For all the decent shots I post on this blog, none of you have any idea how many photos it takes me to arrive at decent. Shot after shot after shot. And sometimes I can shoot all day long and it's a big waste of 1's and 0's and right index finger flexing. However going through photos afterwards, I always find that there's a bit of a narrative as you look at each photo in sequence. You can see me searching for that "best composition". It entertained me so I'm sharing some here.
Ruth and I went camping this summer. We always say we're going to go, and then never book the site. This year, Ruth booked a site many months in advance. We decided to explore a new island; Orcas Island.
It was a beautiful island to visit. Our favorite thing (as we've shown often on this blog) is going to a new place and exploring. Whether it's the busy streets of New York, the sparkling lights of Las Vegas, or the Pottery havens of the local islands, we're up for a walk down main street to find some good art, good coffee, and good food.
But first, I need to make a fire because we're camping.
Ah, making a fire. One of the few things I can do that makes Ruth think I have secret powers. I can't fix that rattle my car is making. I can't do the downstairs remodel or rebuild our aging deck. I can't fix the poorly draining shower or the non functioning entry light switch.
But gosh darn it in light drizzle I can make a raging fire with nothing but a few overpriced logs, a lighter, a hatchet and some soggy newspaper.
I make fire!
And Ruth makes dinner.
We have a camping tradition (if you can call something a tradition that you've only done about three times). When we're cooking over an open fire, we like to try to eat as good, or slightly better then we eat at home. We've found that a plate of food on your lap cooked over the fire in front of you, tastes better then food on a table cooked inside the oven behind you. Strange math but it works.
Orcas island was like most other Gulf or San Juan islands; it's full of hippies. But we love hippies. Hippies make good pottery. They're wonderful guests and they're always friendly. We'd likely be hippies ourselves if it wasn't for the hemp dress code and the patchouli oil.
We happened to be in Orcas Island the same time as summer solstice, so we were able to take it in the main street parade, followed by the xylophone concert and art fair in the park. It's like they knew we were coming.
I love these chairs.
Someday when I'm incredibly wealthy I'll take one of these chairs to an architect and say "Build me a house to match this chair!"
Back to camp for some more outstanding food from Ruth!
I don't know what it is with fire. So much more entertaining then TV. So much more relaxing and calming. What is it about fire that boosts morale? They say that when you're lost in the woods, it's important to make a fire to boost your morale? I bet the same couldn't be said of an industrial space heater. Say you were lost in the woods and came a across a huge space heater that kept you warm all night. I bet it wouldn't be the same as a little fire in a little fire pit. Snapping and crackling and glowing all night long.
Admit it, you want to see more fire photos because they make you feel comforted!?
We also took a hike in the rain.
Another fun excursion with my lovely wife. Ruth and Royden travel guides give Orcas two thumbs up!
