tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13861629370463893352024-02-19T08:20:17.398-08:00Random Images from a NightowlImages from my travels across North America interspersed with ramblings about my current interests. Highlights include images from the Appalachian Trail,Pacific Crest Trail,John Muir Trail,CA State Parks, Yosemite NP,Lassen NP,Tahoe, Reno Great Balloon Race, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Night Sky, Astrophotography, Landscape Photography, Wild horses,Draft Horses, PBR and Rodeo, my favorite places and random subjects I find while exploring the road less traveled. Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03520493071242389334noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-39765521560123272482018-07-11T12:50:00.002-07:002018-07-11T13:00:11.986-07:00FawnsI have been fortunate to see a pair of fawns most days while I am out on a walk. Though I have been busy with some other hobbies lately, but this cute pair had me breaking out my camera again. Prints, bags and other accessories now available on Fine Art America.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sq3Z3eUmJK4/W0ZfYTWGxpI/AAAAAAABV2w/wf1Ftm_6PXw6RkovPaLcBiLYZnAzCLeOQCLcBGAs/s1600/Watchful%2BTwins%2B%25C2%25A9Barbara%2BMatthews.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sq3Z3eUmJK4/W0ZfYTWGxpI/AAAAAAABV2w/wf1Ftm_6PXw6RkovPaLcBiLYZnAzCLeOQCLcBGAs/s640/Watchful%2BTwins%2B%25C2%25A9Barbara%2BMatthews.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://fineartamerica.com/featured/watchful-twins-barbara-matthews.html">Watchful Twins</a></div>
Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-74298522142144483772018-07-11T12:43:00.000-07:002018-07-11T12:43:07.255-07:00Wednesday is new bag day at the BunnySacks shopWednesday is new bag day at my Mom's BunnySacks shop! 4 new bags listed today. Next Wednesday, July 18, 2018, will be all about cork, don't forget to stop by to see the new cork bags!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GV4zEeQ6bPw/W0Zdr0wS_BI/AAAAAAABV2k/C_pOO5hrbZkmpC5ovbZH-4jZ_LwHucyjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cotton%2Bcrossbody%2Bbag%2Bwith%2Bpink%2Bbunny%2Bprint%252C%2Bsnap%2Bclosure%2Band%2Bone%2Binside%2Bpocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GV4zEeQ6bPw/W0Zdr0wS_BI/AAAAAAABV2k/C_pOO5hrbZkmpC5ovbZH-4jZ_LwHucyjQCLcBGAs/s320/Cotton%2Bcrossbody%2Bbag%2Bwith%2Bpink%2Bbunny%2Bprint%252C%2Bsnap%2Bclosure%2Band%2Bone%2Binside%2Bpocket.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/613684966/cotton-crossbody-bag-with-pink-bunny?ref=shop_home_active_1">Cotton crossbody bag with pink bunny print, snap closure and one inside pocket</a>Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-23047045032749760712018-07-07T06:37:00.000-07:002018-07-07T06:37:03.532-07:00It has been awhile since I have updated this blog. Life has been busy. I relocated to Georgia recently and have been busy exploring the area, learning new things, and spending time with family. One of the projects I have been working on is helping my Mom set up a store on Etsy to sell her beautiful handmade purses and bags. The store is called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BunnySacks">BunnySacks</a> , if you get a chance, take a look. Here are some examples of her work<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/624803995/eco-friendly-cork-fabric-wristlet-with?ref=shop_home_active_15">BunnySacks Eco friendly cork fabric wristlet with gold flecks and zippered pockets</a></div>
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Gorgeous cork bags</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/624832651/purple-tiger-shoulder-bag?ref=shop_home_active_10">Purple Tiger Shoulder Bag</a></div>
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Fabric bags with eye catching patterns and designs like this Tiger print</div>
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Bags of various sizes like this Just the Essentials bag</div>
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<br />Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-46339876666174137712016-11-16T09:04:00.000-08:002016-11-16T09:04:48.535-08:00A Few Images from 2016A few images from 2016. Be sure to check out my Fine Art America storefront for prints, bags, cellphone cases, etc. featuring my photography. Just click the link to the left!<br />
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The Explorer</div>
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Ancient Skies Above</div>
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Milky Way Over Donner</div>
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New Moon Milky Way</div>
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Basking in the Emerald Light</div>
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The Golden Hour</div>
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Harvest Moon </div>
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2016 Harvest Moon</div>
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Harvest Moon 2016</div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-28751125286367131382015-12-14T21:22:00.000-08:002019-02-21T12:00:06.010-08:00New online storefront now open to purchase images<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New online storefront now open to purchase images. I will be uploading images frequently as I get the storefront rolling. If there are any photographs on here that you are interested in purchasing, just send me a message on the store website and I will get them uploaded as soon as possible.<br />
