Project 52 Week 29: One of the most beautiful places on Earth

On July 29, 2012July 29, 2012 By LindyIn night photography, photography, travel14 Comments

I just got back from a family vacation to Glacier National Park! We flew to Seattle and took an Amtrak train to the park. I’ve traveled a bit and seen many beautiful places, but I think Glacier is the most underrated national park in the US. It’s so unique because of the way the colorful mountains were formed by glaciers, along with all the wildlife and flora. It saddens me to think that the glaciers will be gone by 2020, mostly due to global warming. We got so lucky with temperatures in the 70s, clear skies, and almost no wind. Today it was 105 degrees in Kansas City; I already miss it!

My nephew looks out the train window as we travel through Washington.

A three-mile hike through patches of snow lead us to a spectacular view of Hidden Lake.

This little lamb was just one of many sheep we saw on the Hidden Lake trail. The animals in the park clearly have no fear of humans, as they just grazed near the trail and ignored the hoards of people photographing them.

An early morning view of Swiftcurrent Lake in East Glacier.

There are many beautiful wildflowers throughout Glacier National Park; I thought this was one of the most unusual.

A view from the top of our four-mile hike to see Grinnell Lake. The hike was supposed to be eight miles and take us to Grinnell Glacier, but unfortunately half of it was closed due to hazardous snow and ice. The lakes in the park are turquoise due to the glacial ice melt and the sediments it leaves.

We woke up to a large black bear grazing on berries about 50 yards from our cabin! This was the third bear sighting of the trip.

The wide-open Montana sky led to the perfect opportunity for me to photograph stars (a first). I took this photo around midnight as cattle trucks were unloading cattle a few miles from the park.

A one-hour time exposure of stars passing over the Montana sky.

Tattoo, the guard llama at the alpaca farm were we stayed, blocked the driveway as we tried to leave the last morning.

Project 52 Week 28: Take Me Out To the Ball Game

On July 22, 2012 By LindyIn photography

Thanks to some friends of ours, we had the opportunity to experience a Kansas City Royals game up close and personal Friday night – just four rows behind the dugout! Sometimes I zone out during baseball games … but not with seats like these! (I won’t mention who won the game.)

Kansas City Royals pitcher Luke Hochevar.

Project 52 Week 27: We’ll Always Remember

On July 16, 2012July 16, 2012 By LindyIn charity, night photography, photography

Friday and Saturday was our annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life. During Relay we celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Remembering is the hardest, most touching part of the evening. It’s been just over 2 years since we lost my aunt Jill to pancreatic cancer; so many others were missing their loved ones that night too. It’s not too late to make a difference – our Relay is raising money through August 31. You can make a donation here.

P.S. My canvas print of this photo sold for $90 in the Relay For Life live auction … I was beyond excited!

During the luminaria ceremony, we walk the dark track silently as names of those who’ve had cancer are spoken.

Project 52 Week 26: Country Lovin’

On July 9, 2012 By LindyIn nature, photography7 Comments

Thursday evening I ventured out around sunset to capture some photos. I was feeling down on luck when a baby calf and pony weren’t in a field I’d seen them in earlier in the week, so I shot some disappointing photos of corn fields. And then … I came upon this. Perfection.

A cow grazes at sunset on a nearby Missouri farm.

Project 52 Week 25: An expensive weekend

On July 2, 2012 By LindyIn family, photography6 Comments

This weekend we traveled to my in-laws’ to celebrate the 4th of July a little early. Holidays are ranked as follows in this family: #5: Birthdays. #4: Easter. #3: Thanksgiving. #2: Christmas. #1: 4th of July. In fact, we had our very own $600 fireworks display. My father-in-law says, “This is a man’s holiday. We get to drink beer, eat, and blow stuff up.” I hate to burst his bubble, but this female really likes the holiday too.