Stop already!

You know those times in your life where it doesn't seem possible for you to get everything done that needs to be done?  I've felt that way for like a year.  There are so many road trips to take, photos to snap, books to read, people to love, work to be done, etc; and when these things don't get accomplished, or accomplished well I feel down.  So in the midst of my day today, one where I've already avoided going to the gym (for now), and where I'm trying to put the final touches on my tax preparation... I decided to take a break.  A break to do something that I love - especially more than taxes.  Here are a few photos from recent adventures.

Sometimes what might be more important than getting things done can be expressed through an old saying, "Stop and smell the roses."  Quiet calm, peace and quiet, R&R, somber (and sober) reflection.  Life is already too busy for our own good.  So take some time for yourself today.

Photo of the day...

More G12 love.

Hunting for more than elk...

Tuesday night I got back from elk hunting. This was my 2nd year, and I thought I'd drag my camera along for the adventure. To keep things minimal I merely brought my Canon 50D, 50mm f/1.8 lens, cards, Ultra-Pod tripod and an extra battery. And of course I brought a oversized ziplock bag and waterproof bag just in case it rained or snowed; which it did and I was thankful that I had these along.

It is incredible to get up before the sun does, and hike and hike and hike, watch the sun come up and be surrounded by nature. Aside from being in nature, enjoying hunt-camp, and "family", the thing I've come to appreciate the most is being "off the grid" for several days. There is so much freedom in not being tied down by a cell phone, or wasting vast amounts of time on the computer. So what follows are some of my favorite images (my all time favorite image from this adventure will be posted later. It needs some noise reduction work.)

 My friend and "brother" Dan

 Some "flipped-50" action!

 The incredible sunrise on Sunday morning

 Just one of the tallest Aspens I've ever seen. 60+' tall.

Winchester 70 - 7mm WSM

It's been awhile...

The Long Road Home

(Greenland, CO)

ISO 100 -- 24mm -- f/8.0 -- 1/250 sec

Spring in Colorado

ISO 100 -- 68mm -- f/8.0 -- 1/1250 sec

The Geography of Nowhere

ISO 400 -- 24mm -- f/5.6 -- 1/320 sec

ISO 400 -- 70mm -- f/2.8 -- 1/800 sec

(Palm Springs)

ISO 400 -- 66mm -- f/2.8 -- 1/60 sec

(Palm Springs)

As seen through a broken TV

Goin' back to Cali Cali

ISO 800 -- 24mm -- f/8.0 -- 1sec

(Albuquerque)

ISO 400 -- 70mm -- f/8.0 -- 1/800sec

(Blythe, CA)

ISO 200 -- 58MM -- f/4.0 -- 1/1600

(Coachella Valley, CA)