SkyWatch Friday - Ground Level

Methow Valley State Airport - Winthrop, WA

Looking north from the airport towards the mountains on a cloudy evening.

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Going to Pieces

Barn with Mount Adams in the Background

Near Goldendale, Washington along Highway 97. Another grab your camera quick moment as we passed by.

Round & Round They Go

About two hours east of Portland along the Columbia River Gorge you can find several wind farms on both the Washington and Oregon sides of the river. Heading up the grade on Highway 97 towards Goldendale, Washington is a viewpoint area. For miles and miles (at least on a clear day) you can see the wind turbines with their blades rotating in the prevalent winds that blow through the gorge. It is impressive the number of wind turbines you see.

Wind Turbines - Goldendale, WA

I have always been interested in wind turbines. The simplicity of their design against the various terrains they are placed in never cease to capture my attention.

The turbines are controversial to some people who claim they are contributing to global warming. Others feel they are a blight on the landscape. They do, however, create green power. Are they worth having in your backyard? Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. "The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind" - Bob Dylan.

I'm A Little Teapot

Located in the town of Zillah, Washington is the historical Teapot Dome gas station. The Teapot just recently was relocated to its current location in town and has undergone a restoration. Although not quite complete, it is still a charming place.

Teapot Dome Gas Station - Zillah, WA

More information on this historic structure can be found here.

I can check this off my bucket list of places to see.

Renewal

Ah life...you are cruising along...then WHAM! Unexpected changes alter the course you are on and you are forced to switch gears, determine a new direction to go in, steer a new path. It isn't easy at times and you find yourself looking in the rear view mirror wondering what the hell happened. Yep, chit happens.

I lost my mojo for a while. Didn't want to get the camera out, no blogging -- just treading water trying to keep my head above the surface. Lately though a glimpse of something triggers that familiar feeling of pushing the shutter button and capturing the moment. I need to dig my camera out of the case and recharge the battery. My mojo is slowly returning and I want to be ready.

Must be because its springtime. All around me are reminders that even after the coldest and darkest winter days, a new cycle of life has begun. Mother Nature has tossed off her thick blanket of snow and is now basking in the warmth of the sun as it rises higher and longer in the sky. The leaves have sprouted on the trees, wildflowers are blooming and garden soils are being tilled in preparation for this year's sowing of seeds. The birds are once again singing their lovely melodies, and the bees are industriously buzzing from blossom to blossom, scattering pollen in their wake.

Like Mother Nature, I, too, am starting fresh this Spring. New outlook on life, new blog.  And to honor Mother Nature's resiliency (and mine), a Balsam Root.

I love this time of year. Feels good to have that camera back in hand.