• Glacier National Park,  lake,  landscape,  National Parks

    We Are Nature

    January 18, 2016
    This image was taken in 2004 just afater the massive fires in Glacieer National Park. The haze of smoke is evident in the mountains and you could smell it.
    This image was taken in 2004 just after the massive fires in Glacier National Park.

    Back in 2004 I made a road trip on my motorcycle to the west coast. During the 3 week trip I road 4200 miles. I drove down the northwest coast of Washington into Oregon, ate seafood in Seattle and tried to cover as many National Parks as I could fit into the schedule. I camped along the road except for 4 four nights, setting up camp primarily in National Parks.

    I only scheduled one afternoon and night in Glacier National Park which is not near enough time to really see the park. I setup camp in one of the campgrounds near Lake McDonald but for the life of me can’t remember which one. The previous year was one of the worst seasons of fire in Glacier National Park. A 136,00 acres were burned that year. One of the largest fires was the Roberts Fire, which burned 57,570 acres, that is near the lake. I could see the barren and naked landscape across the lake. There was a fire burning nearby, causing a haze to settle into the lower valleys of the park.

    It’s cold outside this evening so I’m going through my archives and found this image that caused me to remember  the trip. I wrote about this trip before and have a color image or the lake, if you care to check it out. I converted this image to black and white with Silver Efex Pro using one of the presets then making a few simple adjustments in Lightroom 4.

    A final thought : I have in the past wished we had more respect for nature but I think I would rather we understood that “we are nature.”

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  • landscape,  Plants,  snow,  winter scenes

    Happy New Year

    January 1, 2016
    Simple Shadows
    Simple Shadows

    “What’s really important is to simplify. The work of most photographers would be improved immensely if they could do one thing: get rid of the extraneous. If you strive for simplicity, you are more likely to reach the viewer.” William Albert Allard

    I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed coming year!

     

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  • fall season,  leaves,  Plants,  seasons

    Autumn Colors

    October 20, 2015
    Autumn Colors
    Autumn Colors

    On my walk for coffee I stooped down on my knees to shoot this image but I ended up just staying there as I studied the patterns and colors nature was creating. While I watched the wind would rustle and move the leaves changing the pattern. The light changed as clouds moved above, casting a different light. The scene also changed as more leaves would fall and add to the scene. I was only there for a few minutes but it helped kick start my day.

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  • landscape,  natural areas,  sunsets

    Just What I Needed

    September 22, 2015
    Sunset at Kingfisher Point
    Sunset at Kingfisher Point – Nix Farmhouse in the Background

    Being on the restless side I headed east with no specific place to go or be. I ended up at the Environmental Learning Center and enjoyed a much-needed walk. Disappointed I did not see any deer but I did see the Great Horned Owl “whoooo” has been there all summer. Pretty much had the place to myself.

    On my way home I could see a few clouds hanging over the mountains which offered hope for sunset colors. I pulled into the Kingfisher Point Natural Area parking lot. I have only been there one other time. It is primarily a fishing area with just under a miles worth of trails. No cars in the parking lot so I headed for the ponds.

    The afternoon in the quiet of nature, the sunset, the persistent mosquitos and nats, the chilly fall air, all made me aware of how vital it is to be in nature for my health, both mentally and physically. It turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. The restless spirit has subsided and I slept like a baby.

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  • grass,  leaves,  Plants

    Caught

    August 7, 2015
    Caught in the Grass
    Caught in the Grass

    I found this leaf caught in the tall grass along the Fisher Nature Area. It seemed to be suspended in the air so I took a shot. When we take the time to notice each leaf has a specific look. The shape, color, and size are all dependent on how much light, water, nutrients, insects and weather. I walked past this leaf a couple days after taking this image and it was gone. I assume blown away during one of the windy days or disturbed by someone passing by.

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  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  natural areas

    I Like What I See

    March 14, 2015
    Shadows in the Snow
    Shadows in the Snow

    It’s nice to see the weather finally starting to warm up. But this is Colorado so we could have 6 inches of snow and be back in the teens in four weeks. This past weekend was nice for us out here in Colorado. I took a walk at the Environmental Learning Center on Saturday and the Arapahoe Bend Nature Area on Sunday. Both areas were pretty muddy and that means things will be greening up before we know it.

    During my walk I realized how I have taken my vision for granted. By vision I’m referring to the ability to see. A blind person must see with other senses. I also see in color that others do not. The older I get the more aware I am of those things around me, being present to the moment. At this time in my life my mind is not tied up with family worries or a project schedules at work. So, there is gratitude in just seeing. And, I like what I see.

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