Winter is Definitely About Here

Yesterday we had the first snow of the season at our house. It was hardly anything to say it was, as you can see above. By the time I got home from work, it was nearly all gone, except in the shadows.

I took off for the sunset and bundled up. It was really beautiful last night and I am glad I went. I saw my old photography professor, which was fun! I decided to hop into the frame for a slower shutter speed (1/2 sec, figured that was all I could manage!) and tried not to shiver. It was well worth the cold, for sure! I also took along this jug that a friend gave me. I have been trying to put things of interest in the foreground of my beach shots, but there is so little here to find when you are in a pinch. So I used the jug :)

This morning it is a chilly 30 degrees...coldest I think I have seen it yet.

Chicago Fall

Taken in Chicago, Illinois in early October. I was fascinated by the different trees available to shoot there.

Potter Marsh

Potter Marsh outside of Anchorage in the fall.

Potter Marsh and Rainbow

I have never stopped at Potter Marsh before, though I have wanted to. But this time, I had to turn around and go back when I saw a rainbow over the area. I was also intrigued by the swans!

The second duck was splashing the water. I wished I had been closer for it :)

The rainbow wasn't as bright as I was hoping for, but I think it was still lovely!

Mountain Pass Falls

On another trip to Anchorage, this time at the very beginning of October, it was pouring rain the entire drive up the highway. I saw this waterfall gushing abundantly, and amazingly, there was a rest stop right in front of it!

I did not have my tripod, as I was leaving my car in Anchorage and getting on a plane, but there were some blocks to brace the camera on. This was my favorite shot I took, even though the composition could be better.

Anchorage Fall

Spent some time in the middle of September in Anchorage, shooting the last of the flowers.

I tried to shoot dragonflies all summer, and I found two to shoot in Anchorage!

The dying fireweed

Fall Drive to Anchorage

I took a drive up the highway in the middle of September. Or rather, I was along for the ride, which meant I could not pull over whenever I wanted! It was a gloriously sunny day and the fall colors were at their peak.

Next year I would love to take a drive like this, solely for the colors. No deadlines, just dark. We'll see if it happens!

The Kenai Lake

And So It Begins...

Winter is quickly on its way! This is what the hill woke up to this morning. My house has not been hit yet, but it is coming, I'm sure!

Northern Lights

The rumor was out in September that the northern lights were out. The next night, I picked up a friend and we took off to where she had seen them the night before. We thought we were seeing them, but weren't sure. I set up the tripod and camera and started a long exposure. Wow! There it was!

This one was several shots in. I definitely can appreciate those folks who have the aurora shooting down. It's hard work getting the right things in focus in the pitch darkness!

I'm not sure I will be out shooting the lights again any time soon. It was warm in September, and now it is cold! Plus, I had to drive about 15 minutes or so after 11pm to shoot these, and I don't want to be in the dark by myself. I definitely enjoyed it, though!

Fog and Mountain

I love the rainbow of colors in this one!

Fog at Sunset

The Spit is under there somewhere!

Print available.

Tiny Earthquake

On Wednesday, there was an earthquake here, that I doubt many people felt. I was sitting here, at my desk, when I felt this extremely gentle rocking. I asked C if he could feel it and he denied it. I wasn't even sure it was happening until I saw a couple things shaking a bit. Sure enough, it was a 4.5, but it was far away.

Floatplane and Fog

I loved this one of the floatplane flying toward Grewingk Glacier

Poot's Peak and Fog

Homer Under the Fog

Spit Under the Fog

Chicago Trip Souvenirs

You are looking at the sum total of our souvenir purchases for Chicago and Portland. A total of $1.02 for two smashed pennies and 3 public transit fares (around $14).

We didn't even end up paying for any attractions either, which is fantastic. The only thing we spent on was food. There were all kinds of restaurants to try, and we didn't hit up all of our wanted spots, either. In some ways, I would have liked a cool magnet (too expensive) or something to bring home, but really, it was space in our suitcase and it is more clutter for our home, which we don't need.

But I took lots of photos, of course :D What other souvenirs do I need besides memories?

Reflections

September Glow 5

Another new favorite!

Print available.

September Glow 4

Two Months

I have been a busy girl the past two months!

Took a trip to Arizona...

We took a trip to Chicago...

And Portland...

And watched our dear friend get married!

September Glow 3

Lincoln Park Zoo

I apologize thoroughly for my absence! I have been traveling off and on the past month or so, and while I took piles of photos, I am just now getting to edit them and focus on this blog and the other places I post to. I am finished traveling for a while, and my work has slowed down as well, so I can devote more time again!

Hopefully a pile of images from around the country will be welcome. I promise the Alaska images will be back soon :)

My last trip involved going to Chicago, Illinois. I spent an afternoon at the Lincoln Park Zoo, a wonderful place, and best of all, it was free!

Tawny Frogmouth Owl

Meerkat

I love this one of the cougar!

Beaver

Just a glimpse of the zoo, but I hope you enjoyed them!