The Potomac River Gorge  4/10/25

Viewed from the Maryland side or the Virginia side, the Potomac river splits the states.  The 383 mile river meaders from West Virginia to Maryland.  Here it becomes know as the Great Falls;  where the river gorge creates this beautiful cascading image.  It's always a fun excersion to take when in the D.C. area.  As the river nears Washington D.C. it becomes tidal as it nears the Chesapeak Bay.  

 

West Virginia Capitol   4/7/25

On a recent trip to Washington D.C. we spent the night in Charelston, West Virginia, the State Capitol.  Located right on the Kanawha River the State House has a regal presence including this magnificant gold dome.  Charelston is a city of 47,000 residents and is the largest city in West Virginia.  It's always a delight to travel through this senic state.  

 

Nashville's Broadway   3/29/25

A view of Broadway Street in the music district of Nashville.  This street and city hop from mid morning to very early in the A.M. with musicians playing in a multitude of venues up and down the row.  Party buses, roof top bars, endless progression of pedestrians make this city full of energy.    Regions Bank hosts a great event every year called Tin Pan South.  A fundraiser for song writers, the event runs over the weekend at venues all over the city.  It's a must do event if you love country music and a close up, personal insight into the background and stories of why certain songs have been written.   

 

Nashville Skyline   3/28/25

The Skyline of Nashville from the pedestrian bridge crossing the Cumberland River.  What a great city.  Regions Bank hosts a great event every year called Tin Pan South.  A fundraiser for song writers, the event runs over the weekend at venues all over the city.  It's a must do event if you love country music and a close up, personal insight into the background and stories of why certain songs have been written.   

 

Full Lunar Eclipse   3/15/25

Around 2 a.m.CST, the full eclipse  is evident.  The term Blood Moon is appropriate as this image shows.  Tune in to my New Releases section in a few days for a single picture of the full progression of the eclipse.      

 

Partical Lunar Eclipse   3/15/25

Beginning about 1:45 a.m. the eclipse is about 75% complete.  
     

 

Full Moon  3/15/25

For all the Lunar Eclipse fans, March 15, 2025, beginning at midnight was a sight to see.
Earler in the evening it appeared that clouds would obscure the event but soon with a fairly strong wind  they dispersed and the night sky was perfect.  This image taken in the southwest part of Missouri in the USA is the full moon prior to the eclipse.
     

 

Morgan County Courthouse  2/20/25

Madison, Georgia is often named as one the best small towns in America.  Located in Morgan County, Georgia, the County Courthouse is an anchor on the Northeast corner of the iconic downtown square.  Built in 1905 this Neoclassical Revival style building is still in daily operation.   Madison was founded in 1809 and retains a significant amont of antebellum architecture style houses that have been immaculately maintained or restored.  It's always a must visit when we travel to Georgia.
     

 

  Salem Methodist Church  2/18/25

On a trip to Georgia to escape the blast of artic air in Missouri, I ran across the Salem Methodist Church in Oconee County Georgia.  This rural church founded in 1820 is now surrounded by the graves of her past congregates.  The austere structure is the central focus of this rural landscape.
     

 

  Salem Methodist Church  2/19/25

On a trip to Georgia to escape the blast of artic air in Missouri, I ran across the Salem Methodist Church in Oconee County Georgia.  This rural church founded in 1820 is now surrounded by the graves of her past congregates.  The austere structure is the central focus of this rural landscape.
     

 

  Low Water Bridge  1/11/25

This low water bridge typifies streams and creeks in the Southwest Mo., Ozarks.   A recent snowfall frames the winter trickle of water.  
     

 

  First Snowfall  1/10/25

The first snow of the winter season here in the Ozarks.  A quiet beauty settles in for a few days of snow covered trees.  This is the Finley River in Soutwest Mo.  The Ozarks are never hard on the eyes no matter the season.
     

 

  Passing Rain  8/25/24

No, this is not the Northern Lights, but rather a briefly passing rain.  Right outside the bunk house on the ranch in New Mexico this passing front left us with this departing scene.  What a wonderful land this is with its variety of topography and weather.   Wrapping up the summer is somehow appropriate with a visit to the ranch.   

  Summer Days  8/25/24

Wrapping up a summer of travel and fun with family is always a great way to continue traditions and build new memories.  A trip to the ranch in New Mexico is always all of the above.  Heading back to the house after visiting family I had to stop and capture this building weather front on this vast pasture land.  

