Category: Daily Adventures

Blogs of everyday activates and adventures.

Railway or Railroad

Railway or Railroad

Railway or Railroad, what is the difference between the two names? I always call them railroads, it looks like a road when you are standing in the middle of them and they appear to go on for ever in some areas. I do love photographing them and watching trains go by when I can.

Railway or Railroad

But,  railroad is a permanent road consisting of fixed metal rails to drive trains or similar motorized vehicles on while railway is a track, consisting of parallel rails, over which wheeled vehicles may travel.

Does that statement make sense, not to me it didn’t when I first read it. So I investigated some more.

What is the difference between Railway and Railroad Then?

• Meaning:

• The meaning of both railway and railroad is the same. They both refer to the track on which a train runs.

• Usage:

• In most of the English speaking countries including UK and even Canada, the word that is used to refer to a system of trains running on rails made of iron is railways.

• On the other hand, railroad is the term that is used in the US for trains running on rails.

• Interestingly, railway is the word that is reserved for trams or streetcars in the US.

• Practice:

• Often companies change their names from railroad to railways and vice versa when there are mergers or takeovers to distinguish themselves from earlier companies.

Railway or Railroad

Both railway and railroad refer to the train track. However, US uses railway for tram tracks while using railroad to train tracks.

Railway or Railroad
orange train moto

Just some fun facts today 🙂

red train

Railway or Railroad

by Sandra J

The Old Become New Again

The Old Become New Again

The Old Become New Again, I love photographing bridges. The architecture alone is quite impressive on these massive bridges that not only are a way of transportation across rivers, but they also remind me of adventure, what is on the other side. A thought of keep moving and learning cross my mind when I see bridges.

This bridge below is the Centennial Bridge in Davenport Iowa, crossing over the Mississippi River, very old but so pretty at night with all its lights on.

The Old Become New Again

This bridge is new, up river from the first bridge. New design and look compared to the architecture of old.

The Old Become New Again

As we travel south, there will be a few bridges to cross I am sure. As like this one in Illinois.

But as always, adventure awaits after every bridge crossed.

Have a Wonderful Weekend

The Old Become New Again

by Sandra J

The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River, we are back along the Mississippi River. It has been awhile since we camped along the river. A bit muggy this time of year, but always something to see.

The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River

by Sandra J

The Prairie Fields of Iowa

The Prairie Fields of Iowa

The Prairie Fields of Iowa at sunset, as we travel south we stopped at a beautiful park in the mid west, with plenty of tall grass blowing in the wind. Just a touch of whispering clouds in front of blue sky’s as the soft orange glow of the sunset meets the horizon.

The Prairie Fields of Iowa
The Prairie Fields of Iowa

The Prairie Fields of Iowa

by Sandra J

Mirror Image Has Flaws

Mirror Image Has Flaws

Mirror Image Has Flaws, Our Creator gives us two choices and both choices have consequences….Life and Good or death and evil.

Mirror Image Has Flaws

Our will is directing our actions. If we will to not hear God, but are drawn away (listen to lies),  then we actually “Will”, to hear something other than God.

The Will is a Tool. It’s function is to choose. With every choice we grow in force of character. Depending on what we WILL to do, will shape our character.

Mirror Image Has Flaws

Mirror Image Has Flaws

by Sandra J

Waterfalls and Long Exposure

Waterfalls and Long Exposure

Waterfalls and Long Exposure, this is one of my favorite waterfalls to photograph and adding some long exposure makes this place even more beautiful.

It is a bright sunny day for these photos. One has to add a Neutral Density filter on your camera so you can slow the shutter speed way down. That is what gives the water its soft appearance. Slowing the shutter speed down keeps the shutter open longer and anything moving in your photo will appear softer. It works with clouds also, I have not tried it yet, but I will.

Waterfalls and Long Exposure
Waterfalls and Long Exposure

Waterfalls and Long Exposure

by Sandra J

Cable Bridge

Cable Bridge

Cable Bridge – This is exactly what it looked like as we were walking across this old cable bridge. On the other side it was completely dark at the end of the bridge, the forest was so thick. It was a bit spooky as we neared the end of the bridge and our eyes did not adjust to the darkness until you actually walked into the forest.

