"Movie Inspiration"

If you remember the Academy Award winning movie, "Forrest Gump", the opening scene was a feather floating down from a church spire as it eventually landed in a town square, but more importantly near a park bench occupied by actor Tom Hanks who played the title character. The inspiration and the focal point of this cinematic sequence was the towering spire of this church, located in one of the many historical sections of Savannah, Georgia.

"Afternoon Stroll"

A sunny afternoon beckoned a young couple to load up the stroller for a walk through the historical streets of Savannah. If you look closely, you'll see one young rider playing peek-a-boo with the photographer as his young pup protectively rides "shotgun" on this Sunday outing.

"After the Rain"

Following a spring thunderstorm, two strollers enjoy the late afternoon solitude and beauty of a family cemetery located in the historic Monteagle Methodist Assembly campground. The stately trees and unhurried lifestyle are a hallmark of this area which is located only minutes from the campus of University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.

"Contrasts"

From colorful art deco graphics to reflective, modern skyscrapers, Ft. Worth can transport you from one era to another in the blink of an eye. The city's motto, "Where the West Begins" hardly does this vibrant metropolis justice considering it's known for The Kimball Art Museum, the fabled Will Rogers Coliseum, The Ft. Worth Livestock Show and Casa Manana Theatre. And probably the newest bragging right is the fact that Ft. Worth is home to the 2010 Rose Bowl Champion TCU Horned Frogs from Texas Christian University.

"Charleston Sunset"

With barely enough light to make out the details of the twin "A" landmarks supporting the bridge spanning the bay at Charleston, an early evening drive proved too dramatic not to capture for my blog.

"Sand, Surf & Sunburn"

The wide open, pristine beaches of the Carolinas beckon and what better way to enjoy the coastline than to stake your area, throw down a chaise lounge or two and spend the afternoon engaged in idle chit-chat? Hopefully, part of the routine included the slathering of a good coat of protective UV screen to avoid the painful aftermath of too much sun. What makes this stretch of Atlantic seashore-- from Myrtle Beach down to Hilton Head and beyond-- even more appealing is that you never know but what over that next sand dune you could find a world-class resort and seaside golf course.

'Dead Heat'

Two late afternoon cyclists appear to be neck and neck as they cruise White Rock Lake, a pastoral retreat in the center of a bustling Dallas metropolitan area. Home to the increasingly popular marathon, "The Rock", the lake provides a welcome respite from the bustle of the big city with trails for hiking, jogging and biking, as well as picnic areas for family outings and special events.

"Rafting by the Rails"

You might say that the "prodigal photographer" has returned after more than a year's absence.

But I'm back with renewed determination to again post regularly and share, as my blog says, "life through my Nikon". Which, by the way, is not the same Nikon used for this and so many other postings in the past. An unfortunate home break-in two days before Christmas resulted in a very depressed photographer sans equipment. Thankfully, the equipment has been replaced, as has my desire to share. And this, my first posting back, is one taken along side a winding highway in North Carolina where a happy crew of rafters waged a losing battle against a passenger train carrying a load of tourists while everyone enjoyed the magnificent scenery in their own way. I'm happy to be back, and this will be "Day One" of multiple postings 'cause I've got some catching up to do!

"Snowfall in Creed"

Even at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet, a snowburst during the first days of October is not the norm. However, for Dallasites exploring this high-altitude destination, still remembering their hometown temperatures hovering in the high 90's, a sudden touch of winter was a welcome relief. Thankfully the intrepid little Texas contingent was able to enjoy lunch and the brief snowfall from a table with a view in the inviting warmth of The Mermaid Cafe in this delightful Colorado mining town.

"Just Along for the Ride"

Sometimes just "hanging" with Mom is enough of a reward, and there's always the possibility that something tasty will materialize in the form of chilled apple cider, carmel corn or candied apples. So it pays to be alert, even when a photographer intrudes on one's space as was the case with this content toddler making the rounds at an outing in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

"Hardy Stock"

When a sapling emerges from solid rock, it's destined to bloom brilliantly merely because of its effort to survive. While hiking outside Estes Park. Colorado, this phonomenon proved too compelling not to capture and to share.