  The Current River  6/19/24

Floating the Current River is always a treat, especially on a summer's day.  With the water a consistent 57-60 degrees due to its source being predominately natural springs along its route.  Originating in Montauk it meandors for 184 miles.  All of which makes it ideal to canoe or kayak most parts of it.  This photo is an early morning view from our campsite, with a little river mist still in the air, it captures a typical early morning on the river.

  Alley Mill   6/18/24

On the way to a camping and float trip on the Current River deep in the Ozarks, I stopped by Alley Mill and Spring.  Built in 1894, the Mill was powered by Alley Spring;  one of the largest fresh water springs in the state.  Remaining at 57 degrees year around it discharges 81 million gallons of water per day eventually making its way into the Jack's Fork River.  

  Happy    6/3/24

Appreciative families leaving with a smile.
What a blessing to be able to see effective outreach to folks who have a need for assistance.  A good memory to head home with and inspiration to do more.    

  Let's See   6/3/24

Working through interpreters the Doctors interviewed these beautiful people and prescribed medicine for their symptoms.     

  Turn Out   6/3/24

A large crowd of men, women and children came to receive medical attention.  Never a complaint or impatience with long lines was expressed -  just an appreciation for help.  

  Helping Hands   6/3/24

One of the great pleasures traveling to Africa and particularly Tanzania, was to participate with the Joyce Meyers ministry arm called Hand of Hope.   Focused on bringing medical assistance to needy people.  Here the clinic was held for the Masai people.  Doctors, assistants and volunteers of all types dedicate their time and expertice to give a treatment free of charge.  

  Great Migration   6/1/24

One of the differences between the Serengeti National Park and the other Parks in both Tanzania and Kenya is the great migration.  Mainly occuring in the Serengeti, over two million Wildebeest will migrate.  Along this trek there will be 500,000 calves birthed.   This is an event that is hard to catch on image.  Both sight and sound are hard to comprehend in the scope of numbers.   What an experience to catch it in person and in images. 

  Simba   5/31/24

This lion is definitely full of self confidence.  He has a huge mane which indicates he is a little older.  Taking in the grasslands he seems to be enjoying the sunny afternoon.  

  Pride Rock   5/30/24

If you are a Lion King fan, you might recognize this rocky outcrop as where Simba makes his famous pose.  If you look closely you can see a lion on the level down from the top on the right.  Lions love rocks as they provide a good place to be elevated and also a warm spot to nap.   They are definitely at the top of the food chain.

  Double Trouble   5/29/24

Working in pairs is always a good idea unless you are the prey.   These lions are lounging around waiting for the lower food chain.  Lions are good climbers and love to lounge in trees.

  Lookout   5/29/24

We quickly realized that an experienced guide makes all the difference in what animals one sees and where and when to look.  Late afternoon we found this big guy resting or maybe looking for dinner.   Thankful it wasn't us. 

  Serengeti   5/28/24

We spent the entire time in Tanzania, at  the Serengeti Park which encompasses 5,700 square miles and is noted for its diversity of wildlife.   Here a baby giraffe is enjoying  mothers close watch. 

  Safari !   5/28/24

A long awaited trip on my list of photo trips was a safari in Africa.  The wait was over and we embarked on Memorial Day weekend for a 10 day adventure.  This little family showed up at the very outset of our trip.   A nice start to a great week!  

  Strong City   4/19/24

This little burg, located in the heart of the Flint Hills National Byway has always been a railroad town.  Originating in 1871, just 10 years after Kansas Statehood, it was started when the Sana Fe Railroad was completed to this point.  This depot was built in 1913 restored in 2015.  Just north of Stong City is the famous Z-Bar Ranch which still has its original stone house, barn and outbuildings on 11,000 acres of never ploughed acres.   

  One Room School in the Flint Hills   4/19/24

This native stone, one room school building was first opened in the 1880's and was utilized until the early 1930's.  A true prairie setting attracted kids from miles around.  Located on Chase County, Kansas , right in the heart of the tall grass prairie.  

  Burning in the Flint Hills   4/19/24

The Flint Hills cover close to 4 million acres of land through Northern Oklahoma and Central Kansas.  Spring burning is necessary to control unwanted growth of red cedar trees and other invasive plants and trees.  This preserves the grasses that are essential for livestock and indigenous wildlife.  This pasture we were hiking in is after the fire has burned the old tall grass and is showing the new spring growth.  In the distance one can see the smoke from a fire in the distance of this vast prairie.

  Spring in the Flint Hills   4/19/24

Travelled to the Flint Hills of Kansas to see the hills after the annual burning season and hopefully see some of the actual burning taking place.  As we hiked through the National Tallgrass Preserve we saw several of the natural wildlife inhabitants, including this bison.  

