Last Commented Photography Blogs (166)

As wildfires rampage throughout my province and it being declared a state of emergency with over 600 burning, the one 10 km from me has created a thick smoke for about two weeks now.

Sick of the smoke and lack of photo opportunities, bored with cycling my same 15km in the thick haze, I headed south of the border on Thursday to ride a rail trail I'd seen but never travelled before. I'm so glad I went! If I'd stuck with the reviews, I wouldn't have even attempted it.

A 45 mile return trip from Sedro-Woolley to Concrete, the beginning of the trailhead was a bit difficult to find as directions to where it started were rather obscure. Now that I know exactly where it is, I'll write a review with explicit directions.

Starting off, the trail is like a shady tunnel, cool and inviting.


About a mile and half through the trees, a bench by the river beckons me to take a peek through the trees. The aqua river mesmerized me, so beautiful in such a quiet and peaceful setting.


Not quick enough and no zoom lens on, the mergansers moved swiftly away from the bank and into the middle of the river at my intrusion.


Continuing on my journey across the first of many bridges.


Still captivated by the sight of the river.


Across another bridge, and I loved the leaf, seemingly suspended in air.


A little closer look.


The last mile marker was at mile 16, at which point you have to cross one of many back roads. Crossing to continue the trail, this is what's at the end of it (about a block from the entry). No indication to detour, just heavy bush and a pond. Good thing I'm adventurous and found my way via road around, and found a narrow path where others had circumnavigated the dead end.


Further along the trail, a very busy highway dissects it, and one has to be quick and careful to cross. A parks employee was working and we chatted for a bit, him advising me to be careful crossing the road. When I told him I was riding the entire 45 miles (there and back) his eyebrows shot up and he said 'impressive'. My camera in my bag, I didn't think to take his photo (if he'd even allow it).

On the other side of the trail, it turns into flat, open valley with little shade. A herd of buffalo roamed the pasture, which I was delighted to see up close. Still can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, though. (Remember that song?)


As it was noon, I didn't take too many photos as the light was very bright, but took several on my way back.

The trail started to climb out of the valley and back into the trees. I didn't take any valley photos as the smokey haze did nothing for it. As the trail climbed upwards at a 2% grade, it's easy to pedal although you know you're definitely on the climb. Fall made it's coming presence known in the higher elevations.


I had no idea how much further I needed to go to get to Concrete and stopped at one of the many benches for a quick lunch and bottle of water. Thankfully I'd taken 5 bottles of water (3 frozen), which were all gone by the end of the day. Getting back on my bike, a little discouraged and tired, I was more than relieved to see the huge Concrete towers stating 'Welcome to Concrete' - and just slightly smokey skies.


Riding towards the end of the trail, this cool old passenger train captivates me.




...cont in comments....

Smoke from a forest fire 6 miles away is so thick you can almost bite the air and chew it, if you could inhale enough air not to choke on the smell. Yesterday, I braved the murky skies to take a bike ride, constantly checking where the sun would be rising.

As I took my normal route around the town, although there were a couple of birds chirping near by, everything seemed muffled and muted due to the smoke. Wildlife was noticeably absent, as were even the local cows, hiding amongst the trees.

Riding by the cow and weeks old calf sleeping in the far corner of their paddock, I headed back towards the river, past a hay field with irrigation sprinklers working to keep it green and growing. Bordering the hayfield, 10 ft high corn stalks hide everything else within visibility, other than a faint outline of Mt. Cheam behind the screen of smoke.

Taking my left hand off the handle bar, I reached up to scratch my right shoulder blade under my bra closure. As I scratched, a finger of my bike glove got caught on one of the hooks of my bra, and I couldn't seem to move my hand to unhook myself.

Panicking a little, with my hand stuck up my back, a hill loomed before me - I needed both hands to be able to shift gears and ride uphill, or to even stop without going over the handle bars. The right hand brake stops the front wheel, and the left, the back. So if I hit the brake with my right hand, I'd go a over t over the handle bars.

Slowing down and peddling steadily, I kept trying to work at getting my hand free. No luck. Finally, I twisted and turned my hand to free it from the glove, and fortunately, it's worn enough to be loose.

