I Did A Thing …..

Yes, at least once every summer I do something that pushes me right up to my limits or beyond. Sometimes that thing is easy once attempted, and my mind was holding me back from trying it. Other times, my mind is on top of it, ready to try to conquer my own Mt. Everest, and the body says, “Are you INSANE?” Well, this week the thing was a combination of both sides. The end result is usually the same, which is an experience I would not change or give up for the world.

When I take photos, I am in a car, a short distance from the car, seated on a chair, maybe the ground, or I am buzzing around in my electric wheelchair. For this, none of those would do. I had to push myself to go a little (okay, a lot) further than I’ve done in a while. Now that you know the method of how I take my photos, here is the backstory and explanation as to why I did this and what the thing was.

Earlier this summer I got the Nikon Coolpix P1000, which has a mega-zoom (optical 3000mm or digital 6000mm). For the areas that I can’t get to physically, I can zoom in. I will say that this gives me options and another adaptation that still lets me ‘get the shot’. I have learned this summer that there is more than one way to achieve a goal.

Here is where the story began the night of the full moon on August 19. This is actually the night before the full moon.

One cool feature of this is the moon feature which I have experimented with and will share soon. On Sunday night, early Monday morning, we went out to catch the setting moon at 6:08 am. I took some timelapse with my Canon and also wanted to test out the moon setting from the Nikon. This picture was taken as the moon was setting behind a cloud bank on the horizon. It was also low tide, and I had been itching to get on the beach.

Those who know me, know that sometimes my desire for a picture will be stronger than my ability to go get it. The trail to the beach was not conducive to my wheelchair, and although my thought was to try it with my feet, I made it a few steps and realized that if I go any further, I won’t be able to get back. I wanted to see this arch up close. This is the arch from the parking lot. Looking at it now, I realize that I would have had to cross the water and sandbar – not one of my smarter ideas. This is where my Nikon and Roy’s driving made it a reality. I was able to capture the inside of the arch and even a seagull flying through it.

What made me desire ‘the thing’ was seeing a woman taking a picture of the arch area with a cellphone. I also saw some tide pool and sea star pictures on facebook from this same area.

We stopped at Harris Beach during low tide. The tide was coming in; however, there was still undersea life out in the open air. I wanted to see ‘The Thing’ up close. I had to find a way to get up close and personal with whatever was down on the ‘shores’. Using my Nikon P1000, I was able to get close but not close enough to experience up close and personal.

We came up with a plan to get upclose and personal with the sealife that is left behind when the water recedes. That is an adventure that my friend Meagan. Helped me experience. I just had to share the why I needed to do ‘The Thing’.

Different type of Climber

The last time through the Needles Eye Tunnel in 2021we encountered a Mountain Goat inside the tunnel. This trip through we encountered two rock climbers descending the actual Needle Eye.

Unfortunately, I did not get the descents recorded due to operator error. I have since learned how to record with my camera. I tried to get them to do it again and they said nope. Oh well hopefully I might catch it again this season. The Needles are eroded granite pillars and rock climbers delight in being able to climb them.

The highway itself is 14 miles of twist and turns with beautiful scenery. I enjoy the trip up this road because depending on the clouds you can see something different at every turn.

The thing I noticed this trip is how resilient the trees are because they take root in just a small crack in the rocks. They are sturdy and strong. I am always impressed with how things adapt in nature.

Upon our arrival back at camp I was able to meet a lady and her parrot, great way to top off the afternoon.

I also tried to catch a few bird photos of my own. I am still trying to get used to the camera and that afternoon I think I captured the perfect motioned blur bird shot I’ve ever seen.

Hail Yes

Hail drops. It is one step removed from snow. I am taking bets that as the snow magnet we will have snow before we leave here. Today was a needed break as we went through Spearfish Canyon scenic byway on Thursday.

This meant getting up early and heading about an hour and a half north of here. We started at the end of the drive Cheyenne Crossing and ended in Spearfish where the trail begins. This was the plan because the most strenuous and IMO the most beautiful falls is Roughlock Falls. There is a two-mile round-trip path to the bottom of the falls, and back again the path is paved and fairly level until you encounter three very steep inclines at least for a wheelchair. I will have to admitted why they give you the warning not to go down steep inclines because you have to get back up. After I made it down the second incline and saw the third incline I turned around and headed back up. Smart decision. ( I almost tipped over) So here is two of the pictures I snapped at these from the last viewpoint I could safely navigate.

Before we did the adventure at Roughlock Falls we pulled into a turnout that I don’t know the name of, or if it had a name. The water was amazingly still so I had to take my anytime there is a reflection picture. I also experimented with some Depth of Field zooming in on flowers with the river behind them. I pulled out my chair for this which helped my traverse the whole pullout. I found this yellow and black butterfly flying around my chair landing and taking off

After Roughlock falls we drove to Bridal Veil Falls the pull off for this was on the other side of the road from the falls so, back in the chair and off I roll to take some photos and a short video.

Like I said earlier I’m glad this was at the end of the canyon byway.

On the way home we stopped by Sturgis which sure looks and sounds quiet. The Biker Rally isn’t until August, so Sturgis feels like a small town that it is. We did a quick run through Wildlife loop (buffalo were on the wrong side of road for photos). before heading to dinner and a show the play was at the Black Hills Playhouse which is in Custer State Park. The dress rehearsal performance is give a donation, and you can see the play.

Pulling in after dark we were treated to deer grazing in the campground, there was about 12-15 on both sides of the driveway.

We’ve been in one spot for over a week now, this feels good. I’m looking forward to some fun this summer.