  Full Bloom   3/17/24

After many faliled attempts to catch the cherry trees in Washington D.C. in full bloom, I had the unanticipated luck to finally see this beautiful sight.  Having travelled back to Washington D.C.  for other purposes, I almost didn't take my camera.  Thankfully I did and was delighted to discover the trees were almost 3 weeks ahead of usual peak time. 

I spent a few hours on a couple of days previous to this one, looking over the area and seeing the trees.  The crowds were as you might expect but with a totally joyus atmosphere.  Wanting to capture the trees and tidalpool with less traffic I came down right at sunrise.   Still lots of people but not nearly as during the business hours.     
     

 

  Full Bloom   3/17/24

After many faliled attempts to catch the cherry trees in Washington D.C. in full bloom, I had the unanticipated luck to finally see this beautiful sight.  Having travelled back to Washington D.C.  for other purposes, I almost didn't take my camera.  Thankfully I did and was delighted to discover the trees were almost 3 weeks ahead of usual peak time. 

I spent a few hours on a couple of days previous to this one, looking over the area and seeing the trees.  The crowds were as you might expect but with a totally joyus atmosphere.  Wanting to capture the trees and tidalpool with less traffic I came down right at sunrise.   Still lots of people but not nearly as during the business hours.     
     

 

  First Light   3/17/24

I had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C.  this month, never anticipating that the cherry blossoms would be close to peak season.  But after finding out an unusually warm and early spring had put the blossoming ahead of the usually early April, I headed to  the mall.  As I mentioned several years ago, often on the way to a photo shoot an unanticipated subject catches your eye.   Such was the case here as I was headed to the cherry trees;  a first light of morning framing the Washington Monument, with the Capitol peaking its dome in the background.  Luckily with no traffic at sunrise, I could stop in the middle of the road and compose this shot.   
     

 

  Last Night   2/5/24

All good things must come to an end.  In this case time to pack up and head north.  The sunshine and penetrating warmth will have to carry us for a couple more months until spring.
Goodbye art gallaries, sidewalk cafes, walks on the beach and great seafood.  Not to mention good friends and fellowship.  This image is a reminder of good times and beautiful sunsets.    
     

 

  Misty River   2/1/24

The sunshine state gave me a curve ball this morning with a dense fog covering the ground.  Not always a bad thing for photographers however, as this ethereal image gives one a sense of quietude and expectation.  Palm trees in the mist seem to be waiting for the sun to break through.
     

 

  Live Oak   1/29/24

Huge live oak trees covered with spanish moss is also a common site in central Florida.
This tree located in Myakka State Park is a great example of old growth live oak.  These trees almost have a sense of movement as their branches reach as much horizontal as verticle.
     

 

  Central Florida  1/27/24

While Florida is as flat of a state as you can get, the diversity of flora and fauna is pretty unique.  The semi tropical weather accounts for a lot of it, attracting everything from Alligators to Sand Hill Cranes.  This picture is a good representation of this environment.
     

 

  Paradise Sunset  1/26/24

After enduring a seemingly historic cold spell in the Ozarks it was time for some sunshine and warm weather.  This sunset is an iconic scene in Casey Key, Florida;  down the shore a couple of miles from one of the top 10 places in the world for best sunsets.   This certainly didn't disappoint.      

 

Ozark Mill   1/23/24

This recently restored mill on the Findley River in Ozark, Mo., now houses a restaurant, gathering place and gardens.  Mills were often gathering places for farmers and locales not only to mill the crops but to catch up on the local news.  This is still the case with this mill as folks from the region gather to share a meal and visit about local events.  This image was taken after a long and unusual cold spell in Southwest Missouri.  As the temperatures began to moderate a low cloud ceiling and melting river combine to make this a rather austure but compelling image.    

 

Harvest Time   10/30/23

Cotton has long been a staple crop in the south.  Here in Georgia the crop is bursting the pods as it's nearing harvest time.  This image was taken at sunrise south of Watknsville, GA.   

 

The Iron Horse   10/30/23

The Iron Horse is located southwest of Athens, GA.,  along a stretch of two lane country road.
This 12 foot tall iron sculpture comes with part legend, part fact, the legend is always more interesting.  Facts first:  created in 1954 by Abbott Pattison a professor at the University of Georgia, it was placed on the grounds of the University.
Apparently not well received by the students or faculty,  it was vandalized several times until four years later it was removed from the campus.   Purchased by a local resident it was moved to its current location where it has become a destination for many.  So much so there is now a pull off for parking and a fenced acreage so sightseerers can snap away.  The legend:  it's said that now the University and students want the horse back on campus due to its immense popularity.   Due to the great disrepect shown the horse, it's said that the rear end is now facing in the direction of the University.   And now you know.   

