Monday, January 10, 2011

A Foggy Sunday Afternoon

     (Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

Saturday, The Husband, Galen, and I went to Cub Lake for a walk. Well, it turns out that much of the surrounding paths and grassy areas are now part of the lake. Thanks to large puddles blocking the way, the walkways were fit for strolling only if you were wearing mud boots. I wasn't. We didn't. Instead, we meandered about in the areas up above the lake and across the road. We came home satisfied enough for the afternoon, but wondering where we were going to take our family walks while the Cub Lake recreation areas dries out.

We decided, Sunday morning, that the places to check were the Equestrian Center and Town Campground. Both are at considerably higher levels than Cub Lake, and we felt confident that we would find paths dry enough for comfortable walking. By noon, the fog had rolled in, and the 40 degree temperature was long gone. By the time we finished lunch and got on our way, the outdoor thermometer had dropped to 28 degrees and was still falling. Additionally, the fog had obliterated from sight all our outbuildings, as well as the houses across the way, and a family walk was no longer quite so appealing. Still, it seemed like a good day to at least enjoy a drive around the valley. We haven't lived here nearly long enough to feel ho-hum about the scenery—fog or no fog.

For the first time in weeks, I grabbed a camera for the short drive. Just like "the old days."  The notion of photographing in fog was tempting for me, Sunday, and I needed to do a good test drive on that 40D and 24-105 that had taken a nosedive. Why not? So it was too cold for wimpy me to spend much time outside. And what if there would be no twisting into contortions to take photos out the window. (Uh uh. Not on my permission list yet.) It would be fun just to look—and perhaps manage a photo or two.

Well, you can imagine how long my resolve lasted. Because I had taken the precaution to bundle up as though headed for the North Pole, I survived popping out of the car several times angling for oaks-in-fog shots.  It was a fun drive. By the time we got home, I was looking forward to some time in front of the fireplace; but, I thawed out quickly. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon.

14 comments:

  1. It's wonderful to be reading of your adventures, and to hear in your stories how you're eager to be taking photos again. I'm so pleased you're on the mend.

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  2. What a great photo--love it, Anita! For some reason, I thought you were in a much warmer climate. Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. I see that lens of yours is working VERY well :)

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  3. So glad you guys got out just like "the old days." Oh how we need times like that. Adjusting our plans but getting out in the world of nature even if it's a bit on the cool side. I like how you used the trees to pull me into the image and keep me there. Captive, again.

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  4. A really nice shot, Anita. Glad you had a nice day. And the shot makes it all the more rewarding.

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  5. Earl - Thank, Earl. It feels so right again to think of picking up the camera before walking out the door. I had missed that urge.

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  6. Mary Ann - Thanks. I'm glad you like the photo. I am still learning about coping with fog. Until we moved here, I had never learned anything about fog and had no inclination to do so.

    Oh, we get quite cold here—nothing like you folks in northern climes, but it freezes here pretty much every night for about five months of the year. We also get wind and that is the bigger problem for me. Cold and still is one thing, but cold, biting wind and the wimp in me folds under the pressure. On the other hand, we sometimes have temps in the high 50's on a December day. Those are the days I prefer, naturally.

    So far, the lens seems fine. Knock on wood.

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  7. Monte - If I were a heartier soul and had a stronger body, I would be outside much more. It is where my heart lies.

    Thanks for your note on the effect of the three trees. That was one of those fun situations where the scene in the opposite direction first caught my eye and I remembered to look behind me.

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  8. Ken - Thank you so much for your comment. You are so right. The outing would have been lovely with or without the photo. Still, it is nice having that bonus.

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  9. How lovely to read that you really got out again, just to see it all. Fog can be such a treat, I just love the light conditions we get with a cold and thick fog, the colder, the better. That you got even more excited by grabbing the camera must be a very good sign, I hope this increased spirit will gain you the strength you wish you have.

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  10. Ove - I never cared for fog—and that goes back to childhood. But then, it was not a common occurence where I grew up. Here, we have plenty of fog. Finally, I began to see the attraction.

    It was quite disorienting to glance at my cameras and experience no urge to photograph. During all those weeks, I felt lost. It's good to feel that irresistible tug to snap the shutter. And, I am getting stronger all the time. Thanks.

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  11. Have always liked walking in foggy and misty weather. Lovely photo!

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  12. Anil - Thank you for the kind words. I am discovering the charms of foggy weather.

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  13. I can just sense in your writing the enjoyment that is returning by being able to get out again, even just for this quick moment.

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  14. Mark - I am so pleased to learn that the joy came through. The internal fog (the one between my ears) is beginning to lift. Now, I look forward to many more outings. Thanks for your note.

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Anita