travel & photography

Searching for beauty in seemingly mundane landscapes, the furrowed faces of my elders, sharing my intimate relationship with nature and stirring an emotional response is the ultimate goal as I explore the world close to home and across the globe.

[explorelight]

My “exotic” travelling days ground to an abrupt halt a while ago and I have contemplated shutting down this blog for good. However, when you think about it, there is so much to see and do in one’s own neighbourhood, or even just the backyard,  that I have made a renewed commitment to posting on a regular basis.

I am just back from my walk. These days the ice is frozen solid and with each wind event or snow fall (although we have had very few of them this winter… yeah!!) there are changes on the ice. For a while now I have noticed how the wind creates amazing natural art on Buffalo Pound Lake. About two weeks ago I began to notice hearts everywhere I looked. So, my Miksang and Haiku blog will feature hearts in nature all of February.

Here are a few examples of what I have discovered on my (nearly) daily excursions:

I brave the wind by bundling up in my warm winter coat, pull up my well-insulated boots and make sure I carry my favourite mittens bought in Yellowknife in 2013 (best investment ever!). Within a few minutes I acclimatize to the weather and when the sun shines it’s much easier to take! Who needs to pack suitcases, battle flight schedules and crowds in hopes that relaxation time is awaiting at the destination? Solitude and opportunities to experience life in the moment can be found close to home. 😉 For me it is mind over matter… sometimes the mind holds me back but when I overcome my own arguments I am always grateful for venturing outside.

Look around you, indooors or out – it’s a phenomenal world worth seeing!

Mid-Winter check-in from… HOME! My "exotic" travelling days ground to an abrupt halt a while ago and I have contemplated shutting down this blog for good.

[explorelight]

(To view the images in larger format, please click on the individual images)

Last week time and weather cooperated and we decided on short notice to hitch up the camper and head west. Grasslands National Park has been on our “bucket list of places to visit in Canada” ever since we moved to Saskatchewan ten years ago.

Our summer continues, the mercury keeps soaring during the day. We have had no moisture to speak of in months, perfect for camping but worrisome for grass and forest fires. We experienced neither.

We chose to travel south on # 4 Hwy from Swift Current where we stocked up on some groceries and water. The road is under construction this year, so it took longer than estimated to reach our destination. We arrived 10 minutes before closing at the information centre for Grasslands National Park West Block on Labour Day Monday and decided to spend the night in Val Marie at the town campground, the gateway to Grasslands. Early Tuesday we broke camp and drove the 30 minutes to Frenchman River Campground, stopping at most Eco Tour points of interest to explore vistas and watch wildlife.

Prairie Dogs are abundant and worth the various stops to photograph their antics. Solitary buffalo kept their distance from the road on day one. After setting up the camper at Frenchman River Campground we continued on the Eco Tour and eventually made it to Borderlands Lookout. It was well worth the drive. We were happy we had dropped the camper as the last stretch of road was quite steep.

We enjoyed a relaxing time in Grasslands National Park (West Block) and even took in a few short hikes. It was just too hot to brave the longer loops. We were fortunate to witness the full moon rising on Tuesday night and inspired others to do the same on Wednesday night.

Eventually, the buffalo moved closer to the road which provided great photo opportunities. A bunny at sunset and the 13-Striper were very tame and seemed to be happy to pose for photos at sunset at the old Larsen Ranch site, just down from our campground. We heard coyotes in the background serenading the rising moon.

I didn’t neglect my Miksang practice with so many textures and details. Nature is the best artist and just calls out to be captured with the camera no matter where I go.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It was time to pack up and head on home on Wednesday. We spent a good hour watching and photographing a large herd of buffalo. When we started up the car and pulled ahead a rock bounced off the camper and broke the back window of the car. It is the second time this happened during a camping trip in Saskatchewan. We weren’t’ travelling fast nor were we spinning tires… it is considered a fluke but did put a bit of a dent into our experience. On the positive side, we did not have to flee hurricanes, fires or other natural disasters! Cars and windows can be fixed.

Grasslands National Park (To view the images in larger format, please click on the individual images) Last week time and weather cooperated and we decided on short notice to hitch up the camper and head west.

