For Chris

My friend Chris likes to photograph these signs. I think he lurks on this blog from time to time. This is for him. I hope to elicit a response.


Lost Dog, Rexburg, ID 2008

Family Home Evening Treat Walk

It's become a bit of a tradition after family home evening for Kevin, Ethan, and me to walk to Walgreens to get a treat. This tree looked pretty nice. If it looks sort of familiar, it's the same tree as in the previous post.


Yellow Tree, Rexburg, ID 2008

Ward Party

I love the signs advertising church events in the Rexburg neighborhoods.






















Church Party Advertisement, Rexburg, ID 2008

Sam's Parking Lot

We had our first substantial rain in a couple of months on Saturday. I noticed this scene in the Sam's parking lot after picking up 30 corn dogs, a big bag of chicking nuggets, a big bag of chicken patties, and a new Dyson vacuum cleaner.






















Wet Parking Lot with Oil, Leaves, and Rag, Idaho Falls, ID 2008

Kevin and Ethan

The older boys and I took a walk at Cartier Slough WMA tonight to photograph and just enjoy the evening. They actually got along quite well (something of a rarity lately). Kevin took some photos with his digital camera and Ethan caught a few grasshoppers and found some cool sticks.























Kevin and Ethan, Cartier Slough WMA 2008

Parasitic Jaegers

On Wednesday I talked my friend Cliff into going birding with me at American Falls Reservoir. This is a the premier spot for shorebirds and larids (gulls, terns, jaegers) in Idaho. We hoped to see a few shorebirds and maybe luck into a Jaeger. Jaegers nest in the arctic and winter in the ocean. They forage by harassing gulls and terns until the gulls barf up their catch and then the Jaegers enjoy the spoils. Although they are fairly rare inland, a very few Jaegers show up at American Falls every year. I've seen Long-tailed Jaeger in Idaho, but still had not seen Pomarine or Parasitic Jaegers.

We first drove down near the dam and had fantastic looks at several shorebirds including Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Baird's Sandpipers, Spotted Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Greater Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plovers, and Marbled Godwits. We also spotted a Glossy Ibis (a fairly rare bird that seems to be increasing in the west recently).

We then drove up on a bluff that overlooks the reservoir to see if we could spot any Jaegers. Within minutes I noticed a dark bird flying low over the water. I grabbed my scope and with Cliff's help relocated the bird. Shortly after I had it in the scope it chased after a gull and I could tell it was a Jaeger. After a while we noticed a second, and then a third Jaeger. We determined all three were Parasitic Jaegers, a new state bird for me.

It was nice to be out birding again for a change. It was especially nice to get a new bird for Idaho.


American Falls Reservoir from the Bluff


Cliff Scanning for Jaegers with Burritos on the Dash

Rage

Storage Units, Rexburg, ID 2008

A bit more about that camera I found

So, I looked into that waterproof digital camera I found and I'm even more impressed. The camera is an Olympus Stylus 850 SW. Here's a terrible picture of the camera taken with my computer:



I looked at the metadata for the last photograph taken with the camera (which looks like it was taken just upriver from where I found the camera). The last photograph taken with the camera was on July 29. I found the camera, half submerged in the river, on August 28 (almost a month later). I contacted Teton River Lodge about the camera, but they haven't returned my call. I'm going to be a bit more pro-active, although it's a long shot. Here's the last photograph taken with the camera before I found it. If you know these guys I'd love to get them their camera.



I thought I'd try the camera today and see how it would work as a fishing point-and-shoot. It seemed to do fine. Although I didn't submerge it. Here's a fish I caught on the Fall River (I was pretty surprised because I didn't think there were cutthroats on the Fall River).