Update: I closed the store in 2019 and am looking for another vendor to work with.Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-23752605205785849662015-01-03T09:16:00.001-08:002015-01-03T09:19:22.573-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Preparations for my upcoming hike of the Appalachian Trail continue. Each day presents a list of to-do items to take care of and then the reward is getting out there and hiking. Nothing gets you ready for a backpacking trip like loading up a pack and going on training hikes. I also spend time in the gym with weights and some added cardio. I have been following a pretty specific plan to prepare for this trip because I am recovering from knee injuries and wish to prevent them in the future. It has required a very slow and steady increase of weight, distance and intensity. I try very hard to mix it up everyday so my body doesn't get used to the work out. As of this week I am now carrying a 25 lb backpack and hiking 3-10 miles. </div>
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I have received a lot of questions about trails I hike on so I thought I would post a bit about the main trails I hike for training. There are many others in the Grass Valley/ Nevada City area. One great place to start out is on one of the many Bear Yuba Land Trust trails. You can find information here <a href="http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page-1/">http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page-1/</a></div>
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The photo above is of Cascade Canal Trail. It is basically flat and 4 1/2 miles long with a couple of short out and back trails along the way. It has been a great place to hike the first day I bump up the weight of my pack and get in a 9-10 mile hike. <a href="http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page-1/cascade-canal-trail-map/">http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page-1/cascade-canal-trail-map/</a></div>
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Empire Mine State Historic Park is one of my favorite training grounds. The beautiful park offers a great diversity of trails, 14 miles in all. It is easy to put together whatever type of hike you need. Osborne Hill provides some elevation as well as some practice hiking up and down slippery rocks in one section. Download a trail map prior to hiking there. <a href="http://test-empiremine.org/trails">http://test-empiremine.org/trails</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O13zF27pN8o/VKgZarbCehI/AAAAAAABQjI/JxJICwbakDs/s1600/P1050061_20140218_20227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O13zF27pN8o/VKgZarbCehI/AAAAAAABQjI/JxJICwbakDs/s1600/P1050061_20140218_20227.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hidden Falls Park in Auburn, CA has a maze of trails with some ups and downs and a nice views and a waterfall bonus when the water is flowing well. Download a map from their website prior to hiking there. I is easy to make a loop of whatever your distance goal of the day is. This is a great option when there is too much snow and ice on other trails. <a href="http://www.placer.ca.gov/departments/facility/parks/parks-content/parks/hidden-falls">http://www.placer.ca.gov/departments/facility/parks/parks-content/parks/hidden-falls</a></div>
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Hirschman's Pond trail is another relatively flat trail near Nevada City that parallels highway 49. I rarely use this trail, but it is nice for a change up. <a href="http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page-1/hirschman-trail/">http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page-1/hirschman-trail/</a></div>
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Trails along the South Yuba River State Park offer gorgeous views and often the sense of instant isolation. There are many options in this park including the Independence Trail which has a section that is accessible by wheelchair. This is a heavily infested tick area with known cases of Lyme disease so prepare for ticks and check yourself well prior to getting back in your car. Despite wearing permethrin treated clothing, staying on the trail and using DEET, I have never hiked here and not found ticks on me afterward. <a href="http://www.southyubariverstatepark.org/Web%20Pages/trails.html">http://www.southyubariverstatepark.org/Web%20Pages/trails.html</a><br />
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Pioneer Trail is about 25 miles long and parallels highway 20 above Nevada City. It is a great place to push distance limits. It is very popular with mountain bikers so it is not the place to have both headphones in listening to music, keep and ear and eye out to avoid collisions with fast moving bikes. At times this trail is above the snowline and not easily accessible. Summer months it offers a cooler place to hike without traveling far. <a href="http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/Pioneer-USDA03.html">http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/Pioneer-USDA03.html</a><br />
