Photo of the Week #39

I already posted the lens baby pics, which were probably my favorite photos this week. I don't get hours at a time to experiment with new gear, so that was a lot of fun. But instead of posting one of those, I wanted to post this moon picture:

It was such a serene and beautiful night.

Music:

My album preferences lately have cycled between Phoenix: Alphabetical (their first record which I used to dislike, and have recently changed my mind), Radiohead: The Bends, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals: Cardinology, and Portishead: Dummy. Occasionally I will listen to The Vince Guaraldi Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas. I'm trying not to wear out my welcome with Christmas, but I can't help but look forward to it this year.

Anyway, here is a song I enjoyed last night:

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals: Cardinology, Go Easy

Lens Baby Scout

So we are visiting with Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Ted, who own a boat docked on the South Toms River in New Jersey (near the Jersey Shore where the tv show is filmed). After a visit to the boardwalk chatting with some real "jersey boys," we spent the rest of the day and the next morning at the boat.

I always enjoy photography discussions with Cheryl who's an incredible photographer. She shows me her new toys (lenses) and I get to play around a bit. Here are some photos of a walk I took along the shore to the ship graveyard:

Fish Eye Lens:

Soft Focus Lens:

Pinhole Lens:

More fisheye pics:

Thacher Park - Indian Ladder Trails, Albany, NY

I've already posted a few pictures from this hike, but I want to post more since it was so beautiful. The hike was really easy. You walk along a cliff top with an amazing view and then descend some stairs to walk along 2 waterfalls. Here is a more detailed description: http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=13&GetHikesStateID=2&ID=5415.
We parked at the main scenic overview lot and walked to the west, but you can park at the very next parking lot, which is a bit closer to the trailhead.
You can view the full set of pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=319825&id=527707845&l=e0b38e150e

Photo of the Week #38

This has been one of the best vacations. Albany started it out as a relaxing catch up on sleep with a wonderful visit with great friends. The colors are beautiful, what a great time to visit. We spent the last day in NYC. Ate amazing food. Took a row boat around central park. Spent the evening in Brooklyn (Williamsburg). Now we're headed to some shore on some boat with our Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Ted. More relaxing!! Can't wait. Here's a photo of the week, a view of Albany from behind the first waterfall:

Sacramento, CA

Road Trip, day 8: heading home through Sacramento, CA.
A visit to California's State Capitol was made on our way home. Sacramento is a much cooler town than I thought it would be. Old Sacramento was especially fun to stroll through, although I didn't get any pictures. It looks like an old western saloon town from the 1800's.
Here are some pictures from the capitol building:

"Into the highlands of the mind let me go"

Nevada City, CA

I realized that before I post all these New York pictures, I should probably catch up with myself and post the rest of the road trip pictures from 2 months ago. It's terrible that it's taken me so long, but I'm rarely on this laptop, and that's the one with all the photos since we take it along on trips. I know, lame excuse. Anyway, here's a post of our time in Nevada City...

Road Trip, day 6-7: Nevada City

We spent some time at our friend's house in Nevada City. It is an incredible little town, I had no idea! The downtown is just a few blocks but everything there is really neat. We ate some great food, hung out at the local coffee shop and went off-roading to get to the river.




The second day, we went to our friend's uncle's house where we pet their horses and walked around the forest.

Quinn, the massive black stallion.

Later we saw some neat art at his cousin's loft, and had some more great food downtown. It was really a great visit and I hope to go back to this little hippie town some day.

Albany, NY

We've been relaxing in Albany, NY for the last few days. It's a cute little town and our hosts are amazing. Kyle and Jen and Bridget live in a 4-story Brownstone home in the middle of downtown and Jen is an incredible cook! We are being totally spoiled.

Today we hike the Indian Ladder Trail about 15 miles away where you can see all the fall colors and some beautiful waterfalls. It was perfect.

More pictures for sure on that. Tomorrow we may go apple-picking or just walk around downtown before we leave.

5 years together!

Here's the photo of the week, taken from my phone cuz I didn't use my camera much this week:

5 years ago today, I married my best friend and the love of my life.
Happy Anniversary to the best man I know. :)
We saw Beatles: Love in Vegas yesterday and are headed to New York for some time with family and friends. Really glad to get a vacation.

Friday's Photo of the Week #36

Went to the observatory last weekend with my friend Terri who was visiting from Seattle. It was great to see her and catch up. The observatory is always a beautiful place to take pictures. :)

Truth & Salvage Co. this past Saturday

This past Saturday, I went to the Eagle Rock Music Festival, and then the Troubadour to see my buddies: Truth & Salvage Co. Another amazing live show. Their show is so fun to see live, it's like a big party and everyone gets involved: dancing and singing along. It's just such a fun time. They are so well-rehearsed and just put on a great show. If you get a chance to see them live, you should totally go. You WILL have a good time. Check out their tour dates on their website (above).
I didn't take my camera along, but here is a video of one of their slower songs from their trip to Iraq to play for the troops last year:

Friday's Photo of the Week #35

Although I may have gotten a couple better pictures this week, from the show and the beach, I chose this photo because I CAPTURED LIGHTNING!!! That's right. It's just a sliver and it's all by chance, but still very cool. And the sky did look this pink. Armageddon people, watch out! ;)