As much as I’d like to, it would be impossible to spend every day of the year on a National Geographic ship, or wandering around in some far away place. Well, maybe I could, but I’m not in shape for that, and I do like to sleep in my own bed once in a while. Given that, I do need to find things to do when I’m in between trips to avoid going insane from boredom and isolation. So, I have found lots of local places where I can spend an enjoyable day hiking and/or photographing wildlife, photographic workshops and classes where I can hopefully learn (and retain) new skills, or some other activity where I can kill a few hours away from my computer. Most of these have provided a topic to write about.
The posts are in no particular order. Just some interesting stories, many of which have some good photo’s.
Street Art and Color Wheels – A Photography Workshop
The author reflects on their journey in photography, describing themselves as a novice despite extensive gear and travel experiences. They highlight their attendance at a color theory workshop, which exceeded expectations, enhancing their understanding of photography. The piece details their efforts to improve skills, enjoy photography as a hobby, and cope with downtime creatively.
A Birds of Prey Photo Workshop
The author reflects on a bird photography workshop at West Coast Falconry, which included an online class, a photo session with various birds of prey, and image reviews. The experience highlighted challenges in capturing birds in flight and emphasized the importance of proper equipment. The workshop concluded on a positive note, despite a recent break-in…
Cache Creek Nature Preserve
The author reflects on their photography hobby and its significance after losing their wife. They explore questions about the purpose of taking and storing photographs, the balance of enjoying nature versus documenting it, and the role of photography in their life. Ultimately, they find solace in the adventure and technical aspects of capturing images while…
A Rosey Sunday Morning
In May 2026, a local photographer joined the Viewpoint Photographic Art Center, which offers workshops and exhibitions. Attending a hands-on workshop at the McKinley Park Rose Garden, they enjoyed experimenting with photography amidst the diverse flowers and lighting changes. Surprised by the quality of their images, they look forward to applying their newfound skills on…
A Late Afternoon Photo Hike
After returning from Antarctica, the author feels restless living in Gold River and seeks outdoor excursions to mitigate a funk. He visits the Cosumnes River Preserve, photographing waterfowl and enjoying the tranquility. He experiments with photography gear and anticipates upcoming trips, including whale watching in Baja, while appreciating nature’s beauty.
A Walk Through Gold River’s Scenic Trails
The author appreciates the trail system in their community, created by developer Robert Powell, which connects to the American River Parkway. They frequently walk the trails, aiming to increase their mileage for upcoming summer hikes. Today’s walk was enjoyable, despite forgetting their camera. They reminisce about a previous home sold during the pandemic and plan…
A Walk in the Woods (with really big trees)
The post reflects on a humorous inspiration from Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods,” as the author describes a recent hiking trip to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. After recovering from an illness, they explore trails featuring giant Sequoias, enjoy the pleasant company of fellow hikers, and conclude with ice cream in Murphy’s.
Small trips for a while – a local gold mine
The author reflects on their plans for short local trips due to medical issues, highlighting a visit to the Empire Mine in California, a historical state park. They describe the mine’s rich history, unique features like the “Secret Room,” and the owner’s gardens, while expressing limited interest in tourist-oriented mining sites.