Late September Super Moon/Moon Eclipse

Still working on getting through photo's.............

In late September we had a really cool super moon followed by an awesome moon eclipse.  Bill and I were down camping in the SE part of the state with our friends Terry and Tracey (and having a visitation visit with Ida!).  Being's how I suck so bad a taking awesome moon photo's, Tracey and I played with camera settings and lighting trying to create the most ideal conditions for awesome photos.  We burned the garlic bread that was supposed to be part of dinner that night, but it was worth it to see the moon!

The Randall dam in the lower part of the photo.  I just haven't figured out how to keep everything in focus night photography conditions.  (And the eclipse is just starting.)

This is toward the end of the eclipse.  The lighting is different as I had changed the camera settings to be more light sensitive trying to capture the moon detail.

September 2015

September was a busy month for us.  I'm just NOW getting around to looking at pics! And no signs of October being any slower.

We got the boat out a couple of times, camped, had visitors in the back yard, and made a run down to Ft. Collins.  

Enjoy!

Hiking/Walking........A Peaceful Time

My friend Marion didn't know she was modeling for me on a recent hike.  A couple weeks ago my photography group asked me to lead a photo safari in Spearfish Canyon. 

Quick Trip

Last week we made just a quick trip up to Sheridan Lake for just a couple days.  It was a bit cooler and overcast than we had been expecting, however, how can an evening around the campfire, viewing the lake, enjoying a cocktail with one's best friend and puppy dogs (children) at your feet be a bad time?  It's not.  Ida caught a ride home on Friday....a pretty good send off if you ask me.

It's a pretty dog gone good life for residents of the Snow Chateau.

Bakers Falls

Many of you know I am a member of the Battle Mountain Photography group in Hot Springs.  I don't make it to many meetings as Hot Springs is about a 2 hour drive south, but occasionally I do make it on their photo safari's.  Earlier this summer I did make it to a meeting where there was some discussion about where to go next.  

My friend and mentor, Mike suggested that maybe it wasn't quite time, but Community Caves would be a good spot after seeing me mention it on Facebook to a friend.  I agreed, although I warned all I had only found the trail head, not actually hiked it; and suggested it be a September safari as to take advantage (hopefully) of fall colors.  

The next meeting I was unable to attend, and wall-la!!!  September safari decided, and I'm in charge!  Guess I better get my butt on the trail.  There are many blogs on line about the caves, but mostly they say the same things.  Being curious to know the name of the creek that flows over the falls, of course I did what was easiest...I googled it.  No name of the creek, but the falls in history are referred to as Baker Falls.  Also found in history the caves have also been called Wildcat Falls - although no reasons for either name.  I found the trail very short, but VERY steep.  Steep enough the last 20 yards or so, I needed my inner mountain goat.  It was worth it though.  

Kind of a cool sight as you round the corner.

Hiking just to the right of the caves, one can see the creek as it is coming over the edge.  I did not find enough inner mountain goat to get up on top.  From there it is likely one could see the entire canyon.  Maybe sometime when I am not by myself and not carrying a very expensive camera.

And before leaving, I had to get a shot from behind the falls.

Hunting

Last night as we had a late dinner on the back deck, we kept hearing a very strange "screeching" noise.  There were definitely two different birds talking, but neither Bill nor I could figure out what the sound belonged to.  All of a sudden I caught a movement and saw an owl fly into one of the oak trees.  It was the strangest owl sound either of us remember ever hearing.  Of course I had to get the camera out.  Unfortunately light was fading and I was at the end of my lens and still have to crop in quite a bit.  We never did see the second one, but he did do one very fine pose for me before tiring of the camera.

I was able to get a couple other nice shots of him, but this being the most traditional photo.

Just Because

Right before Rally I did a habitat shoot for Pheasants Forever (which I/we volunteer for).  I am still very much catching up on photo's I took just prior, during and after Rally, but I'm getting there. This is one that I was able to capture.  I just like it.

A volunteer sunflower along the edge of the road watches over the valley as the crops ripen, readying for harvest.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.