 

The Long View    10/27/23

The vibrant fall colors exemplify the draw that  The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has for fall travelers and photographers.  The park has over 500,000 acres of hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife with  plenty of pull outs for those drivers just passing through.   Over two days of hiking, exploring and taking photos was certainly a highlight of this fall.  

 

Appalachian Serenity    10/26/23

Long on my list of fall travel has been to visit The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and it did not disappoint. This park has over 500,000 acres of hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife with  plenty of pull outs for those drivers just passing through.   Over two days of hiking, exploring and taking photos was certainly a highlight of this fall.  This photo captures the serentiy of a gently flowing creek in the southern part of the park.

 

  Mingus Mill  10/26/23

Located in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Mingus Mill was completed in 1886.  The largest mill in the smoky mountains, it primarily ground corn and wheat into meal.
The unique millrace channels water into the 200 foot long hemlock flume.  Mill days found the mill crowded with customers, not only for business but sharing the latest news of events in the valley.   This long retired mill is an iconic image of past life in the smoky mountains.

 

  Ozark Autumn   10/20/23

Autumn in the Ozarks is an idyllic season; mild warm temperatures, plentiful sunshine and beautiful slowly turning foliage.  The Buffalo River in North Central Arkansas is a National Designated Riverway and with good cause.
Known for its soaring bluffs, clear running water, hiking trails and accessability make it a must see destination in the fall.  
 

  Town Hall   8/25/23

Once again the unique architecture of 30A can be found at  Rosemary Beach.  The West Indies style town hall and post office stand as greeters to the village behind.  As with all the towns along 30A Rosemary Beach sits right on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico with its emerald waters and white beaches.
 

  Main Street  8/25/23

At the east end of 30A is Rosemary Beach.  This village would appear to be cloned from a European country with its charming architectural structures and vibe.  Plenty to see and do in this beautiful town.   Each town along 30A brings such a unique feel that brings visitors back year after year.

    The Oval   8/22/23

The heart of Seaside is a sunken amphitheater with natural grass circled by bookstores, restaurants and retail stores.  Of course a post office is a vital part of the community and its architecture represents this charming urbanist concept.  

  Seaside!  8/26/23

Seaside is a New Urbanist designed community that features pastel colored houses with porches and tiny yards with white picket fences.  It is also characterized  by a multitude of differing pavilions that define various neighborhoods and beach accesses.  This  pavilion is beachside and serves as the Seaside landmark that is the center of the community.   Founded by Rober Davis the land was acquired in 1946 for a family retreat.  The planning began in 1978 for this bold new concept.  The final plan was completed around 1985.

  Let's Eat  8/24/23

Headed east on 30A a few miles down the road traffic picks up or shall I say slows down.  Seaside, the quaint planned community greets one with this row of food trucks.  The independent spirit of the food trucks in Seaside is a fascinating example of beach life at its essence.  

  Well Travelled  8/26/23

On our annual trip to Florida this year,  I decided rather than focus my photography efforts on the iconic beach scenes and famous sunsets,  I would look at what the byways of histoic 30A  had to offer for artistic interpretation.  Grayton Beach was a good place to start,  at the west end of 30A it has retained all of its original beach vibe. The Red Bar, a well known watering hole and  restaurant is the anchor of this town and is directly behind this well travelled VW Van.   

Prairie Paradise  6/10/23

As the day comes to an end in the Flint Hills of Kansas it is rewarding to stop and watch the growing twilight.  There is always something peaceful as a breeze stirs the tallgrass prairie and a contempletive spirit descends.  We were attending an event called Symphony in the Flint Hills this particular evening  but I have to admit this prairie vista outshown all the other evening activities.  

Spring Filly  5/19/23

As she grows and develops, trainging will soon begin.  Her sire is from great stock and her momma is an award winning quarter horse.
Good breeding should translate into a fine horse.
In the mean time weekly trips to the farm in eastern Virginia are welcome breaks from a busy schedule for the family.

Spring Filly  5/19/23

Spring signals new life, new beginnings, optimisim: this month old filly personifies all the above.  As yet unnamed she has a zest for life.   Her caretaker calls her "spicy".  Her personality will be perfect for learning the cutting skills of a true ranch quarter horse.   

