Autumn

Hope Valley Autumn

 

Two hours from Sacramento is Hope Valley. For this Tuesday my friend Anne and I head out to find some Autumn color. My Dad passed away 5 weeks ago, and it is time to look outward.

Traveling on Route 50 we stop in Strawberry. This unincorporated town was a stop for the Pony Express in the 1850’s. Strawberry Lodge was my introduction to snow in California. When my kids were little we came here to go sledding.

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Granite cliffs call to me. Do I see some faces there?

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The south fork of the American River in Strawberry, Ca.

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This Dodge truck just fits in this space

Open Door
Grab a wheel
Rust and Peeling Paint Picture
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The Sierras in the distance have been dusted with snow.

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Back on Route 50 we will turn south before Lake Tahoe

We stop for lunch at Sorensen’s Resort in Hope Valley. Great lunch. Cabins, pond, fire pit, rustic charm, and topiary make for fun picture exploring. This is just how I like to spend time out photographing with my friend.

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Just Fishin’

Reflections of Autumn
Imagine brisk air and a cozy fire
Floating Leaf
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On the lookout for picnic baskets, Bo0 Boo!

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Imagine Relaxing with a Good Book

Thistle Monochromatic
Backlit Aspen Leaves
Shadow and Shallow Depth of Field
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After a summer it is great to see Aspen color

Rain fell in the Sacramento Valley during the weekend leaving a dusting of snow along the Carson Pass at an elevation of 7800 feet.

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Caples Lake located in the Carson Pass

Many Sacramento photographers recently posted a cabin in the woods.

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Cabin in the Woods

 

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Goodbye Hope Valley. Glad to spend time wandering around just looking for beauty in nature.

 

Image

Autumn around the Fountains

Getting back to looking at my surroundings from an unusual point of view. For a second time I would be shooting at the Fountains at Roseville.

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Looking comfy

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Moms workin’ it

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Ghostly comings and goings in time for Halloween

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Moose makes his appearance neath the palm tree

What do you see when you look at these images?

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Love my dancing splashes

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Curves and Drops

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Colors and Textures

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Simple Red Rose

Roseville Farmer’s Market provides many shooting opportunities.

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Mum’s the word

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The care this vendor has with his product is evident

Getting out again, and sharing my photographs. I call this a win-win. I’m ready for some more relaxing time.

Waiting for the Sun to Set

My friend Anne and I headed to the American River to catch a sunset. The forecast predicted a storm approaching, and we changed our usual Tuesday shoot for Monday afternoon. Hoping for  some good clouds, and a brilliant sunset we found our way to Negro Bar off of Lake Natoma.

Calmly grooming duck

Calmly grooming duck

Quick drink from the lake

Quick drink from the lake

Why are you looking at me?

Why are you looking at me?

At this popular spot I saw kayaks, paddle boats, motor boats, and canoes launched. People were out for some exercise, dreaming of catching the “big” one, and getting closer to nature.

Complementary Kayaks

Complementary Kayaks

Out for some exercise on his paddle boat

Out for some exercise on his paddle boat

Kayaker on Lake Natoma in the late afternoon.

Kayaker on Lake Natoma in the late afternoon.

What surprised me is that I didn’t see many using life vests. The American River looks calm, but the river bottom is uneven. Debris and cold water temperatures play a part in many drownings that make the news here in Sacramento. It saddens me when I read about these events. Strong swimmers lulled into a false sense of ability against mother nature should take notice.

The Lake was calm, and the reflections grabbed my attention.

Colors of Autumn Reflected

Colors of Autumn Reflected

Sacramento is experiencing some beautiful fall colors. I like to capture them before the heavy rains start (hopefully).

Autumn Colors

Autumn Colors

Two Bridges: Lake Natoma Crossing and Rainbow Bridge

Two Bridges: Lake Natoma Crossing and Rainbow Bridge

Great to be out just before sunset. Photographers know this as the “Golden Hour”. This photo makes the point!

Lake Natoma Crossing in Autumn Afternoon

Lake Natoma Crossing in Autumn Afternoon

Golden Hour Reflected

Golden Hour Reflected

This evening the desired magnificent sunset did not materialized, but I love the colors on this image. Hope you agree.

 

Off to Apple Hill

Apple Hill, located midway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, is the destination for my adventure with my Senior Photo Friends.

There is a direct route to Apple Hill. Get on Highway 50 (east). Get off at Apple Hill exits. But when I travel with my friends we meander and find interesting spots. Quiet spot and crisp air signals a change in seasons.

Autumn alond the American River

Autumn along the American River

The stillness of the river provides a perfect opportunity for this yellow kayak.

Kayak reflecting

Kayak reflecting

Sailor Bar on the American River

Sailor Bar on the American River

Great textures on this tree

Great textures on this tree

Apple Hill supports many family orchards, wineries, and farms. At this time of year pumpkins abound, and all things apple are available. In the past, I brought my kids up to a U-Pick farm. On other occasions, my dog Libby joined me for a day in the country. Today, my camera set my focus.

Apple Orchard

Apple Orchard

These three will not end up in an Apple Pie, Walking Pie, or Caramel Apple. I like the texture and warm colors.

Apples Three

Apples Three

Pumpkin patch located at the Boa Vista Orchards.

Pumpkin, Pumpkin

Pumpkin, Pumpkin

The Larsen Apple Barn is one of my favorite spots for photography. This water wheel provides an interesting setting. This year there is no water. Drought is making its point here in Northern California.

Water Wheel found at Larsen Apple Barn

Water Wheel found at Larsen Apple Barn

With this photograph I tried my hand at HDR (High Dynamic Range). I also used Topaz Detail to process this image.

Larsen's Apple Barm Water Wheel

Larsen’s Apple Barm Water Wheel

I love the colors in this photograph. When I take a photograph I often look up additional information. In this case, I wanted to find out more about this colorful flower. This flower Gaillardia, or Blanket flower is a good choice for hot, drought conditions. This perennial is related to the Sunflower family and attracts butterflies, and bees.

Bees attracted to the Blanket Flower

Bees attracted to the Blanket Flower

Red Hot Poker attracts bees

Red Hot Poker attracts bees

The area behind the museum at Larsen’s Apple Barn provided great photo possibilities. Love the front of this old truck. Can’t help but see a face with lots of character.

Old Chevrolet

Old Chevrolet

Another old farm vehicle that I photographed and processed using HDR.

Farm Machinery

Farm Machinery

Late afternoon shadows captured.

Wheel and Shadow

Wheel and Shadow

Not a “Selfie”, but you can tell I was there!

Me and My Shadow

Me and My Shadow

Just liked the way this composition spoke to me.

Animal-Like Abstract

Animal-Like Abstract

At the ranch with my friends

At the ranch with my friends

We ended our day at the High Hill Ranch where many crafters were selling their art work.

Apple Hill is very busy on the weekends with more farms open, crafts sold, and wine tasted. I enjoyed the less hectic time to get out and take photos.