"Sunrise Barn"

My 2011 year end post was of a beautiful sunrise with the CN tower far off in the distance. I thought it would be interesting to turn and shoot whatever image I would find behind me. Well, I was happily surprised to find this great barn bathed in the light of the coming day.

 And the setting moon added a nice touch to the composition.

Sometimes it's fun to stand in one place and just rotate 360 degrees to see what's about.

"The Badlands"

The Badlands are a unique geological formation in Cheltenham, Ontario. This year I plan to explore and photograph the area at different times of day and in all the seasons. I am starting with images from a clear and cold winter day. The late morning sun provides a perfect shadow for a self portrait. The images below give some idea as to the uniqueness of the landscape. Much more to follow in the coming months.

"Caravans"

I love travelling by road. I intend to do more of it in future. I have spent many, many years in the air flying around the world. The view from 30,000 plus feet is limited unless you are crossing some significant land formation. There is not much to see on the overnight flights to Europe or Asia. In fact there is usually nothing to see in the inky darkness below.  And I don't like to think about what is at the bottom of the inky darkness.

I also like rail travel. It seems more civilized then air travel with less frustrations and process. Passengers travelling by rail seem less stressed then their air counterparts.

But it is still the call of the road that I hear. My spirit likes the freedom and the Type A part of my character, enjoys the planning. This is the year I will rent an RV for the first time. They remind me of my old boat. Everything there had a place and a function.  I remember driving with my family on summer vacations and seeing the silver Airstreams on the highway. They were so beautifully designed and aerodynamic and gleamed when the sun hit their shiny surfaces. I was envious.

The truck above is not an RV or a mobile home. It is in fact just a truck. But I see conversion potential here. I am attracted to the green and gold. I think with a little work this could be a fine Caravan. But that is probably just the romantic in me. The non handy man side of me will be happy to rent a small RV and dream of caravans travelling the ancient spice and trade routes, under moon filled skies.

"New Year, New Beginnings"

Any resolutions yet?

I have only two.

Which shall remain undisclosed.

Best wishes to all for 2012.

"Wishing You a Very, Merry, Magnus Christmas"

Here is one Elf, so excited, he is gnawing on his beard. Let's get to the presents!!!!

"Serene and Snowy Buddha" no less... no more...

"Hold Your Horses"

I used to spend my childhood summers at my Grandparents farm on Prince Edward Island. I don't have a lot of pictures from that time but one in particular is a favorite. It is a picture of my dad and I seated on Elmer's old plow horse just before we were sent flying thought the air by a clearly unimpressed equine. Over the years I have done my best to make friends with horses and even went as far as buying a hobby farm that had a five stall horse barn on the land. I never did get around to buying a horse or two to live there and in the end sold the farm to some nice folks.

 I hope they were horse lovers.

 I went riding in Costa Rica a few years back, through the jungle, expecting to have that perfect moment when man and steed emerge from the jungle trail onto the white beach. Then we two would ride on the sand with the water lapping at the shores edge. We were to be carefree and experience that truly Kodak moment. Unfortunately it was a very hot day. While still on the trail, the horses got a scent of fresh water running in a stream that crossed our path. As they were very thirsty, they made a bee line for the creek and upon arrival stopped dead in their tracks to enjoy great gulps of the cool water. The sudden stopping caused me the rider to go over the horses lowered head, with reins still firmly in hand.

Horses 2, Man 0

Oh well,. I still love these beautiful animals and here are a few of the local characters. I am pretty sure the fellow above would toss my sorry ass in the air at first chance.