Big Bay Adventure

Traditionally we've taken fall trips to the scenic North-Central region of Pennsylvania. We love the fall colors, plus it's my birthday, and also around our wedding anniversary. Unfortunately driving for fourteen hours in a jeep loaded with gear, the family, and a canoe seemed like a little much.



Instead we drove to the northern most part of Wisconsin in order to take a ferry to Madeline Island. There we camped out in Big Bay State Park. The weather turned out to be rather windy, and it rained every night, but it all worked out. Our campsite was nestled in a thick patch of woods that protected us from the winds, and the rain helped lull us to sleep. Also, we had the entire section to ourselves which made the experience a little more special.



Freja loved to "adventure" on her own on the animal trails that surrounded us. She'd often try to sneak out, and then slip back, trying to surprise us. Of course, we'd act all frightened when we heard her "Cheetah" snarls and growls. An owl also paid us a visit as it hunted prey among the ferns. It wasn't bothered by us at all, and Freja followed it along as it moved from perch to perch. The sound of the nearby waves hitting the beach also helped mask sound, allowing us to view deer up close.



During the days we'd explore some of the more natural areas. There's a nice boardwalk that runs along the natural bay. To one side there's a beach with grass covered dunes. To the other a boreal forest extends away from the lake with a large lagoon. We'd hoped to do some canoeing but the winds were just too strong. There're also some great rocky shores which were being pounded by large waves coming off of Lake Superior. You could feel the impacts through the soles of your feet!





We did take the ferry back to the mainland for one day. We coincidentally planned our trip when Bayfield was having it's 52nd Annual Apple Festival. The highlights for Freja were getting to ride the tilt-a-whirl, and playing with the traditional Indian dancers she made friends with. For Teri & I it was the hot lunch with the draft beers. Although the place we had lunch at tried to pull a fast one attempting to charge us for 3x the beer that we actually ordered. Always check those receipts!



The ferry trip back from the festival was especially exciting as gale force winds came howling across the bay, causing over four foot swells. One of the three ferries apparently was damaged by said waves! Naturally, Freja enjoyed the very choppy ride whilst both Teri & I had our brains shaken up.




While we'd planned on staying through Sunday, due to impending storms we left early Saturday. It's a good thing too as really heavy rains hit us almost the entire eight hour drive south. We're thinking we'll return to the island, though we may try a little earlier in the season.

Old Fashioned Charm & Style at Hyde Chapel & Mill

While I enjoy shooting weddings in general sometimes I get one that really makes me realize just why I enjoy them so much. Yesterday I had the honor of capturing the union of Kathryn Murphy and Neil Mrkvicka. They had a very intimate, old fashioned feeling ceremony in a tiny country chapel located in a beautiful, rural valley.



Hyde Chapel happens to be one of the first places I discovered after moving to the area. It's a very charming structure nestled in a rather scenic, hilly area. When you see it, you can feel the history surrounding it. Also, just around the bend there's a landmark old mill. When this couple told me they were going to use the Chapel for their nuptials, and the mill for their photos I was so thrilled.



Even though we had to rush through doing the portraits due to a rain storm that was fast approaching, the day simply went perfectly. We were able to adjust all our plans, and remained flexible in order to beat the rain. As I closed the trunk of my car after doing the portraits a steady drizzle began. The ceremony followed, with the rain actually adding to the romantic feel of the afternoon.



Anyway, I just wanted to post a few of the photos from the day. I can't wait to process the entire gallery! This is indeed why I love shooting weddings.

Feathered Grace

Working my way through my archives I've finally made it to March of 2008. I just completed processing images I took of the first Hideous Kinky Vaudeville Show. While I enjoyed capturing all the acts that night, I also shot my favorite dancer set. That night performer Crystal Dunlap did an amazingly beautiful feathered fan-dancer piece.

I shot the set using my "nifty-fifty," Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens. As the years have passed I've turned to the EF 135mm f/2.0L, and my 70-200mm f/2.8L IS to shoot performances. I believe this is the only one where I used the 50mm. After reprocessing images from the shoot I may just use it once more for this type of photography.



Another thing that came to mind is how few performances I've shot recently. Since moving to Wisconsin I've not done any, except for my daughter's little number for the local Spring Show. I think I'll look into local dance troops to see if any want to work with me.

Happy Birthday Kyla!!

We all miss you! Freja made you a card. It's something to do with a Berenstain Bears PBS Kids online game. She says you should play the games and then when you visit you can play with her. Also, there's a temporary robot tattoo taped to it for you to put on when you get your card. Freja's also really loving kindergarten and is looking forward to telling you all about it someday. We'd all like you to come visit with us. We love you!!!!

