This is from 2003 and a trip made to Yellowstone National Park. Lamar Valley, one of my favorite places in the park.
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Put it on the list
If you look closely you will see a nice whitetail buck staring directly at you. I came upon him while he was bedded down in the trees just to the left. All I had with me was my Fujifilm X-E1 and the 18-55mm lens. It’s not the lens for reaching out to capture wildlife images. Off to the right side was his harem of 4 does. There was a time when I thought a harem was what I needed but once reality set in, those fantasies are long gone. 🙂
Even though I’m quite happy with this camera and lens, this image reignited a wish to have more focal length than the 55mm. What I want is an image stabilized 12-400mm zoom with a variable aperture of f1.2 to f2.8 and only weight 12 ounces. I’d even settle for a cheaper, and lighter, version at a fixed f4.0. So, I’m putting it on my Christmas list, right below the new underwear. Always need new underwear. So, I guess I still have fantasies, they’ve just shifted a bit.
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Oh, to be a squirrel
Outside my condo is a squirrels nest located in the upper branches of a tree. I enjoy observing their daily life. At times I wonder what it would be like to be one of them. As aging causes me to slow down with aches, pops and cracks I’m envious of their enormous energy. They scurry everywhere, always on the alert for danger but living life to the fullest. Their day seems to be full of searching for food, chasing each other in a game of tag or claiming territory and chattering. Their beautiful fluffy tail that makes them cute and is also works as a warm blanket for colder weather. They twitch those tails when they are scared, mad, uneasy, a predator is in the area and/or a way to leave their scent from their glands to other squirrels. The twitching of their tail is a way for them to get the message to the other squirrels that danger is around. It is my warning to keep my distance.
They are not worried about mortgage payments, unnecessary wars, or what’s happening on facebook. After a busy day and the sun falls below the horizon they climb up to their nests made of twigs and leaves and curl up for the night. I imagine sleep comes quickly as nature rocks them to sleep. Yep, life is about living it a day at a time.
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Hello There
“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. The great affair is to move.”
Robert Louis StevensonStill in Phoenix. Teasing my parents that I’m moving in with them now that I’m retired. For some reason they are not laughing. Anyway, I met up with this guy on my way back from a morning of shooting on the Peralta Trail. He was standing along the road. I stopped, rolled down the window and asked for directions. No response, only the stare. So, I grabbed the camera and took a photo. It’s amazing to me they can live in such a harsh environment, eating cactus does not seem feasible, but they do.
I’ll be back on the road tomorrow, heading home. I plan on taking a new route and pass through the Moab area.
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Licking the Whip
“Always carry a camera, it’s tough to shoot a picture without one.”
Jay Maisel -
Waiting
I’ve watched this dog sit patiently as the owner stops in to get her coffee. Well this morning I approached the owner and asked if I could take a photo of her patient dog.it seems this dog waits in almost this same position each morning. The head is supported on the window with little movement while the eyes scan from side to side. No barking. It’s like there is a trust and belief she will return very shortly. So, I’ll just wait. 🙂
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Baxter