Caldwell Sunset

I was just leaving Gem State Academy after the first night of camp meeting. I was about to turn north on Karcher when I noticed how stunning the Caldwell sunset was. I had my left turn signal on, but after seeing the sky I immediately switched it to ‘right’ and headed into the sunset. Being among so much developed land I was not very hopeful that I’d find a spot to let the sky sing while the surroundings played second fiddle. I was not disappointed. The growing wheat makes a nice, gentle foreground while still letting the light dance among it. If you are ever in that neighborhood and you think it’s just ugly old farm land, think again. Caldwell sunsets may not happen all day long, but they sure do happen!
Caldwell Sunset

Caldwell Sunset

Bison on the Hillside

Bison on the Hillside

This is another one in Custer State Park showing bison on the hillside. It was quite a nice autumn scene. The bison were all around us just happily eating what was left of the green grass. Because it is unsafe to be near such large, wild animals I had to be quick about this shot. The other three people in the car were my spotters as I got out long enough to get this shot. None of the bison were near enough to be a danger, and I had a road guardrail between me and a lot of them so I was not in any actual danger. Still, it is best to be cautious. It was a small risk for a pleasant photograph of bison on the hillside.

Pregnant Burro in Grass

Pregnant burro in tall grassIf you have never visited Custer State Park in South Dakota, you are really missing out. I found this pregnant burro in tall grass while we were driving through the park during our brief residence nearby. It is a great place to see the burros, coyotes, prairie dogs, buffalo (bison), fox, deer, elk and much more. This burro was just a few steps away from me. They are quite tame and like to come and greet the visitors, who often provide various types of snacks (against park rules). This picture brings me a great deal of peace and satisfaction. The rolling prairie that surrounds the scene is just as calming as you might expect.

 

Old Rusty Can in Green Grass

I often find old things interesting. I’m a bit of a sentimentalist in that regard as I cherish that which most others would discard as worthless. I deeply enjoy history and have a fascination with any objects that clearly posses history.

This old rusty can is just one such thing. Just imagine what was inside of it and who owned it. What were they doing with it and why is it here in this gorgeous green grass? How long ago was this left here. So many questions that simply will not be answered. But if I could have an answer…. I would probably be bored with it. The fact is that this can was found beside a highway. It was probably just tossed out the window by someone having a drink and there it has been for a very long time.

Either way, I enjoy looking at old things most of the time. They have a story to tell. This old rusty can is just asking me to tell its story.

Old Rusty Can

Seaside, Oregon Sunset

Seaside, Oregon SunsetIt is always such a pleasure to go to the beach and watch the waves roll in. Sometimes you just don’t want to leave. I visited Seaside, Oregon a couple of years ago and was in no hurry to leave. It was such a peaceful evening and the salty air was so refreshing. There was a large festival in town with a concert so most of the beachgoers were over at the venue, leaving the rest for me to enjoy on my own. As the sun began to dip I decided I needed to keep this memory fresh so I made a dash for the car to get my camera. I hope you get to visit some day and take in a Seaside, Oregon Sunset just like this one.

 

Sitting Cows Chew the Cud

Sitting cows chew the cud while in a grassy field. In the shade. Does life get any better? Well, I suppose if your end is to become a meal, then it certainly can. But in this case these cows are likely milkers and, given the surroundings, they might have been nearly family pets.

I had just finished a photo shoot for some real estate. I walked back to my car, which was parked down the street so it wouldn’t get in the shots, and saw these two next to it. What a view! This is a rather sketchy attempt at an HDR of moving things. Don’t tear it apart too bad, please. It was just for kicks. I think it may have been hand held too. Anyway, I enjoyed seeing the two and just had to have a taste of this to cherish for the future. Chew, cows, chew!

sitting cows chew the cud