Seems like a long time ago...

This was taken in early December. It feels like it was a long time ago we saw this scene. I love snow when it blankets the trees and the ground. If only for a day or two the normal landscape is turned into a surreal setting. My father took this photo. The lake is just behind their home.

A River Runs Through It

Yellowstone is absolutely beautiful. From the moment we entered the gates the beauty enveloped us.

Spearfish Canyon

While my daughter and I were on a 5,800 mile road trip this summer we decided it would be wonderful to take a drive through Spearfish Canyon. I had spent a lot of time in the Black Hills growing up and wanted to explore the area as an adult. The canyon was more beautiful then I remembered!

Honeymoon and the Grand Tetons

John and I decided that we would take a roadtrip for our honeymoon. We had a blast, heading out Sunday morning from Oregon enroute to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty I couldn't put my camera down!

Sunriver, Oregon

I love spending time in Sunriver. It is the resort lifestyle coupled with outdoor activities. John and I spent Memorial Day weekend up there for our first year anniversary. The weather was unpredictable from snow, ice, rain to sun. I took this photo from the grounds of the Lodge. Even though the sky was icy blue the colors still were beautiful.

Spring - where are you?

Last year John and I went to Hendrick's Park. Trees and flowers were in full bloom. These past few days in Oregon have been really dreary. The days lighten up a bit but I wouldn't call it daylight. I would call it less dark than night. I was at a funeral and the person speaking related a story of how he always drank his morning coffee on the patio - rain, snow, sun or gray - it didn't matter. He and his wife always plant beautiful flower gardens and have fabulous roses. One morning his wife asked him why he continued to drink his coffee on the patio during the cold and rainy days. He stated "I sit out here and look out into our yard and remember the roses and the flowers". He went on to say that our memories bring back the person we have lost just as our memories bring back the roses in the winter.

A Day At The Ocean

Courtney and I went to the coast last year for the day. It was so beautiful - I almost cried when the day was over. A perfect day on the coast is rare. Often times inland it is sunny and beautiful to only be foggy and chilly on the coast. Even if you watch the weather reports 9:10 they do not accurately reflect the weather. Sometimes you can watch the weather reports, listen to the weather reports and get a perfectly great report only to discover the weather has changed in the short time it takes to make the drive. So, this photo is to remind me that once in awhile whether it is at the coast or just life in general, occasionally there are perfect days. Unfortunately those days are difficult to plan for but I believe the surprise is part of the perfection.

Enroute to Yellowstone Park

John and I got married May 26th, 2007! The next morning we had breakfast with our families and then we took off on our honeymoon roadtrip to Yellowstone Park. We had a blast. This photo was taken just outside the enterance.

On the top of the world!

Courtney and I were driving to Pierce, ID which is located 8,000 feet above the valley floor. The road up to Pierce is 2 lanes and narrow. On some of the turns it is 15 mph with not enough guard rails to make me feel secure. It is a beautiful drive if you can relax and not worry about the huge drop offs. By the time we hit the top Courtney had to jump out and soak up the beautiful surroundings.

Deer Creek Resevoir

Deer Creek Resevoir is absolutely beautiful. The resevoir is just outside Pierce, ID. The Idaho countryside is stunning. This area is like heaven on earth.

Eugene Sunset

About one mile from our house you can see down into the valley. I love this drive but it is difficult to take a photograph because you have to stop on the road. The roads are extremely curvy so one has to ensure there are no other cars behind you. Last night proved to be a glorious sunset. I had to capture the scene.