Washington in Bloom  3/15/23

I had hoped to see the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. and over the years was either too late or too early.  This year I was once again literally days to early to see the full bloom before my time to return home.  However, I did catch the tulip populars in full bloom and not a bad substitute!  This picture was taken in the Smithsonian Gardens  on the National Mall in downtown Washington D.C.  A breathtaking garden walled off from the hustle of the Mall provides a time to admire the beautifully arranged garden.

Great Falls  3/11/23

Great Falls National Park is just outside of Washington D.C.  and can be observed from the Virginia side or the Maryland side.  This view is from the Virginia side.  This beautiful small national park is a "go to" for convienent hikes for family outings.  If you're in the District and want to escape the crowds check out this park.

The Kayak  3/11/23

Out for an early Spring hike with family we saw this brave kayaker navigating the Potomac River in Virginia.  We watched in wonder as he expertly threaded the needle amoung the rocks.  He has more courage than I could ever summon!

Winter Solitude  1/25/23

Winter often gives one time to slow down from normal hectic routines of other seasonal activities and enjoy a "quite season" .  Landscapes become stripped of dressing and expose their structural framework.  Snow adds a beautiful undercoating.

This photo was taken in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri.  The simplicity of the composition caught my eye as the trees seem to wait patiently for Spring.

Passing Storm  9/17/22

It's always great to travel back to Kansas, with its wide open country and the people are optomistic in their actions, if not their converstations.  I ran across this huge country church in a very sparsely populated county.   As a pop up storm passed through, I couldn't help but want to capture the  sense of sadness that this church has seen better days.  But then I observed that it is so well maintained, as if it's just waiting for better times ahead.   That's optimism.   

Riding in New Mexico  7/31/22

The best way to experience this wide open country is horseback riding through the canyons and pastures.  Here a leisurely ride is a great way to share with family and friends the beauty of this country. 

Sunset in New Mexico  7/31/22

High altitudes, low humidity and wide open vistas, bring dramatic sunrises, sunsets and natural beauty to this area of NorthEast New Mexico.
 

Retreat in New Mexico  7/31/22

Nothing clears your mind and senses like the wide open vistas of Northeast New Mexico.  The pastures are large as is the sky.  One can see for miles around and it's not uncommon to see antelope, mule deer, elk and other wild animals.
Take time sometime this year to slow down, take a deep breath and reset.  There's not better place than New Mexico.

RODEO!    7/23/22

It's Rodeo time once again in Ozark, Missouri.
A sanctioned Pro Rodeo guarantees some of the best riders and livestock available.  If you are looking for a highly enteraining event at a great value, check out this venue.  Close to the action and a fun family atmosphere. 

Saddeling Up  7/17/22

One of the great things about horse riding is learning to handle not only the tack and saddeling but how to handle that interaction with the horse.
Nothing is so rewarding as bonding with the horse and building that trust.    What a great opportunity to learn at an early age about these life skills.    

Horse Country  7/17/22

Virginia has so many beautiful areas in the state with interesting scenery.  One of the best opportunities is taking advantage of the horse county.  This spot provides many hours of horse back riding in a peaceful yet accessible climate.   

 Snake River Overlook  4/07/22

The Snake River winds over fifty miles through the  Grand Teton National Park creating beautiful secens like this along the way.  A light blanket of snow covers the valley as Spring fights to bring warmer weather and ever changing seasonal colors.

  Moody Moulton  4/05/22

The Grand Tetons usually provide a dramatic backdrop for this iconic barn on Mormon Row in Jackson, Wy.  This day did not cooperate as we hiked over 4 miles on snow and ice covered roads to capture this shot.   However, the barn itself becomes the focal point in this scene as winter has won the day in the fight for spring.

  Teton Spring  4/04/22

The Grand Tetons provide a plethora of outdoor activities.  Hiking to beautiful and tranquil scenes like this are rewards for a brisk trek on  snow covered trails.  

  Snow Shower  2/03/22

Winter in the Ozarks, what better time to capture how these small birds adapt to the ever and quickly changing weather patterns.

  Suspended in Air  10/26/21

Hawksbill Crag along Whitaker Point Trail in Northern Arkansas,  provides a vista of fall colors.  Autumn is one of the premier times to hike in the Ozarks and this trail is a popular one for those seeking a beartiful hike.  Hawksbill Crag, named after its bill like shape, as that of a hawk;  is the main attraction.

  Western Lake 9/03/21

Western Lake has provided me with a lot of hours of enjoyment as well as ample photography opportunities.   Located along highway 30a in Northwest Florida, this dune lake is a natural phenomenon that rarely occurs in the world.  Early morning is a tranquil respite from busy summer crowds. 