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One of the gems of Grass Valley is the easily accessible Litton Trail. There are many other side trails that can be linked up to make a 5 mile loop through the woods right here in town. Despite being right in town be aware that many critters frequent the area. Mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, and snakes have all been sighted here in the last year. <a href="http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page-1/litton-trail/">http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page-1/litton-trail/</a></div>
Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-87127306820053265162014-11-12T15:19:00.000-08:002014-11-12T15:22:03.044-08:00My Walk in the Woods<div style="text-align: center;">
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Fall is my favorite time of year. I was lucky enough to get a few photos at </div>
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Empire Mine State Historic Park today before the incoming storm hits. </div>
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I am so fortunate to have several California State Parks nearby</div>
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and I get out and enjoy them as often as possible. Empire Mine has the </div>
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mine property and museum but also has miles of trails that are accessible for free.</div>
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It is really sort of a maze of interlocking and looping trails, none of them </div>
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very long in mileage. The various loops can be connected to</div>
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make a very nice 5 mile +/- hike through the woods. </div>
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Here is a panorama of one of the intersections, </div>
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my favorite bridge and some beautiful fall colors.</div>
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Click the photo to see full size image!</div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-72156972165724966362014-09-27T13:20:00.004-07:002014-09-27T13:22:18.458-07:00Panoramas from along the trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Panoramas from along the Duck Pass and John Muir Trails</div>
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Click on photo for the best view</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8RhwZX9bcQ/VBkygWIy7HI/AAAAAAABPio/H1isAjSY3-k/s1600/30.5%2BLakes%2Bpano%2Bby%2BBarbara%2BMatthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8RhwZX9bcQ/VBkygWIy7HI/AAAAAAABPio/H1isAjSY3-k/s1600/30.5%2BLakes%2Bpano%2Bby%2BBarbara%2BMatthews.jpg" height="192" width="640" /></a></div>
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Heading up Duck Pass</div>
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Looking back a the trail hiked and lakes visited</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XROszL3VMP0/VBkym_z-kKI/AAAAAAABPho/LuIgrtq8rIY/s1600/40.9%2BDuck%2BLake%2Bpano%2Bby%2BBarbara%2BMatthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XROszL3VMP0/VBkym_z-kKI/AAAAAAABPho/LuIgrtq8rIY/s1600/40.9%2BDuck%2BLake%2Bpano%2Bby%2BBarbara%2BMatthews.jpg" height="182" width="640" /></a></div>
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Duck Lake and Pika Lake</div>
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At close to 10,800 ft elevation, this lake will take your breath away</div>
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Duck Lake from the outlet</div>
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This area is closed to camping, but makes a great rest stop </div>
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before continuing on to the John Muir Trail</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYOzmNFeCmM/VBkypsk7NgI/AAAAAAABPjY/hGxY2awajqk/s1600/43.5%2BJMT%2Bpano%2Bby%2BBarbara%2BMatthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYOzmNFeCmM/VBkypsk7NgI/AAAAAAABPjY/hGxY2awajqk/s1600/43.5%2BJMT%2Bpano%2Bby%2BBarbara%2BMatthews.jpg" height="244" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sweeping views from along the John Muir Trail</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kR8HGp3ZAEc/VBky10vSufI/AAAAAAABPjg/7XiwvFQpabY/s1600/Cole%2Bat%2BRainbow%2BFire%2BRemnants%2BPano%2Bby%2BBarbara%2BMatthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kR8HGp3ZAEc/VBky10vSufI/AAAAAAABPjg/7XiwvFQpabY/s1600/Cole%2Bat%2BRainbow%2BFire%2BRemnants%2BPano%2Bby%2BBarbara%2BMatthews.jpg" height="138" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hiking through the remnants of the Rainbow Fire </div>
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heading down into Red's Meadow</div>
<br />Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-62035895493752483712014-09-21T18:52:00.005-07:002014-09-21T18:52:48.838-07:002014 John Muir Trail section hike recap<div style="text-align: center;">
What a beautiful hike and an incredible learning experience.</div>
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As a shakedown prep hike for our AT thru-hike next year,</div>
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this hike was a success despite having to cut it short. Check out my</div>
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journal here</div>
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<a href="http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=17591">Barbara Matthews 2014 John Muir Trail Journal</a></div>