[explorelight]

Prairie people drive for miles just for coffee… so a 3 hour drive from home to go camping is considered “close to home”.

Earlier this month we combined attending a wedding with an impromptu camping get away. A friend shared Cabri Regional Park info with us and despite the long weekend we were able to secure a spot for Friday night and Saturday. We liked it so much that we stayed till Monday!

We arrived after sunset and the first thing I did was head down to the beach, a 3 minute walk from our site.

We felt so fortunate to get a more or less secluded site and were preparing for the usual evening game of swat and kill… We were elated when there were no insects to speak of and we were able to enjoy the cool evening air after weeks of relentless heat and no rain where we live. Our site was spacious and when a fifth wheel (on steroids – translation: HUGE) pulled into the area we didn’t feel crowded at all.

We woke up to cloudy skies but the air was pleasant and there was no wind. In Saskatchewan that is something worth mentioning…

The Cabri marina is beautiful. With these perfect reflections it was hard to tear myself away from this peaceful scene.

Across from the concession, serving a limited menu of coffee, ice cream and small meals as well as a covered area where Sunday pancake breakfasts are the highlight of the weekend, the well maintained play structure is a popular hangout for little “beach bums”.

During twilight hours this doubles as a gathering point for the teenagers.

With a cloudy sky the temperature was perfect for a walk. I ventured uphill on the park access road.

The above image is the road approach into Cabri Regional Park.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Once I reached the top of the prairie the vistas were amazing! I just kept walking and made countless sky and prairie images, seen above!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Once the sun came out I felt the heat and walked back to the campground. Over the next couple of days I captured the images above. It also shows areas of the campground where seasonal campers gather every weekend. Witnessing the rise of the Aquarius full moon was a fitting end to our short, but perfect camping get away.

Would be return to this jewel of a regional park? We definitely would go back: The park overall is well maintained, bathroom facilities are kept clean and fresh, the staff is friendly and always there to help and the vistas are breath taking! Two thumbs up from this “picky” camper!

Before we headed home we decided to venture to the Great Sandhills, about an hour’s drive away heading west toward Leader. I covered our last visit there several years ago in this post.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Close to home: Cabri Regional Park Prairie people drive for miles just for coffee... so a 3 hour drive from home to go camping is considered "close to home".

[explorelight]

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Perret, John L.; Love This Saskatchewan; self-published, printed in Canada by Friesen Press, Winnipeg, MB; ISBN 978-0-9958458-0-0 (hardcover)

A directive to follow: Love This Saskatchewan is a brand new book by John Perret, the accomplished Saskatoon photographer I was privileged to take a class from at Emma Lake five years ago. And we all know what happened after that… John’s enthusiasm for photography and this province is contagious and I have fully embraced capturing scenery near an far.

While John’s book contains carefully selected images made by him over many years he took this colourful anthology a step further and invited internationally renowned Saskatchewan writers to add their personal reflections in word. From Yann Martel to Bill Waiser, Connie Kalder, Arthur Slade, Brenda Baker and Trevor Herriot, to name just a few, this book is rich in imagery and prose.

I have owned my copy for a short three weeks but find it hard to put down. Each time I turn the pages I find images that evoke strong emotions and memories of places I have visited and still desire to search out in our province of Saskatchewan.

The essays and poems accompanying the land and sky scapes, city scapes and wild life capture each season in the best light (pun intended!). To me it is a road trip through our vast province! If there was ever a book that shows Saskatchewan and its diversity, this is it! If you love open spaces, do yourself a favour and pick up this book! You will appreciate the 4 a. m. sunrises and Northern Lights dancing till late into the night. This photographer is dedicated to his craft and showcasing Saskatchewan the way it truly is. John Perret has “bridged the gap”, a term so often used to describe this province, especially on the weather network. 😉

From the book jacket: John Perret lives in Saskatoon and enjoys living in a city small enough that he can be out in the countryside in a matter of minutes, to view the horizon and open sky. He has had many passions in his life, but by far one of the greatest has been to travel the province and capture the beauty of the land through the lens of his camera.

He has a Batchelors of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and a Masters of Photographic Arts from the Professional Photographers of Canada. He has been the recipient of many awards and his photographs have traveled as far as China and Bogota, Colombia.

