Beehive Basin lies just north of the Big Sky Ski area. This image shows the start of the Beehive Basin Trail head. The trail winds its way along the north side of the stream up the hill all the way to the snow capped mountains in the background. We hiked about 1/2 way up the trail, uphill all the way. Although we wanted to go farther, we wanted to go to another area before dark. So, we turned around an went downhill; much easier, but slippery.
Hyalite Canyon lies just south of BozeMan, MT and it never disappoints the photog. No matter what time of year I have visited; there have always been nice photo opportunities. And, this day was no exception. The morning was rainy and misty, but it seemed like it just might be snowing in the higher elevations. So, after a late lunch, the skies cleared a bit with some sun showing through from time to time; time to head toward Hyalite. The timing could not have been better. As we drove up the canyon road, the snowfall totals increased. Several inches of new snow covered the ground and the trees. The hiking was, of course, fantastic as was the photography; a nice surprise to end a beautiful day.
Bridger Mountains The Bridger Mountain Range in south central Montana near Bozeman remains magnificent even in cloudy, rainy weather. Of course, in an image like this image, the clouds play such an important role. In post, I used NIK to bring out a bit more detail in the clouds. This image was taken through the aircraft window while on final approach to BZN. No I was not flying, the friendly skies provided the flight.
This Grumman Avenger was practicing landings just as I was taxiing back after a training flight. Luckily he continued practicing until I could shutdown the engine. Again, the Nikon 1 V1 came in handy as my carry camera. I just grabbed it and made a few simple clicks.
Commuter Morning It was a morning like most mornings for commuters going to work in the city. This particular morning had nice, cool weather. Like most commuters, I too was going to work; a meeting in the city. Some years ago, this morning routine was my normal routine, but now it seems a bit strange to me. The folks around me, waiting on the platform, gave me some long looks. Why would anyone want to take a picture of a commuter train?
Aerial Fall Color Flying during the fall in good weather has its own type of visual beauty. This image was captured over Michigan. Just beyond the lakes ahead lies our destination.
22nd BG, 64th Reunion Today, the WWII 22nd Bomb Group is holding their 64th reunion. The veterans along with their families and friends meet to see old friends, meet new ones, and share their stories; great stories. Last year, I had the honor of attending the reunion. Unfortunately, this year I can not attend. Hopefully, next year I’ll be able to make the trip.
On 8 Dec 1941, less than 18 hours after the first bombs dropped on Pearl Harbor, the 22nd BG took off in B-26 medium bombers from Langley field, VA headed for the west coast and, shortly after, to Australia. My father was a crew chief on one of those B-26s in the 33rd squadron. They were one of the first units to take offensive action against the enemy. From from bases in northern Australia, they flew bomb missions without fighter escort against Japanese bases and shipping around New Guinea and the surrounding waters. As the war continued, they island hooped toward Japan while also moving from B-26s to B-25s to B-24s; heavy bombers.
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk with those distinctive Flying Tiger colors was part of the Oshkosh air show. Sometimes, you just have to post an airplane.
