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A good dose of spiritual tonic

Posted by Photonstopper on January 26, 2014
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Photo: Crossed timbers on the ground in the woods. Photo by James Guilford.

The Spot

I was feeling rather out-of-sorts today. Between work commitments and some fairly severe weather, it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to get out and enjoy the winter scenery. Today started out with that old “trapped” feeling — call it cabin fever — but as the snow stopped (for a while) and the temperature rose to a toasty 15F, we made our escape. Visiting the beautiful Brecksville Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks was a life-giving tonic. Deep, pristine snow covered the ground and evergreens. Snow lined the branches of winter-bare trees. Chippewa Creek, deep within its rocky gorge, was ice and snow covered, softening its rugged beauty. Soft light filled the quiet woods. We trudged along a path breathing in the clean, cold air, soaking in the beauty of the day. Camera in hand, I shot a few photos along the way (more than I thought … 90+ pictures) and that contributed to the experience. We couldn’t stay out for long, as She Who Must Be Obeyed was getting painfully-cold toes, but it was long enough: a good dose of spiritual tonic.

The Thinker?

Posted by Photonstopper on January 17, 2014
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I usually don’t post iPad/iPod photos here but this one is just too fun! Annie was particularly interesting, settling in on a window-side ottoman. She pawed open the blinds for a better view, did a little sprucing up, and struck this pose. Write your own caption (this picture is ripe for that) but Annie looks lost in thought… The Thinker?

Moonrise: Into the darkening void

Posted by Photonstopper on January 14, 2014
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Photo: The Moon rises into the space between trees on a January evening. Photo by James Guilford.

Moonrise into the Void

The waxing Gibbous Moon rises between trees of bare branches. Look closely and you will see that this is not a Full Moon — the lower-left portion of the disk is slightly darker, slightly irregular compared with the rest. In about two days Luna will shine brilliant and appear as a perfect circle … if our skies allow us to see!

Meanwhile, in the west, the Sun disappears in red-orange glory.

Photo: Sunset behind trees. Photo by James Guilford.

Sun Sets Abandoning the Sky

Gloom and ice

Posted by Photonstopper on January 12, 2014
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Photo: Ice piled on a Lake Erie beach. Photo by James Guilford.

Gloom and Ice Close In

Gloom and ice pile ashore on a cold day in January. Mountains of fractured lake were pushed on to the beach by strong winds. Low clouds, colored with despair, fill the sky and soul. An other-worldly stage is set by the forces of nature. Close your coat tight. Turn your back to the ice world. Seek shelter. Gloom and ice close in.

Toughing it out

Posted by Photonstopper on January 7, 2014
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Photo: American Robin on a frigid winter's day. Photo by James Guilford.

Bracing Against the Cold

It has been a rough day or two for those of us affected by the blast of frigid air ushered in by the “polar vortex.” These are also tough times for wildlife, often determining who survives into springtime. Today someone excitedly called my attention to a flock of American Robins. A dozen or so birds had gathered near some windows; they were alternately picking fruit from neighboring Hawthorne trees and sheltering themselves from the brutal wind along the building’s wall. A thaw is coming in a couple of days. I hope the birds can tough it out ’til then.

Photo: A group of American Robins sheltering against frigid winter temperatures. Photo by James Guilford.

Sheltering American Robins

Snowy tracks on a dark day

Posted by Photonstopper on January 5, 2014
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Photo: Cross-country skier on trail to bridge. Photo by James Guilford.

Bridges to Cross

The weather has been interesting if uninviting for a currently part-time photographer like me. I’ve managed to get out now and again and have added photos to my Google+ account. I have also neglected this blog and my portfolio site(s). Bad. Today we took a brief walk at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Station Road trailhead to see what the rails, bridges, river, and canal looked like on a dark, mild, and snow-covered winter’s day. I shot a number of images of slush-covered wetland areas of interesting color; I’ll need to work on those some more. A couple of other shots, shown here, rather illustrated quiet midday moments in the park.This year I hope to put together another photography show, enter a juried show or two (if I can find them), and possibly enter a contest, though I usually avoid those. For now, however, I’ll simply try and get out and shoot more than I have and bring back some pleasing images to share one way or another. Happy new year!

Photo: Rabbit tracks along slushy edge of canal. Photo by James Guilford.

Tracks Show Path a Rabbit Took along the Canal

Sky filled with multi-colored clouds

Posted by Photonstopper on December 23, 2013
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Photo: Cirrus Clouds in the Evening Sky. Photo by James Guilford

Cirrus Clouds in the Evening Sky

The sky cleared for a while Sunday afternoon and evening, providing us a break in the recent long string of gray, wet, and chilly days. As the sun set beautiful cirrus clouds graced the western sky.

Photo: Rust-colored clouds. Photo by James Guilford.

Clouds the Color of Rust

Though the day’s grand sunset was blocked by trees from our direct view, we did receive an extraordinary and beautiful gift. High-altitude clouds, lit by near-full sun, were bright and white while scudding along under them, low clouds were stained in rusty tones by rays of sunset-tinted light.

Photo: Colorful clouds at sunset. Photo by James Guilford.

Colorful Couds at Sunset

The sight was typically short-lived as clouds dissolved into darkness and overcast again overtook us. For a shining moment, however, the sky was filled with multi-colored clouds.

2014 Photo Calendar Published

Posted by Photonstopper on December 18, 2013
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Photo: Calendar Cover

Cover Page of My 2014 Calendar

Whew! I’ve managed to put together the 2014 edition of my photographic calendar. It was quite a struggle working with the foibles and requirements of the publishing site but, at least, it should be easy for any buyer to purchase copies. I selected some of my favorite images from 2013 for use in the calendar. Selection wasn’t very difficult and it was fun looking back over the past year’s shoots. I know I left out a bunch of pictures I loved but only had space for a “baker’s dozen” in the calendar. Next project: the annual bicycle events calendar and after that, perhaps a photo exhibition for mid-2014. To view or purchase my 2014 calendar, click here!

Now arriving: The Polar Express

Posted by Photonstopper on December 15, 2013
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Photo: Excursion train arriving in Peninsula, Ohio. Photo by James Guilford.

Now Boarding: The Polar Express

On a jaunt through the countryside, we stopped by Peninsula, Ohio known these days at The North Pole. Peninsula is the center of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s annual Polar Express excursion rides. Children from all around, many wearing pajamas, ride the train through the snowy countryside entertained both on the train and at trackside by costumed staff. Buildings and objects near the line are decorated and renamed, recalling scenes from Chris Van Allsburg’s wonderful book. At the “North Pole” train station, the tracks are lined by wreath-decorated antique-style streetlights. The whole scene is pretty even by day, and said to be enchanting by night. While steam enthusiasts may be disappointed that a 2-8-4 (Berkshire) locomotive isn’t heading up the train, it’s a wonderful time nonetheless.

Photo: Lone rail car sits, collecting snow, on a siding. Photo by James Guilford.

Sidetracked

Winter’s shadow runs ahead

Posted by Photonstopper on December 15, 2013
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Ice/Flow

Ice/Flow

The place where land and water meet is transformed at this time of year. The waters of Lake Erie are rolling free and fluidly but at the shoreline, things change. Objects on shore, some already coated with snow, are wet with spray become anchors for ice. Snow-heavy clouds hang low, block the sun, and turn the world monochrome. Winter is yet to come though its shadow runs ahead.