You can see our walk on this trail and the bridge Here; North Country Scenic Trail

This bridge is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, if you wanted to, you can walk this trail that goes from New York to North Dakota. That would be quite the hike.

Cable Bridge
Cable Bridge

Cable Bridge

by Sandra J

Can You See the Light

Can You See the Light

Can You See the Light – as I am walking in the forest the Light is trying to get my attention ever so softly. Peaking around the trees, flashing in my eyes every now and then. As if it is trying to get my attention, but I just keep on going.

Can You See the Light

How about now, the Light says, do you see me?

As I squint looking in the direction of the light beams dancing amongst the leaves.

But I turn my head and keep walking.

Can You See the Light

How about Now? I stop and look and am amazed at all the beams of light, as if like arms reaching out towards me. The Light begins to warm the forest with bright beautiful light. But I have an agenda, I have to keep walking to get to the end of the trail.

How About NOW

I stop in my tracks as I cannot stop looking at this beautiful Light reaching out to all of nature around me and warming my heart. Yes, I see the Light, I feel the Light. The end of the trail is right here. I don’t have to keep searching. 💕😉

Have a Wonderful Weekend

Can You See the Light

by Sandra J

Oh What a Tangled

Oh What a Tangled

Oh What a Tangled – Do you remember the rest of the quote?

But nature isn’t tangled, these spiders seem to know what they are doing.

Oh What a Tangled

Oh what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive’ means that when you lie or act dishonestly you are initiating problems and a domino structure of complications which eventually run out of control.

One has to be careful walking through the forest, especially this time of year. The webs are everywhere and can be deceiving, all pretty and shinny. But understanding the Light and where it comes from, It can protect you from entering the webs they weave.

Oh What a Tangled

by Sandra J

Wide Eyed Look

Wide Eyed Look

Wide Eyed Look which is referred to as Doe Eyes, literally in this case. 🙂

Wide Eyed Look

Wide Eyed Look

Well, this one does not have doe eyes, she has been hanging around with the deer. Just one turkey, the fawns are having fun running around trying to figure out what this bird is though.

Wide Eyed Look

by Sandra J

The Energy of Life

The Energy of Life

The Energy of Life – and·he-shall-become, separating between waters to·waters, a physical reality and a spiritual reality

Creation never becomes greater than the Creator

The Energy of Life

The Energy of Life – Water

by Sandra J

August is Coming to an End

August is Coming to an End

August is Coming to an End and depending on what part of the country you live in, cooler weather and warm colors are on our doorsteps. I have not seen any geese flying over all summer and now, at the end of August they fly East every morning. I went out this morning to take a few photos of them, but I was not out there early enough. I will have some photos by the end of the week though. 🙂

August is Coming to an End
August is Coming to an End
August is Coming to an End

August is Coming to an End

by Sandra J

The Light of Life

The Light of Life

The Light of Life, He has a way of reminding us that we are the Light of Him. Even when we are surrounded by darkness, as I was when I was walking through the forest of no name.

The Light of Life

The forest was dark as I made my way along the river bank, when all of a sudden, just up ahead, sunlight was shining through the trees, as if a spot light was only shining on these beautiful ferns. A reminder of who we are, vibrant, radiant all that we are, a Light to Others as He is to Us

The Light of Life

The Light of Life is in our Hearts

The Light of Life

by Sandra J

Sunsets Are Coming Back

Sunsets Are Coming Back

Sunsets Are Coming Back, the smoke has been clearing in the sky around my area so the sunset are becoming colorful again. I love a sunset when there are some clouds along with. Gives it a little more texture and depth.

I mentioned awhile ago about my brother out in Montana next to the fire called, Yaak Fire. He said it is down to a smolder, but still burning and creeping across the land. So they have not been given the all clear yet, I hope they get more rain and it goes out completely.

Sunsets Are Coming Back

On this particular night, I walked down to the pond, knowing there would be a reflection in the water of the clouds all lit up as the sun dropped below the horizon.

