Some Like It Hot!

Celebrating this year’s Christmas holiday, socially distancing with our family, (plus one dog,) in a pleasantly warm and COVID-19 devoid tent, set flush against an open garage, …as gifts and good cheer, (despite masks) were shared, defying the chilly air around and about.

Thanks for viewing. Stay safe as we continue to fight off the evil pathogen, and …comments are always welcome. M 🙂

A Total Eclipse Family Event – 8/21/17

My wife and I (and Sandy Paws, the dog,) journeyed about 750 miles (1200 km) from New Jersey to see and photograph the Total Solar Eclipse last week, meeting up with most of our immediate family for an unforgettable, awesome event which none of us, including the youngest, will ever forget.

8y

Through a very dense solar filter, these first two images show the moon in silhouette, moving slowly from upper right to lower left across the sun. Click on to see the sunspots near the center, and lower left limb.

Totality descended rapidly in the final seconds… exposing this unreal, and unforgetable sight, joined by gasps and “Oh my God, it’s beautiful (s)..” Fontana Village is a resort in western North Carolina, today within the “path of totality,” a ~70 mile (113 km) shadow area – this time moving west to east across the United States. Above,  the sun’s outer corona is captured.
Above: Totally eclipsed over two minutes, the sun just ….reappears. This shorter exposure shows the inner corona and solar flares (reddish bursts to the right and lower right of the sun,) often referred to as the ‘Diamond Ring effect.”
As the moon continues along, gradually exposing more of the sun… the strong filters and solar glasses are again required, as the landscape moves from deep twilight to full daylight in a little over an hour.

Besides finding it hard to concentrate on the quickly changing demands of eclipse photography, the totality is unlike anything you could ever experience. Spontaneous applause and cheers welled up from the field in a unified expression of being witness to something extraordinary.

Accompanied in the field by our children, their children; my brother and sister-in-law, and Sandy Paws, we appreiciated such a beautiful day for an exceptional event just south of the Great Smoky Mountains.

As usual, click on the images for a closer look, and thanks for viewing. Comments are always welcome. M 🙂

A Gleam in the Children’s Eyes – Mickey’s Magic Kingdom

As it was two years earlier with our daughter’s family, we once again had the opportunity to experience Florida’s Disneyworld through the eyes of our grand kids – this time with our son’s family.

dsc_0848-version-2dsc_0815dsc_0913dsc_0938dsc_0939dsc_0950dsc_0978dsc_0981dsc_0632  

…Happy Holidays!

As usual, click on the image for a closer look, and thanks for viewing. Comments are always welcome. M 🙂

 

UTAH: Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Mts – Day One

IMG_6451

My previous post was a prelude to this short series highlighting our recent four day adventure to Utah. Along with my son, daughter and seven year old grandson, we would experience a memorable, whirlwind adventure.

Please click on any of the images for a closer look.

DSC_0815
My daughter, and grandson on the edge of the Great Salt Lake. She tasted and confirmed the water was indeed… SALTY. The 1700 sq. mile (4400 sq. km) lake is relatively shallow and fish-less. This lookout is from the marina just west of the city. (1:50 PM)

DSC_0827
Passing through Salt Lake City, the pretty Wasatch Mountains dominate the cloud laden South East. We were  heading to Park City. (2:15 PM)

IMG_2310 - Version 2
Park City is a major winter skiing resort and summertime hiking hub.  (3:10 PM)

 

 

DSC_0866
The entire network of ski trails are now accessible right from downtown. This being the “shoulder” season between summer and winter, it’s open for hikers. The first snow of the season is visible on the grass.    (3:17 PM)

DSC_0911
The Wastach Mountains, near Sundance, Utah (4:37 PM)

DSC_0930
A  short distance up a winding alpine road, (Rt. 92,) is the trail head for 11,752 ft. (3580 m.) Mt Timpanogos, a spectacular but difficult 14 mile (22 km) RT climb which I had partially explored and nearly froze on, some years earlier. (5:09 PM)

DSC_0959
The Little Provo River winds through Robert Redford’s charming and impressive lodge in Sundance. It was a little after local sunset. (5:28 PM)

DSC_0946
Warming by the open fire-pit, we would shortly relax with dinner in the lodge and continue another 2 1/2 hours to Moab for the night. 

 

Day two will follow shortly.

Thanks for viewing, and comments are always welcome. M 🙂

Breaking News Release: Two Young Women Arrested in Park

35.112      6-10-79     Ramsey     Dance Recital, Holly, Michele, Tricia, Andrea (16)_edited-1 - Version 2

Last night, police, acting on a tip, arrested two suspicious young women in the the park. “Boom Boom S——,” and “Wiggle Wiggle H—–,” were obviously taken by surprise on a raid conducted moments after a tipster, only identified as one of the perpetrator’s sisters, alerted authorities of unusual activity in the park. The pair were released after being charged with impersonating broccoli. They promised never to do it again.

A retrospect inspired some years ago by my 4 year old daughter; and best friend at dance school. Neither grew up to become either dance stars, …or green vegetables. 

Thanks for viewing, and comments are always welcomed. M 🙂