Perspective (or Building an Image)

Now that crops are being removed from area fields, wide open views have returned. Included in such scenes are lone trees in a smattering of fields.

For me it is easy to put emotions into the trees. What storms -natural or world - have the trees endured? What environmental conditions have the lone trees weathered? Have the trees even survived unscathed or have the effects of harsh conditions become visible. Sadly, have some of my old lone tree friends succumbed to conditions and fallen to the ground to be forgotten forever?

This morning I…

Autumn Art

As the season transitions to colder times, the affects are remarkable - leaves, fog, color and smell. Over the past couple of days I shot a number photos to document what I am seeing. Some views are very realistic while others are more artistic. I hope you enjoy them.

Not What We Expected

Early this morning Kristy and I headed up to Volga River Recreation Area with the intent of shooting paddling images with a backdrop of the wooded hills surrounding Frog Hollow Lake. My plan was for the paddler (Kristy) to be a small element in the photo - not the primary theme.

What we did not expect was the speed of the variable wind and, even more, the amount of mist that began falling after we were on the water. In just a few minutes we went from dry and hopeful to…

Attempting a Save (and more)

This afternoon a caring fellow reached out to me about an owl that was down on the ground, not flying away when approached, and possibly in trouble. Within the hour Dan and I had the owl in a pet taxi for delivery to Terese at Black Wildlife Rehabilitation for care.

Will the owl make it… time will tell. What I do know is that I lost a key today - possibly at the owl rescue - and Kristy and I went to look for it tonight. We did not find the key, but I did see two cats “hunting” where the owl was captured. Imagine what might have happened if Dan had not seen or reacted to his owl sighting.

I-Lean and More

Since my last post I have recorded a number of images without a common theme. Of the pictures, one that stands out for me is the idea this sailboat gave me for naming my “new-to-me” sailboat I acquired last week. Since mine is smaller, and without any sailing experience, I am assuming a day on the water in strong winds (like this picture) will result in a strong lean of the boat - strong enough that I will need to hang off the side to prevent it from capsizing. If I am correct, it would seem appropriate to name the boat “I-Lean” or “Eileen” to reflect what is necessary.

Before Work and After Work Pics

For reasons unknown to me I once again attempted something I have done before and expected different results. My test… recording video with enough quality using my cell phone rather than my GoPro or Nikon. What looked good on my phone screen did…

Life Cycles (Deep Thoughts)

Earlier today I spotted a “not so healthy” looking red fox hesitantly prancing across a harvested soybean field. Eventually the fox made its way to a partially harvested corn field. Once there, the fox headed toward me on the edge of the standing corn. Before approaching too close, the animal paused to look around, then - without convincing urgency - entered the standing corn.

Even though my time with the fox was probably less than one minute, it appeared obvious the animal was struggling. Was it young and not doing well on its own, or aged and reaching the end of life. Regardless, winter is likely to be tough for this fox.

This afternoon, while getting some exercise, I spotted this grasshopper on a milkweed leaf. On closer examination I could tell its lifecycle was complete. The grasshopper’s challenge to survive had passed.

Seeing the dead grasshopper and the fox closer to death than the prime of life got me thinking. How am I doing in my lifecycle?

Nowhere is…

Glimpses of Autumn

This morning, as I listened to our church message, I also appreciated my location at the Church of the Open Stream - in this case the Wapsipinicon River. First I paddled the upstream area from the dam, then

Testing a Prototype

Last week I picked up a trailer to convert to a kayak/canoe carrying trailer. (Yes, it had a sailboat on it that came home with me, but the primary use will be to transport canoes and kayaks.) My goal was to be able to use our Jeep to go paddling since the license plate is “Paddler.”

Over the past few days I have been…

Wow!

What a pretty sunset to end the work week. This picture appears warmer than the temperatures were. Possible spotty frosty is forecast in the next few days. I am not ready!

Good Job Jordan…Thank You!

A local Eagle Scout Project is nearly complete as Jordan sets signs along the Cedar, Shell Rock, and Wapsipinicon Rivers in Bremer County.

This signage will be a big help to those using the rivers for paddling or boating (if/when/where possible) when locations are not known. And, the signs include technology…

Wildlife to See

Assuming you can get out before the sun sets, which is happening far too early now, you may still see wildlife. Tonight I saw painted turtles on a log, turkey vultures, and…

Oh Criminy Sakes

Many Internet sources list suggested gift themes for each year of wedded bliss. I don’t know about you, but we seldom (never) follow that. On this special night, the eve of our 42nd wedding anniversary, I looked up the suggestion - clock or watches. Really…. Oh criminy sakes… we have watches, we have our phones, and we have plenty of other ways to tell time. We don’t need watches or clocks.

What my bride and I need is something to help us…

“Best Day Ever”

When you hear those words from a grandchild, it is possible you have done something right - at least for a day.

Over this past weekend the boys have ridden in a combine harvesting beans (Thanks Lowell!), rode the 4-wheeler (Thanks Jason!), crossed the suspension bridge…

Not Much Today

Time did not provide for moments to do much more than check the status of the vegetation. While walking, I found this red-legged grasshopper. Maybe there will be more tomorrow.

Simulating a Desire

Work is not allowing me to get away to the wilderness right now, so I decided to simulate a trip - at least the sleeping arrangements. This setting was…

Not What I Planned

Tonight when I went on the water I had no idea there would be a near-full moon rising. I attempted a few compositions I had not tried before, but they did not work as I intended. If time works tomorrow evening, I will be out again.

Since my “planned” photos did not work…

The Hours of Darkness

Over the past couple of evenings, after it was dark out, I have been seen roaming flowers and CRP in search of insects, moths, or blossoms. I found several and now wonder…

Not The Picture, But the Technique

One dilemma I have had for years is how to reduce my camera gear weight without dropping my image quality. Specifically, is there any way to shoot long exposure images without carrying a tripod? Can I make something work to achieve that goal without the weight?

Here at home I have experimented with using a combination of my backpack and monopod (or walking stick with a head) with a combination of pack straps and angles on the monopod. With a short lens can I make that work? What about a long lens?

Today I did a real world test using my…

On This Day

On this day 32-years ago our family lost a most interesting fellow - my step-dad Ray. For a long time I had encouraged him to go canoeing with me, always being told if he was going to be on the water it would be in a boat with a motor. On September 24, 1991 Ray agreed to go canoeing with me after lunch. We loaded fishing tackle in my aluminum canoe and carried it down to the river, below the bridge on “Old Highway 63,” on the Bremer-Chickasaw county line. There Ray spoke his last words… “Oh Kip, I am so dizzy.” Ray then slumped forward into the canoe in full cardiac arrest.

Through EMS I had performed CPR before, but this was the first time on a family member, under a bridge, all alone. After what seemed like eternity a car came down the road. I stopped CPR and flagged down the driver to ask for help. His response… “I don’t know how…” That was OK - the driver then went for help. But help arrived to late and I don’t know that it would have made an difference.