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Here are some of my favorite scenes from along the way.</div>
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Lake Maime Sunset </div>
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A day to get acclimated</div>
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Cole heading up the Duck Pass Trail into the John Muir Wilderness</div>
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The journey up the mountain begins</div>
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Enchanted- Arrowhead Lake</div>
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A beautiful spot to stop for breakfast, just .3 miles down a side trail. </div>
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The scene quickly turned magical as the sun rose higher.</div>
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A sandy beach at Skeleton Lake</div>
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Further up the trail we got a great view of Skeleton Lake</div>
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Lunch break on the rocky shore of Barney Lake.</div>
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Resting at Barney Lake</div>
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Lunch and rest at Barney Lake before the switchbacks climbing up Duck Pass.</div>
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Hot and dry switchbacks provided little shade but stunning views of the </div>
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trail we have already traveled.</div>
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Barney Lake from above</div>
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Cole taking in the view</div>
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Up and over Duck Pass</div>
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Duck Lake and its smaller neighbor Pike Lake</div>
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Duck Lake Outlet heading toward the junction of Duck Pass Trail and John Muir Trail</div>
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A familiar scene as my son Cole takes a break while waiting for me to catch up.</div>
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Panorama of Duck Lake from the outlet</div>
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Duck Lake and smaller Pika Lake</div>
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First full day on the John Muir Trail</div>
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Incredible vistas along the JMT heading north towards Red Cones</div>
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We met several Southbound JMT thru-hikers during the day. A friendly Brit took a photo for us.</div>
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Crater Meadows area along the John Muir Trail</div>
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Yet another tortoise and the hare scene. The trail has transformed into crushed pumice, dusty and similar to walking through sand.</div>
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An old giant</div>
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One of the Red Cones</div>
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The next morning, we traversed through devastation on a scale the photos just don't show.</div>
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A windstorm with sustained winds of 150 mph tore through this area in November of 2011</div>
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snapping off and uprooting thousands of trees. Kudos to the trail crews that tackled the tremendous task of clearing the downed trees from the trail. </div>
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A few miles down the trail, the scene shifts from blow down to fire scars. The area around Red's Meadow was burned by the 1992 Rainbow Fire. There are many birds, hawks, ferns and wildflowers as evidence of the slow recovery.</div>
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Cole's home away from home- Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 and his Helinox Chair</div>
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My home away from home= Sierra Designs Lightning 2UL</div>
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Rainbow Fire Remnants</div>
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The final step. This was the end of our journey as my knees refused to ascend those stairs. </div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-87565424981182936562014-09-13T18:06:00.001-07:002014-09-13T18:06:03.733-07:00Heading up Duck Pass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OCorb2twHK0/VBTp-Q9DqlI/AAAAAAABPSc/FenPiig416s/s1600/DSC03405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OCorb2twHK0/VBTp-Q9DqlI/AAAAAAABPSc/FenPiig416s/s640/DSC03405.JPG"> </a> </div>Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-85318144347542849332014-09-13T18:05:00.003-07:002014-09-13T18:05:31.416-07:00Duck Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FFb1aH6ai84/VBTp2Ru4ctI/AAAAAAABPSU/UUg2WDSFEXg/s1600/DSC03450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FFb1aH6ai84/VBTp2Ru4ctI/AAAAAAABPSU/UUg2WDSFEXg/s640/DSC03450.JPG"> </a> </div>Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-66459499298491909892014-09-13T18:05:00.001-07:002014-09-13T18:05:20.941-07:00John