Cutthroat, Fall River,ID 2008

Sunset in the Bathroom

While brushing my teeth last night, I noticed the last of the day's light entering the bathroom. Here it is:


Bathroom Sunset, Rexburg, ID 2008

Teton River Rattlesnake and a Waterproof Digital Camera

I fished the Teton River yesterday. This particular location is known for rattlesnakes. In my youth that would have been motivation enough to get me to visit this place, but my priorities have changed. I find myself a bit on edge when I'm walking the trails, especially through tall grass and sage. I really enjoy rattlesnakes when I'm aware of them, but nothing gets the heart pounding like being surprised by one. Anyway, I did manage to see and admire one on the way in, which probably kept me on edge. Luckily I wasn't surprised by any Rattlesnakes, although I did see a couple of Gopher Snakes and a Racer along the trail, oh yeah and I caught some nice fish.

While fishing, I found a digital camera half-submerged and covered in green slime. I picked it up and noticed it was a waterproof camera (an Olympus I believe). I turned it on and was blown away that it still worked. I've contacted a local guide service that floats this section of the river to see if it belongs to them or their clients. If not, I guess I'll keep it.

Here's a picture of the rattlesnake:


Great Basin Rattlesnake, Teton River Canyon, ID 2008

Teton River (dry)

The Teton River flows right through Rexburg. Unfortunately, it's drawn down dry every year. If they would just let a bit of water through, it would probably be a decent "urban" fishery. Oh well. Ethan and I checked it out the other day. It was pretty neat to walk around and see what is usually under water. Ethan was most interested in the dead crawfish.


Deep Channel, Teton River, Rexburg, ID 2008


Ethan (looking for critters), Teton River in Rexburg, ID 2008


Shoes, Teton River, Rexburg, ID 2008

Cellar and Charcoal Kilns

Brian Atkinson told me about a potato cellar in the birch creek area. He and I drove out there today to check it out. The wind was howling the whole day, but we managed to have fun. Our first stop was the cellar, which was pretty cool. I took a few photographs, but may have to go back in better light. We then stopped at Birch Creek to catch a few fish. We then drove out to the Charcoal Kilns, which were used during the mining boom of the late 1800s. They were cool, but all of the "improvements", including reinforcements, signs, painting, and gates on the entrances make them difficult to photograph. We then went to Gilmore, a ghost town that didn't survive after the mines closed. Above Gilmore was a beautiful mountain lake, Brian photographed and I caught a couple of fish. We came home early, because the wind was unbearable. Anyway, it was a nice day in a part of the state I hadn't visited.


Potato Cellar, Lone Pine, ID 2008


Charcoal Kiln, near Gilmore, ID 2008

Ward Party

Monday night our ward had a party/family home evening. I'm always anxious about these ward activities. I've never really enjoyed small talk and I always wonder how long will we have to stay etc.., but this party was a lot of fun. I think getting behind the camera freed me from social obligations. Anyway, they had a big slip and slide set up as well as a climbing wall. The food was also good. Here are some slip and slide pictures.


Ethan


Kevin

Lagoon

On Saturday we went to Lagoon. We knew the lines would be longer on Saturday, but we also wanted my sister's family to come and since they work during the week (like most of the world I guess) Saturday was the logical choice. The lines were really long, but we all kept good attitudes and had a blast. Kevin was probably the bravest of all of us and enjoyed all of the rides I hated like Wicked and Mighty Mouse.

Like my sister said in her blog "It was a fun day at Lagoon but next time I go it will be on a weekday without children. Who wants to come with us? "

Anyway, here are a couple of photographs:


Ethan, Carson, & Susan on Music Express


Kevin, Susan, Ethan, Jacob, & Tracie waiting for The Tiltawhirl

Hogle Zoo

This last weekend we drove down to Utah to visit family and have one fun mini summer vacation before school starts (tomorrow by the way). On Friday we went to Hogle Zoo with Curtis and Shandy and Rose and her children. It was a lot of fun watching the kids reaction to the animals. Of course my favorite were the snakes. Here are some photographs:


Ethan being all boy and Heather being all girl


Red-tailed Hawk at the Bird Show


Kevin, Ethan, and Jacob each showing their personalities on the carousel

Rottweiler Family Reunion

My parents came up for the Rottweiler (my father's mother's family) family reunion held in Spencer, ID on Saturday. We decided to join them. It was a lot of fun. My parents posted about it here .

