Author: Dorothy Nielson

Milky Way

An area of photography that I enjoy but only dabble in is astro-photography simply because of the cost of the equipment needed and the knowledge and experience needed to do it justice. But when done correctly with the proper equipment the results can be “otherworldly” and extraordinarily beautiful. I’m working on the experience part but have a long way to go. The equipment? I’ll have to learn to improvise with what I have because that stuff is really expensive! Enjoy your day and stay healthy.

Roundhouse

The building where maintenance and repairs were done on trains used to be called a roundhouse. Some of them had a turntable inside so they could maneuver the locomotives and cars into position for easy parking for storage or work in one of the open bays. I also think it might have kept the tools and large equipment more centrally available for mechanics. This roundhouse is located in Jamestown Ca at the Railtown Historic Museum. It is still in active operation and maintains and restores their antique train equipment. It remains open through private funding and a wonderful group of volunteer’s after the state closed it down a few years ago. The park offers train rides during the summer, and a Polar Express ride in December. Enjoy your day and stay healthy.

Hopeful

Last weekend we had a wildland fire that started and followed a path that took it through many areas of beautiful, scenic country. While not quite as majestic as the higher elevations, the lower Sierra-Nevada foothills have their own sense of peace and beauty and I truly enjoy visiting them. I was sad when I learned that the fire had burned through many of these areas. Please stay safe this weekend and enjoy life. Stay healthy everyone.

Mule Ears-Again

The post for this week is wild or blooming flowers. I posted a field of Mule Ears a few weeks ago, and this is a closeup of a single plant. Most are now done blooming for the year and spreading their seeds for next year. They really are a pretty little plant . I hope you have an enjoyable weekend and can stay out of the heat. Make sure to drink lots of fluids.

Yellow Swallowtail

I am posting this in honor of Butterfly Days in our local community of Mariposa Ca. A group of Spanish explorers named a small creek Mariposa Creek after they found large swarms of butterflies around the areas where the creek flowed. A settlement followed next to the creek and adopted the name. The Spanish word for butterfly is Mariposa and the area still has lots of butterflies. Mariposan’s honor their namesake by devoting a weekend filled with festivities, art’s and crafts, music, good food and the release of hand-raised butterflies. Enjoy your weekend and stay healthy. Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July

Mule Ears….

Mule Ears as they are affectionately called in our mountain communities because of their large spear shaped leaves, are very common in the fields along the sides of the roads at this time of year. It is a member of the Aster family and is found primarily in the mountains and foothills of the Sierra Nevada. They are very photogenic because of their coloring and size but are one of the last plants to bloom in this area. Have a wonderful weekend and stay cool and healthy.

Last Hunt of the Day

I was headed back to my house after a sunset shoot and it was almost dark when I spotted this beauty in a tall dead pine tree. It ignored me for awhile and let me take a few quick shots before finding another perch. I am sure it was looking for its last meal of the day before I interrupted it. I believe it is a juvenile red tail, light morph, a recent fledgling. But feel free to correct me. Have a great weekend. Stay cool and stay healthy!