John has always had ties to the land and he co-owns a quarter section of natural grassland along the North Saskatchewan River. From trips to the north to summer on a farm near Lilac, from berry picking along the back roads to camping in the Nisbet forest, John has come to deeply love and appreciate Saskatchewan.

To obtain a copy check with your local book store or contact the author directly:

John Perret, Light Line Photography Saskatoon, SK, Canada 1.306.242.0804 http://www.lightlinephoto.com

  Book Review: Love this Saskatchewan Perret, John L.; Love This Saskatchewan; self-published, printed in Canada by Friesen Press, Winnipeg, MB; ISBN 978-0-9958458-0-0 (hardcover)

[explorelight]

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

When a year ago several factors came together and my constant travel slowed down I realized that I finally had time to pursue one of my photographic passions, Nalanda Miksang.

What is Nalanda Miksang? It is contemplative photography first pioneered by John McQuade and Michael Wood in Toronto, ON, Canada well over 30 years ago. To fully grasp the concept reading John McQuade’s and Miriam Hall’s book “Looking and Seeing” is a great first step.

Miksang is Tibetan for “Good Eye”, and while at first I was puzzled by this description I have since made it a big part of my photographic pursuit. Last October I met John McQuade in Ontario and took a week-long workshop with him at Fleming College in Haliburton. the workshop was titled “Inspiration from Nature” and I feel it changed my creative life. I have since started a new blog featuring my Miksang images accompanied by a haiku. For over eight months now I have used the Miksang & Haiku blog as my creative outlet.

Also, for the past year I poured my creative energy into fulfilling my obligations as president of the Moose Jaw Camera Club. With another member of the executive we started our first informal Miksang group that met once a month studying passages from John and Miriam’s book and exploring Nalanda Miksang exercises with up to 16 participants. with so much interest we invited John McQuade to Moose jaw in May.

Prior to that, and encouraged by John, my Miksang partner “in crime” and I studied on line to complete Levels 1 and 2 in preparation to be certified as Nalanda MIksang instructors. Immediately following the action packed weekend ( and our certification as instructors) with John I set off to Nelson, BC for Nalanda Miksang Level 3. Yes, I did feel saturated with information and a little tired with all the new impressions once I completed so much intensive study in May….

I have had some time to digest the content and philosophy of Nalanda Miksang and it has become a vital part of my daily contemplative art practice. While I am strongly influenced by nature on my MIksang & Haiku blog, Miksang includes a multitude of exercises to develop my good eye. Here is a short slide show based on the theme “light and shadow”.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Meanwhile I am pursuing my personal Nalanda Miksang path as well as beginning to teach workshops. I just completed my first solo introductory one-day Nalanda Miksang workshop in Moose Jaw. Interested in finding out more or in taking a class, or even organize a workshop for your photography group? Check out this page here and contact me if you have questions.

Seeing the World… up close and personal When a year ago several factors came together and my constant travel slowed down I realized that I finally had time to pursue one of my photographic passions, Nalanda Miksang.

[explorelight]

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

When a year ago several factors came together and my constant travel slowed down I realized that I finally had time to pursue one of my photographic passions, Nalanda Miksang.

What is Nalanda Miksang? It is contemplative photography first pioneered by John McQuade and Michael Wood in Toronto, ON, Canada well over 30 years ago. To fully grasp the concept reading John McQuade’s and Miriam Hall’s book “Looking and Seeing” is a great first step.

Miksang is Tibetan for “Good Eye”, and while at first I was puzzled by this description I have since made it a big part of my photographic pursuit. Last October I met John McQuade in Ontario and took a week-long workshop with him at Fleming College in Haliburton. the workshop was titled “Inspiration from Nature” and I feel it changed my creative life. I have since started a new blog featuring my Miksang images accompanied by a haiku. For over eight months now I have used the Miksang & Haiku blog as my creative outlet.

Also, for the past year I poured my creative energy into fulfilling my obligations as president of the Moose Jaw Camera Club. With another member of the executive we started our first informal Miksang group that met once a month studying passages from John and Miriam’s book and exploring Nalanda Miksang exercises with up to 16 participants. with so much interest we invited John McQuade to Moose jaw in May.

