2013, Day 119 - Family hunt

These are Nike and Hilevi's pups and they were getting their first look at the lure.  Shelby is in front but seems to be a little more cautious than her sister Pagani who is leaping for the lure.  Their natural curiosity will start the chase but they are young so they are only allow to run short distances.  With a moving target it is easy to encourage them to strain themselves and cause growth-damaging injuries.  They can play until they drop but racing is something you have to grow into.

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f5.6, 1/1000 sec @ 160 ISO

2013, Day 118 - Mutt and Jeff

Frankie tries so hard when it comes to racing.  He has so much fun and he breaks from the starting box really well but he is wasted in a straight line.  Throw in some turns and he's a happy guy.  Nova, his racing buddy in this picture, is still trying to get the hang of racing, she stops early.  But for some reason she was all set to play with Frankie.  As you can see, he is trying to run and she is nudging him to try to get him to play.  It didn't work but it was a great confidence boost for him because he won!  That was his first and best race of the day :)

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f5.6, 1/1000 sec @ 250 ISO

2013, Day 117 - Speed bump

What a day to play!  Frankie had a great time and he even made a few friends.  Sweet Haley was returned to her breeder because the people who gave her a home could not cope with the responsibility.  It's nice that she landed back where she started but it makes me sad nonetheless.  However, she had a great time play with all her new friends and people are already lining up to give her a home.  Sometimes when things seem not to work out there is a reason and I am sure Haley will end up being better off than ever!

Canon 1D X, Canon 300/f4L IS
300mm, f4, 1/1000 sec @ 125 ISO

2013, Day 116 - Frank-in-a-field

Today we had racing practice and, surprisingly, Frankie did well.  Maybe he gets performance anxiety, but he broke out of the starting box really well and managed to hold the lead for almost one hundred yards.  Then he faded, he does that, even for a silken he is a willowy boy.  What's more impressive is that he was running against his uncle Bados who is still ranked amongst the best dogs in the country and his half-brother D'Artagnan who has been racing really well for the last year.  Oh well, he doesn't have to be good, he just has to have fun.

Between races he would rest in the car parked under the canopy of a few large trees.  Now Frankie isn't the best traveller but he is so eager to please that after the first couple of times out of the car he would run back after the race and jump in well before I got there.  He's a good boy and tomorrow he is going to get sardines with his kibble :)

Canon 1D X, Canon 300/f4L IS
300mm, f4.5, 1/1000 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 115 - Ware the spinning blade

It's spring so why not share some flower photos?  I found this little cluster of flowers growing in the lawn of one of my neighbors and, before the mower gets it, I thought I would immortalize it in ones and zeros.  I like the delicate form and colors; not a bright showy flower but beautiful in its simplicity.

Canon 1D X, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/200 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 114 - Tropical falls

This is a waterfall downstream from the River of a Thousand Lingas.  Although the trek to the top wasn't hard the heat definitely took some of the wind out of our sails and when we hiked back along the river we stopped to cleanse ourselves in the holy waters of the river.  It was refreshing and, blessed by the holy waters, we clamored down the mountain with a little more spring in our steps.

What's interesting is that the linga carvings under the water.  They are carved into the bedrock over which the river flows so, while not readily apparent, it is quite interesting and the work has held up better than I would have expected given the constant erosion by the swift moving water.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
24mm, f22, merged layers of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.3 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 113 - Before the plunge

Still reliving my adventures at Panther Creek.  There are so many beautiful places in the gorge that it is easy to become spoiled for choice.  I often think I should make more of an effort to explore but my favorite places have such a magical allure that I cannot help but return time after time.  I guess if I am not bored then it is working out just fine :)

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f2/8, merged layers of 1.6, 6, and 13 sec @ 800 ISO

2013, Day 112 - Humping boulders

Getting down to the bottom of Panther Creek Falls is no simple task.  There are two near vertical points of descent that requires you to make use of small rock outcroppings as hand and toe holds.  When encumbered with a backpack full of camera gear it is made even more difficult and I was tempted to remove my shoes to ensure I had a good grip.  Still, I made it safely to the bottom and was treated to a scene of unparalleled beauty.

Panther Creek's waterfall is beautiful and delicate.  The myriad of ways the water tumbles down t he rock is so pretty.  A cool mist comes in waves and between them I took a number of pictures.  Each time I wiped my filter of water droplets and waited to start again.  The ground is a spongy bed of rich moss and the sound of the water hitting the stones drowns out all other noise.  It is peaceful and stunning at the bottom of the falls.  Fortunately it is easier to climb back up than it is to climb down the rock face.

