Tag Archives: micro 4/3

Nature

A Short hike on a warm day

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On this fairly warm Sunday, I was once again able to get some free time to go for a hike through Ohiopyle.  The sky was clear, the sun was bright and the trails were mostly empty, which made it all the more peaceful.  We’ve had a good amount of rain in the past week, so the river and falls were flowing more than usual.  The roar of the water could be heard all along the trails.

Yough river right above the main falls. G3 + 14-42mm

I started from the visitor’s center and made my way over to Great Gorge Trail.  This would take me along the river and put me right above Cucumber Fall’s.  It is basically a loop around the Ferncliff Peninsula.  Then I could just pick up 381 and walk back to the main Falls before heading to my car.  Not a very long hike, but one full of good views.  The rocky outcroppings are full of interesting detail and textures, if you look carefully.

Rock wall. G3 + 14-42mm

With all the leaves down and the sun high in the sky, it was tough to find anything very scenic or expansive to photograph.  The lighting was awful and the color wasn’t much better.  This harsh lighting did give me a change to really push a raw file and “HDR” it to see what I could get out of it.  I am pleasantly surprised with this.

Cliff side. G3 + 14-42mm

Of course, a trip to Ohiopyle isn’t complete without at least one picture of Cucumber Falls.  I love this waterfall because every time I’ve been there, it’s been different.

Cucumber Falls. G3 + 14-42mm

Further on down the trail in the shade, some puddles were still iced over.  The ice was closer to melting, which gave it a nice sheen and texture.

G3 + 14-42mm
G3 + 14-42mm

After this, it was time to walk back to the car.  The hike only lasted for an hour and half, but it was a perfect time to reflect on things and forget about all the struggles we face daily.  I need to do it more often.

Street

Bike ride in January

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The weather has done a 180 in the past few days to the point where it was above 50 and sunny today.  I couldn’t pass it up.  After a quick tune up of the bike, air in the tires and packed a small camera bag, I set off.

I ventured down to the local rail trail a mile from my house and set off at a pretty good pace.  The trail was rather soggy and it took quite the effort to keep a quick pace.  Soon enough I slowed down a bit and got the camera out.

Most of my shooting today was done around this set of railroad tracks.  The landscape was very drab and I was out during the worst time of day to shoot, so my options were limited. The texture of the track was interesting though, so I focused on that.

I was back home only after 10 miles, but it felt really good to just get outside.  The only thing on my mind was pedaling and photographing.  Once I got home, the legs were burning pretty good, but the wife wanted to go for a walk, so off the bike and into running shoes I went.

Family, Street

A great start to the new year

Most people when they think of a way to start the new year do not think of jumping into a river of near freezing water.  This is where my wife has a different opinion than most.  Every year, her and some members of her family jumped into the Yough river in Connellsville on New Years Day.  I asked the only logical question when I first learned of this activity, why?  Needless to say, the first New Years we spent together had me jumping into the river right next to her.  It was quite the rush really and something I’ve done numerous times now.  This year (and last year) had me playing pack mule and carrying not only their towells and changes of clothes, but our daughter was well.

So in the backpack went Brooke and off we went to walk around and watch everyone take the plunge.  A good number of people showed up again this year.

This was the group picture they take every year.  Every year is seems to get bigger and bigger.

One of these years, when Brooke is older or if we have a sitter, I’ll take the plunge once again.  Until then, I have a good excuse to simply play photographer.