• clouds,  quotes

    Traveling

    Passing Storm
    Passing Storm

    “Life is about turning up. The more you get yourself out there, whether you wake up at 5:00 a.m. to pouring rain or not, the more you’re likely to experience the wonderful happenings that are going on all around you. Sometimes the most interesting visual phenomena occur when you least expect it. Other times, you think you’re getting something amazing and the photographs turn out to be boring and predictable. So I think that’s why, a long time ago, I consciously tried to let go of artist’s angst, and instead just hope for the best and enjoy it. I love the journey as much as the destination. If I wasn’t a photographer, I’d still be a traveler.” – Michael Kenna

    I took this along US 285 while traveling on my 11-day trip back in September (just before they shut down the parks). Later on that afternoon I camped at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The sun was intermittent then more clouds rolled in and a heavy rain fell through most of the night. My rainfly was soaked but my tent, sleeping bag and shoes were dry. Traveling.

    Start another trip this morning then heading down to Phoenix and celebrate mom’s 81st birthday. Taco Bell here we come.

  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  natural areas,  quotes

    What’s Left Behind

    Small Bass Pond
    Small Bass Pond

    “Parks and gardens are the quintessential intimate landscapes. People use them all the time, leaving their energy and memories behind. It’s what’s left behind that I like to photograph”. 

    Michael Kenna

    While on a walk in the Arapahoe Bend Nature Area I encountered an elderly gentleman on the trail. He had a walking stick in each hand and a small Canon around his neck. As he walked in front of me he would stop every once in a while, look around, taking it all in. He would raise the camera to his eye, frame a shot and press the shutter and methodically move on. No chimping. The walking paths in this area are level and easy to walk so for us elderly folk it is a great place to touch base with nature. I caught up with and enjoyed some time walking and talking with him. We both agreed we enjoy our nature areas. Just a few days before, this scene was covered in snow.