Just having fun with the Velvet 56 and the lavender in the front porch pot. . .
Summer Bouquet
another shot of just the flowers from last week’s still life
Backyard Bad Boy
I have been home a lot for the last couple weeks and have enjoyed getting out in the yard to watch the hummingbirds. We’ve had more than usual, but the prettier ones (I won’t even attempt to name the species)tend to leave the yard when I go outside. The feeder at the kitchen window attracts several hummers who sometimes (but not often) will feed at the same time. Our larger feeder out on the patio has been dominated by one hummingbird who sits on TOP of the feeder for over an hour at a time, preferring to guard it rather than feed. I have known children with that same personality trait!
Glacial
One of the highlights of our trip to Alaska was seeing glaciers. Many glaciers. And a few up close!
This was our third visit to Portage Lake since the kids moved to Alaska- but the first time we have taken the boat ride across the lake to see the glacier! While Caitlin and Lonnie were buying tickets, the boys and I walked down to the water’s edge, and I was able to take this shot featuring one of the large chunks of ice floating in the lake.
White on White on White
A little multiple exposure fun with my Lensbaby Velvet 56
Green
One of our most memorable excursions in Homer was a hike through the nature preserve, a verdant and lush forest area, which is home to bear and moose (it IS Alaska. . .). In fact we saw a moose before we turned into the parking area. We were told not to go down the animal trails (us? no way!) and to stay on the paths. The path that began as a flat board walk quickly turned to uneven ground with tree roots every 8-12 inches. It took a week or so for my knees and feet to recover- but it was all worth it.
There were ferns and wildflowers everywhere- and it was so GREEN! I put my Lensbaby on my camera and had a great time shooting wildflowers (and yes, even dandelions). I’ll post more another day!
Farmer’s Market
I dragged last weekend’s haul from the Farmer’s Market back out onto the kitchen counter for a quick still life. Yes, the cute flower bouquet came from the market as well.
I used a black background- a departure for me- and deliberately underexposed to add a little vegetable drama.
We’re NOT moving!
These two sleepy otters were not the least bit perturbed by the approach of the Anna D. in the harbor at Homer!
Fireweed Impressions
Fireweed had just begun its bloom when we were in Alaska. I used a slow shutter speed with my iPhone to create this impressionist style image.
Homer From Above
We took a morning drive above the town to get a different perspective. Here is a view of Kachemak Bay, the mountains and glaciers beyond, and the Homer spit.
Fish and Chips. . . and a Hound Dog
Another interesting sight on the Homer Spit . . .
Wooden Boat Society
I came upon an amazing sight as we drove along the Homer Spit- old, rickety boats tied up or sitting amidst the wildflowers by the path along Kachemak Bay. After we ate dinner one night, I had Lonnie drop me off so I could walk along and take photos. At least one of the boats looked like someone lived in it or had lived in it. There was a small sign that said Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Society, so I googled it and discovered it is a non-profit organization “dedicated to sharing the history, preservation, and creation of wooden boats and maritime traditions. ” So cool! They have a wooden boat festival on Labor Day, but I don’t know if these boats are part of it or not.
I found this boat particularly appealing.
On the Spit
One of the features of Homer, Alaska is the Homer Spit- a narrow strip of land extending out into Kachemak Bay. It is lined with shops and places to eat, and has a harbor where fishing boats take off and return all day long. Here is a view of one of the rows of shops and eateries.
Wildflowers, Sea, and Mountains
We stopped at a viewpoint as we approached Homer- gorgeous!
North to Alaska
We’ve just returned from a wonderful 10 day trip to Alaska! The highlight was spending time with our daughter’s family in Eagle River. Here are the boys at the Alaska Botanical Gardens in Anchorage- they are growing up so fast!
Summer in Alaska is endless daylight, intensely green trees, flowers everywhere, tall peaks, and glaciers! Photos from this trip will be dominating my blog for the foreseeable future!
melinda anderson photography 