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f16, merged layers of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.3 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 111 - Melting torrent

Last time I was at Panther Creek it was summer and although it was warm the water flowing was frigid.  That didn't stop me from standing in it to get a shot I wanted.  This time the water level was higher and moving much faster.  Remarkably it didn't seem any colder than in the summer.  The faster moving water looked so silky and the cloudy sky kept out the dapple sun the creek normally gets making it perfect weather for exploring the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge.

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
21mm, f8, merged layers of 1, 2, and 4 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 110 - Falling in the dark

It has been a while since I've been out to the Columbia River Gorge so when Nicole invited I jumped at the chance.  Her friend David is in town for a long weekend which means she's been playing tour guide and taking him to see the sights.  Sadly I've not had the time to go out and play until today when we went to Panther Creek.  There was some light rain, just enough to keep most people at home, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  The even lighting was beautiful and we had a blast and the water over Panther Creek falls was pretty spectacular.

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f2.8, merged layers of 2.5 and 5 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 109 - Temple gem

Banteay Srei is the jewel of the Angkorian crown.  Although small in size and scale the red sandstone temple is the most ornately carved and elaborately decorated.  It survives in remarkable condition and if extremely popular with tourists despite being rather far afield.  Nevertheless, it is worth braving the crowds and taking you time to soak in this absolutely stunning example of Khmer art and architecture.

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f4, merged layers of 1/1250 and 1/320 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 108 - Napping

Oh, this looks so nice, napping in a sunbeam.  It rained on and off today and while it never really dumped I am ready for some dry weather.  I don't need sun, just a lack of rain, just so I can finish landscaping my yard.  It is so difficult to do when it is all mud but I keep trying and I'm exhausted so even though I don't have a sunbeam to sleep in I am going to try to get a good night's sleep.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
24mm, f11, 1/125 sec @ 400 ISO

2013, Day 107 - Dream job

This is Banteay Samre, built in the style of Angkor Wat by Suryavarman II, it lies a little farther afield than most of the temples.  When we arrived there were only a few other visitors there but, oddly, many stewards were working.  Most were chatting and passing the time but I was unable then, as now, to understand why so many people would be employed to work at a relatively small and remote temple.  It was beautiful to be sure but no more than so many others with fewer people serving them.  Curiouser and curiouser...

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
57mm, f11, 1/40 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 106 - Down a well

I took this picture inside one of the towers at Ta Keo, the bad omen temple.  After lightning struck while under construction work was abandoned as the strike was considered a sign of the disfavor of the gods.  Most of the foundation structures were completed but there are no carvings such as those seen on every other temple in Angkor.  Here a small tree has managed to find purchase between the stones and, if unchecked, may bring down the entire tower.

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
27mm, f11, 1/15 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 105 - Tumbling

I loved exploring Ta Nei.  It was early afternoon and it had been raining the whole way out to this remote temple so when we arrived it was completely deserted.  Because of its remote location Ta Nei has not received much attention in the way of restoration.  There are some small narrow paths through all the fallen stones but mostly the courtyard was filled with rubble.  Still, it was very pretty, the air was sweet with the scent damp earth and rustling of sleeping bats could be heard in the dark corners of the temple.  All it needed was an idol made of gold resting on a plinth illuminated by a single ray of light and it would have been a great set for an Indiana Jones movie.

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f11, merged layers of 1/10, 1/5, 0.4, and 0.8 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 104 - Ominous elephants

This is the central tower of East Mebon, a temple that was once on an artificial island in the East Baray.  Built in the 10th century by King Rajendravarman to honor his parents, East Mebon is dedicated to Shiva.  On the corners of the first and second levels are carved elephants which serve to differentiate Eat Mebon from stylistically similar temples like Pre Rup.

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f11, merged layers of 1/400, 1/100, and 1/50 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 103 - In the shade

Early morning at Prasat Bayon was beautiful.  We had mild cloud cover and as the sun climbed higher into the sky the clouds disappeared leaving a perfect blue sky.  In the distance we could hear the monks being called to prayer and streams of people of bicycles came streaming into the area to start their day's work.  In the middle of it all is the serenity of the ancient temples.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
31mm, f8, merged layers of 1/15, 1/2, and 1 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 102 - Facing all directions

Another view of Angkor Thom.  From here you can see the faces of the Buddha on each of the towers facing north, south, east, and west.  Angkor Thom is the temple where the faces of the Buddha are smiling with benevolent indulgence.  I can still remember the feeling I had while exploring that temple of amazement and serenity.  Maybe it is because all the faces were smiling but I think it was something more than that, it was not simple awe, I truly felt welcome at Angkor Thom.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
42mm, f4, merged layers of 1/200, 1/100, 1/50 and 1/25 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 101 - Death gate

This is the "death gate" of the Angkor complex; the gate by which the dead were removed and eventually laid to rest.  When we visited we saw no other people despite having to fight the afternoon crowds.

