Art in progress

While in Minnesota we went to another park in Minneapolis and came across an area where the painters were busy, busy, busy. There had to be a half dozen easels set up in the area with people just painting the day away.

This is the view this particular painter was working on.

Looking for dinner

Aaron came for a visit a couple of weeks ago and had the idea of going to Bennett Springs State Park while he was here. It's only about an hour away from the house so we loaded up the gear and headed out.

Come to find out the state park is a nationally known trout fishing area. It's amazing what you can learn when you get out of the house!

They have a fish hatchery in the state park and they stock several thousand fish a day into the clear water stream for the fisherman. I took the GoPro with me to get a couple of water shots. I plan on going back with the underwater housing this summer but I may have to invest in a wet suit. The water in the stream is VERY cold, even on a hot day!

I just might have to put the camera down and try a little of this myself.

Up a creek

Looking down.

I didn't have a paddle either but in this case it didn't matter.

I was using Paul's tripod method on these photos, meaning I left it in the truck! LOL

Some of Paul's "I dunno" Flowers

You didn't really expect me to know the names did you?

More from the arboretum

I couldn't resist the skies while we were at the arboretum. They brought out a lot of texture in the photos. That, and I just like clouds!

Art on the Prairie

While in Minnesota we stopped at the University of Minnesota's Landscape Arboretum.  It's 1000 acres of plants, prairie and art.

You can take a 3.5 mile drive through the arboretum, stopping when you want to walk and look or you can walk the whole thing on trails and roads throughout the arboretum.

Being the adventurous soul that I am I chose to take the drive in the nicely air conditioned car.

What?? It was 90 degrees and humid. I may be adventurous but I'm not stupid!

We did get out and walk in several spots, constantly watching the horizon as it looked like a large storm to the west of us was going to spoil the day. The storm never got to us but it did make for some nice cloud shots. 

Vampires?

Nope, haven't seen any Vampires lately... This year's garlic in from the garden and hung up to dry.

Waterfalls in Minnesota!

This reminds me of a place. 

Hmmmmm, I wonder where that is?

Just call me Willie,

Because "I'm on the road again". 

We took a long weekend to Minnesota this weekend to see some friends. I actually got to take a few pictures and it didn't rain!!

Hopefully I won't be buried in work this week and I will get some more photos posted.

Deer,deer,deer!

A couple of very young fawns and Mom who was keeping an eye on me... Not long after I took this picture Mom hurried her youngsters further down the road and out of sight.

Me!

Praying for a new Nikon D5 on Father day!

Big Island.

These pictures was taken on the first morning during the sunrise behind the camera.

Hapuna Beach.

This beach is on the West side of the island near we stay in Lahuipuaa.  This beach belong to the State Park, and it was most popular beach in the Big Island.  That's the reason why there's $5 fee for parking!!!!  Oh by the way, for non resident only.

This one is in Wailea Bay, and it named Beach 69 don't ask me why!!!  You look it up and let me know :)

  This beach located just 1/2 mile from Hapuna Beach.

Halemaumau Crater

This volcano located in Volcano National Park in Big Island of Hawaii.  You only see the lava glowing if you stick around this area after 7:00 PM.  This is my first trip to the big island, and there's a lot to see in this island!  Due to family activities, and my allergies I didn't have a lot of time to adventure the island.  But, I did get to see about 3/4 of the island.  My most favorite part of the island is on the East side driving from Hilo to the north.  If you go here with the family for the beach, the West side of the island is the place you need to stay.  Other than that, there's more green on the East, and the North of the island, but less beach to access.  I will try to work some more photos in the next few days, and trying to adjust the Hawaii transition into my normal life.

Quatse Lake

How's this for a nice peaceful looking scene? Just playing with an app to make .gif animated pictures on my Samsung smart phone...

I didn't want Paul to feel bad

It seems that flowers are the only thing I've been able to photograph.