After much manipulation, I finally pulled my hand free, my glove still attached to the hook on my bra. Finally being able to stop without falling, I reached back and managed to free my glove and put it back on.

Thank goodness I ride at such an hour that I don't see anyone, as I'm sure that must have been a funny sight, riding my bike with my hand stuck up my back trying to free it. It didn't feel too funny at the time, and road rash definitely would not have tickled my funny bone.

The rest of the ride was uneventful, the sun finally making an appearance as I returned home (who would have thunk I'd be too early!). I took a couple of shots of the sun creeping over the mountain, bright red behind the smokey veil.

I think I'll travel west today for a bike ride closer to the ocean, and hopefully, less smokey skies. And if I get an itch on my shoulder blade, I don't think I'll be scratching it with my glove on.

Yesterday I was vending at the White Rock Farmer's Market - a highly popular beach community and where I lived while my daughter was growing up. As I live further east in the lush agricultural valley, it takes me about an hour and a half to drive there, necessitating me to leave here very early, despite the market not opening until 10:00am.

The weekend was overcast and much cooler, thank goodness, which I figured would result in a busy market. Alas, it was not to be and sales were very slow. However, it did afford me the opportunity to practice street photography, and I had a lot of fun doing so. Something else to add to my photo obsession.

To start off the day, Corky the clown was setting up to make balloon animals, etc, for the kids.



Setting up the fruit for the day.


This lady doesn't want to commit to anything quite yet, so eyeballing but keeping her distance.


Concentrating on not dropping any...


Balloon lady's open! Waiting...


A cool dinosaur!


Sunflowers make everything cheerful, along with maybe some shortbread.


And what's better to start the day than a breakfast croissant?


Marching to her own tune....


Slaying dragons...


Okay, what is it?


Great view up here, Mom.


What would the market be without our four legged friends?


And sinking your teeth into some freshly baked goods.


But then, maybe not...


Indulgent Grandma's wait patiently...


Fashionable attire runs the gamut of whatever's comfortable.


Along with facial expressions....






And of course, what would street photography be without red tights of some sort?!


A totally fun day spent practicing, although I was restricted by not being able to move around the market due to working my own table. Regardless, I'm happy with what I captured, although I could use a different lens (haha, what else is new?).

After a very busy week, I've finally been able to go through my photos of my street photography sojourn to Vancouver. I'll just post the pics and add captions as to what was happening as I've already detailed the day in a previous blog.

To start off, a local setting up their site for the day.


Are we having fun yet? This guy does not seem to be too terribly impressed and it's still early in the day!


City worker sweeping up cigarette butts and garbage. He was moving fast, not wanting his pic taken - I missed the top of his head.


Cycling in Gastown, taking in the sights.


Little boy in a buggy that had been 'parked' while his Mom took photos.


Tenement building down an alley behind a warehouse. The fan in the window captured my eye.


Resting in the shade.


The bum scratcher...


What would downtown be without some guy perving?


While at lunch, I was fascinated with the expressions on peoples faces as they walked by.


A beggar with his dish and a sign out, grooming his dog (looks like he's picking fleas).


Of course, what would a trip be without window shopping?


And then, there's those "just got to have them" irresistible red stockings for men - the piece de resistance of fashion wear, and my cue to exit stage left and catch the train home.

Borrowing the theme for this blog from my old buddy, the one the only JimNastics. He has done a lot of these and I found an interesting pic.

My caption is .... "I said can you please join the car pool."

These past few months, despite my best efforts, I haven't arisen early enough to capture a sunrise and I haven't found a place that strikes me to take sunset photos. Both times of the day have me in awe of the amazing colours painting the sky.

Saturday morning, I awoke at 4:30 am, determined to capture the rising sun. Unfortunately, there was only one little cloud in the sky, so the colour was minimal. However, the full moon was still very evident, and I managed to capture a cool shot of the moon as it was fading.

Taking my normal route through the farmers fields and dodging the blackberry vines that have grown over the foliage tunnel, I rounded the curve and came back out on the gravel path next to the hayfield.

