Raven staring at me hoping I will give it some food – Lamar Valley, Yellowstone
Black Bear Bluff Charge quick clip
I had the camera on burst mode or time lapse. I captured seven photos and here they are spliced together. This is a black bear running towards some tourists that got too close in Yellowstone. He stopped shortly after this and ran back to where he was eating.
Just Prior to bluff charge in Yellowstone
This is a still, colors brightened a little, just prior to the bluff charge. He is staring directly at the group of tourists and walking straight at them.
Can any of you guess where this was taken?
I think this photo looks great. The way in which the sunlight enters through the cracks and spreads out. However, can you guess where this is? Post your guesses in the comments.
Two cubs of 610
Sunset in the Tetons
Beauty in the mundane
Willow trees, or shrubs more likely, are often overlooked. Willows love water. Plant them somewhere dry and soon you will have kindling. In the west, these shrubs are often found along the banks of streams and rivers or in low lying areas. If you are looking for wildlife, they always alert you to potential moose and, if the plants are large enough, elk sightings.
Their bark can be various shade of yellow, orange, or burnt red. They can really be impressive on a larger scale. However, as I often like to do, getting up close can reveal insights your might not normally see. Here I am showing you the willows at a normal view and then a second photo getting close into the branches of the plant. This almost creates an abstract appearance.
At times like these, I remind my self that I sometimes need to see people from different vantage points. Sometimes they may have a backstory that brings some perspective. Sometimes, they are just jerks.
Enjoy.
Excitravelxiety The excitement and anxiety prior to travel
It is the day before I leave. We need to create a word for this feeling. Germans seem to be good at this. Excitravelxiety ? Will that work? Excited about travel but also with some fear or dread – anxiety?
Of course, there is all of the mundane tasks like packing (and laundry), checking weather, gathering electronic devices and cords, making sure everything is charged, and dealing with yard work. I try to establish routines for the blocks of travel prep that I can. Electronics are always being upgraded or changed out. Some trips I focus more on reading, others on photography, some of video conferencing, rarely on blogging (sorry for that), or sometimes; nothing. Clothes are sort of routine but location and weather are fickle. What time of year is it? How much time will I be out doors? What season is it? Will I be at different altitudes? Can I even trust the weather report? Fickle.
Setting out routines would be nice, but there is only so much I can do.
This time, it is a relatively straight forward first trip. Drive to Wyoming. Stay in the cabin. Hike, photograph, and introspect. (Maybe blog?) Weather? Anticipate perfect weather – high in the 60’s with lows in the 30’s or 40’s. Snow will still be on the ground at higher elevations. So, as every travel writer says – layer.
Wildlife viewing? I sure hope so. I just saw that 399 was spotted. I would love to see her this year. She apparently has one cub. She needs the break after having those four cubs two years ago.
People often ask me about the long drive. You know, I don’t really mind it; especially after Kansas City. Once I get west of there the traffic is much less and my wildlife viewing increases. Turkey, hawks, and pronghorn sheep at first (sometimes even an eagle) and then at the end, if I am lucky, moose, bear, and elk. Of course, I love the occasion skunk, rabbit, or other furred feathered animal; as long as they don’t run out in front of me.
The time in the truck can be relaxing. Interstate driving out west is not a game of shake and drive (jive) like it is when there are so many other drivers on the road. I can only attest to the awesome number of concerts I have performed in the truck singing along to some favorites. I have also listened to some great books. Have you ever read Coyote? Or listening to The Call of the Wild or White Fang by Jack London while driving to or through the Yukon? So, books about where I am going or am are always good listens. Deep books are not written for road trips. Fiction and especially science fiction are good. I did listen to Lord of the Rings on one trip. Long books are great since I will be in the truck for 15 hours or so. I have to break it up with songs (and my concerts) to help stay alert sometimes. At this point in my life, I am still fit enough that the ride doesn’t mess me up.
Anyway, I need to get back to the mundane stuff. I hope to update you soon.
Make good choices.
Here’s looking at you
Let’s get going
Welcome everyone to my little blog. I simply want a place to share my thoughts, photos, questions, and other material that strikes me as insightful, thought provoking, beautiful, or funny.
Many of you have asked me to create a blogs in the past. I selfishly kept most of those experiences to myself. This summer though, I thought I would give it a shoot for anyone who is interested. I hope to upload some photos and post some written stuff here. I guess time will tell.
It is great to have you here and I hope this adds something meaningful to your life.
Be kind to each other – and make good choices.