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
24mm, f4, 1/320 sec @ 1600 ISO

2013, Day 100 - Grit

This was taken down one of Battambang's back streets.  The colonial French architecture is still intact through much of the city and is quite impressive even if it is in a mild state of disrepair.  I know this wall looks artificially gritty but that is just a little contrast and color adjustment, it actually looked this intense.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
39mm, f4, 1/100 sec @ 640 ISO

2013, Day 99 - The rice paper girl

We met this little girl and her family in a small village as we were making our way from Phnom Penh to Battambang.  The make the rice paper that is used to wrap salad rolls and were kind enough to allow us to see how it is done.  Those older children in the family help by setting out the wicker trays with the hot rice paper to cool and harden but the younger children play and only pretend to help.  This little girl stopped to relax at the end of a rough wooden table and the light hit her face so beautifully I had to take her portrait.

Canon 1D X, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/160 sec @ 640 ISO

2013, Day 98 - Barbed

I am working a theme right now.  Dandelions are common but their structures are fascinating.  They carry downy umbrellas to catch the wind and fly but have a barbed seed pod to cling on to passers by.  They have evolved with distribution in mind and do it very effectively.  Each head is composed of hundreds of barbed darts read to take flight.

Canon 1D X, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/100 sec @ 800 ISO

2013, Day 97 - A legion in the making

I guess spring is truly here now that the dandelions are blooming and they are ready to create armies of baby dandelions.  Another good windy day and these seeds will be spread all over and new dandelions will sprout everywhere until there is no grass.  Death to the invaders!

Canon 7D, Canon 300/f4L IS
300mm, f4, 1/320 sec @ 400 ISO

2012, Day 96 - While it lasts

The clematis are starting to bloom and, unlike the magnolias, they tend to hold this blossoms for a while.  Unfortunately we've had high winds and that usually doesn't do the blossoms a lot of good.  Oh well, like everything in the Pacific NW, enjoy it while it lasts :)

Canon 7D, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f8, 1/250 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 95 - Deferred maintenance

Cambodia, under the rule of the French, was home to stunning architecture but subsequently these remarkable buildings have fallen  into disrepair.  The Khmer Rouge drove people out of the cities and many buildings were left to rot.  Eventually squatters might move in but the lack of infrastructure meant improvised solutions that further regraded the integrity of the structures.  Still, they are a please to see and I only wish we had the time to explore their mysteries.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
44mm, f4, 1/1250 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 94 - Crossing

On our way to Koh Dach we passed many crafts on the Mekong River but this was probably the most modern.  Many people take the ferry across the river on a daily basis and it is probably safe but I am rather leery of ferries in southeast Asia.  They have a reputation for being overloaded and under-serviced which by itself isn't terrifying but they have a pretty bad track record for random submersion issues.  Basically, they sink.  When I was in Bali their ferry service wasn't running because the ferry has recently sunk and then there was a collision in Thailand.  I am not going to tempt fate so no ferries for me...

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f4, 1/250 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 93 - Grin and bear it

I smile every time I look at this picture.  On our way back from an excursion outside of Phnom Penh we stopped in a small village are their market area.  School has just gotten out and there were children everywhere.  As the walked or rode past on their bikes most called out greetings to practice their English.  When we responded they started to laugh.

When we stopped at this particular stall to examine their fruits Mom grabbed her son and made him pose for us in front of her wares.  It was really funny, you could tell he was embarrassed but Mom was so proud.  I took his picture, showed it to him, and we both laughed.  That's what I love about travel, even with a language barrier you can still have fun and relate because, despite cultural differences, we're fundamentally the same.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
70mm, f5.6, 1/320 sec @ 320 ISO

2013, Day 92 - Spares

One of the great things about markets in Asia is that they have everything.  It is better than going to the mall because you'll get better prices, and if they don't have what you want they know where to get it.  Sometimes all you need to do is ask and they can procure it while you finish the rest of your shopping.  The people who have stalls are like retail wizards conjuring the most unlikely things from their stacks of stock.  Here you can buy tools of all sorts along with fasteners galore and a variety of other random useful things.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
24mm, f4, 1/160 sec @ 2500 ISO

2013, Day 91 - In the void

Jellyfish have a hypnotic effect.  They move so effortlessly through the water like dancing mushrooms. It is peaceful and their gentle movements are mesmerizing.  As a photographic subject they have color and a variety of textures making them a visual feast.

Canon 7D, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f2.8, 1/500 sec @ 640 ISO

2013, Day 90 - Golden blossom

More magnolias.  These yellow blossoming trees seem to flower later than the rest.  All the other magnolias in town are rapidly losing their petals as the leaves begin to make their presence known.  Just one more flower to hold on to before we have to wait another year to see them again.  I do love spring!

Canon 7D, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f8, 1/80 sec @ 250 ISO