The Thaw is on

A change is coming.  As soon as the days grow longer, a hint of spring graces the crystal clear mountain air. The epiphany that brings sunny skies and a slow awakening to winter's long slumber is a welcome sight.  Spring days give icicles a chance to grow like long spires, with each drip, growing ever longer.  Brisk night air freeze the ice chandeliers until another day's dawn, when the cycle begins again. 

 

Go Big on Buffalo Pass

Buffalo Pass,part of Routt National Forest,  is a snowmobilers' dream.  Located just off RCR 38, Buffalo Pass offers a treasure trove to the adventurer at heart.

Once the snow melts, which is a mysterious unknown date (let's just say mid June) this piece of heaven opens its' arms to hikers, off road enthusiasts, campers, anglers...you name it Buffalo Pass offers it.

So, sit back, let your imagination run wild, soak in the elixir that is Colorado and her bounty of true love.

Hemingway's Muse?

When married to a photographer, the spouse often times finds themselves behind the scenes, carrying equipment, holding screens for lighting or sitting solo, waiting while the photographer searches for the perfect light. My husband is an outstanding photographer.  His eye captures beauty and life's complexities with the click of the camera.

So, when I took a solo trip to California to visit our son Bryan, I asked John if I could borrow one of his cameras and capture my hometown from my point of view.  I am not a photographer by nature,  but I relish in the splendid and rugged beauty of  the world around me.

Port Hueneme Pier has seen tempestuous slaps from Mother Nature throughout the years.  Fierce winter swells have slowly dismantled the pier's length and width.  Yet, one assemblage remains.  The fisherman.

In 1952 Ernest Hemingway wrote of Santiago and a relationship with a marlin.  As many times as I have drifted to the end of the pier seeking solitude and the meaning of life,  the fishermen is a constant presence. So, when walking the pier, I was moved to capture this fisherWOMAN's conversation with the sea.

A petite Filipino lady, she moved with ease and grace around the other apostles, tossing her lines out in hopes of snagging a mighty fish.  She was a quiet woman, whispering to herself; perhaps channeling her inner spirit with the sea and its' inhabitants.  

My hope is that I connected with one person, early in the morning and the sea was witness to that. 

Eyes on The Capitol Building

Hollywood, CA is a destination in and of itself.  Tourists flock to the golden starred streets to seek out their favorite entertainers, down & outs pan handle for spare change, lost souls wander the boulevard in search of fame while others just go about their business; "locals" trying to navigate around the maze that is the Hollywood experience.

No matter your art taste, wall murals are everywhere.  Taggers might have gang communication wars going back and forth, others are paid for their artistic interpretations.  

Some might recognize the prestigious Capitol Records building with it's distinctive architectural presence on Vine Street, overlooking Hollywood Boulevard.  Built in 1956, it remains a landmark  for the entertainment district. Artist Richard Wyatt captured the effervescent spirit of jazz greats Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday to name just a few. 

Walk a few hundred feet south and you will find yourself on the famed Hollywood Boulevard, where dreams are found with each passing inlaid golden star.  Listen carefully and you can hear Ms. Holiday serenading, "If I Only Had Eyes for You".

From a Produce Stand to the Academy's Oscar

Each artist has their own muse.  For my wife, it's writing,  for me, it's found behind the lens of the camera.  

Before a recent trip, my wife asked if she could use one of my cameras to capture her trip to visit her Pacific Coast and also our son.  Sure - why not!

Apparently, while attempting to go one block south of Hollywood Blvd, to get to a fresh produce market for our son's restaurant, Bryan told his Mom to wait, and he'd make the mad dash through the traffic.  The Los Angeles Marathon had most of L.A. in a nightmar-ish maze of angered drivers behind steering wheel and honking horns.  Ann stayed with the car, and Bryan took off in search of  escarole and cloverfield greens.  

Ann began to walk towards Hollywood Blvd.  She caught some shots of the old Holloywood Playhouse on Vine, which I will publish later.  But, I did enjoy her simplistic shot of the famous Hollywood & Vine marker.  How many wayward dusty road dreamers have stood underneath the cross signs of Hollywood & Vine?  Eyes blinded by technicolor romance with the likes of Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn and Sophia Loren.  

Ann shot this sign and described it as entrance or net of sorts to catch impetuous drama hounds, set on finding the gilded doors of Paramount or 20th Century  Studios, and acting along the long road with dreams of holding Oscar in their arms one day.

Seasons in the Spring Sun

Lines.  Depth. Texture. Shadows.  With those words in mind, the eye can analyze the subject and seek out all 4 definitions.  The perk of capturing nature is the luxury of words discovered.  

