Tuesday, July 9, 2013

On Assignment

I really don't mind going places by myself. It's just that for the last two months when I turned the car in this direction my daughter has been in the passenger seat. She selects the tunes on the iPod, usually Michelle Chamuel from this season's The Voice, favorite song Somewhere Only We Know. So to ease the sadness I felt, I charged up the iPod and put on some Michelle Chamuel.

My reason for going this direction in the first place is because I was on an assignment from my personal trainer, Maribeth. She wanted to go out hiking somewhere that would include stairs and a variety of terrain to simulate what it will be like hiking in Glacier National Park.


I was to hike and climb for as long as I could to test my endurance, which is what we have been focusing on for the last month, as we prepare me for the trip. While I was doing this I was to stop and take pictures just like I will be doing in a couple of weeks. All the while paying attention to how my body felt and what, if anything was achy.


I had another motivation as well. I have missed going on my weekly photo walks, missed going out and exploring new places. So this week is the restarting of those photo walks, which I am going to call Weekly Wanderings.


This lady intrigued me. She was wearing a coat, and it was quite warm out, as well as the fact, that she kept looking out into the water, not just leisurely strolling along. I wondered what her story was...


I was allowed to stop and rest since I am sure hoping that we will do that when we are hiking. This spot was perfect, looking out over the water with a cool breeze washing over me.


As I climbed back up the stairs from the beach, I put my camera away thinking that I was done taking pictures for the day and to make the load a little more comfortable.


I should learn never to put my camera away. As I traveled back along the path I saw a couple up ahead of me taking pictures of something brown with white spots. A fawn. They were so close they could have touched it. The lady showed me the pictures she had taken, a couple were real keepers. Fortunately the fawn did not take off, but wandered under the stairs we were on and down into a ravine, then it climbed up the hill under the stairs and laid down. 

Of course I had to go off the path (slightly) and look for him/her and this is what I found...


It was really dark under there, but thankfully shooting in RAW, I was able to lighten the shadows quite a bit to get this precious image. I would have stayed longer but the mosquitoes were horrible.

I am so glad that I went out exploring. So glad that Maribeth made me do this assignment.

21 comments:

Denise Fabian said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Denise Fabian said...

WHAT A FIND! I love that photo of the bench! I rarely put my camera away...in fact, I often carry both camera bodies lensed up, with one around my neck and the other (with the zoom) over my shoulder. How wonderful that you were able to take this time to invest in your upcoming trip and back to your Wednesday walks.

Carol said...

Great post and photos - enjoyed tagging along with you.

overthefencephotos said...

Love this walk! The fawn will stay put to stay safe. They have no smell at this point, so if they stay very still they might blend in and avoid disaster.

Glacier is one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing!

Helen said...

So glad you're sharing your walks again - I must start mine too. And what a beautiful animal - you've captured the expression so well!

Karen Lakis said...

awwww, that fawn is adorable. Isn't that always the way? put the camera away and that's when you need it. I really enjoyed this wandering!

stacie said...

Wow Sarah! Love the stairs photos. and the deer is adorable :)

Unknown said...

That fawn is so cute!! Enjoyed taking this walk with you and seeing the photos. I wonder too what that lady was thinking and looking at out in the water.

cheryl Crotty said...

The little fawn is just so sweet...I'm glad she found herself a spot that feels safe to her...and your walk looks wonderful..but all those stairs, not sure I could that...Kudos to you...

Dotti said...

That fawn is so adorable!!! And I'm looking forward to your wanderings ...

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Ahayes1225 said...

That looks like quite a climb. I thought I noticed you loosing, you look great. I lost 25 pounds since January. It feels good.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Great capture and I do admire you with your endurance training you are going to have a great holiday....

Naomi said...

What a little sweetheart that deer is! Tell me where you are going... we are headed to Alaska early August too. :)

heyjudephotography said...

I'm looking forward to your weekly wanderings. I really must get back to my regular photo walks as well. You've inspired me today! Good luck in your training.

Roxi H said...

Oh I love this place. Looks so peaceful too. I especially like that third photo. And I bet you could go back tomorrow and that fawn's mama would have moved him. LOL

Cathy H. said...

The little fawn just takes my breath away! So precious! I love the way you're preparing yourself for your trip! This was a fantastic idea, finding a place to train and to photograph! I'm so glad you're going to do a weekly walk, you've encouraged me to get back in the habit. My walks may be short due to the heat, but I do want to start again!

Mary said...

Wonderful post Sarah!! What great photos and beautiful Michigan scenery. Looking forward to your weekly walking posts

Angela said...

Wow, I'm impressed on a lot of different levels--you have a training goal and a photography goal and somehow they combine into a lovely day. Also, where is that beach and those terrific steps? Nice post..thanks for sharing your day.

Becs said...

Gorgeous images. That little fawn is gorgeous. Weekly wanderings sounds like a great new project. Looking forward to seeing your explorations.

Jill said...

Goodness what a pretty place within driving distance for you! And, a great photo op!!

Unknown said...

Thank you for taking us with yo on your assignment. So happy for you that you caught the deer in RAW:):)