11-OCT-2015
Watching the Sunrise on Kelly Butte
Kelly Butte lies not far from downtown Springfield, OR. It has an elevation of 495 feet. There are streets that take one to the top, where a park and overlook are located. I went there to watch the sun rise over the Cascade Mountains that lie less than one hundred miles to the east of Springfield. It was a pretty sight!
12-OCT-2015
A Cool Frog!
I just couldn't resist this delightful frog in the front yard of my friend, Debra. I think he is a pretty cool fellow!
13-OCT-2015
Pleasingly Pink
I found this flower, photographed in September, to be delightful! I love pink, so this one stood out to me. I hope it pleases you too!
14-OCT-2015
Waterfall at Jasper, Oregon
There is a small waterfall at Jasper, Oregon where Hills Creek flows into the Willamette River. In the winter and spring the falls cover all of the rocks in the streambed. This has been an especially dry summer and fall, so the water flow is small. This is the waterfall that remains. It's pretty, even though it isn't very big.
15-OCT-2015
Trail Through the Trees
This is an old orchard in Alton Baker Park. The jogging trail runs through it and the overhanging trees turn it into a trail with a canopy. It's a nice place for a photo walk.
16-OCT-2015
Expert Fisherman
I watched from a bridge at Delta Ponds this morning as a Great Egret fished in the pond below. While I stood there it caught four fish, so it ate well. It amazes me that fish are found in this pond as water from the river has to go through three ponds before it gets to this one. But the fish are there. I saw the egret, I guess it was the same one, there last week. Perhaps some fish are planted there, but I haven't seen that happen. Anyway, it was a treat to see this egret. When I first saw it, it was on the railing of the footbridge. Then it flew down to the pond below and began looking for food. I moved out onto the bridge and got some nice shots of the action.
17-OCT-2015
Those Wonderful Wood Ducks
The Wood Ducks are visiting Delta Ponds now. I just love them, with their bright colors and interesting appearance!
Information from Wikipedia about the Wood Duck:
"The wood duck or Carolina duck is a species of perching duck found in North America. It is one of the most colorful North American waterfowl. The wood duck is a medium-sized perching duck. A typical adult is from 47 to 54 cm in length with a wingspan of between 66 to 73 cm. This is about three-quarters of the length of an adult mallard. It shares its genus with the Asian Mandarin duck."
18-OCT-2015
Elegant Egret
I love to see Great Egrets in flight. Their wingspan of six feet is impressive and their grace in flight is beautiful. This egret taking flight to move one pond to another was seen at Delta Ponds. I thought the pretty yellow flowers really added to the wonderful scene!
19-OCT-2015
Converted Half-track Army Truck
After World War 2, I recall seeing surplus military equipment being purchased and converted to civilian use, even though I was a young boy at the time. This old half-track army truck had been converted for use in local logging operations. It has now been sitting along Jasper/Lowell Road for a long time.
14-OCT-2015
Around the Bend
For this shot, I am standing at one end of this bridge over Jasper/Lowell Road so that I can record the curve in the rail line as it heads toward another bridge over the Willamette River, ahead in the fog. No, I wasn't in any danger, I was using the Nikkor 28-300 at 170mm. But I probably shouldn't have been there. :)
21-OCT-2015
Fall Colors Along the Willamette River
The wonderful Willamette River is a key feature of the area where I live. Here the famous McKenzie River flows into the Willamette. So we are blessed with two most beautiful Rivers and so many photogenic scenes along both. This lovely fall scene, on a foggy morning, is where the Willamette passes by Clearwater Park in Springfield.
22-OCT-2015
My Twin
I would like to introduce you to my twin. Well, actually we were born the same year. This is a 1936 Ford Coupe. Have to admit that it looks a lot better than I do. But I am sure we both have been through major overhauls along the way, much of it in recent years for me. And we both have a lot of miles on us.
I just love this car, and its great paint job, even though it never had that color when new. The interior is yet to be upholstered but, other than that, it looks pretty much restored. I don't know that I can say that about myself. Back when I was a young guy, my dream was to have one of these in a convertible, with that great rumble seat, Wow! I only wish I owned this one!