Here are a couple of photographs from the event.




A T-shirt that was on display at the reunion (My grandparents family tree)


Lunch

Soccer is Finished for the Summer

Kevin and Ethan played their last soccer games of the year on Thursday. It's been quite a challenge getting them both to their games. I finally decided to take a couple of pictures and I went to Ethan's game. This was his first summer playing soccer and he really enjoyed it.




Ethan Playing Soccer, Summer 2008

Bat Field Trip

A while back the local Audubon Society chapter held a field trip to learn more about Idaho bats. We met in Idaho Falls for a lecture and then went up the South Fork of the Snake River to net and hopefully view bats up close. Kevin and Ethan were a bit bored, but at around 10:30 a bat flew into the nets and then they were pretty excited. They got to touch the fur and wings. The best part for the kids was probably staying up past midnight.

Here are some photographs of the bat (A Silver-haired Bat)




Silver-haired Bat netted along the South Fork of the Snake River, Idaho 2008

Barry's Cabin

Barry and Julietta invited us to spend the weekend (actually the weekstart - Sunday & Monday) with them at their cabin in Island Park. We really had a good time. It was fun to catch up and spend time with good friends. Our families seem to get along well and now that Barry has a teaching job, he will probably be around a bit more in the summers, which will be great. Here are a couple photographs from the weekend.

BHS 88 & some skating photos

So, I had my high school reunion (Bonneville HS in Idaho Falls class of 1988) a couple weeks ago. It was surprisingly fun to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in years. My good friend Barry was there and he brought and distrubted a bunch of old skating photos. Here are a couple of me (some of you probably won't believe these are me) from 1987 I believe. I haven't changed a bit have I?


Idaho Falls, ID 1987 (Barry Olsen photograph)


Ucon, ID 1987 (Barry Olsen photograph)

Here's a picture of the old Skate or Die Crew (we really didn't call ourselves that, but it seems fitting now).


Me, Greg Anderson, Greg Barker, Barry Olsen, & Craig Austad, Idaho Falls 2008

Weidemeyer's Admiral

Weidemeyer's Admiral, 2008

Another Lower Mesa Falls Image

I developed some of the film from our Lower Mesa Falls excursion. This is a couple of scanned 4x5 negatives put together in Photomerge in Photoshop. Enjoy.


Lower Mesa Falls (above falls), Fremont County, ID 2008

Lower Mesa Falls

Jon and I made some photographs at Lower Mesa Falls this evening. What a neat place. Anyway, here are a couple of digital snaps.


Trees and Henry's Fork Between Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, Fremont County, ID 2008


Lower Mesa Falls, Fremont County, ID 2008

500 (give or take a few) Starlings

I tried to count the Starlings in this photograph, but gave up after a few minutes. I think there are around 500.


Around Five Hundred Starlings, Chester, ID 2008

Sounds Like a Good Deal to Me

Peacock Sign, Rigby, ID 2008

Snake River Diversion Dam

My friend Andy Duncan told me about a diversion dam north of Idaho Falls that I hadn't photographed. I happened to be in Idaho Falls the other day, so I photographed it.


Snake River Diversion Dam, Jefferson County, ID 2008

Chukars

Tracie called the other night and invited us to an Idaho Falls Chukars (minor league baseball) Game. Her friend Jeff's work was having a company party at the game and he got discount tickets and the price even included dinner (pizza and soda) and t-shirts for the kids. We decided it would be fun. It was fun, and it's something that we'd like to do a bit more often. Here are some photos from the evening.