Muir Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aA7Ck7zqAqQ/VBTpzoiVcfI/AAAAAAABPSM/QL3Ez4ASV_0/s1600/DSC03536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aA7Ck7zqAqQ/VBTpzoiVcfI/AAAAAAABPSM/QL3Ez4ASV_0/s640/DSC03536.JPG"> </a> </div>Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-5491373493765759762014-09-11T17:55:00.001-07:002014-09-11T17:55:58.234-07:00The mountains are calling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7EdJyghRHvI/VBJEmpbj4nI/AAAAAAABPQ8/nv6in3adjcY/s1600/20140911_173057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7EdJyghRHvI/VBJEmpbj4nI/AAAAAAABPQ8/nv6in3adjcY/s640/20140911_173057.jpg"> </a> </div>Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes37.648544 -118.97208tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-14895967561500535612014-07-27T00:14:00.001-07:002014-07-27T00:14:11.172-07:00Under the Stars<div style="text-align: center;">
I took a spur of the moment camping trip to Hope Valley , CA</div>
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to enjoy some cool High Sierra air and dark skies for star gazing.</div>
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~High Sierra Heavens~</div>
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7 image panorama of the night sky above Hope Valley, CA</div>
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~Star Struck~</div>
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Dark skies at high altitude are absolutely captivating</div>
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~Good Morning Hope Valley~</div>
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Sunrise was equally magical</div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-29968980130507799482014-07-22T02:07:00.001-07:002014-07-22T02:09:07.885-07:00Another training hike<p dir="ltr">Exploring more trails and lakes in the Tahoe National Forest. Testing out S pen for Journal writing , Note 3 for photos and Blogger App for updating along the AT next year .This photo is of where we ended up while searching for a detour around the PG +E water release that we could not cross.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nbG5nWrTuto/U84p23IbujI/AAAAAAABNIk/XoxOaCdQh0w/s1600/20140719_120338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nbG5nWrTuto/U84p23IbujI/AAAAAAABNIk/XoxOaCdQh0w/s640/20140719_120338.jpg"> </a> </div>Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-18185770234876772762014-07-07T20:06:00.000-07:002014-07-07T20:10:43.379-07:00Training Hike-Loch Leven Lakes Trail<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: start;">For the 4th of July my son and I decided to try out a new trail, the Loch Leven Lakes trail in the Sierra Nevada near Donner Summit. Beautiful views along the way and lovely lakes at our destination. We also added our loaded packs to the routine.</span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">The lakes are beautiful! A short but steep hike of only 2.5 miles to the first lake followed by a short and steep hike back out on the same trail. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">Here is a look at trail conditions. In one word, rocks-big, small, loose, and slabs. I saw many folks with dogs of all sizes on the trail. Be aware that the relatively short distance is deceiving. We were traveling with loaded packs, since this was a training hike for us, so obviously it took us longer than the average day hiker. It took 2 hours 40 minutes to go up and close to the same time to go down. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful lakes. There are a few brushy areas of trail but at an altitude above 6000 ft ticks and poison oak were not a worry. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes though. We started at the trailhead at 8 am so the hike up was warm but not too hot. It was in the 80's and sunny on the way down. It is very exposed and very dry so come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen. I had 3 liters of water just for me and I drank it all. Be aware that the railroad tracks are very active and some of those trains are going pretty fast. I would advise keeping a hold of dogs and kids once you cross the bridge just to be safe. Plenty of nice camping spots up there, fire restrictions are in force and you need a free "campfire permit" if you plan on using any type of camp stove, campfires are not permitted.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">Our destination was only 2.5 miles in so it should have been pretty easy. It turned out to be pretty challenging for me. The hike was pretty much steep rocky uphill, strenuous and fun. The only trouble I had hiking in was the occasional steep step up on big boulders. I can not just simply take a big step up at this point, the useful range of motion for my knees needs improvement. So it was a good opportunity to figure out what works for me when it comes to climbing up. I don't think I would have made it without trekking poles, they are a knee saver! I was thrilled that I had no hot spots or signs of blisters. My backpack with 25 lbs in it rode comfortably on my back, the only place I noticed the weight at all was in my leg muscles and knees.