Unexpected

Yesterday Sasha and I returned to continue our hike further into the area my son had told me about recently. On our first foray we had only made it about 25% of the way in (as I discovered yesterday). The area has managed trails that meander through woods, cross swampy areas, and climb up rocky ridges. There are a few ponds and a couple of small creeks that have been dammed by beavers. There is also a lookout atop a rocky point which provides a view of a large wetland which has a good size creek running though it. From time to time I'll share some photos I made. I also expect to revisit this area as the seasons transform it from brown and barren to green and dense.

As is my habit, I wandered off the beaten path when I noticed an interesting outcropping of rock. I made some photos there and stood in the silence, taking in the scene. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted something that was completely out of place in this apparent pristine environment - 2 long-since abandoned cars that appeared to be 1950's models. How they got here, at least a mile from the nearest road, is a mystery. Perhaps this land had once been privately owned and had been donated to the parks system, cars and all. The forest had grown up around these vehicles and no trace of a road was left. They made interesting, if incongruous, subjects in such a place.

Note: I brought a new 23" monitor home from Florida and I've been playing with the calibration. My photos appear to be ok (colour, contrast, brightness, sharpness, etc) but if you notice something amiss on your monitor I'd appreciate some feedback. Thanks.

(both shots made with 10-22mm lens at f9.0  1/400 sec  ISO800)

Nostalgia

One of the benefits of having company is that you go to places you might not visit on your own. Case in point was a visit to the automotive past that I made last month with a brother-in-law. I lost track of how much time we spent there ogling cars from our youth that we couldn't afford then and likely can't afford now, however, I do recall that we had both breakfast and lunch there.

I could post dozens of photos I made there but I chose these two. All of you car buffs will recognize this classic and if you don't you can blow up the 2nd photo and read the sign in the window. While you look at them you can listen to this. And for more info on this model, have a look here.

(both photos made with a 10-22mm lens at f11, ISO400 and shutter speeds of 1/4 and 1/2 sec)

Reflections of the past

Saw this at a small classic car show yesterday afternoon:

(18-55mm  f6.3  1/100 sec  ISO200)

Although it's past the midnight hour for Sunset Sunday, I thought I might sneak this shot in:

(18-55mm  f8.0  1/160 sec  ISO200)

Note: we are blessed with company again for most of this week so my posting, and visiting you, will likely continue to be sporadic. I do take a peek when I get the chance and read all your comments - for which I'm most thankful.

(Day 43) From flora to 'flesh' ...

Muscle, that is, as in muscle car. We took a step back in time today to look at some great man-made machines. It was difficult to walk through the huge display of over 200 vintage muscle cars because it was difficult to focus with so much eye candy. So, before I sign off this blog for a couple of days before I get access to a computer again, I wanted to post a colourful photo of a couple of them.

(60mm f5 1/15 sec ISO400)

And do you remember when cars had really cool hood ornaments ?

(60mm f5.6 1/40 sec ISO800)