"Mountain Music Man"

In spite of the look, chances are this musician didn't come down from the mountains, but he did show up to brighten up everyone's day at an early Fall outdoor market. From grilled peppers, to Native American handicrafts, to displays by local artists and craftsmen, this downtown Santa Fe festival was a splendid way to welcome the arrival of cooler weather.

"Gallery Gateway"

The entry into the lush courtyard of a Santa Fe sculpture garden, with its arches, weathered wooden door, stucco textures and floral accents proved nearly as interesting as the pieces to be found inside. Located on Canyon Road, this gallery is just one of many in this New Mexico hub of art, sculpture and Native American crafts.

"Deserted Mountain Road"

With a winding, caliche-covered road strewn with autumn leaves, why hurry? You might miss some of the most breathtaking colors you'll find as you're engulfed in the panorama of fall that only the mountain-top aspens can provide.

"Punkin Truck"

When serving up a platter of edibles, any first-rate chef will tell you, it's "Presentation, Presentation, Presentation". And this same principle obviously works for this roadside vendor in Childress, Texas as he gets travelers in the mood with some Halloween decor. Tastefully arranged in front of his roadside stand on Hiway 287 North, this enterprising merchant may not get your money, but he'll sure get your attention with his off-the-running board display of seasonal pumpkins ready to be transformed to pie filling for your holiday desserts.

"Grazing the Meadow"

Splendid snow-covered peaks, or sheer rock cliffs aren't the only photographic opportunities in Colorado. For instance, two geldings grazing in the late afternoon sun provide a pastoral setting in a meadow surrounded by towering pines and birch trees, heavy-laden with the buttergold leaves of fall.

"Mountaintop Fishing Hole"

A creek slowly flows to lower elevations, providing fly fisherman with an idyllic setting to cast before the arctic onslaught of winter, only weeks away. Photographed between Pagosa Springs and Durango, this is but one of many streams and lakes dotting the area as you wind your way through the Rockies to your eventual destination.

"Approaching Two Miles Up"

At an elevation of more than 9,500 feet above sea level, it's not hard to walk around with your head in the clouds, or even above them as is proven by this shot high in the Rockies.

"Road to Durango"

Even a rainy, fog-shrouded morning in the Rockies can't mute the fall colors of Colorado as is evidenced on this switchback to Durango. Any season is a myriad of colors and textures in the mountains, but as the fall foilage changes with winter approaching, it's an entirely new vista ready to be captured with paint brush or lens.

"Treasure Falls"

Treasure Falls, located near Pagosa Springs on the road to South Fork and Creed, Colorado provides a colorful, inspiring vista as water cascades from a mountain top down to a gathering pool, a sheer drop of more than 100 feet. From a trickling ribbon of water in the fall to a roaring onslaught of pure hydro-power during the spring thaws, this Colorado landmark is breathtaking and beautiful no matter what time of year.

"Another Day in the Rockies"

On a road trip from Pagosa Springs to Durango, every turn in the road provided another photo opportunity. In the Colorado Rockies, you'll run out of battery power or digital memory before you run out of scenery.

"Nature's Abstract"

Looking almost like an abstract interpretation of color, texture and angles, these trees were photographed at the treeline in the upper reaches of The Colorado Rockies. Seemingly sprouting out of sheer rock, the tree's foliage indicate the predominate wind direction endured over years of harsh exposure to the high-elevation weather. 

"Beach Babe"

A pro, serious photographer or rank amateur would be hard-pressed to pass up a photo-op to capture this little bathing beauty scurrying from a sometimes frightening surf to the security of her grandfather's chaise lounge.  This is just one of the indelible memories captured on a recent outing to South Padre Island, Texas.

"Dizzying Heights"

With a weather sphere and assorted communications antennae perched at its highest peak, this view of The Rock of Gibraltar captures the extreme elevations and sheer cliffs that make this one of the most recognizable landmarks anywhere. Towering over pristine waters, with colors ranging  from turquoise to a vibrant Prussian blue, "The Rock" is an imposing image from any angle.