Ambling, rambling, gurgling and secretive, the  river runs below winter's blanket, awaiting spring's thaw.

As March slowly exits, the Rocky Mountains are beginning to show signs of the season of blooms, bursting sun showers and fragrant aromas.  April is just a daydream away and before long the sun's heat will renew life in abundance.

Dance with joy, the songs of the heart rejoice and the skin feels the magic which the sun delivers with resounding strength.

If I Only Had a Brain

Nothing is more iconic of the true western town than horses in the middle of the main thoroughfare, snowy streets and a marketing dream in the background of Mt. Werner.

Steamboat takes on an unique feel and look about it in mid February.  The yearly, "Winter Carnival" draws tourists from all over the world, and also drags the winter weary locals from all 4 corners of the county to the center of town for a weekend of fun and festivities. 

Nothing shouts western life or ski town, U.S.A. more than sitting on a large snow shovel being dragged behind a horse, tearing down Lincoln Avenue at heart stopping 40 m.p.h.  No wonder most sane contestants wear a ski helmet for the event.

Later in the evening, the frivolities move over to Howelson Hill where daring souls light a gasoline infused ring with a match and ski jumpers toss common sense and inhibitions to the wind and hurtle themselves down the 60 meter ski jump through an arsonist's wet dream...a fully engulfed  hula-hoop and into the dark night air.  Usually, liquid bravery is the catalyst for such an event.  Maybe the same could be said for the sit & spin shovel surge earlier in the day.

John captured quite a few images from that day, but I felt that the essence of the western town could be felt from seeing the group of horses, standing around; cowboys in saddles, and the iconic picture of the ski hill.

I am grateful that John did not get some crazy, "I am invincible moment" and take to a shovel behind a horse.  My obvious question being, "What is the horse poops"?

Solitary Speeches

Hiking is a solitary experience.  Some trekkers are seeking solitude, some are searching for their own personal nirvana.  How do we leave our mark as we ramble along the path?  A footprint, perhaps?  

On a recent trip to Zion National Park, my wife and I made our way to the Emerald Pools.  Along the way, we came upon an altar of sorts, consisting of rock cairns.  All shape, sizes, heights - each one constructed by a hiker who passed along the way, adding their own personal touch.  My wife and I found this to be a wonderful display of group efforts; each rock a solitude statement, coming together for one purpose.  Who knows what idea came across each hiker as they walked along the path and came upon the table of rock statutes.  

Whatever the reason, this unique piece of art piqued the imagination of nature's lovers, and each rock represented someones imagination and search for independence, albeit through a group effort.  Native Americans used rocks to communicate and placement of rocks was a way of communicating a greater message.  

What do these rock cairns say?

 

Sunset Surfer Silhouette

That's a lot of "S's" in the title.  Try to say that out loud three times quickly.  The California coast offers many wonderful photographic opportunities -- not the least of which are surfers and sunsets.  So, why not combine the two.  I went to the beach in anticipation of an epic colorful sunset but the thick marine layer just wouldn't cooperate.  The muted colors of the sunset gave me an idea to use the strong leading line and intricate geometric patterns of the pier against the surfer in slight silhouette.  I wanted this shot to be subtle and relaxed to match the feeling I had while enjoying the beautiful evening.  The gentle sound of the small waves crashing, feeling of wet sand under my feet, ever so slight chill in the winter air,  and  the sweet smell of salt air in my nose.

It was a wonderful evening at the beach.

For the techies out there the shot was made with a Fuji XE-1, f-11, 1/1100 sec, ISO 800, hand held.  Shot in Jpeg and adjusted in LR5.

Molly Dog Images Fine Art Website 


~ Johnnymac

Bridge of San Juan County

Bridges.  They are constructed in all shapes, sizes and take the traveler to destinations known and unknown.

This particular bridge, less than .25 miles, is located in San Juan county, Utah on the Navajo Indian Reservation. 

Steel, wood, concrete come together and create a thing of beauty and necessity. 

We enjoy this alternative route to Interstate 70 and Interstate 15, on our way to California or Arizona.  The red earth has a certain bit of mysticism to it.

Who? Us?

Although we are in the throws of winter,  looking through the catalog of previous pictures allows me to find shots that I put aside, for no particular reason.

During one of the many walks my wife and I took on the 35 acres of land we called home during the summer and fall season, some of our constant yet elusive neighbors made an appearance. 

Imagine our surprise, while rounding a corner, to suddenly be sharing the same wooded space, each enjoying a warm day, taking it all in, knowing that old man winter was slowly making his way towards us. 