The Flag  7/24/21

Summer in the Midwest wouldn't be complete without attendng a Rodeo.  Ozark, a small town in Southwest Missouri,  has a long tradition of holding a pro Rodeo at their local farigrounds. Beautiful weather, plenty of patriotism  and a big crowd complete this iconic summer event.

Ozark Rodeo 7/24/21

Summer in the Midwest wouldn't be complete without attendng a Rodeo.  Ozark, a small town in Southwest Missouri,  has a long tradition of holding a pro Rodeo at their local farigrounds. Beautiful weather, plenty of patriotism  and a big crowd complete this iconic summer event.

The Findley 10/21/20

Autumn in the Ozarks is always a site to behold.  This peaceful stretch of the Findley River is a great representation of what people in Southwest Missouri know:  for outdoor enthusiasts the Ozarks are one of the best kept secrets in the USA. No matter the season, they reveal an ever changing panaroma of beauty.  

Camp Robber 10/12/20

One of the great benefits of hiking is the sometimes serendipitous moments than can materialize on the trail.  After an unexpected snowfall, while hiking up to a nearly 11,000  foot peak we stopped for a brief snack.  Standing by a group of pines we suddenly were swooped upon by a Gray Jay, commonly known as a "camp robber".  These Jays are pretty fearless in search of nuts or other morsels they may steal from your pack.  A nice surprise indeed.

Harvest Time   10/30/23

Cotton has long been a staple crop in the south.  Here in Georgia the crop is bursting the pods as it's nearing harvest time.  This image was taken at sunrise south of Watknsville, GA.   

 

The Iron Horse   10/30/23

The Iron Horse is located southwest of Athens, GA.,  along a stretch of two lane country road.
This 12 foot tall iron sculpture comes with part legend, part fact, the legend is always more interesting.  Facts first:  created in 1954 by Abbott Pattison a professor at the University of Georgia, it was placed on the grounds of the University.
Apparently not well received by the students or faculty,  it was vandalized several times until four years later it was removed from the campus.   Purchased by a local resident it was moved to its current location where it has become a destination for many.  So much so there is now a pull off for parking and a fenced acreage so sightseerers can snap away.  The legend:  it's said that now the University and students want the horse back on campus due to its immense popularity.   Due to the great disrepect shown the horse, it's said that the rear end is now facing in the direction of the University.   And now you know.   

 

The Long View    10/27/23

The vibrant fall colors exemplify the draw that  The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has for fall travelers and photographers.  The park has over 500,000 acres of hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife with  plenty of pull outs for those drivers just passing through.   Over two days of hiking, exploring and taking photos was certainly a highlight of this fall.  

 

Appalachian Serenity    10/26/23

Long on my list of fall travel has been to visit The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and it did not disappoint. This park has over 500,000 acres of hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife with  plenty of pull outs for those drivers just passing through.   Over two days of hiking, exploring and taking photos was certainly a highlight of this fall.  This photo captures the serentiy of a gently flowing creek in the southern part of the park.

 

  Mingus Mill  10/26/23

Located in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Mingus Mill was completed in 1886.  The largest mill in the smoky mountains, it primarily ground corn and wheat into meal.
The unique millrace channels water into the 200 foot long hemlock flume.  Mill days found the mill crowded with customers, not only for business but sharing the latest news of events in the valley.   This long retired mill is an iconic image of past life in the smoky mountains.

 

  Ozark Autumn   10/20/23

Autumn in the Ozarks is an idyllic season; mild warm temperatures, plentiful sunshine and beautiful slowly turning foliage.  The Buffalo River in North Central Arkansas is a National Designated Riverway and with good cause.
Known for its soaring bluffs, clear running water, hiking trails and accessability make it a must see destination in the fall.  
 

  Town Hall   8/25/23

Once again the unique architecture of 30A can be found at  Rosemary Beach.  The West Indies style town hall and post office stand as greeters to the village behind.  As with all the towns along 30A Rosemary Beach sits right on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico with its emerald waters and white beaches.
 

  Main Street  8/25/23

At the east end of 30A is Rosemary Beach.  This village would appear to be cloned from a European country with its charming architectural structures and vibe.  Plenty to see and do in this beautiful town.   Each town along 30A brings such a unique feel that brings visitors back year after year.

    The Oval   8/22/23

The heart of Seaside is a sunken amphitheater with natural grass circled by bookstores, restaurants and retail stores.  Of course a post office is a vital part of the community and its architecture represents this charming urbanist concept.  

