Friday, August 21, 2009

Sitting In Sacramento

Well, I am back at the Sacramemto airport waiting to fly home via Dallas. It's now looking questionable that I will arrive in Chicago tonight or tomorrow. I can't wait to see familiar faces again. It has been wonderful to see Northern California and Northern Nevada. I have learned a great deal about the terrain on this trip and look forward to seeing the San Francisco Bay area in a few weeks. Stay tuned to NikonSniper in the next 3-4 weeks for shots from Illinois, Wisconsin and a few extras from past trips to Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California on days I need to rest a bit. It's funny ... you would think I would get home and want to drop my camera for a while ... but I am usually shooting within 12 hours of my arrival with John, a friend of mine or my youngest daughter, Leah. See her blog at http://nikonsniperindiapers.blogspot.com/.

Thanks again for all your comments and suggestions over the past two weeks. You make traveling and being away from my family a little more tolerable. Thanks to all of you.

Have a great weekend ... wherever you are!
NikonSniper Steve

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Thanks Trooper Lund

I just arrived in Elko, Nevada. I got a tip (without souvenir) from a Nevada State Trooper. What a great guy. Trooper Lund pulled over to make sure the old man (me) was OK. I was stopped on the side of the highway photographing mountains. What incredible rugged beauty. Nevada! You are such a surprise. What a gem to have in our great 50! State Trooper Lund told me about a great place to photograph near Elko. I am heading to the Lamoille Canyon for sundown on his advice ... and as you may know by now if you read this blog ... I listen to State Troopers.

NikonSniper Steve

Monday, August 17, 2009

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Travel Update

Well, folks ... this trip is at the half way point. I have driven approxiately 1400 miles in Northern California. I have seen incredible rugged beauty here. In an hour or so I will be heading for Reno, Nevada. I will take a drive around Lake Taho on the way. This coming week I will be heading out towards Elko, NV before returning to Sacramento for the flight home. So there are still many miles ahead of me. It has been hot ... but I gotta tell ya ... 96 out here ain't that hot! If you don't believe me ... come visit Northern Illinois when it's 84 and humid. Many people must think I am crazy out here walking along the roads with my camera in full sun. It really feels nice to me.

Oh, I know ... it's that dry heat!

I had another really cool opportunity while rushing to the McArthur-Burney Falls. Remember that TV show CHiPs? Well, I gotta to meet one of them personally! Is that cool or what? Very nice officer that turned on the lights for me and everything! Gave me a souvenir proving our meeting together. Me being me ... you know I asked if I could get a quick photo of just the two of us by the squad car. I even asked if I could sit in the back for a quick snap. Well, ya can't get everything ... but she did give me some tips on driving if I did not want the souvenirs on next time I saw an adjunct member of the CHiPs cast.

Note: If you don't know ... CHiPs is what they call the California Highway Patrol.