Memorial Day Service (Sunbury, PA)

Patriotic House, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

Memorial Day is the day we remember the veterans, both living and passed.

The organizer's and participants of the Sunbury parade and service made this the best I've ever attended.

While the entertaining Sunbury Band sat in the blazing heat, the parade was marching well over a mile to the cemetery for the final memorial service at the Sunbury Cemetery at 4th and Spruce St.

The period fashioned people symbolized the extent of our veteran history dating back to the 18th century, reminding us of the sacrifices that have been made for 100's of years to preserve the beliefs of this country.

The music, passage and speeches were touching and appropriate.

Tick Removal (Simple Technique)

Insects breath through their skin. This acts to suffocate them.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away.

Petroleum Jelly works the same way I'm told.

Union Township Recreation Area

Swallowtail Flock, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

Max and I bounded down the river bank and startled a large flock of swallowtail butterflies on the shore of the Schuylkill River and I didn't get one shot off.

Hoping that they would return after walking the loop, about 2 miles and an hour later, this time we sneaked up on them for a great set of photos.

The Union Township Recreation Area is a fairly new spot carved out a natural area along the Schuylkill River. It has a boat ramp, high loop trail, and some lowland trails.

The Thun Trail shares part of the loop trail along SR724.

It was about 80 degrees, but the smell of honeysuckles, wild roses, and berry bushes will be my everlasting memory. However, after breathing the pollen for awhile Max and I both started sneezing and continued until we passed through the heavily pollinated area.

Birdsboro Reservoir (Spring Afternoon)

Birdsboro Reservoir, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

An afternoon photo walk with Max was long overdue and the Hay Creek Watershed was the perfect venue.

It was 74, sunny, and nearly bug-free. The lighting was rich, as you'd expect for about 6 PM.

I parked at the gate on Hay Creek Rd (aka SR82) and we walked about 1 mile to the Birdsboro Reservoir. The lake was calm and reflective. Little swallows were buzzing the surface feeding on the surface flies.

The road's shoulders that were cut back last year are growing back too so I expect to see more macro opportunities this summer and fall.

Throughout our walk we passed mountain bikers, hikers, and fishermen.

Hot Rod Classic Car Show (VF Outlet)

Camaro Z28, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

Vanity Fair Outlet (VF) was the setting for the Hot Rod Classic Car Show. About 75 hot rods added color and flair to the mall parking lots.

Onlookers of all demographic backgrounds came out to enjoy the sites. Seems like vintage quality is ageless.

Jenkins Arboretum (Spring)

IMG_4628, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

John, and I met at 8:30 AM for a warm, humid, spring morning photo shoot at Jenkins Arboretum. Lack of a breeze is good for taking macros, but makes you a sitting target for pesky gnats and mosquitoes. We sprayed almost all possible exposed skin with bug repellent, so the bugs annoyingly focused on the ear canal or eyes.

Jenkins Arboretum was splendid. Lots of color from the azaleas and spring wildflowers made for abundant photo subjects. The pond/bog area is great too, but since it's completely fenced in, getting close to the water's edge is not possible.

We hiked nearly the whole 1.2 mile paved trail collecting hundreds of colorful shots. Jenkins labels most trees and plants so identifying the flora is easier.

It's a well thought out place that makes for seasonal, even weekly or monthly visits a different experience. Time of day effects fauna behavior so staggering when you go will afford a variety of sightings.

In April 2009, they opened their LEED certified visitor center. Renewable and "green" in every respect possible, this building is a great example of the latest and practical sustainable architectural design.

Reading Museum Spring Gardens

IMG_3631a, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

The Spring blooms probably started a week or two early due to the mild "hot" weather.

As in prior posts, the Reading Public Museum grounds are worthy of a photo walk. The whole Wyomissing Creek trail offers a variety of subject matter too.

Max and I headed out late morning, still about 45 degrees, and our first walk in a long time. He was thrilled by the outing with it's hundreds of new smells to explore.

This was a challenging shoot, for a steady breeze, cold hands and energetic dog were constantly pulling or pushing against my one-handed shooting technique with my new Canon SX20.

Lots of bright light, fast shutter speeds and just enough breaks in the wind allowed me to shoot a number of representative shots.

I bought the Canon in December 2009 and am still getting used to the numerous features and heft of this model. No real complaints, just a new learning curve.

Philadelphia - Winter Photo Walk

Independence Hall, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

A mild (50 degree) winter afternoon was the perfect climate for a leisurely photo walk in Philadelphia.

The route I took was over 3 miles in 3 hours. From Broad St, east on Walnut St to Independence Hall, to Chinatown, to City Hall and back to Broad St.

