The Blue Ridge Parkway (Video)

I have posted a short video of our trip up the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOrFz0JaQCY  As always comments are welcome. Happy Shooting! Crutch

The Blue Ridge

Sorry for not posting any updates lately. I have been very busy with my work. Also, I had to replace my main computer for posting and managing my photos. I hope to catch up in the coming weeks. Pete and I took a three day trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway recently. I can't believe we just got around to this scenic highway, as we live so close to it. We had a great time and perfect weather. This photo is one of many tunnels along this route. We got on in Asheville, North Carolina and we made 320 miles before we ran out of time. I will do a short video soon :) Happy Shooting !   Crutch

New Books in print!

My good friend Pete has been encouraging me to check out AdoramaPix.com.This is a self constructing book site for your photos. I was very impressed with the books he has printed and decided to give it a try. I have finished two books of my Florida birding photos. Here is the link: http://www.adoramapix.com/crutch1948 You can view each book by just turning the pages as if you were holding the book in your hands. This is a great site and I plan to start composing a book after each of our upcoming trips. We have been home too long, so this weekend we are doing The Blue Ridge Parkway. As always comments are welcome. Happy Shooting!
Crutch

A trip through Stearns, Kentucky

We made another day trip to historic Stearns, Kentucky and the Big South Fork National Recreation area. The Stearns Coal & Lumber Company operated mines in McCreary County until the 1960s. Now, the area is a popular destination for travelers. Tourists can visit a reconstructed coal camp, hear the voices of those who lived there, and view museum exhibits that teach, about the coal itself and of the people living in its dust. We found the people to be very friendly and accomodating. The weather was almost perfect. We enjoyed the area and will most likely return soon. If you have a chance to visit, the train ride to the Blue Heron Coal Co. is a must. For best viewing, click on 1080i here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGkBr809PHQ
As always, comments are welcome. Thanks for watching ! 

Crutch

Little River at Greenbrier !

Another day trip for Pete Michael and myself. We were in the Smoky's and decided to stop by this area to see if anything was new. It had rained off and on all day, but we don't let a little rain stop us. We had no problem getting around and dodging the elements. The rain makes for some interesting fog and reflextions. See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNVA-lyMML8 and be sure to click on 1080 HD for best viewing. As always, thanks for looking and comments and suggestions are welcome. Crutch

The Story Behind the Photo ! Roseate Spoonbill

I had been in Florida, looking for some roseate spoonbills most of the day, on November 27, 2008 over the Thanksgiving Holiday, when I came across this guy. I usually cannot get this close to the spoonbills.  He was about 30 ft away, but I could not get him to look in my direction. I was just about to pack in it when he finally turned. The moment came at 5:51 PM. The end to a perfect day. :) Canon 1D Mark 3...EF 100-400 lens at 365mm...1/100 sec at F9...ISO 400. Happy Shooting!  Crutch

Roaring Fork Motor Trail

Pete and I took off again. This time to the Roaring Fork Motor Trail in the Smoky's. We took a chance with the weather and encountered  sun, rain, fog, etc. The weather just added another element to our trip but we enjoyed every minute. We encountered a mama bear and three cubs. The cubs were maybe four or five months old and the mama bear was very protective and even charged us once, which sent everyone to their vehicles for cover. We also stopped by the Little River at Greenbriar which I will do another video on soon. Check out the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXLSXHWQH7E
For best viewing, click on 1080i
Happy Shooting..!   Crutch