Yosemite and More

Went to the Eastern Sierras the other day. Our goal was the Chemung Mine. There was also a lot more to photograph. I changed some to Black and White, like you wouldn't notice that.   The contrast of the Aspens and old mining equipment caught my eye. Most of the Aspens were already leafless,  but still photogenic. After the Chemung we went to the Masonic Mine, not nearly as many relics there. But since it was a little chilly the nearby creek provided some nice crystal shots. Maybe a road we'll take next time.  Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph. Dave

 Went to the Mt. Shasta area a while back and came back with a few Fall photos. Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph Dave

 A bunch of us went up Highway 108 in search of fall colors and the turning of the Aspen Leaves. I found a lot of interesting things to photograph, even a few Aspens. We'll start out with some Aspens, these are in no particular order At first I thought this might be a butterfly, but the antennae says it's a moth. Did you know that the Sierra Nevada's have fireflies. I didn't. The Oaks were also full of color Who doesn't like backlit Aspens I didn't title some of the flora. I spent a lot of time looking up names,  much to no avail. I spotted this single leaf on a fir branch I liked how the fallen tree led your eye to the one growing on the hillside. And one last photo of the Aspens, note the snow on the hillside. Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph Dave

 They've started to flood the Refuge and the birds are beginning to arrive. Not the greatest time for water reflections since most of the shore birds are feeding amongst the marshy stubble. The sun was low in the west and highlighted these Cattails This was taken while the Dragonfly was hovering in flight Closeup of the Great Egrets Eye, he was very aware of my presence.  Another Great Egret in flight, I usually blur these, not on purpose. The Refuge is know for it's migratory Sandhill Cranes and they're beginning to show up. The one in the middle is displaying for a female. The White Faced Curlews were pretty busy eating and not paying too much attention to me. There were a lot of them. Some White Fronted Geese escaping from that threatening photographer. The Yellow Legs are a member of the Sandpiper/Phalaropes Family Appley named.  Just liked the colors and reflection of these reeds at sunset. Go, See, Enjoy, Stay Safe and Photograph Dave

  My brother and I took a quick trip to Ely Nevada to visit the Nevada Northern Railway. A long drive there but well worth the trip. Three of the Iconic structures are the Coaling Tower, the Water Tower and Water Spout. Unfortunately only the Water Spout in the foreground actually is in working order. We were lucky, of the three steam locomotives only #93 was working.  The others were in the shop being worked on.  A week or so after we left #93 went down as well. Minor problems but we lucked out Hey, I like doors and I can't resist an old red one, on an old red building The sun was quite bright and allowed me to just catch the top rims of  these wheels They're very accommodating at the shop and allow you to walk around. This Steam Wrecking Crane works and they use it when necessary.   Just some of the many containers used in the shop. More shop stuff, I just liked the way the light hit this table This is one of the smaller lathes. They have one they can turn RR car wheels on. N

 A friend and I went over Tioga Pass, stopped at Saddleback Lake and then on to Bodie.  Saddleback lake at 8,350 feet was still frozen over, the store closed and the water taxi not working. However I did find this wheel barrow and lots and lots of mosquitos. After the mosquitos drove us away it was on to Bodie. I found this old tricycle on a porch partially hidden by some vines. Of course an old mining town like Bodie has lots of old rusty equipment. I especially like the contrast of the sharp edged gear against the  softness of the bush. I kept this one color because of the contrast of the grass and the black rollers. This one was a toss-up, black and white or color. I decided the color of the siding was as important and the structure. The Blue Flags were thankfully in bloom. They were all over. Found this bowl laying in the grass As I said the Flags were everywhere. Played with Photo Shop a little on this one The old saw mill is always interesting This Blue Flag is past it's prim