Prior to that, and encouraged by John, my Miksang partner “in crime” and I studied on line to complete Levels 1 and 2 in preparation to be certified as Nalanda MIksang instructors. Immediately following the action packed weekend ( and our certification as instructors) with John I set off to Nelson, BC for Nalanda Miksang Level 3. Yes, I did feel saturated with information and a little tired with all the new impressions once I completed so much intensive study in May….

I have had some time to digest the content and philosophy of Nalanda Miksang and it has become a vital part of my daily contemplative art practice. While I am strongly influenced by nature on my MIksang & Haiku blog, Miksang includes a multitude of exercises to develop my good eye. Here is a short slide show based on the theme “light and shadow”.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Meanwhile I am pursuing my personal Nalanda Miksang path as well as beginning to teach workshops. I just completed my first solo introductory one-day Nalanda Miksang workshop in Moose Jaw. Interested in finding out more or in taking a class, or even organize a workshop for your photography group? Check out this page here and contact me if you have questions.

Seeing the World… up close and personal When a year ago several factors came together and my constant travel slowed down I realized that I finally had time to pursue one of my photographic passions, Nalanda Miksang.

[explorelight]

Quite a bit of time has lapsed since my last review but with images of this torso bag still on my desktop it is time to complete this series of reviews about Miggo products.

I have clearly stated my support for Miggo in the past and with another great new product to enter the highly competitive camera bag market shortly, I thought I’d share my insights for this great torso bag, the Agua PI X 3 Storm Proof. It has quickly become my go-to-bag for any day I venture out for a shoot, rain or shine. Let me just say right at the beginning: This bag is truly storm proof! Hands down the best piece of camera accessory I have invested in lately.

My Miggo Agua PI X 3 Storm Proof Torso Bag arrived in early November 2016, just days before I was leaving on a late fall trip to Europe. It was the best test this bag could undergo. I encountered very wet conditions on a daily a basis with both heavy downpours and even wet snow. The Agua PI X 3 Storm Proof bag immediately became my substitute purse. I was able to pack my Nikon D610 with the 50 mm lens attached as well as the 28 – 300 mm lens in its separate compartment as shown below.

The Agua PI X 3 Storm Proof traveled with me everywhere and the moisture just beaded off the outer surface. A quick wipe with a towel at my destination before accessing the content of the bag took away all moisture. I carried along my iPad, a thin notebook and fountain pen which were located in the separate zippered compartment resting against my back.

The well padded base of the bag protects its contents without compromise. Moisture does not penetrate the base.

You just have to love these double zippers! They are manufactured to glide smoothly while  protecting the contents of the bag from moisture at all times.

The padded, strong and very comfortable carry strap already introduced in my previous review of the smaller Miggo Agua 45 bag has an additional removable cross strap to help balance the bag. This has proven to be especially helpful when the bag is fully packed.

The strong, adjustable and detachable strap with  lockable function are once again much appreciated. This is another feature introduced in the earlier Agua Bag.

The low profile lens cover and card pockets worked into the front of the bag show the attention to detail this company exhibits.

And this special bag provides additional safe storage for batteries accessories like backup cards, remote cable release or smaller items that might get lost in the bag when left loose.

As I reflect on the amazing qualities of this bag I want to share the following story: In January I received a personal email from Shalev Levi of Miggo. He asked if I was happy/satisfied with me bag. I immediately responded with an enthusiastic “yes”. About a week later I noticed some slight wear at one of the strap attachment points. I emailed him with a couple of images. He immediately dispatched a replacement bag with reinforced attachment point. I had it in my hands within a week. There was no cost to me. A company that stands behind its product in this manner deserves 5 out of 5 stars from me! And the Agua Torso Bag? Another 5 stars out of 5! It has become my all time favourite bag without reservation!

Thanks for reading this review! Feel free to contact me with questions. I am always happy to hear from you. All comments will get responses!

Happy Shooting!

My Favourite Bag from Miggo Quite a bit of time has lapsed since my last review but with images of this torso bag still on my desktop it is time to complete this series of reviews about Miggo products.

