Little cat, big cat
No matter the size, a cat will always be a cat! Cat: a pygmy lion who loves mice, hates dogs, and patronizes human beings — Oliver Herford The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat — Jules Renard
Persistence
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop — CONFUCIUS
California Woodpeckers
Every now and again I’ll spot a woodpecker around here, usually high up on a tree happily drilling away. I’ve been frustrated by my inability to photograph one of these gorgeous birds; but last week I finally got lucky. I had to refer to my Field Guide to Western Birds, but I’m pretty sure these are a couple of male […]
On a tranquil pond
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks — John Muir
On Slate Bar
On the north side of the American, between Folsom Prison and the town of Folsom, is a ledge of solid granite called Slate Bar. The ledge permitted only what was called “crevice mining”… and mining was not as extensive as on other bars. In 1850 James Smith built a store on the bar. He built a sawmill the following year… […]
The little things
As much as I love capturing big scenic landscapes with my camera, I also can’t resist getting down on the ground for smaller subjects! An unexpected turtle: Another secret caterpillar spot: Snails on the sidewalk… …or in the state park. A sunbathing butterfly: And some rattlesnake grass (Briza maxima):
To the mountaintop
I’m not sure it even has a name; the Big Guy and I just call it The Rock Mountain. People searched for gold on Mississippi Bar for over 100 years. Gold was first discovered there in 1849, and the last dredgers left the site in 1962. It’s been at least 25 years since I last climbed this huge pile of […]
Mantis photobomb
As I marched along the deserted horse trail, a flash of bright red caught my eye. The play of shadows on the leaves, backlit by morning sun, was so irresistible I decided that I didn’t mind standing in the dried weeds to capture the shot. It wasn’t until I checked out the images on my laptop that I saw the […]
Return to Mississippi Bar
As summer approaches and the daytime temperatures in the Sacramento Valley start to soar, it’s time for me to practice some serious discipline — rolling out of bed while it’s still dark outside, downing a quick protein shake and a piece of fruit, and heading outdoors while the air is still cool enough to make me shiver. It’s much easier said than done — although […]