Sunsets Are Coming Back
Sunsets Are Coming Back
sunset and hummingbird

Sunsets Are Coming Back

by Sandra J

The Snow Shoe Hare

The Snow Shoe Hare

The Snow Shoe Hare Snowshoe hares have an interesting adaptation that helps protect them against predators. Depending on the season, their fur can be a different color. During the winter, snowshoe hares are white, which helps them blend in with the snow. When the seasons change to spring and summer, snowshoe hares turn a reddish-brown. This color helps them camouflage with dirt and rocks.

Not every part of the snowshoe hare changes color throughout the year. An important identification trick is to look at a snowshoe hare’s ears. The tips of the ears are always black no matter the season.

The Snow Shoe Hare

The hind legs of a snowshoe hare are noticeably larger, and have more fur and larger toes than those of other rabbits or hares. These adaptations provide additional surface area and support for walking on snow. The hind legs are what give the hare its common name.

I never did get a photo of this rabbit last winter when it was all white. I saw it a few times, but only when it moved, they have excellent camouflage. I took this photo below early this spring when its feet are still white as it makes the change over to brown.

The Snow Shoe Hare
The Snow Shoe Hare

Now this one is a cotton tail Rabbit below, there is a difference between a hare and a rabbit. Mostly the hare is quite a bit larger and not as tame. Hence so much harder to get a photo of.

Snow Shoe Hare Cotton Tail Rabbit

rabbit

The Snow Shoe Hare

by Sandra J

What Camera Lens I Use

What Camera Lens I Use

What Camera Lens I Use, I love photographing up close and most of the time I use my smaller bridge camera with the macro lens. But, I have found that my biggest lens actually does very well with close up shots also. I use the 600 mm lens mostly for bird photography, but to my surprise I really like it with close ups as well. You can see more samples and the camera I use at this link Here; 600mm Tamron Lens

What Camera Lens I Use
What Camera Lens I Use
gray cat bird

What Camera Lens I Use

by Sandra J

Shooting For the Moon

Shooting For the Moon

Shooting For the Moon, This weekend was perfect weather for sitting outside in the evening and watch the moon travel across the sky. Mosquitos tried to make a comeback early in the evening, but then the wind picked up and they did not have a chance after that. This time of year I love to go outside at night to take photo’s of our beautiful planets above, come winter, the cameras don’t do well at night, nor do I.

Trying to get a crisp clear photo of the moon is just a little difficult with a regular camera. I use a 600 mm lens and it does pretty well. But when you think of how much space is between my lens and the moon, I am in awe at what I see every time.

Shooting For the Moon

When you photograph something outside of our atmosphere, there is a fair amount of air between you and the subject. The thickness of Earth’s atmosphere is approximately 300 miles, with most of the dense air in the lower altitudes (obviously). Light is transmitted from the sun (or stars) or reflected from the moon (and planets) and it travels through the vacuum of space until it reaches earth. Once it arrives in the atmosphere, all your sharpness bets are off.

Then add some motion like clouds rolling in and trees blowing in the wind. I am just grateful that earth has a protective shield around it that gives us air to breath and protects us from the harshness of outer space. It is mind boggling to me sometimes to sit here and look up into the heavens at night and just wonder how big it really is and how small we really are.

Shooting For the Moon

This shot looks like the moon is on fire and rolling across the clouds to me.

Shooting For the Moon

by Sandra J

What Day is It

What Day is It

What Day is It – Varietay Friday, Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Stay cool, it is warm in my neck of the woods. Enjoy the Great Outdoors if You Can. 💕

What Day is It
What Day is It

What Day is It

by Sandra J

Orange is the Color of Autumn

Orange is the Color of Autumn

Orange is the Color of Autumn, this is my first sighting of the Monarch Butterfly this year, it is late in the season, so I am surprised to see it but thankful I got to see at least one this year. Early this spring I saw a few butterfly’s or moths and their wings were pretty scraped up from the long flight up here. But this one looks pretty healthy.

Orange is the Color of Autumn

I hope he makes the long journey to its winter home. It is written in their design, from the moment they are alive, to go to the same place, even though some have never been there before. They just know.

