Resurrecting...

The last time I posted on my blog was about this time last year. Growing tired of Facebook pollution (i.e., a lot of crap, and click bait posts) I thought I'd raise the veil on the blog again.  Fitting that I'll be going to see my best friend in California again, too.

I thought I'd share a dream I've held for a very long time. Meet Wynn...

The traveled road, page seven

I've been remiss in updating my blog lately. With more struggles on the dog front, I haven't had much interest in writing. Letting go of the struggles surrounding Kindle has been excruciatingly difficult...

The 'traveled road' reminds me that life goes on. 'Things' can be more constant, but living, breathing creatures have a force all their own, sometimes that force is good, and sometimes it's bad. None the less, it's a force to reckon with, and we have certainly had to face that full in the face with Kindle very recently.

Last month we were in California, and had occasion to visit the central coast. We made several pit stops, but the one I loved most was the one in Carmel at the Mission San Carlos Borroméo del río Carmelo, or, as it's more commonly known, "the Carmel Mission".

I'll let the images speak for themselves. Needless to say, it's a very quaint, understated mission. I loved this mission's rich history. And I loved seeing where Father Junipero Serra is interred. An interesting and educated man. He held a doctorate in theology.

The traveled road, page six

Everything seen here is within an hour of home...we are blessed.

The Three Sisters (foreground) and the Pole Creek fire burn area (foreground),
Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, December 27, 2013.

Smith Rock, Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, Oregon, December 28, 2013.

Benham Falls, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, December 28, 2013.

Mt. Bachelor, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, December 29, 2013.

Broken Top, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, December 29, 2013.

Tumalo Creek, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, December 29, 2013.

The traveled road, page five

A few nights ago the moon was full, and it was a 'harvest moon'. With no moon shooting skills to lean upon, and only a fundamental knowledge of my gear (though the knowledge is growing, it's far from complete), we headed out. What did I learn? The moon is hard to shoot! What makes it hard is the light from the moon relative to anything surrounding it.  The contrast is hard to manage within a single image, but I'm still proud of these two shots, from the same location, but with different lenses, apertures, exposures and focal lengths...

This, right as the moon came up from behind the rocks. A bit of 'peek-a-boo'. I like the detail on the rocks here, and the tree to the left of the moon.  I shot this with my 70-210mm lens.  I love that lens.  Older, but cheap, and it's pretty dang sharp, even further out.

This one was fun because I was playing with my newly acquired 'starburst' skills. I used the 12-24mm lens here, f/22 for 30 seconds.

Not far from home we have been able to find some pretty places from which to shoot. We live in a very beautiful place. I often forget. These evening treks remind me that we have incredible beauty just a few minutes from home.

The traveled road, page four

We set out for some camera practice for Cliff last night, and had a destination in mind. What we intended to focus on was different from what eventually caught our eye: a pump pump house in Terrebonne, in a rather affluent area, just sitting off the side of the road. The gnarled tree added so much visual interest to the setting, we just had to see about capturing it. As we were setting up, the moon made an appearance, which turned out to be the icing on the cake.

To be honest, I think this is a pump house and setting made to look old, rather than an old one blended into a new landscape. No matter, the visual interest was so compelling, we couldn't resist.

I'm always amazed at what you can stumble upon, in your own hometown, if you just get out and about. Sometimes it's about finding new things, and sometimes it's about seeing old things with a new eye, a more appreciative eye, an eye filled with gratitude.

Gratitude: the quality of being thankful;

readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

The traveled road, page three

We live in a grand landscape. Not as grand as some, but the sights that can be found within an hour of our home are quite impressive. Hard to accomplish when you live in a desert, and nowhere near the beach. I can't count tropical paradise, nor the ocean, in locations close to home.

Smith Rock State Park is a favorite location of mine, and we are, literally, 10 minutes away from this stunning place. A favorite of rock climbers from all over the world, the chalk they use can be seen on rock faces nearly everywhere you look. I have yet to capture a climber on the rocks, but I will some day. I have only been here as the sun is going down, so my arrival times haven't coincided with the climbers, who tend to climb in the light of day.

Anyone visiting central Oregon should plan a stop here.  There are ample trails, and breathtaking views everywhere you look.

The traveled road, page two

A great weekend...

