Category: nature

rDay One-Hundred-Eighty-Seven: Revisiting the Moon

Undeterred with the knowledge that last night’s eclipse occurred before moonrise here, we arise at 5am today to take a look in the opposite direction.   Here’s the initial view, followed by a re-exposure for the stars, and with the final combined post-processed overlay to show both moon and stars:
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Playing around a little bit by sequencing exposure changes, we can turn the moon into a sun:
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Here is the initial series for the above, captured at ISO 400 and f/4 aperture, from 5:13 to 5:23am in (almost) one-stop shutter speed exposure increments, still in total darkness and extreme cold, at 29 degrees on the street with bathrobe and slippers:

Many people don’t realize how bright the moon really is…

rDay One-Hundred-Eighty-Six: Lunar Version

Failing an attempt to document the lunar eclipse in the way that was intended, we nevertheless submit these indications — ranging from about 6:30pm to 10pm — that there was such an event tonight:

As time allows, I may try to do a composite over time of the changes (captured in more than 60 images) and/or an animation of the ascent across the sky.

rDay One-Hundred-Seventy-Three

The shocking discovery of rodential penetration of the perimeter has led to drastic measures. Insisting on a Buddhist approach to things, to which we all concur, Ivi and Kim put a “Tin Cat” trap into operation. So today we took the prior night’s harvest to a far corner of the field at the EOU/Forest Service/National Guard Armory intersection to liberate two of the creatures. Then, after our return and while Kim was washing the trap in the utility sink in anticipation of further deployment, a third tiny mouse was discovered that had effectively hidden itself in a tiny corner of the trap. Another quick trip was made to reunite this well-drizzled guy with his own kind. Again, Charlie stayed behind for the safety and peace of mind of all concerned. Currently awaiting further developments.

And, in other news, a mutant tomato:
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rDay One-Hundred-Fifty-Six

Up early this morning in an attempt to catch the Union sunflower fields, after last night’s failure.  Crossing back over Catherine Creek, then back to town to see if I can catch Kim and the Mendacious Mutt.  Meeting up with them as they are descending from the ridge above Grandview, we stroll through the cemetery, then it’s back home in time for the day’s business.  The air is improving; we can see Mt. Emily today.  Radio sez John Day fire is 40% contained and one of the big ones is 10% under control, so there is still a ways to go.

rDay One-Hundred-Forty-Four

Some cooler weather afforded a little extra sleep today, so it was not until after nine am on this Sunday that we set off for the MERA (Mount Emily Recreation Area) 3R Trail.  Mostly sticking to trails 700 and 706. we walked past a high-elevation  green-water pond.  Then we  rather abruptly pressed upward to a broad meadow that was astonishingly flanked on its far side with a remote dwelling of several buildings, horses and beehives.  Once across the expanse of the meadow, we made our way uphill once again through densely-wooded ground.  Not pictured here was the sighting of a doe making a rapid-fire crossing of the trail, followed by a bouncing fawn, then another.  Oh, yeah, and on the way out on our return, Kim was stung, once again in less than a week, by a flying something, once again on a finger.  Extreme pain was evidenced by her yowls, but mitigated by holding the finger in ice water for the trip home (which concluded at about 12:30).  Now, the rest of this day (I should say Kim and Ivi’s day) is to be consumed by a major canning operation around the peaches harvested yesterday.  Stay tuned.

rday One-Hundred-Forty-Three

Today we saddle up to penetrate the state of Washington to visit Ray French Orchards, our favorite purveyor of pick-your-own fruit, particularly peaches.  Two+ hours later, we arrive and fill the back of the Caravan with an hour’s worth of harvested  peaches.  Most of your correspondent’s time was spent talking with Robin, the son of the orchard’s founder (1963), discovering that he is an avid amateur photographer, and — as usual — engaging in “windshield photography” to and from.  Ivi handles the driving chores and also shares producing antics and hilarious banter in league with honorary daughter Olivia.  Picnic lunch at Deadman’s Pass.  Perfect weather today.