31-DEC-2014
2014 Puts on a Final Show
The sunrise on the final day of 2014 was an awesome display, a fiery sky. I first saw it out the window on a very cold morning. By the time I was able to get to a spot where I could get a decent shot, the the fiery colors no longer filled the sky. But it was still a beautiful sight for these old eyes..
30-DEC-2014
Cancelled Date?
I wish I knew the story here. The flowers and card on the bench. as well as the colorful balloon, seem to say that a meeting at this bench in Alton Baker Park didn't happen, cancelled because of high water. It's sort of sad, even though I don't know the story.
29-DEC-2014
Oregon Duck
This male Mallard Duck was hiding in the high water along the Riverbank Trail, which runs along the Willamette River. At this spot, the trail borders Delta Ponds. I loved how the lighting brought out the colors in vivid detail.
Yellow and Green are the primary colors of the Oregon Ducks, who play in the College Football Playoffs on New Years Day.
28-DEC-2014
High Water Mark
A week full of rain filled the rivers to overflowing. Here is one place where the Willamette overflowed into Alton Baker Park. The leaves show the high water mark. I wouldn't advise sitting on those benches right now. Across the river is the EWEB (Eugene Water and Electric Board) building that will be developed into public and commercial use. The Riverbank Path runs along the river in front of the building.
27-DEC-2014
Paddling The Canal
I happened to be at Alton Baker Park when a group started paddling the canal. I liked the colors and equipment of this pair. Also got a chance to chat with them when they said hi as they passed under the bridge I was on. So I put the old Nikon D1x to good use.
26-DEC-2014
Seeing The Bridge in a Different Light!
Delta Ponds Pedestrian bridge, which borders Delta Ponds, is a beautiful addition to the area. Here it is bathed in a spot of light when sunlight broke through the clouds.
From the City of Eugene website - "About the Bridge - The Delta Ponds Bridge opened for permanent use by cyclists and pedestrians on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. The bridge and elevated path spans the Delta Highway and connects the neighborhoods on the east side of the highway with Goodpasture Island Road and the commercial, residential and transportation facilities in the Valley River area. A dedication event to mark the substantial completion of the $5.6 million bridge project was held in September 2010."
It was one year ago today that I was in an auto accident that led to the discovery of an aneurysm in the aorta and two block arteries, requiring heart surgery last March. The surgeon told my wife that I wouldn't be here now if it hadn't been for the surgery. If the aneurysm hadn't been discovered in ER one year ago, it could have ruptured at any time. I hate to say I was fortunate to be involved in an accident, but what can I say? Only that I am glad to be alive today. Interestingly, I went today to Delta Ponds, the place I was heading to on that day.
25-DEC-2014
The Red Barn
This red barn in Oregon's Mohawk Valley is one of my favorite subjects. The farmer seems to always keep it freshly painted ready for a photo shoot. :) The Coburg Hills lie shrouded in fog in the background. A pretty sight!
24-DEC-2014
Waterlogged
We had a big storm today with high wind and lots of rain. It wasn't a good day for going out. But even inclement weather can provide photo opportunities. Look at the leaves on the ground as one example.
23-DEC-2014
The Stand Out
This tree, along a pond in Alton Baker Park, gets my attention in any season. It always seems to stand out from the rest. I think it is a beautiful tree anytime of year. Here it is for its winter portrait. I will try to show it in the other seasons too.
22-DEC-2014
Bird's Eye View
The Great Egrets are visiting Delta Ponds again. This one is getting a nice bird's eye view of one of the ponds. I think they always look great sitting in the trees. They mostly hang out on the banks of the ponds looking for food.
21-DEC-2014
Short on Daylight
I think today, the first day of winter, was also the shortest day of the year. It's short on both ends. LOL I see that tomorrow's daylight hours will be a minute longer. Anyway, we have seen a lot of scenes like this. Now days will be getting longer. That's one positive thing about winter. Of course, there are others too. :)
20-DEC-2014
Farewell to Fall
Today is the last day of fall. We had some wonderful colors this year. I couldn't decide which photo to use to represent the fall we enjoyed here in the Willamette Valley. I finally decided on this one. I hope it serves as a good representative.