350 miles driven, several sights seen, and a truly enjoyable time with friends. Started out meeting up with a friend Friday night at the Prineville reservoir. Early Saturday morning we took off for the Painted Hills. Didn't quite make it for sunrise color, but it didn't diminish our enjoyment. I learned from my friend how to make a 'starburst' without any kind of trickery or fancy editing, a skill I will be excited to take to Sequoia National Park, and the Grand Canyon this fall. Simple, easy and really effective. No special equipment needed!

We took a swing through the Sheep Rock area. I'm not sure why it's called 'Sheep Rock', because I didn't see any sheep shaped rocks, and I sure didn't see any signs explaining how it came to be named as such.  It was lovely, regardless.

New this trip was a visit to Fort Rock, Oregon, where another friend joined up with us for some night shooting. Last night was the anniversary of Ty's passing, so shooting the stars and the Milky Way was fitting. I am so excited to have a wonderful image to remember the night with...a night to celebrate my Ty's precious, and all too short life.

Hoping to go back to Fort Rock in the late fall for some closer up shooting of the Fort Rock homestead buildings, which are pretty nifty. I did manage one shot of the rock, off in the distance. It's a fascinating place.

Until we meet again on 'The Traveled Road'...

The traveled road, page one

There are so many places I would like to see and visit, to capture memories into a single moment in time with my camera. This is not a time in my life when I can access the places that many others can. If I can't get there by car, and a short walk, I don't get there at all. In time this will change, but not now.

'The traveled road' is dedicated to my heart and soul dog, Jet, who at 14, is unable to walk long distances, or traverse uneven ground any longer. We travel as far as we, as a family, are able, and if one can only walk a few hundred yards safely, then that's what we do...together.

My first entry into 'the traveled road' is from last week, and our visit to Tumalo Falls in the Deschutes National Forest. It was so quiet there, with the peace only interrupted by the hypnotic sound of the falling water. We had the area nearly to ourselves, with just one other couple on the trail leading up to the upper overlook. We chose to stay close to the car for Jet's sake, and shoot from the lower viewpoint...it was anything but disappointing. It was just a short walk from the parking lot.

The world around us...

In the last few months our lives, and our recreation, have taken a bit of a turn. Once dog show enthusiasts (me, never Cliff) and fledgling breeders, we spent our free time at dog shows, or preparing to attend them. We have made some changes that, for us, are more fulfilling, and far more enjoyable. Not just enjoyable for us, but for our dogs, too.  Instead of spending their weekends in crates, inside dog show buildings, our dogs are exploring the world with us, taking in the sights with their eyes, *and* their noses.  They seem to really love it!

A couple years ago I discovered photography, and with that discovery, an enjoyment in life I had not previously known. Photography gets me out into nature, taking in sights I'd only thought about, but never experienced first hand. Life all of a sudden seems deeper, and more meaningful.

It was just a few weeks ago we made a drive to Johnston Ridge, which overlooks the Mt. St. Helens' debris field.  It's where geologist David Johnston was perched when Mt. St. Helens erupted.  His last message over the two way radio, as the mountain began to erupt, was "Vancouver, this is it!  This is it!"  He lost his life that day.

Traveling to Johnston Ridge was something we had always wanted to do, but never made the time for.  For once, we made the time, and it was truly a magnificent experience.

In these travels, I find myself almost fearful of the grand scale of nature's power. I was never part of an outdoorsy family, and I never really spent a lot of time pursuing outdoor adventures as I grew into adulthood. As such, I would say I'm not entirely comfortable with my relative size in the grander scheme of our world, and all it encompasses.  That just sounds so weird, even to my own ears, but it's true. Our trip to the Mt. St. Helens' debris field really brought that home.

This past weekend we traveled through the Ochoco National Forest, climbing over 4900' at pass level, down into the fossil beds area, through the Sheep Rock Unit, and Picture Gorge, into Dayville.  On our way, we spied an old barn off the highway.

Old barns always start me wondering about times gone by - the people who built them, and when they were built. This one was no different. I often wish old buildings could talk. Imagine the stories they could tell.

We spent the night at a very small campground in Dayville, run by an inebriated but jolly proprietor. The grounds were beautiful, even if the overall experience was a little different. It was safe and quiet...that's all we were really looking for - mission accomplished. A good night's sleep was had by all, especially Jet, who didn't move from his spot on the bed, all night long.

