Stormy Winter Day

A storm blew through on December 30.  Gusts on the west side of Whidbey island were around 45 m.p.h.  This view is from Libbey Beach, an Island County park, looking south to the Olympics.

Morning Storm Clouds

The clouds this morning gave evidence to the rain we had during the night.  By sunrise, the clouds had blown east, bunched up against the Cascades.

Olympics from Highway 525

You may be thinking of a road trip to Whidbey Island.  It is surprising what views can be had from Highway 525, without turning off to scenic points of view.

The first view of the Olympics can be seen as you descend to the Mukilteo ferry dock.

There is another great view of the mountains as you get closer to Coupeville.  In the foreground is a radar device at the navy's outlying field.

This is the view as you near Coupeville.  In the foreground is part of the Ebey National Historic Reserve.
Even if you plan to only "drive up the island" and not venture out to the picturesque shores and bluffs, you will have wonderful views from your car.

Windjammer Park, Oak Harbor, WA

Dusk in Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island.  Symbols of the early Dutch influence in the town are displayed at the Windjammer Park.

Christmas Panorama

This scene at a house nearby is the combination of three photos (merged in Photoshop Elements).  The exposures were 1.5 seconds each.
The homeowners put on a show every holiday!

Mt. Rainier from Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island

A hazy Mt. Rainier at winter's dusk.  This view is from Oak Harbor, on Whidbey Island.  The lenticular clouds are frequently seen around the mountain. 

Fog Shrouded Olympic Mountains

A bank of fog sits off the Olympic Peninsula.  This view is from Fidalgo Island, just at the north end of the Deception Pass Bridge.

Winter Sunset from Whidbey Island

Today the sun sets as far south as it can.  This view is directly west as there was not much color to the south.

The sun set over the Olympics.  A fog bank hung over the north edge of the Olympic Peninsula.

Lights of Christmas

We went to the "Lights of Christmas" a few days ago. 

The display is located at the Warm Beach Camp.

I loved the mountain scenes.  While several were static, this one showed night.

Then it became day.

Then it was sunset.  It even included a sunset glow on the water.

I loved the design of this tree.

Of course, my favorite would be the this one.  The display was huge.

The detail was amazing, as this close-up shows. 

North Cascades from San de Fuca

A recent drive on Whidbey Island revealed the new coat of snow the North Cascades Mountains have received.  In the foreground is the San de Fuca dock.

Winter Ebey's Landing

The sun was out today and so was I.  This is the view from the parking area at Ebey's Landing, on the southwest side of Whidbey Island.  If you are looking for a beach to walk this winter, consider Ebey's Landing.

Perego's Lake, Whidbey Island

I was hiking at Fort Ebey State Park and come upon this cloud shrouded view of Perego's Lake, near Ebey's Landing.  No, it's not a beautiful sunny day in the Pacific Northwest.  We Whidbey Islanders find a certain beauty in cloudy days...or we wouldn't live here.

Salish Sea Serenity

This was the view from Fort Ebey State Park on Whidbey Island the morning of December 7.  I think this is the calmest I have seen the water.  We have had a high pressure system settle in so there has not been even a breath of wind.
On the horizon to the south, Port Townsend is on the right.  Middle right is Indian Island (U.S. Naval Reserve), while middle left is Marrowstone Island and Fort Flagler State Park.

USS Abraham Lincoln leaves Everett Home Port

The USS Abraham Lincoln heads out to the Pacific on December 7.  The ship will be on an around the world cruise, ending up on the east coast for refitting.  It is here overtaking a barge.  In the distance is smoke from mills near Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. 

Rain on Whidbey Island

I had gone out to Fort Ebey on central Whidbey Island to photograph the USS Abraham Lincoln leaving the Puget Sound area.  It had been a drizzling morning and I couldn't resist catching some of the drops.

The rain drops were everywhere.  One learns to see something beautiful, even in the rain.

Frosted Apples

I understand that some fruit and vegetables taste better after the first frost.  The birds must agree, having had their share of some apples near my home.

Sunrise Panorama

This was the dawn view from the vacant lot across the street on December 1, 20111.  Taken from the west side of Oak Harbor, the Cascade Mountains are on the horizon.

Gray Day in the Pacific Northwest

Yes, we frequently have gray days in the Pacific Northwest!  One learns to find beauty in them, however.  This is a view from Ebey Bluff on the southwest side of Whidbey Island.  In the distance are the Olympic Mountains.

Solo Tree at Ferry House

When I was out taking photos of the Ferry House (see blog below), I saw this solo tree.  It stood out against the Ebey Prairie.

I tried a second composition and made it black & white.  And who lives in the hole at the base of the tree?

Ferry House, Ebey Historical Reserve, Whidbey Island

I had fun with this image in Lightroom 3.  I pushed some color, grain, contrast, etc.  Somehow, that new porch just does not seem to fit.

I converted it to black & white, hoping the new porch would not be so evident.  Which is better?

Cascade Sunrise and Sunset

This was the sunrise this morning from the west side of Oak Harbor.  The North Cascades are on the horizon.

This was the setting sun on the Cascades, again from the west side of Oak Harbor, looking east.

Frost Leaves Backlighting

Experimenting with backlit leaves.  This first one is a strawberry leaf.

This is a maple leaf.

This is an oak leaf.

Front Lighting or Back Lighting

It is fun to experiment with light.  Here is a Zinnia taken with the light coming at me, through the blossom.  I moved around until the flower was in front of a large bush.  I was on the shaded side of the bush so the background looks black.

Then I turned around and took a picture with the sun coming from behind me, over my shoulder.
Which do you like better?
Which is more dramatic?

Have fun experimenting with light!

November Frost

A recent heavy frost graced the strawberry leaves in my garden.

Autumn Solitude

I passed by this scene nearly every morning on my walk.  I'm glad I got this shot when I did as the next day the leaves were gone, the result of a windstorm.  I wanted the bench to stand out more, but it had not been painted for years.  I went back several times during the day to get different lighting.  There was only so much I felt like doing in Lightroom to enhance the bench without making the scene totally unreal.  I did remove the base of a tree in the upper right hand corner.

Frost at Sunrise

The frost was heavy this morning.  I love it when the sunrise is late enough that I can get out and capture the rays.

Awesome Clouds

The Pacific Northwest is known for its clouds - usually gray ones full of rain.  But yesterday the cumulus clouds were great.

I love the detail that can be seen when the clouds are backlit.

I appreciate the various shades of gray. 

 I walked around a bit to see if I could catch something a little more artistic.  This is the cross from the First Reformed Church.

One could see the classic anvil shape of a thundercloud to the east.  In the foreground are various buildings of Oak Harbor, including First Reformed Church.