South fork and Sweetwater
Just because summer is over and the water levels at Folsom Lake are low doesn’t mean there is no life or color along the shoreline. There is always plenty of both, if you can take the time to slow down and look around.
Miniature world (mostly slugs)
Although I’m not really that great at it, I do love macro photography. And for whatever reason, I get pretty excited any time I spot a banana slug — now formally designated California’s Official State Slug — along the California coast in Sonoma or Mendocino counties. I had always assumed this was a normal reaction until my most recent trip; […]
Summer monsoon
The final instalment of my images from Southlake, Texas, in June 2023. The Kirkwood Branch was swollen and muddy, and although I could see a trail on the other bank, I had no temptation to wade across. I knew if I stayed on this side and kept walking, I would eventually find the Big Guy at whatever spot along the […]
Sunset and shadows
During our coastal trip in mid November, our rented house was just off Highway 1 in Mendocino County, and we had been told that Manchester Beach was only “a short walk” away. I could see the ocean from our front window, so even though it was already 4:30 in the afternoon I decided to take a stroll and discover whatever […]
Along Kirkwood Branch to Grapevine Lake
Back in mid June 2023 I shared a few photos from a day hike along the Bluestem Trail in Southlake, Texas. Despite wet weather and warm, humid conditions, I really enjoyed the trek because, although I had visited that part of the Dallas-Fort Worth area many times, I had never had the chance to do much exploring or hiking. As […]
In the Kaibab
Arizona’s Kaibab National Forest comprises 1.6 million acres of land that stretches from the Grand Canyon south to Williams on Route 66. Kaibab is a Paiute word that means “mountain lying down.” Although the incredible scenery of the Grand Canyon is the big tourist draw in the area, it would be a mistake to overlook the hiking trails closer to […]
Mendocino meandering
When I arrived at my chosen trailhead on this mid November morning, the “steam” vapor was still rising at 10:30 a.m. I was eagerly looking forward to exploring an unknown path; I’d actually checked this spot out on an earlier trip but only managed to get a short way before time forced me to turn back. Today I had plenty […]
Sweetwater scenery
I’ve shared a lot of photos of Folsom Lake’s south fork in the past, but at the end of October I made my first trip in a couple of years out to the area of the old Salmon Falls bridge and the Monte Vista and Sweetwater trails. It took me a little while to get my bearings; and of course […]
Walking in Williams
It’s not too surprising that visitors to the Historic Downtown District of Williams, Arizona, enjoy strolling the picturesque sidewalks of old Route 66. On our two visits to the town, however, we did most of our exploring in the forest behind our hotel. After a delicious dinner at the Fiesta Mexican Grill, we headed back to the Best Western Plus […]