Monthly Archives: November 2017

Wind River storms

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The last time I was in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, I watched (and felt) a storm roll in while standing atop the Wind River Overlook.  I had trekked into the park before sunrise, getting one of my favorite sunrise photos EVER after slogging up the Little Missouri on foot for a ways, and was using my early-bird status to mosey around the park before the tourists arrived.

 

This area, while far different from the Rocky Mountains I enjoyed as a kid, makes me homesick for them nonetheless.  It seems that even in North Dakota the skies get bigger the further west you go.  I’d love to take a week or two and simply work the park, going back to Medora only for some shut-eye at night and fresh bacon in the morning!  Let’s put that on the bucket list.

Flame on

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We were doing a family thing, but I couldn’t help but dart outside for a quick Aurora Borealis photo.  They weren’t visible from town when I drove in later, but from our place they looked quite lovely!  They came and went over the course of an hour or two, and may not be done yet – but I am.  I have a rough couple of days ahead.

When the clouds are on your side

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This barn sits south of Mandan, beckoning to me every time I’m near St. Anthony.  Of course, the correct pronunciation is more like “Snatnee” – sometimes even with some h’s in there for good Cherman measure – but I won’t get mired in the details.

 

Some mornings I like a blazing sunset, washing the landscape with brilliant color.  But overcast mornings have their way of bringing out color, too.  First off, there are none of the hard shadows of that piercing sunrise light.  Second, the muted tones lend themselves very well to the color already present.

I’m glad I had the clouds on my side when these photos were taken.  Much of the detail of a beautiful barn like this one would be lost in shadows, and I wouldn’t have been able to photograph both sides of it in one sitting!

Bridges, not walls

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That was the title of one of my speech textbooks in college (among other things, I hold a Speech Communications degree).  I took this shot south of Mandan a couple Fridays ago.  I was so excited to get the golden light from the impending sunrise, but once that happened I found myself seriously underwhelmed.

 

I like this shot a lot better, from a short while earlier and before the sun broke through the clouds.  I also like the angle better as well.  But part of the fun of this photography hobby is the experimentation part!

Studious

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This “Studie” (short for Studebaker) sits on my friend’s property, waiting for me to drop by every now and then.  I keep planning on grabbing a tractor and dragging it so it faces north, so I can do a “drive-in” style photo the next time the Northern Lights make an appearance.  That may end up being next year at the soonest, now that winter weather is upon us.