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">The trip back down that steep trail was a bit more challenging. We were on a time frame because my son had to get to work. First of all, the steep downhills were tough on the knees, trekking poles were handy to defer some of the downward force though. Climbing over and down some of the larger rocks required figuring out a different method. I found that side stepping down or backing down was a good alternative for some of those big step downs, and for the really challenging ones there was no choice but to sit down and slide down. I walked in a switchback pattern going down some of the slabs of granite, that seemed to help take the pressure off my knees too. I don't feel nearly as surefooted as I did prior to the knee surgeries. By the time we reached the car my knees felt like they were on fire. At home some ice and ibuprofen helped.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">It was a great way to spend the 4th and a very useful training hike to identify some areas I need to focus on, especially balance and knee/leg strength. I've got 249 days left to work on it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RM-02947dXc/U7hQbxqyCZI/AAAAAAABMJs/L__xQhlEDZ8/s1600/1+The+start+of+the+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RM-02947dXc/U7hQbxqyCZI/AAAAAAABMJs/L__xQhlEDZ8/s1600/1+The+start+of+the+trail.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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The start of the hike to Loch Leven Lakes</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5BxEcrsOBeY/U7hQcAEooDI/AAAAAAABMJw/lFeEovlecuE/s1600/10+rocks+flowers+and+butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5BxEcrsOBeY/U7hQcAEooDI/AAAAAAABMJw/lFeEovlecuE/s1600/10+rocks+flowers+and+butterflies.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Typical trail bed, rocks of all sizes, a test for the knees</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-32l52O182oU/U7hQcDfkh2I/AAAAAAABMJ4/KmfFiOuU2nc/s1600/2+Open+granite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-32l52O182oU/U7hQcDfkh2I/AAAAAAABMJ4/KmfFiOuU2nc/s1600/2+Open+granite.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Trail weaves through open granite and glacial erratics. It can be easy to lose the trail in a few places especially when coming back down to the trailhead. Keep a look out for rock cairns which are the only trail indicators. Beware of side trails that disappear off steep ledges. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdbPouhK30g/U7hQczkpFZI/AAAAAAABMKA/Er-e4eKOl7I/s1600/3+Granite+slabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdbPouhK30g/U7hQczkpFZI/AAAAAAABMKA/Er-e4eKOl7I/s1600/3+Granite+slabs.jpg" height="640" width="564" /></a></div>
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Granite slabs were easier going up than coming down. Beautiful sweeping views too.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PcbXNJ9ao9Q/U7hQdlxu4JI/AAAAAAABMKQ/9yn7tmZlFms/s1600/4+first+pond+tree+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PcbXNJ9ao9Q/U7hQdlxu4JI/AAAAAAABMKQ/9yn7tmZlFms/s1600/4+first+pond+tree+fall.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first pond is not one of the lakes, and a but provides a brief level spot. On the way back we rested here for a few minutes and witnessed a tree spontaneously fall on the far side of the lake. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlF0PIxWnIY/U7hQdqMffGI/AAAAAAABMKI/dHM3xcum2Jw/s1600/5+Cole+on+the+way+to+Loch+Leven+Lakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlF0PIxWnIY/U7hQdqMffGI/AAAAAAABMKI/dHM3xcum2Jw/s1600/5+Cole+on+the+way+to+Loch+Leven+Lakes.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cole "Whitehawk" crests the first ridge line and celebrates the view.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxMx08_DJtw/U7hQeIx1SsI/AAAAAAABMKY/X7A1R3ZqqHw/s1600/6+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxMx08_DJtw/U7hQeIx1SsI/AAAAAAABMKY/X7A1R3ZqqHw/s1600/6+trail.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Areas of the trail had many rocks and roots that required focusing on footing.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evvIdD8UWpQ/U7hQeukYQfI/AAAAAAABMKk/NW2ibAWkQ_U/s1600/7+bridge+before+railroad+tracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evvIdD8UWpQ/U7hQeukYQfI/AAAAAAABMKk/NW2ibAWkQ_U/s1600/7+bridge+before+railroad+tracks.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The foot bridge indicates nearing the railroad crossing. </div>
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Railroad Crossing, keep and eye out for fast moving trains. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ow9MDX8Y8k/U7hQfa_GfYI/AAAAAAABMKs/g9nT8d13nEI/s1600/9+onward+and+upward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ow9MDX8Y8k/U7hQfa_GfYI/AAAAAAABMKs/g9nT8d13nEI/s1600/9+onward+and+upward.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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A series of long switchbacks made walking a bit easier.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YC7bTSLD070/U7hRWZVEfqI/AAAAAAABMLo/C7Srml5APIM/s1600/Loch+Leven+Lakes+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YC7bTSLD070/U7hRWZVEfqI/AAAAAAABMLo/C7Srml5APIM/s1600/Loch+Leven+Lakes+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lower Loch Leven Lake. Plenty of nice campsites, check with Tahoe National Forest for current regulations and permits.</div>
