New Curtains

After watching Julie & Julia, I bought some blue gingham check curtains for my kitchen. I loved the ones in Julia Child's kitchen and wanted to get that look. I already have red gingham check curtains for the kitchen. Either color matches as most of my kitchen is red and blue with touches of yellow.
I think I'll hang the red ones in the winter to warm things up and the blue ones in the summer to cool the room down. I'm going to leave the blue ones up through this winter, though, since they're new. I just love gingham curtains. They're so clean, fresh, and country.

Badlands & Mt. Rushmore

Back to the travelogue.
Thursday I got up way tooooo early - at least for most folks on a "vacation". But you have to get up early if you want to get some of the best light of the day - sunrise.
For the first time on these trips, the sky was clear in the morning. A few clouds would have made more interesting photos, the the colors were good. My original plan was to drive the Badlands Loop Road again this morning to shoot with the morning sun. But with the construction on the road, decided to take a pass. Within an hour, I was ready to head back to the motel and pack up.
On over to the Black Hills. Drove down to Hermosa and West to the Iron Mountain Road. This is a favorite of mine - twisty, hilly road, some tunnels, and pigtail bridges. The tunnels all provide a view of Mt. Rushmore through the tunnel.

Along the iron Mountain road, don't miss the Norbeck Memorial Overlook. It provides 2 nice vista of Mt. Rushmore. The photo here is taken from the overlook. Processed HDR with the "grunge" effect. For those interested, these HDR photos have been processed with Photomatix Light. Check it out - at $40, its worth every penny!
Next was to Mt. Rushmore itself. Took some photos from the Grand Terrace. May go back Monday to take more along the paved trail there. Anyway, I was getting antsy to get my motel, but its a little too early. Decided to drive over through Hill City, head North to highway 44. I noticed a waterfall on my map. As I neared the waterfall, I found it is on a cave. i was not ready to stop to pay the cave tour so see the underwater waterfall.
I checked in the Days Inn on Jackson (same place I stayed later year). I like this motel with reasonable rates and about a block from the bicycle trail. And there's a grocery store next door.

After getting settling into the motel, I relaxed. Soon enough it was time to drive back to Mt. Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony. Was early enough to take some shot of the Memorial in dusk-light.
Relaxed over a dish of ice cream then set up for the lighting ceremony. I was able to take some good shots of the Memorial and the state flags along the walkway to the Grand Terrace.
Finally, a tired photographer headed back to the motel and crashed. Tomorrow - BHFTF.

Remembrance Day - Lady Haig's Poppy Factory

Only the poppy above the door sets the red standstone building apart from others in the area. This is Lady Haig's Poppy Factory, in the Warriston area of Edinburgh. The original factory began in 1926 at the suggestion of Countess Haig, wife of Field Marshall Haig who was commander in chief of the British forces in Europe in the First World War. Today over 30 mainly disabled ex-servicemen work making poppies and poppy wreaths for Scotland.

Morning Ride then to Scottsdale

This morning, I needed to ride before heading to Scottsdale for my Army Reunion. Headed back up the Bell Rock Pathway. Today was an "exploration" ride. Checking out the trails that branch of the Pathway.
The Templeton Trail looks a little over my abilities. Same for the HT trail. Was looking for the Bail Trail to go around Little Bell Rock. Eventually found it - on my way back. By then, thinking that I should just ride back to the hotel.
I made it almost the whole length of the Bell Rock Pathway. I worked on climbing rocks, riding slickrock, descending a rocky trail, and just the climbing and descending. By the end of the ride, I am a better at riding over the rocks and a rocky trail.
Now, sure, some spots I had to walk. Sometimes it was for the technical nature of the trail. Other times, I needed a break/rest. The important things - I had fun and I rode better.
Arrived my reunion in the afternoon. Chatted with some of my buddies. By the dinner time, I was obvious that I was fading.
Back up to Sedona tomorrow - with the Reunion Group. For tonight, off to bed!

Calvin Crest Crankfest

Calvin Crest Crankfest was held yesterday near Fremont, NE. Over the last couple years, THOR (Trails Have Our Respect) worked with Camp Calvin Crest, designing and constructing their singletrack trail. Most of the time, the trail was available for riding by the general public 9closed when other functions at the camp).

Saturday was the inaugural race held at the trail. It was a busy race weekend with two road races and the mountain bike race. Race promoters reported about 100 racers at the event.

The photo here is of the "grillmasters" serving food for the racers and spectators. Proceeds from the food went to the Camp Calvin Crest Scholarship Fund which helps those that do not have the money to attend camp.

Was a beautiful day for racing. Temperatures were in the 70s at race time. Skies were clear and with a light breeze.

My photos taken at the race are posted on my event and race web site: http://win-photo.photoreflect.com

Firefly Sky

Here is another shot from last night's aurora storm. This one was taken at 1:49 AM and was the 2nd major flare-up of the night. The first major flare-up was just before midnight. There was almost an hour of incredible activity following that first flare-up, then the lights got pretty quiet for about 45 minutes. I took a half-hour nap in the truck in between the two major spikes in activity. I love this tree line and will definitely be returning here on future night photography sessions!