Green

I'm not sure why I like this image. It's crooked. The division between the rocks and the creek occurs just about in the exact vertical center of the picture. Still, there's something about it... Maybe it's that green moss?

PS: We are THREE MONTHS done!! :-)

Into the woods

No, this isn't from the Steven Sondheim musical. I just liked the way these leafless trees were silhouetted against the deep blue sky.

O is for . . .

. . . an old, mighty Oak, which stands guard over Oxbow Lake in Nygren Nature Conservancy.

Natural texture

As I was composing and taking this shot, I fully planned to go home and use one of Jerry Jones' fine textures to give this image some life. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was enough bokeh and texture in the flower (weed??) itself that it didn't need any help from Jerry. Straight out of camera, and added a vignette in Photoshop.

Barren

Spring has yet to...well....spring in northern Illinois. These barren trees stand in sharp relief against a late-afternoon sky.

Five O'Clock shadow

The low angle of the late afternoon sun makes an interesting shadow fence across this bridge.

The ultimate thrill

Nothing quite like being in the back country!

The entire sign reads: CAUTION. Natural alpine environment. Obstacles and marginal conditions may exist.

Huff and puff . . .

A man and his faithful dog, out for a little late-afternoon exercise, glide across frozen Lake Dillon. That's North Peak, at Keystone Ski Resort, just behind him.

Sky high

I could have posted a photo of gas prices for this theme, but I like this image better...

Ahoy, maties!

You might not expect to find a wealth of nautical themes high in the Rocky Mountains, but these shrink-wrapped sailing vessels belie their location. The Dillon Marina, where these are housed, is perhaps highest in the nation. In the background is Peak One, the beginning of the Ten-Mile Range.

Hero: Max Dercum

This statue of Max Dercum (98 years old) and his late wife Edna, was erected at Keystone Resort in Colorado. Max is a hero to those in the ski industry, having started Arapahoe Basin and Keystone Resorts. Keystone is made up of three mountains, and the largest, Dercum Mountain, was recently renamed to honor him. He ski-raced until in his eighties.

Get your motor runnin....

After skiing one day, I motored up  Fremont Pass, which allows passage between Summit and Lake Counties, high in the Rockies. I stopped at this turnout, hoping to hike back behind the car towards the obvious cirque of mountains, but about 100 yards in, I was up to my thighs in snow. Settled for this photo instead.

Home sweet home

A little bird made a home for himself in a nearby Wetlands Preserve.

What city or town am I in??

Daybreak

As the sun gets higher, these wispy clouds will dissipate.

We are family...

Came across this adorable little snow-people family on a walk around Keystone Resort in Colorado.

Aqua

I never really did understand the point behind this old, aqua-colored Chevy Camaro, with snow plow, on display at Copper Mountain, but I was happy for a photo that fit the theme!

"S" is for . . .

... snowy "S" curves from skiers coming down the Sierra run.

Fruit

The breakfast bar at my hotel had a lovely selection of fresh fruit each morning.

Room with a view

In the mood for a little fast food? Ski in to Flyers for some soup or chili!

A little light reading

Some folks have fitness goals that involve reading these kinds of books.

Oddity

Those of you who have visited my blog over the past 2 photowalks know that this time of year is spring break. Woo hoo! Join me in Colorado for the next few days.

I couldn't figure out if this guy was a walking ad for Gateway computers, or just looking for someone to help him "steer".

Team

As a horse-crazy young girl, it was always a thrill for me to see a mounted policeman. I still enjoy the sight, even today. This officer and his horse are a team.

Wheels

Itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny

This car ended immediately behind the front two seats. It was smaller than a SmartCar.

Round

Fast

C is for crazy crowds

I am not a big fan of the whole LensBaby movement - it makes me a little motion sick. Still, this image of the Chicago Auto Show crowd, shot from a 15-foot platform, just cried out for some motion. I used a Radial Blur, set to Zoom, to achieve this effect. What do you think?

Happy Valentine's Day!

OK, I'm a little late. This rose is one of a dozen received back on February 14.

Come in from the rain

This starling shows off his wet feathers as he ducks under our overhang for a mid-day snack.