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Another view of Lower Loch Leven Lake</div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-85836823354634053682014-06-28T18:53:00.000-07:002014-06-28T18:53:26.212-07:00Litton Trail in Bloom June 21, 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
The flowers along one of my favorite local trails hit the peak of their bloom</div>
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on the first day of summer. I was glad I decided to take my camera along </div>
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on that day because just a week later many are already gone. Photos were taken</div>
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the Sony NEX 3N.</div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-13056900627441085832014-06-27T17:41:00.000-07:002014-06-28T18:56:24.296-07:00Summer Nights<div style="text-align: center;">
I love summer nights, especially here in Nevada County. Cool breezes are a wonderful relief from the heat of the day. Clear dark skies allow for some wonderful opportunities to photograph the Milky Way. This week I experimented with panorama images of the Milky Way. I find myself wondering if I will be lucky enough to photograph the Milky Way next summer while on the Appalachian Trail, only time will tell. </div>
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Click on image for a better view</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npjAsNDTj0A/U6dmL-x5HOI/AAAAAAABL74/5EUx4xKnLSs/s1600/Milky+Way+Panorama+%25C2%25A92014+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npjAsNDTj0A/U6dmL-x5HOI/AAAAAAABL74/5EUx4xKnLSs/s1600/Milky+Way+Panorama+%25C2%25A92014+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
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A seven vertical image panorama of the Milky Way</div>
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in the dark skies over Nevada County, CA</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KV-stNP5ymw/U6ih4BFQTtI/AAAAAAABL-g/5Y9pA7PEbrs/s1600/Cosmic+Dance+%25C2%25A92014+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KV-stNP5ymw/U6ih4BFQTtI/AAAAAAABL-g/5Y9pA7PEbrs/s1600/Cosmic+Dance+%25C2%25A92014+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="174" width="640" /></a></div>
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A five horizontal image panorama of the Milky Way </div>
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taken a little bit later and a few miles further down the road.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joNyBAbdqPA/U65dS7234rI/AAAAAAABMA4/pRmoq8fWjaM/s1600/Summer+Nights+%25C2%25A9+2014+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joNyBAbdqPA/U65dS7234rI/AAAAAAABMA4/pRmoq8fWjaM/s1600/Summer+Nights+%25C2%25A9+2014+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-60397356420451788012014-06-21T11:25:00.002-07:002014-06-21T11:25:24.369-07:00Farewell Spring, Hello Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
I went up to the high country to try and get some shots of the Milky Way last night. </div>
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High clouds obscured it when I was up at Donner Summit. </div>
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Luckily I saw a patch of very dark sky on my drive home and </div>
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pulled over to catch a quick shot. </div>
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I do love the dark skies above Nevada County. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLsSaOIjSNU/U6XAM8tKryI/AAAAAAABLxA/_HhmSw05lss/s1600/A+Glimpse+of+the+Night+Sky+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLsSaOIjSNU/U6XAM8tKryI/AAAAAAABLxA/_HhmSw05lss/s1600/A+Glimpse+of+the+Night+Sky+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
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A Glimpse of the Night Sky</div>
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taken along Hwy 20 in Nevada County</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFLSW5H7ots/U6VClE9gF8I/AAAAAAABLus/Ec-MsNhIL0o/s1600/Hello+Summer+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFLSW5H7ots/U6VClE9gF8I/AAAAAAABLus/Ec-MsNhIL0o/s1600/Hello+Summer+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello Summer</div>
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Summer on the horizon. Taken from Rainbow Bridge turn out above</div>
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Truckee and Donner Lake. A steady stream of traffic flows down the summit </div>
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on I-80 on the left side of the image.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RxsWYzPFlzA/U6VCcTASvvI/AAAAAAABLuI/82Z-Ccy7JTs/s1600/Farewell+Spring+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RxsWYzPFlzA/U6VCcTASvvI/AAAAAAABLuI/82Z-Ccy7JTs/s1600/Farewell+Spring+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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Farewell Spring</div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-8658372975731832512014-06-13T01:02:00.001-07:002014-06-13T01:02:10.871-07:00Honey Moon June 2014<p dir="ltr">Tonight's Honey Moon rise as seen from a blustery Donner Summit.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hz-psGBp4KM/U5qv_8xqkwI/AAAAAAABLmU/FelImISJL3g/s1600/Honey_Moon_2014_Barbara_Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hz-psGBp4KM/U5qv_8xqkwI/AAAAAAABLmU/FelImISJL3g/s640/Honey_Moon_2014_Barbara_Matthews.jpg"> </a> </div>Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-41466500203471404502014-06-08T15:50:00.001-07:002014-06-08T15:50:21.394-07:00Donner Summit sunset<div style="text-align: center;">
