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!

Stonehaven

One of the things I miss in Edinburgh is the sea. That may sound strange, as Edinburgh lies on a wide estuary, the Firth of Forth, and a short walk from our house brings us within sight and sound of its tidal reaches. But for all its whitecaps and wheeling seabirds it's a tame sea. The fields and hills of Fife lie just across the water.

By contrast from Stonehaven, to the south of Aberdeen, there is only the wide horizon of the North Sea.





Below, Stonehaven's setting on a sheltered bay.





Even in the town centre, the 'real' sea is always present. In the gap between the buildings below, a working ships of the North Sea is a counterpoint to land-based traffic.





Can you detect that I'm feeling homesick for the North?

Read What You Enjoy

"Never force yourself to read a book that you do not enjoy. There are so many good books in the world that it is foolish to waste time on one that does not give you pleasure and profit." Professor Atwood H. Townsend
I've finally gotten to the place where I can take Professor Townsend's advice. Last week I put down two library books that I just couldn't get into for whatever reason. Maybe I'll come back to them later or maybe not. They just didn't capture my attention right now, and that's okay. No guilt.

Santa Fe

Forecast for Friday was sunny and windy. Figured it was a good day to make my trip to Santa Fe. Original plans were to bring the bike. But with riding the 3 last day, I needed a day off the bike (my butt would thank me).

Drove over to the Rio Rancho/Journal station on the RailRunner. Found out that it was Albuquerque's "Bike to Work Day". Visited with folks from New Mexico Transportation Dept and BikeABQ (stationed at opposite ends of the parking lot). I talked with Steve of BikeABQ - who happens to be from Iowa! We are everywhere.

Uneventful train ride to Santa Fe. Stopped in at the Santa Fe Depot (today's photo) for information. Got suggestions of places to visit. Caught the free shuttle bus to The Plaza.

Did a walking tour of downtown Santa Fe. Visited the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. Walked around the Plaza. Stop at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Assisi (did not go inside). Lunch at San Francisco Street Bar & Grill.

Now, time to walk off lunch. Walked over to San Miguel Mission and the oldest house in Santa Fe. (Passed on Loretto Chapel as I was there this Winter). Next stop was the Roundhouse (New Mexico State Capitol). Toured most of the capitol (that i could get to).

The Bataan Memorial was on the way back to the train. Stopped there. By now I was thirsty. Found The Junction, as sports bar & grill at the Railyard.

Visited with another patron of the bar. Found out that my train ticket was also good for travel in any of the Santa Fe buses. Word is there is the same situation in Albuquerque. Cheap travel (since my Senior rate for the train was $6). Train ticket prices go up Monday.

Train was packed part of the way - not surprising since i was on the 4:10 train on a Friday afternoon!. Was exhausted by the time i got back to the room. Spent some time processing the photos, but was too tired to blog and post on fb.

A Little Ladder

I bought this small ladder at a local thrift store without knowing what I was going to do with it. I figured you can always use a little ladder, right? The first thing I thought to do with it was to hang it on the kitchen ceiling with pots attached. Only thing wrong with that is... I have a ceiling fan in the middle of my kitchen ceiling. It wouldn't really look good in my 1940's style kitchen anyway.
Instead I put it in the library with magazines draped over the rungs. I like it for now. Anyone have another good idea on how to use it?

Down By The River Side

This week I've been taking every road I know that crosses the Ogeechee River trying to find a 'Kodak moment' for an exhibition coming up at the end of May that'll benefit a local organization called The RiverKeepers. They're dedicated to cleaning up our local river, and our art association wanted to draw attention to them and raise a little money in the process.

The above three are the best ones so far. Each person can submit up to three works of art for entry into the exhibition. If they sell, a portion of the proceeds will go to the RiverKeepers organization. I love entering these local contests! Wish me luck or good providence.