These youngsters seemed rather brave, in addition to  being curious, which explains why they did not run off.  Rather, they stood for a few moments, allowing me to get a few photographs of them.  Nature seems to set the terms for encounters; although man might think to the contrary.

Regardless - this trio obliged me, and after a few moments, we all continued on our afternoon jaunt.

Window on the World

The sun can cast its' rays and intensity as it wishes.  Along the west coast, sunsets on the Pacific Coast are irreproachable and untouchable.  

My wife Ann spent her childhood on these shores.  During a recent trip, we made the mecca to the Ventura Keys, and the captivating ocean.  We sat on the beach where she once built sand castles with her Dad,  dined on PBJs, and allowed the serene beauty of the last daylight minutes  to soak in.  As I looked over my shoulder, I caught the bronzed windows in crowning glory.

The sound of frothy waves were our serenade song, light breezes and sand made the experience  sublime and my wife Ann had a perfectly content smile on her face. 
 
************************************************************************************
the days of yesteryear are at my doorstep. my heart is full of happy memories.  the ocean is my constant companion, my husband, the love of my life, brings joy to my heart.  toes dig deep in the cool sand and i am suddenly captivated in sheer bliss.  **ann** 

Sailing Towards the Horizon

With record high temperatures in southern California during December, the beach was alive with sun soakers and castle builders during the Christmas holiday.  

Near crystal clear skies; the result of Santa Ana winds,  made for pristine sunsets where Anacapa Island could be seen without a curtain of coastal fog.

A lonely lifeguard shacks sits quietly on Hollywood Beach, in Port Hueneme, CA.  A sailboat can be seen in the waters, and a solo jogger, stopped to watch as the last of the sun's warmth dips below the horizon.  Sunset kisses, dreams and colors envelop the eye of the sand covered admirer.

Glove Gloom

Recently, while strolling down Lincoln Avenue, a solitary glove caught my eye.  It got me thinking about life as a solitary piece of apparel. 

Life in a ski town is never solitary, singular or lonely.  Tourism makes sure you never feel abandoned.

But... for ski gloves, mittens, skis, ski poles, water bottles and chap stick; well that's another story all by itself.  No where that I can recall have I ever bore witness to so many forsaken items found cast off; on the side of the road, sidewalks, snowbanks or any place for that matter. "Locals" find these items: We place them on counter tops at the post office, lost & found at the ski area or grocery store entrances,  even as a hand for a snowman, in hopes that their owners will retrace their steps and be reunited.  We may even find your lonely ski pole and next thing you know, it's a perfect walking cane for the abundance of hiking trails in Routt County, Colorado.

A Sunday afternoon stroll, and my wife pointed out yet another despondent glove, cold and alone in a snow bank,  This time I had my camera and was able to capture an image of a somewhat expensive looking chap,  discarded by its' owner.  No left glove to keep him company.  Are there no right handed glove wearers?

"...It's like I told you
Only the lonely can play

So hold on here we go
Hold on to nothin' we know
I feel so lonely way up here..."  Roy Orbison, Only The Lonely

early thaw?

A lonely 'berg in the middle of a frigid mountain stream?  It almost appears so.  However, barely visible in the lower right of the lonely pile of snow, a glimpse of a rock can be seen.  

Steely blackish grey water swirls all around the strong boulder in this middle of this swiftly moving water.  White snow gives the rock purpose - to allow the snowflakes to pile up throughout the winter.  A magpie might even enjoy this plateau of snow as a temporary perch.  

A mid afternoon snow shoe along Lake Catamount in Routt County,  gave me the ability to shrug off the mid winter blues.  Even in times of  "just walking around", Mother Nature never disappoints.

Come late March and early April, as waters grow with the thaw, the fury of the melt will wash away this 'berg.

"ambling, rambling, making its' way along the frozen shores, snow piles
listen to the sound of deft flakes of frozeness falling from the heavens
landing gently on the rocks, which have seen the test of time and mighty trout." 
ann mcarthur 1/27/14

And then LOVE rolled by

As a native of Benham Kentucky, past Rose Parades were viewed on my parents' black & white television.  Obviously, therein was the problem in seeing the color of the roses.

During our recent vacation to Pasadena, CA to visit our son & daughter (and grandson),  I rambled on down to catch a glimpse of what I'd been missing all those years during the reign of a black & white TV. 

Of controversy this year, the float of the wedding cake featuring Danny & Aubrey who exchanged wedding vows during the parade.  This was a first ever event - a gay couple atop a styled wedding cake floral float on Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, CA.  Oddly enough, none of this seems out of place.