The sun had risen just above the mountains and it's rays highlighted the mist laying across the field. I thought it was an 'okay' photo, but as usual, the sun is blown out (white), although the rays can be seen emanating from it, turning the mist a beautiful warm gamboge yellow, along with the sky, due to the lingering smoke from forest fires.

I posted it on the local community page and was shocked at the number of views and comments on it. Only one other photo I've taken has received the kind of comments and views that this one has. Wow. The funny thing is, I just don't see what's so 'special' about it.

I'm on another group page for posting photos of BC (where I live), and have been incredibly impressed at some of the photography on there. Every week or so they choose someone's photo as the fb header for the page - and believe me, there are professional photos that I couldn't even begin to compete with. I don't post there often, but thought I'd post the photo that everyone seemed so enamoured with.

You could have blown me over with a feather when one of the admins asked if they could use my photo as the header for the page for the next little while. Uh, yeah! And honestly, I still don't see why everyone seems to love it, but who's arguing? lol

I've sold one copy of it to a resident already, and I'm absolutely tickled pink at the response. Never, in a million years, would I have thought it would be so popular. It just goes to show you, that beauty's in the eye of the beholder, and you just never know what will appeal to people.

After a really wet and cold June, summer's finally arrived with a vengeance. The temperatures earlier this week were perfect for me, around 24C with a lovely cooling breeze.

As the week's progressed, so has the heat intensified daily. Today we're supposed to hit 35C and Sunday 36C. Ugh! I am working a market on Sunday and I'm a bit concerned about it being so hot, as I get sun/heat stroke very easily. I've emailed the market manager to request a spot in the shade, and hopefully she'll be able to comply. If not, I may have to forego the market.

I've been arising earlier to go out for a bike ride, while the morning air is still cool. Heck, this morning, the sun hadn't risen above the mountains (I still missed the sunrise though, dammit), and although cool enough to ride, I noted the air was still very warm.

The other day when I rode through the foliage tunnel and was taking photos of the wildflowers as the sun wove it's way through the trees to backlight the flowers, I noted a dying flower with a bee on it. I'm not sure I've mentioned it before, but I have a mad penchant for bees. I love them and constantly attempt to get that perfect photo of them in flight, or on a flower.

Walking over to the flower, and getting my macro lens super close, I took numerous photos of the bee and was surprised it didn't fly away. After closer inspection, I realized the bee was dead, possibly caught in the strands of the wildflower. But what a great opportunity to get some good close-ups. It didn't look dead, just as if it was sitting on the flower.

I thought of cutting off the flower and taking the thing home to take photos, but thought, no I'll come back tomorrow and take more. Silly me. No idea what happened to it and the flower, but it wasn't there the next day.

This morning when I went out, the sun highlighted a branch shaped as a question mark in the slough, and slanted across the algae covered water, leaving everything else in deep shadow. It's fascinating to me how a dead branch sticking up out of the water and marsh grass can look beautiful when the light shines on it just so.

A new dairy calf has arrived at one of the farms, and I believe it's only about a week old, as I saw 'Mom' laying on her side last week in the grass paddock, looking very uncomfortable. The little thing is so cute, bounding around the paddock while Mom eats grass. I've managed to get a few photos of it, one of it sticking it's tongue out.

As I'd left much earlier this morning, I think I was too early even for animals, as the birds and wildlife seemed subdued. I didn't take many photos today, unlike most other days, but I'm okay with that. It was a lovely bike ride and great way to start the day.

Arriving back home and going out back to pluck the first ripe tomato of the season and water the plants, I was shocked at how my garden has literally exploded in growth. Holy crap! The tomato plant that was struggling due to our rainy June and almost died from being too wet has grown at least 12 inches this week. The other tomato in the ground has almost outgrown it's cage.

My potted tomato is doing well, with another tomato ripening on it. The three zucchini plants that were so puny even a week ago are HUGE! One little zucchini is growing on it and I'll have to keep an eye on it, or it'll be massive in no time.

Between biking, keeping the plants watered, and working, life has been darn busy! I'm antsy to go someplace new though, and hope it cools off enough next week for me to hit one of the rail trails in the US.