Orange is the Color of Autumn

Orange is the Color of Autumn

by Sandra J

Bumble Bee Bumble Bee

Bumble Bee Bumble Bee

Bumble Bee Bumble Bee, Oh How You Help My Garden Grow;

Bumble Bee Bumble Bee

I Can See How Hard You Work, for You Are Covered in Sparkling Yellow Snow ——- No wait, that doesn’t sound right.

You Are Covered in Yellow Pollen Snow ; Alright I am not a poet for sure, I could not think what rhymes with grow.

Bumble Bee Bumble Bee

Feel free to add some suggestions below, WAIT, that rhymes,

Bumble Bee Bumble Bee, Oh How You Help My Garden Grow, I See How Hard You Work From All the Pollen on You in the Photo Below. Whew, I think Daryl Madden or Mr. Ohh might have a few ideas as well. 😊

Bumble Bee Bumble Bee

Ahhhhh, I missed my landing

by Sandra J

Manipulating the Perception of Distance

Manipulating the Perception of Distance

Manipulating the Perception of Distance, is possible with forced perspective in photography. It is about making your subject look larger or smaller than it really is.

Perspective in photography is created by the spatial relationship between objects in an image. It’s this relationship between objects that helps us perceive depth, distances, and the size of different elements.

For example, this pink flower looks like a normal size flower because of the angle I took the photograph.

Manipulating the Perception of Distance

But in reality, it is actually smaller than an eraser on a pencil. Matter of fact, I would not have even seen it if it was not for the bright purple flowers petals that caught my eye.

Manipulating the Perception of Distance
Manipulating the Perception of Distance

Forced perspective happens all around us everyday. Not just in photography, sometimes people make things out to be bigger than they really are. How we perceive it is the key to understanding the size of any situation, knowing the facts is crucial. Never be forced to only see the perspective to what others are putting in front of you.

Have a Great Weekend

Manipulating the Perception of Distance

by Sandra J

One of My Favorite Spots

One of My Favorite Spots

One of My Favorite Spots, This is a small hill made out of sand, I love this spot along Lake Superior. From the parking lot you can not see what the water looks like until you walk up this little hill. I love places like this. It is like opening a door not knowing for sure what I might see, but the anticipation is exciting and the view always takes my breath away.

It is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.

One of My Favorite Spots

One of My Favorite Spots

by Sandra J

Something a Little Different

Something a Little Different

Something a Little Different, I don’t know what these flowers are but they were growing along the beach of Lake Superior. Sometimes I don’t know if I need to know a name to some of these wildflowers. I just like to enjoy them and know that they will be a surprise next year when I see them again.

Something a Little Different

I believe I mentioned awhile ago about framing your own photographs and art work. I enjoy sharing them on the web, but I do like to print them and hang them in my home. I have taken up digital painting of my photographs. Where you actually take a paint brush and paint on your photos. Very relaxing to do and amazing what technology can do as well.

Something a Little Different

Thinking outside of the box, create what your heart and mind sees.

Something a Little Different

Twins The White Tail Deer

Twins The White Tail Deer

Twins The White Tail Deer, this is my first sighting of twin White Tail Deer and the only time they both came out of the forest so I could witness this extraordinary beauty of wild life. The Mother is very watchful over these two, I have heard her in the woods now and then, giving her loud snort to warn the babies of any danger.

But Mom is used to me, I put some bird food out in the mornings and she comes by everyday to check out the food. It isn’t much food, because I don’t want a lot there at night when Junior bear walks through. I put together a video of these two running and playing in the tall grass, you can see this video here; White Tail Deer Mother and Twins.

Twins The White Tail Deer
Twins The White Tail Deer
Twins The White Tail Deer

This is also the first buck I have seen here in years. He stops by once a week. He doesn’t stay long. You can see his horns have the soft velvet on them still.

Twins The White Tail Deer

by Sandra J

Happy Friday

Happy Friday

Happy Friday, it is the end of July already. I have two trees in my yard that have started to change color. That seems to early, but I do love the change of seasons and fall is my favorite one. I love the cooler temperatures and all the warm colors and sitting by the campfire on a cool evening. Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy Friday
Happy Friday

Happy Friday

by Sandra J