Tag: adventures outdoors

Circle the Wagons

Circle the Wagons

Circle the Wagons, that is my thought when I was watching these 4 egrets walking in a circle in the river. Or perhaps they were playing Duck Duck Goose, if anyone remembers that game from our childhood. I wonder if kids play games like that outside anymore. Ring around the Rosie, Hop Scotch, Annie Annie Over. All great games when I was a youngster.

These four Egrets are just fishing and the second photo is 4 Geese flying overhead with gorgeous blue sky in the background.

Circle the Wagons

Circle the Wagons

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

Diving Head First

Diving Head First

Diving Head First into a New Adventure this weekend. It is my birthday weekend, I am turning the big 60 years old. A year ago I picked where I wanted to be on my 60th birthday and these photos will give you a little hint. . But this adventure does not end with just a weekend. 60 is the new 30, we are never to old to make our dreams come true, faith and trust.

Of course a lot has happened over this past year and I never write my plans in stone. One never knows if tomorrow will come, I take one day at a time and enjoy it to the fullest.

So I am going to say; Have a wonderful weekend a little early today.

Diving Head First
Diving Head First
two brown pelicans
two white egrets

Diving Head First

Yellow Daisy’s for Fall

Yellow Daisy’s for Fall

Yellow Daisy’s for Fall, there are still some daisy’s growing here and there this September. Such a bright beautiful color.

Yellow Daisy's for Fall
Yellow Daisy's for Fall
yellow daisy

Oh, and the finches are still sporting their yellow feathers.

yellow finch

Yellow Daisy’s for Fall

by Sandra J

Through the Fog I See

Through the Fog I See

Through the Fog I See clearly now, I sought your truth in my mind and you revealed your wisdom in the dark regions of my heart.

Through the Fog I See

You watched me from above yet you withheld judgement.

Through the Fog I See

Through the Fog I See

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

Under His Wings

Under His Wings

Under His Wings Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Under His Wings  egret flying over water
Under His Wings  goose wings
single pelican
Eagle landing

Have a Wonderful Weekend

Under His Wings

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

The Young Eagle

The Young Eagle

The Young Eagle This beautiful young eagle has been visiting our place lately. He is very noticeable just from his size alone. Even hidden in the shade of these trees, his silhouette is quite breathtaking when I notice him on the branch of this aspen tree.

The Young Eagle
The Young Eagle

The plumage of juvenile and immature bald eagles shows a good deal of variation. In fact, immature bald eagle plumages are among the most complicated and difficult to classify among North American birds. 

The Young Eagle

Have a Great Weekend

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

Floral Art by Design

Floral Art by Design

Floral Art by Design, flowers are so amazing in their details when you look really close at them. They are all so different but are designed with such intricate details that serve a purpose that insures their propagation, by attracting pollinators.

Floral Art by Design

I am not sure what this flower is, but I would guess its name might be similar to corn. Because up close it looks like miniature corn cobs in the center of this vibrant orange flower.

Floral Art by Design
Floral Art by Design

Floral Art by Design

by Sandra J

I Was Waiting For Them

I Was Waiting For Them

I Was Waiting For Them this morning. Every morning about 4 groups of geese fly over head towards the east. This first photo shows the sun is just coming up as they fly over, so you can see the sun light on the front of their wings. I have not seen geese all summer but come September they do this fly over everyday, I am not sure where they are going and in the evening they fly back towards the west.

I Was Waiting For Them

They start about 7:30 am, when the sun is just coming up and by the 3rd group that fly’s over, it gets a little brighter and the sky starts turning into a beautiful blue instead of gray.

I Was Waiting For Them
I Was Waiting For Them
two geese in flight

Have a Wonderful Weekend.

by Sandra J

Until We Meet Again

Until We Meet Again

Until We Meet Again – to the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds in my yard this year. I have made a note on my calendar, for the first time this year, I have not seen these beautiful little birds. I believe they started their long journey south. They have been all over my fall flowers and feeders throughout August and now they are gone.

So here are some of my best photos during 2021 of the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds. Safe travels.

Until We Meet Again
Until We Meet Again
Until We Meet Again

Until We Meet Again

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

Bright Side of the Moon

Bright Side of the Moon

Bright Side of the Moon, Though the dawn may be coming soon
There still may be some time
Fly me away to the bright side of the moon
Meet me on the other side

Dream Weaver, this song came to me today, I have not heard it in many years. The moon has been keeping me up at night, shining through my window. So bright as if it is a nightlight for those of us looking out into the night sky.

Dream Weaver, I believe you can get me through the night…’ was a song about someone with infinite compassion and love carrying us through the night of our trials and suffering. None other than God Himself.” by Gary Wright

Bright Side of the Moon

We are living in some very strange times right now. Things going on that I have never witnessed in my lifetime. Confusing at times to say the least if you listen to the world.

But, there are always Two Sides, Two Events. Split down the middle, One side is brighter than the other, (Truth), Death and Life – Good and Evil.

Bright Side of the Moon

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 

In the beginning He Created, Heaven and Earth,

The only way to create something is to speak it into existence, Which follows the Laws of Nature

bright moon in the sky

Dream Weaver; Take Me to the Bright Side of the Moon

 Take away my worries of today and leave tomorrow behind

Watch this video on YouTube.
Sandra J's Photography

Have a Wonderful Weekend

Bright Side of the Moon

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

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