The kids getting their t-shirts signed by Charlie the Chukar


The Boys with Charlie the Chukar



The older boys testing their pitching speed (Kevin threw 38 miles an hour, Ethan didn't throw fast and/or accurate enough for the radar gun)


Kevin waiting for foul balls (he almost got a couple)

Oh yeah, the Chukars beat the Missoula Osprey 8-2.

Student Work Summer 2008

The Summer Semester ended yesterday and my summer break is finally here, yea. Anyway, here are some of the better images created by some of my students this semester.


Willard Cron


Deanna Campbell


Shauna Morse


Rosalyn Johnson


Leanna Kotter


David Summermil


Melissa Gallup


Kayla Christensen


Maddy Lucas

The Summer Semester ended yesterday and my summer break is finally here, yea. Anyway, here are some of the better images created by some of my students this semester.

Lumen Prints

For a while now some of my students have been making Lumen Prints. A former student, Andy Duncan, started making these prints after seeing some of Jerry Burchfield's work. Anyway, they're fairly simple. All you do is get some photo paper, place objects (plant matter seems to work fairly well) on the paper, expose the paper to light (sunlight works very well) for long periods of time (20 minutes to several days) and then fix the paper with traditional darkroom fixer or sodium thiosulfate. Depending on the paper, the length of time, the subject matter, the fixer, and even the chemical makeup of the water, you end up with an image of different colors, saturation, and values (even though the material is black-and-white paper and chemistry).

I got a wild hair the other day and decided to finally make some of my own. Jon came over and we gathered the supplies and made a few lumens in the backyard. Kevin and his friend Daylen even made one. Here are the results.


Exposing the Paper


Fixing the Print


Rinsing the Prints


Drying the Prints



A couple of finished prints

Felt Power Plant

The other night Jon talked me into walking down into the Felt Power Plant on the Teton River. It was a cool place. Most of my serious photographing was done with film, but here are a few digital snaps:


Pipe and Pump, Felt Power Plant, Felt, ID 2008


Beaver-chewed Cottonwood, Felt, ID 2008


Teton River, Felt Power Plant, Felt, ID 2008


Felt Dam, Felt, ID 2008


Power Lines and Big Yellow Ball, Felt, ID 2008

A Few Cutthroat Trout

I had a really nice afternoon of fishing. It was a lot of fun to catch several big native cuts in a pretty small stream.

The Stream


The Fish....

A Few Miscelaneous Photograph from the Weekend

Larry's New Pool, Gunnison, UT 2008


Discarded Christmas Tree, Fayette, UT 2008


Gunnison City Park, Gunnison, UT 2008

Gunnison High School Class of 1988

One of my obligations while in Fayette, was to accompany Susan to her 20 year high school reunion. It was actually just about as painful as it sounds. Here's everybody from her class that showed up (Her graduating class was 43).


Gunnison High School Class of 1988

Gunnison 4th of July Parade

The Gunnison parade was a lot of fun. It wasn't too long, there was plenty of candy, and even a painted cow.


Briana, Kaitlin, Ethan, Heather, Kevin, & Jared


Jacob eating his catch


Painted Cow


Kevin and Jared with Miss Gunnison

This was one of the best moments of the parade. MaryAnn caught Miss Gunnison's attention and had her come over to have a picture taken with Kevin and Jared. They were pretty embarrassed and it was great.

Fireworks

The Gunnison fireworks were a bit of disappointment. The fireworks themselves were nice, but they had everybody watch them from the community park. The problem was that they were too far away and too low to see. It was pretty funny watching people scramble to get a better view once they started. I just stayed and photographed.


Ethan with Glow Sticks


Gary with Glow Stick "juice" on His Nose


"Independent" Firework (Before the Show), Gunnison UT 2008


Gunnison Fireworks from the Park

4th of July Weekend in Fayette/Gunnison/12 Mile Flat

We had a fun 4th of July weekend in Susan's hometown and surrounding areas. We did a little camping, watched the parade and fireworks, went to Susan's 20th high school reunion, and even managed to get in a little fishing. It ended up being quite a nice weekend