First Day of Kindergarten!

When my daughter was born I resigned from my old job and became a stay at home dad. Five years, 9 months, and six days later my wife & I put her on the bus to school for the first time! I now have exactly 8 hours/day, 5 days/week sans kid. The horizon is wide open!



I can work on processing my archives, and try to complete 2008 - 2011. Going to the store by myself is going to be a big relief. They put in those little kid shopping carts, and they're the ban of my existence. If you ever take a 5yo to a store with them, you'll understand. I'm going to be able to work on the house without having to stop every 10 minutes. No more making sure she's eating/drinking throughout the day. No more checking to see what she's doing. Hell, I can go meet my wife for lunch in the city!



Then I think about all the playgrounds, games, and fun we had. She only went to school 3 days/week for 2.5 hours. I dropped her off & picked her up. We'd go on adventures, and had a lot of fun. It's the end of the best time in my life.



Then again, I can work again! Already this morning I've processed an uploaded a ton of images. Plus I can do... anything. Wow. Such mixed feelings today. I think I'll go get breakfast, and then paint the house or something.

The Pool Has Closed, the Summer Has Ended...

An end of summer rite occurred this past weekend when the Mount Horeb Aquatic Center closed for the season. Just like last summer, we spent a lot of time there. She not only took lessons from the Parks & Rec department, she practiced swimming with us as well. By the end she could make it all the way across the pool by herself!



Being that it's such a short walk, and most of it shaded, it's super easy for us to get there. In fact, we've even met a few of the town's residents on the walk to/from the pool. I also cart all our stuff, food, water, towels, chairs, etc., in our old baby stroller that we converted to a cargo carrier. Sometimes I get a few looks from folks who think I may have a baby in there, all covered with stuff and left in the sun, but it makes life easy and is always ready to go.



The pool is rarely crowded and my wife and daughter have really enjoyed being able to play and cuddle. Our favorite spot is up on the little hill over looking the pool. There are giant Oaks and Walnut trees that also provide great shade. I have to admit I've fallen asleep in my chair more than a few times.




They also have a decent slide for little kids. It is not too fast, or steep, she loves it! Last summer I rode down with her, but this year she was all about going by herself. By the end of the season she was learning how to make herself go as fast as possible.







When the pool closes it a very definitive event for us. The end of summer is here. School starts in a week, with Freja beginning Kindergarten. Before I know it the snows will be covering the ground, and I'll be all alone during the day. Melodramatic? You bet. It was a fun summer at the pool. We can't wait until next year!

A Winter Drive

In the winter of 2007 Teri & I decided to just pack up and go for a drive. It had been snowing a lot for a couple of weeks, but the weather was due to turn. It seemed like the time for a simple, romantic getaway. It was a chance to just do a little exploring Pennsylvania.



We planned a 3-day trip. The first was just about getting to the cabin, so while we did enjoy the drive, it wasn't exactly a meandering journey. We thought we'd leave that for the return trip. Our thinking was it would make going home a lot more fun, plus who doesn't like taking the long way home? As for the middle day, that was just about relaxing, doing a whole lot of nothing in a cozy cabin, and hiking around Hills Creek State Park.


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Our lazy, meandering "Sunday Drive" home along snow packed back roads was simply perfect. It was a very frigid February day. The skies had a light overcast to them, but not enough to be gloomy. We hardly saw a soul as we drove slowly along, taking in the scenery. We also bundled up enough that with the heater running we were able to ride with the windows open. The crisp, clean air, and being able to hear the sounds of blanketed forest added to the experience.






We found a picnic area along one road that hadn't had a visitor for a while. We stopped, made coffee, and enjoyed having the entire valley to ourselves. The hushed stillness of the day, with only an occasional sound of a chickadee, gave us the feeling we were the only people on the earth. A truly unique experience in a state where you usually can hear distant traffic, and airplanes, everywhere you go.



While we didn't see a lot of wildlife, we did come upon this Ruffed Grouse. It was not impressed, or alarmed by our presence. It's very lucky we'd also just eaten!

I've always loved traveling back trails, and to have found a wife that enjoys it as much as I is truly lucky. There're lots of reasons I ran off and married her. Having so many common passions, like this one for instance, is why I'm so happy we met.



When we reached Hyner View State Park we were surprised at finding a photo I'd taken used in their kiosk. I'd leased the image for use as the cover of the State Travel Guide, but didn't expect them to use it for other purposes. The fact that it impressed my new wife made up for the lost income!



Notice that they changed the wing color to red.



It was a perfect road trip!