City walking is really one the most interesting settings I can think of for the subject matter is nearly limitless. Architecture, statues, parks, people, and street scenes to name just a few.

Lighting challenges are present as well due to tall buildings and low sun angles and the early sunsets in winter.

An observation about Starbucks is that I believe that you can't finish a cup of grande before you walk upon another Starbucks.

Max stayed home for this outing, so I had a free hand available to drink coffee.

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New Canon
Around Thanksgiving, I replaced my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28, with the Canon Powershot SX20 IS. A heavier, bigger ultra zoom, I am still learning the features and limits of this model.

This camera has a big grip, feeling more like an DSLR then any other ultra zoom's I've owned. This is the 5th digital I've owned. It's powered by 4AA "rechargeable" batteries, which adds to the heft, but also makes it convenient.

Mossy Log (French Creek State Park)

Mossy Log, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

On one of the first outings since the colorful autumn season, Max and I visited French Creek State Park.

It was a mild fall day, but extremely muddy, a recurring theme this year due to frequent rain.

The two mile lap around the lake takes about an hour when you stop often to take pictures or to decipher the low lying smells.

I believe that the beaver family remained in their same lodge for nowhere was a new one built. Fresh gnawing's and newly downed trees were apparent all along the shore line.

A few people were around, but the park had a lonely feeling as winterizing was nearly complete.

Pond Reflection and Leaves

Pond Reflection and Leaves, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

Forest Hills Cemetery at the foot of Neversink Mountain is very picturesque. Not only is the back of the property the access point to the trails of Neversink Mountain, but the grounds offer photo subjects as well.

The pond was covered with fresh leaves. The fountain was creating a slight current making the leaves gradually float around.

Conowingo Dam (Bald Eagle Watch)

Fishing / Photographer Landing, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

On November 6, 2009, we trekked about 70 miles to the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River in MD.

I learned that early November was near prime viewing of the Bald Eagles as they are migrating.

It was a clear cold day, maybe 40 degrees, but felt much colder along the gusty river.

My camera is really no match for the reach of the rigs mounted on the heavy duty tripods. Some of these folks could have bought a small car with their camera and lens investment.

It was a great outing and my goal to see Bald Eagles was more then satisfied.

Initially, it took a little time to find them in the mix of the all the bird activity generated by the water release, but once you recognize their soaring flight pattern and size, they actually stand out.

During the hour or so we visited, an eagle was almost always present. The cold temps and frozen fingers took it's toll and I finally wrapped it up.

Lots of really great photos on Flickr of the Bald Eagles of Conowingo. In fact, there is a group dedicated to the subject.

Little Falls (Nolde State Forest)

Little Falls, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

I believe our Nolde State Forest visit was the last fall foliage outing for 2009. Sadly, the leaves were pummeled by rain and wind so their colorful show was short-lived.

Once again another cloudy day actually turned sunny in the last 15 minutes of my visit.

Max and I were on the clock and had to leave by 2:00PM, so it would just be a few highlight like the steam (Watershed Trail), stone walls, Kissinger Road and the Mansion.

By no means is this list complete. Some really excellent and unique trails are the Coffee Pot Hollow Trail, Middle Road, and Laurel Path to name a few. The North Pond and Painted Turtle Pond are great subjects too.

Coincidentally, on this Sunday, the Mansion was offering tours from 1-4P. I would love to take a tour sometime, but didn't think dogs were welcome so I passed. (Their event calendar shows 12/6/09 open house again)

SGL43 (Horseshoe Trail & Mine Run Creek)

Mine Run Creek, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

One of our final fall outings, Max and I went to the SGL43 in Chester County. With 6o degree temps, heavy overcast and occasional drizzle the notion to stay home had occurred.

Once again, it had been raining for days prior so the trail was muddy, inches deep at spots. Wind dropped most of the leaves too, so tree photography was limited.

In spite of the gray day, it was a productive photo outing, so the moral is don't let gloomy weather deter going for a photo walk.

A short, easy mile walk with a great destination. Subdued lighting makes for neat shadowless effects, but I sound like a broken record shooting in these conditions repeatedly this fall.

Antietam Creek (Perfect Morning)

Antietam Creek, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.

Early Sunday by 9AM, Max and I were witnessing the peak colors of autumn at the Antietam Reservoir.

Lake reflections were already brilliant while the woods were just starting to catch some sun rays.

Antietam Creek lies in a valley so it gets maybe 4-5 hours of light, based on my experience. It's got rich lighting between 10A and 2P.

I found a really useful website for photographers, called "Solar Rose" which plots the direction of the sunrise and sunset.

We meandered along the Antietam Creek for a couple hours then exited as the sun climbed. We covered only 1.5 miles in total, but that trek has so much fabulous scenery you don't need to venture any further.