hairless. Therefore the young Hare is able to fend for themselves very quickly after birth. Oh, and the young Hare is called a leveret and a young rabbit is called a kitten. Aren't you glad you asked?

Hydro-Race Art

Photographers have the option of processing images in a realistic or artistic manner. This is the same Hydroplane as I posted yesterday. This time I wanted to go for the emotional feel of the machine against the water. Can you tell that these remote controlled boats are only about two feet long?

This Lady Has Moves

Pretty in pink. Another of the remote controlled hydroplanes that raced on Lake Wilderness during Maple Valley Days earlier this month.

Bringing Home The Bacon

Caterpillars, grubs, and such. I've yet to see bacon. But you knew that was just an expression. Right?

Back To The Humm . . .

I'll be blogging from my Hummingbird collection as time goes by. I have a lot of images to share.

The Trick Is . . .

Since it  never seems that there is a long enough telephoto lens for bird photography, the trick is to find a way to get closer to your subject. I was located behind a low branch. This Jay didn't see me. Click.

My Daughter Katie Ask Me . . .

"Dad, what is your favorite color" ? After capturing this image of the orange poppy flower I had to answer, "Katie, today I think it is Orange". We will have to see what tomorrow brings.

How Do They Make It Through The Branches?

This woodpecker comes and goes through the wetlands behind my home. Birds that fly through the woods are traveling at a high clip and I don't understand how they avoid the tree branches.

Early Misty Morning Treasure

Early morning photo hikes are rewarded with views like these poppy blossoms. These moments help slow down the speed of life.

It Appeared That It Was Late

to whatever destination it was going to. This caterpillar made me laugh and that was enough incentive to take it's picture. Maybe it was just in a hurry to become a butterfly.

In Real Life . . .

these beautiful flowers are here today and gone tomorrow. To capture their image with a camera and have the opportunity to enjoy the bloom all year long is a delight.

A Summer's Rose

Whether you have one or a dozen of these beauties you are blessed. If you have none then gaze upon this one and I'm sure your soul will be refreshed.

The Hydroplanes Of Summer

Maple Valley Days are exciting on many levels. One of my favorite has been the miniature remote controlled Hydroplane Races. Unless you had a full sized fishing boat in the background, you would be hard pressed to guess the size of these boats. This boat is just making the far turn and heading down the final stretch. This is a photo of Craig Bradshaw's 'Oh Boy! Oberto'.

Way Up In The Eagle's Nest

Guess what I spied way up in the Bald Eagle's nest. One of the young eagles that were hatched earlier this spring. They grow fast. It's a big world it's looking out to see.

A Few More Humms . . .

Back by popular demand, a few more Hummingbirds the next couple days.  It is so seldom that we get a chance to study these littlest of birds. Fascinating to say the least.

Woody For Real

I think I've seen more Woodpeckers in Washington than any other state I've visited. My backyard borders a wetland and I see three different types of woodpeckers almost every day.

Metlako Falls, I Had To See It Again

This waterfall is not visible from the trail. You must exit the main trail to locate this vantage point. Quite the hidden secret in the Columbia Gorge.

While Walking Through The Woods One Day

It Just happened to be in the month of May. I was taken by surprise as a dry stream caught my eye, while walking through the woods one day. You have to excuse my attempt at whimsical, I just got back from hiking in the Columbia Gorge and I haven't quite made it back to pedestrian walk yet.

A Longer Look Back . . .

to the Bridal Veil Falls passageway. Many of you have commented regarding my images of the Columbia Gorge, wanting to visit this wonderland or revisit the Gorge after a long time away. Don't wait, plan a trip now. I'm glad I went last week.

The Trees Of The Columbia Gorge

There is nothing like a quiet walk in the woods. Last week I was hiking to Punch Bowl Falls in the Columbia Gorge. It isn't just about the destination, the hike passes scene after scene of soul inspiring views. Some as simple as a grove of evergreen trees with a misty background.

Bridal Veil Falls Rages . . .

then it's churning waters flow left through a rock passageway and the creek flows peacefully downstream to the Columbia River Gorge.

Springtime At Cedar Creek Grist Mill

I enjoyed responding to requests that I return seasonally to the Grist Mill. This image was taken earlier this week, it is quite a change from the winter snow scene I posted earlier.

Some Images Work Great In B&W

I've posted a color version of this photo before. I wanted to use a color image to try different black and white conversion techniques. Do you think I was successful with this conversion?