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Some of you may have read about my recent adventure at Henry Coe State Park. In a nutshell, I had my ass kicked and was totally whipped. I went almost 7 miles but it was the major elevation changes that were a killer.
Of course, Mother learned for herself...
Took Mother to the Berkeley Botanical gardens today. The rhododendron trees (yes, trees) were blooming. Decided that I have not used by lens baby in quite a while. So, I pulled it out and remembered how hard it is to focus. This shot has been manipulated for the contrast and adding the pale lime color. The blurring motion effect is straight from the lens baby.
Mother and I went to the Berkeley Botanical Gardens to see the rhododendrons. I have made other visits earlier this year but was too early. This time they were just a little past peak. If you can get to Berkeley, the blooms are worth seeing because they are on bushes that are as big as small trees and some of the blossoms are as big as your hand.
To see the other photos of this outing, please click...
I talked to Mother today (04/09) and she asked where her pictures were on my blog. In particular she had been regaling her co-workers with stories from her vacation. Oddly, this is one of her favorites from her recent trip. Here is the background...
Mother and I went to visit the Berkeley Botanical Gardens. The rhododendrons and azaleas were peaking and the gardens are gorgeous. Mother was enjoying herself looking over the pool at the Japanese Gardens. So, I asked Mother to sit in front the azaleas and enjoy the view. She said she felt very relaxed but her body language says otherwise. After reviewing the shots, we both had a good laugh over her 'relaxing' visit to the Berkeley Botanical Gardens. After the fact, Mother claims that it was the damp, chilly breeze bothering her and causing the expression and clenched fists.
This is another photo that Mother wanted posted to the blog. We went for a short hike with the two dogs. All the small creeks and streams are running right now. Sunol is green and looks like pictures of Ireland. Note: one day, I want to visit Ireland. I asked Mother to smile while I capured her moment "mid-adventure". She said "No!" and never looked at me. For me, I picked up a tick, was bit, developed an infection and now wonder how to keep those buggers off of me.
Right now, I am enjoying a 'mild conceit moment' also known as an 'MCS'. I learned about MCS from Nona. This year, I participated in the Yodeler's 2004 Photo Contest and had two entries accepted. The image above is first place in the landscape category and was taken in the Sunol Regional park while walking my dogs one morning. I remember being slightly disappointed because it was not foggy at the park that morning. It just goes to show that nature knows best. Nona inspired me to enter this image because she saw it and now owns her own copy. Thanks, Nona.
Continue reading "Sierra Club, SF Chapter Yodeler 2004 Photo Contest" »
Chip was home painting on Saturday. I needed to clear out for the entire day because the paint fumes make me sick. So, I decided to head to Henry Coe State Park. When I was close the visitor center, I was shooed into the optional parking lot that is 1/2 mile from the trail heads/visitor center. Turns out everyone had the same idea. The wildflowers are starting to pop at Henry Coe. There were California poppies, delphiniums, lupine, buttercups, Douglas irises, and others I do not know. I decided to take the longer 6.7 mile trail because I had all day and could take my time. Hmmm, not my best plan.
Periodically, I visit www.photo.net for inspiration. One of the photos made me long for color shots again. After a long stint with infrared, I went out to Sunol looking for a color shot. I also wanted to clear my head after a long day of trying to generate creative solutions for work.
Decided to post one more shot....