High Sierra summer season has arrived. Late afternoon thunderstorms,</div>
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beautiful sunsets and swarms of mosquitoes. This shot was taken </div>
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a few yards down old hwy 40 from where the PCT crosses it at Donner Summit. </div>
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A beautiful view well worth a few extra steps.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-molh1jvQdh0/U5N7kb51pKI/AAAAAAABLjs/fos49r2-IBE/s1600/Donner+Delight+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-molh1jvQdh0/U5N7kb51pKI/AAAAAAABLjs/fos49r2-IBE/s1600/Donner+Delight+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-19320661424694964942014-05-31T11:58:00.001-07:002014-05-31T11:58:21.397-07:00Sutter Buttes Sunset<p dir="ltr">Testing <u>in camera editing and camera to phone to internet capability</u></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IpEERLaDj8Y/U4omScdyWJI/AAAAAAABLXQ/x5w34jsDQZo/s1600/DSC00142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IpEERLaDj8Y/U4omScdyWJI/AAAAAAABLXQ/x5w34jsDQZo/s640/DSC00142.JPG"> </a> </div>Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-4792605276114997212014-05-24T10:55:00.002-07:002014-06-03T17:02:21.703-07:00Camelopardalids Meteor Shower Over Nevada County, California 2014-05-23<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">Camelopardalids Meteor Shower</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-size: large; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Cloud cover and smoke made the normally dark skies over Nevada County very hazy. I went out to photograph the new meteor shower and to test out the Sony NEX 3N for star photography. The few meteorites I saw were bright enough to see through the haze and moved much slower than the Persieds did. As far as meteor showers are concerned, this one was a bit of a bust. I was very pleased with my camera though. It looks like I will be able to do some star photography along the AT next year if the conditions are right. Here are the few shots that I got last night, faint and small due to the haze and clouds.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kj9i6nf32E/U4BnwWxr--I/AAAAAAABLRI/Wh68xhGnxVU/s1600/Camelopardalids1+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kj9i6nf32E/U4BnwWxr--I/AAAAAAABLRI/Wh68xhGnxVU/s1600/Camelopardalids1+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUbyjfuFU7o/U4BnxcDNaPI/AAAAAAABLRc/7TDN59FLedM/s1600/Camelopardalids4+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUbyjfuFU7o/U4BnxcDNaPI/AAAAAAABLRc/7TDN59FLedM/s1600/Camelopardalids4+by+Barbara+Matthews.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
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Very faint, but there are 2 satellites streaking down through the sky side by side</div>
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Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-6841638844419581882014-04-30T16:50:00.001-07:002014-04-30T16:51:49.252-07:00Spring in Yosemite<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/113455290791279442483" target="_blank">+Colby Brown</a> posed the question "What does spring mean to you?" in his latest photography contest here http://www.colbybrownphotography.com/spring-2014-photography-contestgiveaway/ . The following was my response and the first photo was my entry. #Spring2014Contest</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The meaning of spring is forever intertwined with my
memories of living in Yosemite Valley. It is a time of color and contrasts. It
comes on in a rush with the flow of water tumbling down the valley walls. The
thundering rumble of water impacting the valley floor is the sound of spring.
Warm sun, chilly breezes, gentle rain, and pelting hail, spring brings it all.
It is an exciting time of change and the unexpected. While snow dusts the
valley walls as a last kiss of winter, the Dogwood trees erupt in white blossoms
brightening up the forest understory. The earthy smell of the sun warming last
season’s pine needles, signals the return of new growth on the forest floor. Chunks
of ice float down the Merced River while the birds sing their songs of spring.
Vibrant greens of new leaves almost glow in the spring light, the most visible
sign that spring is here to stay. Wherever I may be in the world, when I think
of spring, it is those sights, sounds and smells that surface in my memory and
pull me back to Yosemite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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What Spring Means to Me- Spring in Yosemite</div>
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Tunnel View in Spring</div>
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Yosemite Spring</div>
Mtnmatthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16194064195831744300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386162937046389335.post-28645698319880061002014-04-22T17:42:00.001-07:002014-04-22T17:42:15.942-07:00Happy Earth Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Earth Day!</div>
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