7/31/2025 - Flowers in the Yard

Saw the gladiola (the first picture) from the window so I decided to go out to get a picture and see what else was blooming.  Turned out to be a good decision...

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 15:58; Focal Length: 180mm; Shutter: 1/320sec; Aperture: f/5.6; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 15:59; Focal Length: 350mm + crop; Shutter: 1/125sec; Aperture: f/6; ISO: 400
Note: A tiny rose that we didn't plant.  No idea where it came from...

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:00; Focal Length: 350mm; Shutter: 1/320sec; Aperture: f/6; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:00; Focal Length: 310mm; Shutter: 1/250sec; Aperture: f/6; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:01; Focal Length: 270mm; Shutter: 1/500sec; Aperture: f/5.6; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:02; Focal Length: 180mm; Shutter: 1/400sec; Aperture: f/5.6; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:03; Focal Length: 180mm; Shutter: 1/200sec; Aperture: f/5.6; ISO: 400

Same as above, just cropped a bit to show the detail in the tiny flowers...

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:04; Focal Length: 200mm; Shutter: 1/200sec; Aperture: f/5.6; ISO: 400

Another one that is just a crop of the previous to show the details...

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:05; Focal Length: 180mm; Shutter: 1/400sec; Aperture: f/5.6; ISO: 180

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:07; Focal Length: 470mm; Shutter: 1/125sec; Aperture: f/6; ISO: 400
Note: This is actually on my neighbors yard on the property line.

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:08; Focal Length: 310mm; Shutter: 1/125sec; Aperture: f/6; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Time: 16:09; Focal Length: 600mm; Shutter: 1/80sec; Aperture: f/6.3; ISO: 400

7/26/2025 - Chimney Bluffs State Park, Art

This is a bonus post from this visit.  I've decided that I'm going to start putting things that fit into a fine art category as a separate post.  This is my first such post, I hope you enjoy them!

Main Post: 7/26/2025 - Chimney Bluffs State Park

7/26/2025 - Chimney Bluffs State Park

It was a warm day so I thought heading up to the lakeshore would be a good idea, especially since my wife had never been.  Turned out that it would only have been a good idea if we brought some clothes for swimming!  Very hot and humid with no breeze but at least there were beautiful views.  I do wish I knew about the second parking lot that is not only apparently free, but would have allowed us to walk the shoreline to start with.  By the time we got there, we were both ready to just head home.

Parking Location: https://w3w.co/reassured.unicorns.engaged
Site Notes: The trail from the main lot almost down to the lake is paved.  Beyond that, I wouldn't recommend going on the trails as there are several really rough spots that would likely be impassable.

Bonus Fine Art Post: 7/26/2025 - Chimney Bluffs State Park - Fine Art

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 13:31; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/100sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 100

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 13:31; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/160sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 100

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 13:42; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/160sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Same photo as the last, I just liked how the mushroom stood out and thought it deserved to be the focus...

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 13:52; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/100sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 13:59; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/200sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:05; Focal Length: 25mm; Shutter: 1/4000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:08; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/8000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:09; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/6400sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:14; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/8000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:14; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/5000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:15; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/8000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:15; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/8000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:16; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/8000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:17; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/4000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:22; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/6400sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:22; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/5000sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:22; Focal Length: 70mm; Shutter: 1/6400sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:23; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/6400sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Time: 14:24; Focal Length: 24mm; Shutter: 1/6400sec; Aperture: f/4; ISO: 400

7/24/2025 - Birds in the Yard

I was in the pool and saw a lot of birds flying around.  Since I had finished cooling off, I decided to get the camera and a chair to get some pictures.  Most of the birds left but I sat there for a while thinking I had spooked them but no.

I normally have my camera set to fully manual as most of my photographs are of still images that allow me to take my time.  This is the first time setting something to be automated by the camera (the ISO).  I'm fairly please with the results.

Time: 18:53; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 250

Time: 18:57; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/320sec; f/6.3; ISO 400

Time: 19:00; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 250

Time: 19:00; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 250
Note: The same photo as above, just a significant crop as I had the focus perfectly on the Robin so there was a lot of detail I wanted to expose.

Time: 19:01; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 280

Time: 19:01; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 280
Note: The same photo as above, just a significant crop as I had the focus perfectly on the Robin so there was a lot of detail I wanted to expose.

Time: 19:04; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
540mm; 1/250sec; f/6.3; ISO 1800

Time: 19:04; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
540mm; 1/250sec; f/6.3; ISO 1800
Note: The same photo as above, just a significant crop as I had the focus perfectly on the Grey Catbird so there was a lot of detail I wanted to expose.

Time: 19:10; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/250sec; f/6.3; ISO 1600

Time: 19:10; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/250sec; f/6.3; ISO 1600
Note: The same photo as above, just a significant crop as I had the focus perfectly on the Grey Catbird so there was a lot of detail I wanted to expose.

7/19/2025 - Talcott Falls

I once noticed this waterfall on the way up to get my first oil change for the Scout at the dealer but couldn't find it on the way home.  I decided to do a little searching and found it as well as the name of it.  It was a bit disappointing but I've since learned that it is very dependent on the amount of rainfall the area has received.  Since it has been a fairly dry summer, I will need to go back again at another time.  There was definitely more water flowing when I noticed it the first time.  Glad it was a nice day allowing for a really nice ride...

Parking Location: https://w3w.co/tingly.scouts.kidneys
Site Notes: You can view the falls from the side of the road though it may be partially blocked by branches.  Not sure if the short trail is on private property or not, the signage wasn't all that clear.

Time: 11:52; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 27mm; Shutter: 1/125 sec

Time: 11:54; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 44mm; Shutter: 1/60 sec

Time: 11:55; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 25mm; Shutter: 1/125 sec

7/12/2025 - Templar Falls

Very hot day so I wanted something easy.  I forgot how much of climb this actually is!  It isn't that it is a long climb, it's just steep.  When it's over 90 F with a dewpoint that is in the upper 70s F and you're wearing jeans because you rode the bike, you get very hot and sweaty quickly.  And moving in jeans while sweaty is not easy!  It was cool at the base of the lower falls, but there were way too many bugs for me to stay there for any length of time.  Cooling off there didn't help much because I had to climb back up after...

Parking Location: https://w3w.co/confirm.supporter.fizzled
Site Notes: Not accessible at all, you do have to cross the stream so no shoes or waterproof are suggested.

Time: 15:10; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/22; Exposure: 1.6 sec

Time: 15:11; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/22; Exposure: 2 sec

Time: 15:13; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 400; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/125 sec

Time: 15:21; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 1600; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/160 sec

Time: 15:22; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/16; Exposure: 2.5 sec