Walking the trail near the Butterfly Center I came upon this bench. I had the macro lens still on the camera but I was able to get enough distance to make this image. I loved the weathered look, the light in the trees behind the bench and the leaf covered path. My first thought was to convert this image to look like a painting, or at least my version of a painting… 🙂
Bench in the Woods Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 100
Toward the end of my visit at Callaway Gardens I headed to the Azalea Bowl in the hope of finding some floral subjects. There was only a slim chance but I knew my consolation would be to walk around Lower Falls Creek Lake. I’m a sucker for a good reflection.
Autumn Colors Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/60s, 38mm, f/11, ISO 100
Finally! I have been living in Georgia for a month now, and today was the first day I ventured out with my camera. Granted, it took a couple of weeks before I retrieved my equipment from my daughter, but that excuse only accounts for a portion of the time. I could attribute the delay to wanting to get everything unpacked and put away, but again, that is a weak excuse. I was just being lazy…
Twenty miles north of me in Pine Mountain is Callaway Resort & Gardens. This is a 2500 acre escape with hiking & bike trails, golf, and adventures for every season. Currently, the Pumpkins at Callaway event is in full swing with a corn maze, a giant pumpkin garden along with activities and events for everyone. I’m probably going back this week to experience it.
I spent four hours exploring today and barely scratched the surface of the place. I walked a few trails, visited the butterfly house and the azalea bowl (sadly, not many blossoms right now). I missed the birds of prey show (next time) and decided not to rent a bike (again, next time). When I stopped at the information center on my way into the resort, the very nice lady explained that I could upgrade my day ticket to a membership if I decided I would be returning.
Yep, on my way out I stopped and bought a membership. It includes 4 guest tickets, and I can go once to the seasonal events (which happens about six times a year). Considering I only need to go three more times to get my membership cost back, it was a no brainer for me. Now, where is that bike shop… I think it is time to get my own… 🙂
This was the first view I came across this morning. It was the start of a great day…
Peaceful Morning Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 58mm, f/11, ISO 100
I See You Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/250s, f/5, ISO 100
It has been way too long since my last post on this blog. To say I’ve been busy is a little understated. Things have changed.
The first week in August I accepted an offer on a new job in Columbus, Georgia. It is basically a transfer between to companies within the same larger organization. I moved from Collins Aerospace to Pratt & Whitney. I’m still a Quality Engineer doing the same type of work, but I finally was able to move to a warmer climate.
I’ve lived in New York my whole life and have spent the last 33+ years in the Utica/Rome area. As much as I have enjoyed living in that area, I have grown tired of being cold in the winter. I sold the house four years ago with the intent of moving south but became complacent with the new experience of apartment living. If I didn’t move now, I don’t think I ever would have made this change.
My trip to Florida in early September morphed into a trip to my daughter’s north of Atlanta to drop off a car load of stuff I didn’t want the movers handling. I also used that trip to look for an apartment. The stuff I needed to coordinate and figure out to lease a new place had me cancel my trip to Disney, drive back home and get everything sorted out for the move.
The movers came on September 25th to pack up my apartment and the next day I hit the road with the cats toward our new home. Hurricane Helene interrupted that trip and we ended up staying an extra day in Roanoke, Virginia until it was possible to travel again. We moved in on Saturday, September 28th.
Of course, my stuff didn’t show up until October 7th and I have been spending the past week unpacking the boxes. Yesterday I went to my daughter’s apartment (about 2 hours north) to pick up my stuff which included all my photography equipment. Now I’m looking for locations around me to explore with my lens.
So far, I’m loving it! My apartment is in a nice location north of the city. I’m about 3 hours to the Florida coast along the pan-handle and a little over 6 hours to Walt Disney World. This is going to work out well…
MLCreations Photography 