[explorelight]

More Miggo Love: The Splat

More Miggo Love: The Splat

In December 2015 Miggo announced a Splat-Give-Away. Three lucky Facebook followers from anywhere around the world would be chosen to receive their newest product, a versatile travel tripod. All we had to do was leave a comment why we thought we should be so lucky… I can’t even remember what I wrote, something along the line that I love their product line and that I was looking for a very portable…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Camera Accessory Review: Miggo Agua 45

Camera Accessory Review: Miggo Agua 45

After supporting Miggo’ Innovative Camera Strap via Kickstarter several months earlier I was happy to check out the next generation of quick draw water proof bags when they appeared on the popular crowd-fundraising website. I liked what I saw in the promotional video and decided to put my money into, what appeared to me, a great every day camera bag. Based on the description of the different…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Checking in...

Checking in…

How quickly time passes. Three months ago I was exploring the early ice formations on Buffalo Pound Lake. I fell in love with the icy arch above, but as everything in life – it was a moment in time that changed and soon disappeared with the melting and freezing pattern we have had this winter. This lack of permanency is sometimes difficult to grasp but thanks to my contemplative photography…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Dusting Off my Snow Shoes...

Dusting Off my Snow Shoes…

A severe weather warning was issued for Saskatchewan yesterday. My phone weather app kept buzzing about once every hour to let me know that it was -28 C outside and with the windchill the temps dropped closer to – 40 C. I started ignoring the warning and felt drawn to go outside. Living in the Buffalo Pound Lake Valley it is somewhat sheltered and  wind is not immediately noticeable. After five…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Grand Finale: The Remagen Medieval Christmas Market

Grand Finale: The Remagen Medieval Christmas Market

“Grandpa – hurry!” – Two little tykes rushed past on their push rollers accompanied by excited giggles and full belly laughs. It was November 25th and everyone was on their way for a sing along and to light the Christmas tree at the Remagen market. The fountain, the focal point located in the center of the market place, was beautifully decorated. City Hall was tastefully illuminated reminiscent…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Christmas Market in Bonn, Germany

Christmas Market in Bonn, Germany

We parked at the Opera House Parkade, and a short walk away we came upon the main market place with Bonn City Hall My tour guide and niece Michelle knew her way, and I had to hustle to capture a few images along the way. The onion domes belong to Sacret Heart Church. Soon we arrived at Star Street just as the sun began to set. A typical landmark in this historic city, converted to a lovely tea…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Sunday Afternoon Coffee in Rheinbach

Sunday Afternoon Coffee in Rheinbach

This slideshow requires JavaScript. A Sunday afternoon without coffee and a special piece of cake is just not a real Sunday in Germany. It didn’t take long to fall back into the “old” childhood habits… With only a short window of daylight left on November 27th my brother-in-law thought a drive was in order. Burg Satzvey was beckoning and after an hour of driving we arrived… along with hundreds of…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Beilstein and Burg Metternich...

Beilstein and Burg Metternich…

This slideshow requires JavaScript. …at dusk. During a Sunday afternoon excursion we passed the medieval town of Beilstein on the shores of the Mosel River, a sought after destination throughout the summer and wine fest season. I heard stories of “no possibility of parking” and “people everywhere” during the warmer seasons. In late November these story don’t ring true. We arrived just around…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Koblenz - An Excursion, Part 3

Koblenz – An Excursion, Part 3

This slideshow requires JavaScript. Welcome to Part 3 and the last installment of my day exploring the historic city of Koblenz. We happened upon the Christmas Market guided by laughter and cheerful banter between children baking in one of the market huts. Down some stairs and through a passage we entered the market itself which was already busy with visitors enjoying a glass (or more…) of…

View On WordPress

[explorelight]

Koblenz - An Excursion, Part 2

Koblenz – An Excursion, Part 2

This slideshow requires JavaScript. The next leg of our Koblenz excursion starts where we left off yesterday, at the old mooring site immediately next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial also known as the Wilhelm der Grosse Statue. I could not help myself and had to capture  several close up impressions of the historical copper decorations with the beautiful patina on the mooring posts.. I was…

View On WordPress