almost but not quite

Sunset at Folsom Bridge on the American River.

That's how it goes with learning to be a better photographer. Sometimes you just don't get the shot you're hoping to get. The plus side is this though: it was very pleasant down there on the still sun-warmed granite slab on the banks of the river. Better than being at home in front of the TV!

I have so much to learn about using my new camera. Because of this, I've started a new 365 photoblog. A 365 blog is one in which you post a photo a day. I did this a couple years ago with my husband. When I look back on it, I can see how the quality of our photos improved over time. I hope this new blog will be a tool in becoming a better nature/landscape photographer. Usually, these blogs seem to start on January 1st but beginning this one on the first day of Autumn works for me.

We were planning to leave early this morning to camp for two days at Lassen National Park. Instead, we really need to catch up on some things here at home. Most importantly, we need to address our elderly cat's declining health and quality of life.  

Here's a link to Wild Mountain 365.                

autumn equinox

robes of glory

Wrights Lake 9-20-12

"When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and, like a dream, glides away." 

~ Sarah Helen Whitman

With my early birthday present in hand, I ventured to a favorite place: Wrights Lake in the Desolation Wilderness area near South Lake Tahoe.

So far, loving my new Nikon camera although it looks like I need to tone down the 'vivid' setting a bit.

How do you feel about the end of summer and beginning of fall?

~ Saturday Snapshot ~

tuolumne meadows in september

Click on image to enlarge.

Just returned from our second quick camping trip in Rocky (our new pop up tent trailer). We stayed for two nights in the Tuolumne Meadows campground. Lucked into a good spot -- the ranger assigns your spot when you arrive.

The meadows were gorgeous. Enjoyed some great hikes and took about eleventy hundred photos. And, we did much better this time with our packing.

Very cozy although we did use the furnace a bit in the mornings.

Why do my hiking shorts always make me look like a chubby girl scout? Gah.

~ Saturday Snapshot ~

green and golden wonder

"Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder
 in a vast edifice of stone and space." - Ansel Adams

Macro Monday

you can go back

We decided to take Rocky, the new pop up tent trailer to the first place we camped together more than 30 years ago. It was just like we remembered it. Best still, we lucked into the best site (as confirmed by the camp host) in the campground. Score!

View from inside Rocky.

John putting together the mini barbecue.

Everything went pretty well but we do need to get better organized in our packing. This campground is at a fairly high elevation and will close on September 10th this year. We were rushed to get this trip in before the campground closed for the season but so glad we made it!

Sunday Still - Rays of Sunshine

View from Taft Point, Yosemite National Park - click on image to enlarge.

Sunday Still