Yes, I definitely live in the heart of agricultural land. What gives it away? Well, the scent of manure spreading for one (similar to CS these days & the political blogs). Secondly, the avid interest in anything dairy cow.

I'd mentioned in a blog last week how the photo of a cow was far better received than the photo of the parasail with the snow covered mountain peak in the background. One lady that lives in the area had asked me about a photo of a dairy cow. This morning while I was out, I took several photos of the cows, as they hung their heads over the fence, looking at me in reproach as I didn't have any food with me.

The woman has ordered 2 8x10 photos as she couldn't decide between two specific photos. While I was discussing price with her, another woman asked me for a photo of a crow. Funnily enough, I had taken one this morning, but the sun hadn't cleared the mountain yet, so the crow wasn't as defined as I'd hoped it would be. It wasn't as close as I'd like it to be either.

So, I'm pretty pumped at making the sales, even though I figured it would be almost anything other than cows and crows. lol.

What a fantastic morning! Finally, we see some sun again. Getting up at 5:30 am to take advantage of the cool morning air, I headed out on my bike ride around the perimeter of the town, along the river.

It took me four hours to ride today, due to the many, many stops I made, the early morning light and shadows making everything so much more appealing. I'd barely started when some flowers amongst the blackberry brambles caught my attention, dew drops glistening in the dawn light.

I have no idea what the wildflowers are, definitely not part of the blackberry vines, growing on thick stalks in the middle of the thorny jungle. Several photos later and a 'good morning' to another early riser, I headed for the dike.

I noted that sun rays highlighted a grove of trees at the base of the mountain, and just as I changed lenses to take the shot, the sun breached the mountain top, flooding the area with luminescence. Standing in the shadow of a tree, long shadowy fingers stretched across the corn fields, their top leaves like thousands of spikes piercing the sky.

Cycling past the little old house that looked like it had sustained a fire in the back, with windows and doors boarded up, I'd been tempted to take a photo for our photo club's abandoned buildings subject. Too late! A huge caterpillar was already there, on top of a pile of debris which at one time would have been part of the house.

A slough on the other side of the road is home to a myriad of animals and birds. One particular dead tree, surrounded with brambles seems to attract a plethora of birds. I'd always vowed that one day I'd just sit by the tree and wait for the birds. Well, today was that day!

I had a hoodie in my panniers, and used that to sit on, while I waited for the birds to get used to my presence and frequent the tree. I was richly rewarded this morning, and saw all kinds of birds, many that I couldn't tell you what they are. The redwing blackbird was elusive as usual, however, I do believe I got a great shot of it as it puffed up both wings and screeched. A tiny hummingbird hovered right near me before landing on the tree. Unfortunately, a truck zoomed by and disturbed them, and the hummer was gone.

Around the country roads where blue chicory lines the asphalt, interspersed with yellow mustard, white, lacy Queen Anne's lace, deep yellow buttercups, and bright yellow dandelions. Barbed wire fencing separates the road shoulder from the large expanses of field, the early morning light turning it into an appealing photo.

I sat amongst the chicory and Queen Anne's lace for quite some time, photographing bees and the flowers. Further down the road, a red ladybug contrasted sharply with her green background.

Taking the path through the tunnel of foliage, I have to take my clippers again the next time to cut back the blackberry vines that choke the trail, grasping at clothing. Past another slough, I surprised a blue heron near the road in the slough, and a duck with her ducklings. I managed to get some of the ducklings, and one of the heron, although I have lots of photos of herons.

From there, it was pretty much head home, as I realized how much time I'd spent, the day was getting warmer, and I was needing a beverage of some kind. I did have water with me, but hadn't partaken of it - I probably should have.

Although I haven't checked my photos yet, I know I have some in there that I'll be really pleased with. I'm sure there'll be some kind souls that will let me know what some of the flowers and birds are. I'm certainly enjoying my camera, not just for it's photographic ability, but also because it's such a teaching tool!

You learn something new every day!

The best caption for this photo is...............

Enter as many times as you like.

My first entry is......"Wow ! That chiropractor truly screwed you up, dude !"

Here is the photo;