  Seaside!  8/26/23

Seaside is a New Urbanist designed community that features pastel colored houses with porches and tiny yards with white picket fences.  It is also characterized  by a multitude of differing pavilions that define various neighborhoods and beach accesses.  This  pavilion is beachside and serves as the Seaside landmark that is the center of the community.   Founded by Rober Davis the land was acquired in 1946 for a family retreat.  The planning began in 1978 for this bold new concept.  The final plan was completed around 1985.

  Let's Eat  8/24/23

Headed east on 30A a few miles down the road traffic picks up or shall I say slows down.  Seaside, the quaint planned community greets one with this row of food trucks.  The independent spirit of the food trucks in Seaside is a fascinating example of beach life at its essence.  

  Well Travelled  8/26/23

On our annual trip to Florida this year,  I decided rather than focus my photography efforts on the iconic beach scenes and famous sunsets,  I would look at what the byways of histoic 30A  had to offer for artistic interpretation.  Grayton Beach was a good place to start,  at the west end of 30A it has retained all of its original beach vibe. The Red Bar, a well known watering hole and  restaurant is the anchor of this town and is directly behind this well travelled VW Van.   

Prairie Paradise  6/10/23

As the day comes to an end in the Flint Hills of Kansas it is rewarding to stop and watch the growing twilight.  There is always something peaceful as a breeze stirs the tallgrass prairie and a contempletive spirit descends.  We were attending an event called Symphony in the Flint Hills this particular evening  but I have to admit this prairie vista outshown all the other evening activities.  

Spring Filly  5/19/23

As she grows and develops, trainging will soon begin.  Her sire is from great stock and her momma is an award winning quarter horse.
Good breeding should translate into a fine horse.
In the mean time weekly trips to the farm in eastern Virginia are welcome breaks from a busy schedule for the family.

Spring Filly  5/19/23

Spring signals new life, new beginnings, optimisim: this month old filly personifies all the above.  As yet unnamed she has a zest for life.   Her caretaker calls her "spicy".  Her personality will be perfect for learning the cutting skills of a true ranch quarter horse.   

Washington in Bloom  3/15/23

I had hoped to see the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. and over the years was either too late or too early.  This year I was once again literally days to early to see the full bloom before my time to return home.  However, I did catch the tulip populars in full bloom and not a bad substitute!  This picture was taken in the Smithsonian Gardens  on the National Mall in downtown Washington D.C.  A breathtaking garden walled off from the hustle of the Mall provides a time to admire the beautifully arranged garden.

Great Falls  3/11/23

Great Falls National Park is just outside of Washington D.C.  and can be observed from the Virginia side or the Maryland side.  This view is from the Virginia side.  This beautiful small national park is a "go to" for convienent hikes for family outings.  If you're in the District and want to escape the crowds check out this park.

The Kayak  3/11/23

Out for an early Spring hike with family we saw this brave kayaker navigating the Potomac River in Virginia.  We watched in wonder as he expertly threaded the needle amoung the rocks.  He has more courage than I could ever summon!

Winter Solitude  1/25/23

Winter often gives one time to slow down from normal hectic routines of other seasonal activities and enjoy a "quite season" .  Landscapes become stripped of dressing and expose their structural framework.  Snow adds a beautiful undercoating.

This photo was taken in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri.  The simplicity of the composition caught my eye as the trees seem to wait patiently for Spring.

Passing Storm  9/17/22

It's always great to travel back to Kansas, with its wide open country and the people are optomistic in their actions, if not their converstations.  I ran across this huge country church in a very sparsely populated county.   As a pop up storm passed through, I couldn't help but want to capture the  sense of sadness that this church has seen better days.  But then I observed that it is so well maintained, as if it's just waiting for better times ahead.   That's optimism.   

Riding in New Mexico  7/31/22

The best way to experience this wide open country is horseback riding through the canyons and pastures.  Here a leisurely ride is a great way to share with family and friends the beauty of this country. 

Sunset in New Mexico  7/31/22

High altitudes, low humidity and wide open vistas, bring dramatic sunrises, sunsets and natural beauty to this area of NorthEast New Mexico.
 

Retreat in New Mexico  7/31/22

Nothing clears your mind and senses like the wide open vistas of Northeast New Mexico.  The pastures are large as is the sky.  One can see for miles around and it's not uncommon to see antelope, mule deer, elk and other wild animals.
Take time sometime this year to slow down, take a deep breath and reset.  There's not better place than New Mexico.