The next morning we made our way to the Painted Hills Unit.  So beautiful, so quiet, so peaceful.  We only saw a few people as we made our way around the hills.  A truly magical place.

The hills rise from the landscape like the land time forgot.  I was so captivated.  It was so special, so mystical in many ways. I often look at the results of nature's paint brush and think to myself, "there is no greater artist."  Truly magnificent.

Just because...

Last weekend, sunrise, out by the airport...it was so pretty.

A good trip...

Last week was really special.  Not only did we spend a week with my sister, but we were able to see her new house, and help her with some projects, in particular, a kitchen counter top restoration.  A lot of broken and loose tiles needed to be replaced, as well as the very boring backsplash.  When it was all said and done, it looked terrific, though there were times when she wasn't sure we knew what we were doing.  =)

 

All set, ready for some grout...

 

A little repair.  A broken corner was replaced, just awaiting some grout...

 

I took some shots of the kitchen, as well as some of her 'pretty things', and made a video for her.

While visiting, we taught Kindle to swim in my sister's pool.  This was such a fun thing for me.  Shelties are not known for their love of water, much less their swimming prowess.  Kindle, bless her, was a good sport, and once she figured out the dynamics of swimming, was a real champ, really enjoying herself, even hopping in from the steps to retrieve balls we threw hither and yon.  It certainly helped that she has a real love of retrieving, and loves water, though actual swimming was new for her.

 

And when you have swam so much, your legs are out of juice, just hitch a ride on 'dad'.

 

There was no swimming for Jet.  He just hung out, doing his 'cool' thing.  At 13, we are just happy he's here.  He has nothing to prove.  Looking good, buddy...

 

A good belly rub in the morning, from a much loved auntie, never hurt, either.

 

We were able to squeeze in a few fun things, as well.  A highlight for me, and it will sound strange, because it's a hamburger, was our two trips to Bachi Burger.  Bachi Burger is a burger joint with an Asian twist.  Unique and mouth-watering flavor combinations.

I had the spicy miso burger, which was fantastic.  Not a list of ingredients I would ever dream up, but it was really something special.  If you like burgers, and you have an adventurous culinary side, add it to your list for your next visit to Las Vegas.

 

I had the spicy miso burger.  It was wonderful...

 

We also visited Hoover Dam and the Tillman Memorial Bridge.  All I can say is "wow".  It's just one of the most impressive things I have ever seen.  Right up there with the Panama Canal, in terms of its ability to inspire.  To really appreciate it, one must consider the technology available when it was built in the early 1930s.  Truly amazing.  Another "must do" for any Vegas visitor.

 

In addition to Bachi and the dam, we were able to squeeze in Cirque du Soleil's "KA".  I posted on Facebook that I would talk more about it when I could come up with a word other than 'wow', and I am still stuck at 'wow'.  KA is more about technology than acrobatics, at least as far as Cirque shows go, but there is no question it is most impressive.  I caught myself, several times, as I watched the show, with my mouth open.  I'm not easily impressed.  This impressed the hell out of me.

We also took the auto collections tour at the Imperial Palace.  I wasn't sure what to think when we first walked in, but as we moved from room to room, I was really overwhelmed with the beauty of most of the restorations.  Like anything, there were a few that weren't on par with the most exceptional restorations we saw, but most were beautifully done, with extreme attention to detail.  If money were no object, I would have purchased the Chrysler 300 for Cliff, and the VW bus for myself...probably the Beetle, too.

The bus...

 

The 300...

 

And the Beetle...

 

Overall, it was a great visit.  I look forward to another, soon, when we aren't tearing up a kitchen, but rather cooking, taking in the sights, and just relaxing.

Before I sign off this post, I have to show off my 'fun with color' photos.

 

One, in particular, has special meaning. On the way down, with nothing to do but watch the desert pass by, and with a pretty strong cell signal, I got creative.  Our beloved Ty was a voracious licker.  There was not another like him and he could lick 'all the live long day'.  In remembrance of him, and to have something to celebrate his life with my sister, who deeply loved him, I had some bracelets made - ordered with my phone, traveling along a lonely road at 70 miles/hour.  My sister is wearing one here.  Can you see what it says?

 

Needless to say, I never take mine off...neither does Cliff, nor my sister.