Often times the photographer may catch first time ever historical events.  The photograph is a visual record of the event; not an opinion of the photographer, one way or another.  If photographers allow personal opinion to interfere with their muse, then the art is lost.  Life comes to us in all forms, and on this particular day,  "LOVE"  rolled by with two grooms and a wedding cake.

"... We are resolved into the supreme air,
We are made one with what we touch and see,
With our heart’s blood each crimson sun is fair,
With our young lives each spring-impassioned tree
Flames into green, the wildest beasts that range
The moor our kinsmen are, all life is one, and all is change..."
Oscar Wilde, We Are Made One With What We Touch & See
 

Sunset Bouquet of Winter

To look at the photograph, the hues lead the eye to distinguish from the paleness of pink and hot oranges, vanishing shades of lavender and the obvious crispness in the white snow. 

The picture speaks of winter; calm and serene but also to remind us of the absolute solitude in a cold January afternoon in snow country. 

All around Steamboat Springs and rural Routt County, cold afternoons and even more frigid nights seep into our bodies.  Most people will thaw out in late March when temperatures will begin to rise; the ground will start to give way by mid to late April, and the snow should be gone by mid June.

For almost 7 months out of the year, we see the winter storms come and go; leaving their fluffy white snow behind.  We shovel it,  find places to put it, ski on it, play in it, curse at it and even marvel at it. But, in the long run, with sunsets such as the white farmhouse, out buildings and fields above, somehow we are able to appreciate it just a little more every day.

"...Old age is not so serious, and I
By the window sad and watchful as a cat,
Build to this poem of old age and of snow,
And weep: you are my snow man and I know
I near you, you near him, all of us must die..." Old Man in the Crystal Snow, Delmore Schwartz

Dog Joy Backpacking & Man's Role in Life

Dogs love to do their share.  Recent heavy snows have  baptized the mountains with an abundance of pleasure.  Some find God to be living among these trees and in all things powder, so therefore the word baptism seems justified in describing snow musing. 

This yellow dog is loving his journey of joy; breaking trail for his companion, who follows closely behind.  And what a great sense of pride this dog exudes  - carrying his own water, food and undoubtedly a few healthy granola bars, fruit, etc for his 2 legged companion. What a perplexing scene - just who is the smarter in this picture?  Personally, I am more apt to see most of  our animals friends on an even playing field, even more superior from time to time.

Loop C atop the west summit of Rabbit Ears Pass offers the skiers, snowshoers, and adventurous dogs a fine immersion of ample, heart warming sun.  While ambient air hovers just around a chilly 20degrees, a few moments in the high altitude sun allow the sports enthusiast to work up a sweat.

Dogs know their roles well.  Just be a dog - all else is fine.  It is man who struggles with the roles he must act upon in daily life.  Me thinks lessons from our 4 legged companions are the guiding lights to a happy and well contented life.


"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts, ..."  William Shakespeare

Sunbeams Romance with Snow

Snow is unique. No two flakes are alike.  Each flake carries its own intricate DNA design pattern.  When you look over an abundance of snow, as in this picture, it's difficult to believe that the millions of flakes that have fallen are independent; even though when together as a collective whole they give birth to perfect model of the mystical frozen flake.

The blue bird sky and brilliant sun add overwhelming life to this picture.  With the kiss of the sunbeams, suddenly individual and solitary snowflakes take on an appearance of tiny diamonds. 

Steamboat is known for its trademark "champagne powder" and in this photograph the eye can imagine a flute of the bubbly and a dash of diamonds for the skier or snowshoer's delight. 

Once again, Mother Nature, in all her glory, brings together all her cherished children and paints an epic moment for the human eye, who were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

...tiny bubbles tickle my frozen nose, and millions of tiny diamonds give me pause to breathe in the jeweled silence of an afternoon adventure deep within a grove of trees, freshly decorated with Mother Nature's frozen tears... ann mcarthur 1/19/144

The Horses Drew Close

Once again, we re-visit the horse.  These two pals were hanging out, perhaps discussing the quality of winter hay or wondering what I was doing, pointing my camera in their direction.

Naturally curious animals,  I can always count on the horses to provide character and depth for my photos.  This particular shot drew my interest as to the contrast: One close, one set back.  Neither seems very interested in the reasoning for the keen interest in equine passions - most likely they are hoping I have apples, carrots or a bag of oats hidden in my backpack.