RODEO!    7/23/22

It's Rodeo time once again in Ozark, Missouri.
A sanctioned Pro Rodeo guarantees some of the best riders and livestock available.  If you are looking for a highly enteraining event at a great value, check out this venue.  Close to the action and a fun family atmosphere. 

Saddeling Up  7/17/22

One of the great things about horse riding is learning to handle not only the tack and saddeling but how to handle that interaction with the horse.
Nothing is so rewarding as bonding with the horse and building that trust.    What a great opportunity to learn at an early age about these life skills.    

Horse Country  7/17/22

Virginia has so many beautiful areas in the state with interesting scenery.  One of the best opportunities is taking advantage of the horse county.  This spot provides many hours of horse back riding in a peaceful yet accessible climate.   

 Snake River Overlook  4/07/22

The Snake River winds over fifty miles through the  Grand Teton National Park creating beautiful secens like this along the way.  A light blanket of snow covers the valley as Spring fights to bring warmer weather and ever changing seasonal colors.

  Moody Moulton  4/05/22

The Grand Tetons usually provide a dramatic backdrop for this iconic barn on Mormon Row in Jackson, Wy.  This day did not cooperate as we hiked over 4 miles on snow and ice covered roads to capture this shot.   However, the barn itself becomes the focal point in this scene as winter has won the day in the fight for spring.

  Teton Spring  4/04/22

The Grand Tetons provide a plethora of outdoor activities.  Hiking to beautiful and tranquil scenes like this are rewards for a brisk trek on  snow covered trails.  

  Snow Shower  2/03/22

Winter in the Ozarks, what better time to capture how these small birds adapt to the ever and quickly changing weather patterns.

  Suspended in Air  10/26/21

Hawksbill Crag along Whitaker Point Trail in Northern Arkansas,  provides a vista of fall colors.  Autumn is one of the premier times to hike in the Ozarks and this trail is a popular one for those seeking a beartiful hike.  Hawksbill Crag, named after its bill like shape, as that of a hawk;  is the main attraction.

  Western Lake 9/03/21

Western Lake has provided me with a lot of hours of enjoyment as well as ample photography opportunities.   Located along highway 30a in Northwest Florida, this dune lake is a natural phenomenon that rarely occurs in the world.  Early morning is a tranquil respite from busy summer crowds. 

The Flag  7/24/21

Summer in the Midwest wouldn't be complete without attendng a Rodeo.  Ozark, a small town in Southwest Missouri,  has a long tradition of holding a pro Rodeo at their local farigrounds. Beautiful weather, plenty of patriotism  and a big crowd complete this iconic summer event.

Ozark Rodeo 7/24/21

Summer in the Midwest wouldn't be complete without attendng a Rodeo.  Ozark, a small town in Southwest Missouri,  has a long tradition of holding a pro Rodeo at their local farigrounds. Beautiful weather, plenty of patriotism  and a big crowd complete this iconic summer event.

The Findley 10/21/20

Autumn in the Ozarks is always a site to behold.  This peaceful stretch of the Findley River is a great representation of what people in Southwest Missouri know:  for outdoor enthusiasts the Ozarks are one of the best kept secrets in the USA. No matter the season, they reveal an ever changing panaroma of beauty.  

Camp Robber 10/12/20

One of the great benefits of hiking is the sometimes serendipitous moments than can materialize on the trail.  After an unexpected snowfall, while hiking up to a nearly 11,000  foot peak we stopped for a brief snack.  Standing by a group of pines we suddenly were swooped upon by a Gray Jay, commonly known as a "camp robber".  These Jays are pretty fearless in search of nuts or other morsels they may steal from your pack.  A nice surprise indeed.

Golden 10/10/20

The beautiful aspen groves of the Rocky Mountains are an enduring image of Autumn in Colorado.  Our hiking group was not dissapointed as we traversed the trails of Vail, Coloarado. 

Tranquil  9/2/20

Summer vacation in Florida evokes sunny white beaches, emerald water and squeals of children in various forms of activity.  However, for those willing to arise before sunrise, a tranquil hour of paddleboarding on Western Lake can calm the soul.  Whatever the activity, I'm all in for that blissful week of family time.   

Roundup  6/26/20

Operating a cattle ranch takes a lot of fortitude, stamina and frankly, prayer.  In Northeast New Mexico the ratio of cattle to acres requires a lot of land due to the sparse grass in this high country desert.  When it comes to rounding up the new calves it requires the skills of the cowboys and cowgirls to accomplish the task.  It was my privilige to capture this years roundup with these images.