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. 
 
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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.