2013, Day 150 - Climbing fungus

It's all about the details.  That's why I love photography, you can make a big deal out of a small detail.  Nicole and I found these mushrooms growing out of the side of a mossy tree and I couldn't help myself.  I love mushrooms, not to eat although I like them that way too, I just think that they grow in special places where gnomes live and them my imagination runs wild.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
24mm, f8, 1/320 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 149 - False luck

This is wood sorrel, a clover shaped plant with tuberous roots.  The plant itself is edible though noted to mildly toxic.  I don't know how much one would have to eat in order to feel any ill effects but it might be wise to moderate your intake.  In the direct sun the leaves will fold back as it does not like the harsh light but the will reopen as the light diminishes.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
41mm, f5.6, 1/160 sec @ 1000 ISO

2013, Day 148 - Reflected glory

The Rose Festival continues and the calendar of events can be found on their website.  It is probably the biggest event of the year in Portland although probably not the best.  Still, it is good enough to rank in the top ten of summer festivals in the nation.  For my part, I would rather attend the Bite of Portland or any of the other great food-based celebrations.  Still, they don't have fireworks!

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f4, 2 sec @ 320 ISO

2013, Day 147 - Motoring

Why is it that we see so few motorbikes in this country?  Every day you see people driving around by themselves in huge vehicles that are eagerly guzzling down fuel but when you visit SE Asia most people travel on motorbikes and borrow or hire cars when necessary.  Granted they don't make runs to Costco to fill their fallout shelter but it just seems so efficient and that efficiency is elegant.  Maybe I should get a motorcycle license, for as much good as it will do me in the waterlogged state that is Oregon...

Canon 1D X, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f4, 1/1000 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 146 - Chewy

What a healthy snack?  Try dried squid!  It's like a fishy sort of jerky; low in fat, high in protein, a great after workout snack.  Sadly, not my cup of tea but try serving it at your next BBQ as a snack.  You can often find it shredded and, in that form, it loses its distinct appearance which may make it more appealing to western palettes.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
70mm, f4, 1/160 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 145 - Fishwife

Nothing quite like waiting for customers when you have goods to sell.  Worse when those goods are perishable.  I love how this woman looks lost in thought.  What is she thinking about?  Is it idle musing or a serious issue?  Maybe planning for the wedding of a family member or thinking about what to make for dinner.  I suspect it is something benign, she doesn't look worried, just lost in thought.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
67mm, f5.6, 1/320 sec @ 320 ISO

2013, Day 144 - Kaboom!

I have a bone to pick with some of these fireworks providers.  For the life of me I can't understand why they rush the display.  Sometimes there are so many in the air at once that it looks like a huge mess, other times they are completely obscured by clouds of smoke from the previous volley.  Why don't they take a longer pause between explosions, draw out the display, and make it all that much more worthwhile?  Furthermore, why wait until ten o'clock to start?  It is plenty dark enough at nine fifteen and then you could see a little more of the city.  They really should consult photographers about these things...

Canon 1D X, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f5.6, 1 sec @ 200 ISO