Leftovers Again

One of my favorite places to hike is through the sand dunes along the beach.  Many unimproved trails pass near this cross and over the years, I have photographed it countless times.  All of my previous images were made from a distance and from approximately the same perspective.  

This past July, I decided to return on different days and find an "altered perspective".  This image was selected from over 100 made during a three month period.  

This exercise reminded me that your first camera position may not make the strongest image.  I also discovered that when you think that you have "the best camera position", take two steps forward and then make your image.  This rule applies unless you are photographing near the edge of a cliff.

Leftovers

Parsley Going To Seed

I love leftovers, especially if they involve pizza!  I was cleaning out my Lightroom catalog recently and found a couple of images made in 2015 but were never posted.  So for the next post or two, leftovers are on the menu.

Gardening has been an interest of mine since childhood.  Until this past summer, I had never grown herbs so at the urging of my lovely wife, I gave it a try.  During a visit to the garden center, I purchased three large clay pots chive, parsley, and basil starts. Apparently, the three herbs chosen are easy to grow and are abundant producers.

As it turned out, the parsley also served as a handy photographic subject one September afternoon.  Who would have guessed!

Reflecting On 2015

Trees Reflection On Water

Looking back on 2015, I would have to say that it has been a very good year for both my lovely wife and me.  We remained healthy and celebrated our 29th year of marriage in December.

It was also with great joy that the remodel of our rental apartment was completed in April.  There were days I wondered if the project would ever end; the last 5% of the job took forever.  The owners of the local building supply store had tears in their eyes when I announced that the job was finished.  If you have never remodeled a house, you are missing out on one of life’s great experiences.  The rule of thumb to remember is that it always takes twice as long as you planned and will cost a whole lot more than you budgeted.

I enjoyed my many hours volunteering as a docent at our local maritime museum this past year. When doing tours for school kids, we now divide them into groups of seven to ten students.  It is so much fun to be able to interact with them one on one; their insights and enthusiasm never fail to amaze me.

Astoria continues to be visited by ocean going cruise ships in the spring and fall.  As a member of the local cruise host organization, I spent many hours greeting visitors from all over the world. Could there be a better job than standing on a street corner and telling people where to go?

I am looking forward to many new adventures in the New Year.

My Favorite "Go To" Place

South Jetty Fort Stevens State Park

Today we received a welcomed break from the wet and wild weather that has been a near constant companion this winter.  Despite the sunny skies, there was a brisk wind blowing from the east and the temperature hovered just above forty degrees.  Monte, I know that you are chuckling, but for us that’s a bit on the cool side!
I spent time with the camera watching the waves crash into the South Jetty, my “go to” place,  I never leave there uninspired!

The Clouds Parted Briefly

The trees reflected in the flood waters

The past week we have received over six inches of precipitation from the near endless parade of storms that lashed the Oregon and Washington coast. Wednesday afternoon we received a brief respite from the rains and the sun showed its face for a few hours.  I took the opportunity to get out with the camera; many of my normal walking trails were soggy but I was still able to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty.

A Storm Is Brewing

Waves breaking over the South Jetty

Today the national weather service’s forecast included the following warning:

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST
TONIGHT FOR THE SOUTH WASHINGTON AND NORTH OREGON COAST...

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST
TONIGHT FOR THE SOUTH WASHINGTON AND NORTH OREGON COAST.

* WAVES: WEST TO NORTHWEST SWELL OF AROUND 20 TO 21 FEET WITH
  PERIODS AROUND 17 TO 18 SECONDS WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT THE
  WATERS THROUGH LATE THIS EVENING.

* TIMING: WAVE HEIGHTS PEAKING LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

* IMPACTS: AVOID WALKING ON JETTIES...ROCKS...COASTAL CLIFFS AND
  ALONG THE WATERS EDGE AS WAVES MAY RISE UNEXPECTEDLY AND SWEEP
  YOU INTO TURBULENT AND FRIGID WATERS.

I am always looking for an opportunity to experience a good storm at the beach and this afternoon’s show didn’t fail to impress.  When I arrived, the rain was driven by a thirty MPH wind.  It was difficult to hold the camera steady while attempting to brace myself from the buffeting of the wind.  Fortunately, it was a pretty mild afternoon temperature wise so I was able to capture over fifty images before becoming soaked to the bone.

A wave just before they crashed into the South Jetty

The beauty and power of the ocean is best experienced during a storm!

Sun Rise Behind The Jetty

Behind the South Jetty looking south to the viewing platform

Technically, it was about about a half hour after sun rise but the sun was low in the sky.  It was a very quiet time an the beach, I had the entire area to myself.  The only sound you could hear were the waves crashing against the jetty.