...“The road may bend out of sight at times, but I know what lies ahead: the faraway horses.” ...
Buck Brannaman, Author and Professional Horse Whisperer

Ocean's Ampitheater and the Opera

Shooting water is always a delight.  Capable of taking on so many forms, the photographer is never bored. An early morning walk along the shore's edge, I found this sandpiper doing his thing: Down to the water's edge to looks for sandcrabs, run furiously back towards the refuge of the sand as the wave breaks. Nature's ballet appearing with grace.

Water, in all its' magnificence is amazing.  Still, utterly silent in a lake or pond, or small veins of life as it trickles through a maze of rock and silt on a hillside in the mountains, water can transform itself to whatever geographical zip code it resides in.  

The ocean's magic is in the tide's method of crashing unto the sand with force, only to be gently pulled back to the ocean by the invisible forces of nature and gravity.  The water also keeps its' voice ever changing.  Whether the roar of the tide, or the absence of sound coming from an untouched mountain lake - water never disappoints.

... "“listen: there’s a hell of a good universe next door; let’s go”
e.e.cummings

Loving the Sunset Shoreline

Light and layering.  Yesterday's blog referenced the lighting and the lust it provides for a photographer's eye.

While in Port Hueneme, CA in late December, we were blessed with pristine weather conditions, Santa Ana winds and no on-shore fog. 

The Port Hueneme pier, originally constructed in 1956 is a familiar face along the seashore.  Being held hostage to the powerful tides that surge along the Hueneme coastline, especially during the winter/rainy months, the pier was partially destroyed in 1995, 1997 and then restructured in 1999 to what beach-goers see today.

It is not uncommon, on any given day, to walk the length of the pier and see various fisherman with their lines cast in hopes of catching dinner.  The duality of the pier is not only its attraction for fisherman, or lovers walking hand in hand, but also for solitary sun & sea stroller who can catch a glimpse of the surfers waiting for the next series of waves to appear.  Even seagulls and pelicans have a "bird's eye view" to all the happens at the end of the pier.

This photo was shot just as the sun was setting, and by allowing the shutter to remain open a little longer, I was able to garner the smooth appearance of the ocean as it laps on to the shore. In the distance you can see the Anacapa Island, part of the Channel Islands State Park and once home to the Chumash Indians, with Anacapa being only 12 miles from the Hueneme shore. 


..."Be not impatient—a little space—Know you, I salute the air, the ocean and the
land,
Every day, at sundown, for your dear sake, my love..."  Walt Whitman, Out of the Rolling Ocean, the Crowd.

Light and Layering

Layering in photography adds depth and subtle intensity to a picture.  As a photographer, I am constantly chasing the light.  This shot depicts the multiplication of layers, drawing you inward, almost as if you were walking down the fractured trail yourself.

On a recent trip, our son Bryan surprised us with a scenic drive towards a prime spot for layering:  Angeles Crest Highway [SR2] from Pasadena, CA.  It is evident in this picture that there has been a dusting of snow, that adds contrast to the shale rock, scrub and pine trees.  [of note, this is the location of the hellish Station Fire, which charred 160,000+ acres, lasting from August-Oct, 2009 - the result of arson).

Within the layers you can find the sound of peace.  The winds soars through the chasms, and echoes of a pristine dance upon the shale serenade you.  Suddenly, you are lost within the moment, the light, layers and melodic string sounds of the air around you.

Every picture tells a story, but when the photographer can seek and find dancing light, the picture comes alive.

"... A likeness of the light in the ground of the soul flows over into the body, which is then filled with radiance. ..." Meister Eckhart, poem no.3534 Dominican Preacher

Loving Lattice and Staircases of Beauty

Vacations are an adventure.

Whether traveling to a familiar place or spinning the globe and allowing it to plot your journey; something unusual piques your interest and imagination.  Pasadena, CA in December was a warm and pleasant reprieve from the bitter cold of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  

The Pasadena Courthouse grounds and courtyard are fantastic.  Within the white pillar sentries, rose gardens and large trees allow for an abundance of eye candy.  I was drawn to the whimsical and delicate lattice work of the winding staircase within the courthouse grounds.  While photographed from the bottom to the top and the opposite, as is shown above, I preferred the lighting of going from bright to dark, giving the illusion of a magical trip to destinations unknown.  

Dr. Thomas Elliott, the man who coined the name Pasadena, a partial translation of "of the Valley" [1878 Wheeler Land Survey] was spot on with the name, as with one glance from atop Angeles Crest Highway [Hwy 2] Pasadena truly is "of the valley".

 ...up and down, all around, the steps lead you where you need.  One at a time, step by step,  destinations are discovered and stumbled upon... ann c. mcarthur 1/14/14