Adios Oregon
With a heavy heart, contemplation, reflection and open mind - I bid good bye to the beautiful Oregon, that pretty much had become my second home ! I will continue to share the beauty of Pacific NW (Still have gigs of shots to process from the previous years :)) and looking forward to that. Open to next opportunities, heading out to urban city of Chicago – exited to explore what life has in store !!!
Stonehenge – Right here at Oregon
I came across Maryhill State Park in Washington when I was trying to finalize (light pollution free) places to shoot Geminids meteor shower. This park has a full-size, astronomically-aligned replica of Stonehenge and was commissioned by Samuel Hill and dedicated on July 4, 1918 as a memorial to those that died in World War I. The memorial was completed in 1929.

The peak of Geminids is actually tonight (Dec 13, 2013), but given the overcast weather here at the northwest, it is not very promising. Hence, when there was a break in the weather yesterday, decided to take my chances. It was a nice experience, braving the December cold and watching the meteor shower in person. I was able to witness close to ~5 in a span of 15 minutes, as I was scouting / setting up at the location. But subsequently the skies were clear only for a few minutes - here and there. So much for the forecast and almost clear skies. It was not a great night for capturing the meteors, but given the new moon and having the entire place to play with some lighting, it turned out to a pretty good night for some star photography. 

I used a small headlamp to light up the inside of the Stonehenge. The light from a near by settlement was reflecting on the clouds creating the yellow. The (distracting series of) tower lights, harmonized with the fog, resulting in the nice red hue over the horizon. Incidentally, the passing by Union Pacific train decided to play along and lit up the outside of the Stonehenge. Wish there had been a meteor on this particular shot, oh well … I just love it when a plan comes together, or not :)
Stonehenge – Right here at Oregon
I came across Maryhill State Park in Washington when I was trying to finalize (light pollution free) places to shoot Geminids meteor shower. This park has a full-size, astronomically-aligned replica of Stonehenge and was commissioned by Samuel Hill and dedicated on July 4, 1918 as a memorial to those that died in World War I. The memorial was completed in 1929.

The peak of Geminids is actually tonight (Dec 13, 2013), but given the overcast weather here at the northwest, it is not very promising. Hence, when there was a break in the weather yesterday, decided to take my chances. It was a nice experience, braving the December cold and watching the meteor shower in person. I was able to witness close to ~5 in a span of 15 minutes, as I was scouting / setting up at the location. But subsequently the skies were clear only for a few minutes - here and there. So much for the forecast and almost clear skies. It was not a great night for capturing the meteors, but given the new moon and having the entire place to play with some lighting, it turned out to a pretty good night for some star photography. 

I used a small headlamp to light up the inside of the Stonehenge. The light from a near by settlement was reflecting on the clouds creating the yellow. The (distracting series of) tower lights, harmonized with the fog, resulting in the nice red hue over the horizon. Incidentally, the passing by Union Pacific train decided to play along and lit up the outside of the Stonehenge. Wish there had been a meteor on this particular shot, oh well … I just love it when a plan comes together, or not :)
Winter Sunset Reflections
Thanks to all the overcast and rainy weather for the past couple of days. The reflections along the country side made the beautiful sunset, even more amazing. The fields were all harvested and the fresh water from the rains, were just enough to create the lovely reflections. Check out the larger version, you can still see the stubbles. 

It is difficult to get out (u see i’m lazy :P ), when you are not sure if the sun would even peep out and the weather is all mixed up. But if and when it does, these extreme conditions are the ones that create a melody of colors !!! It is the same field where I had shot the Twilight colors of Sunset during summer. This is kind of becoming my favorite place for sunset :)
Winter Sunset Reflections
Thanks to all the overcast and rainy weather for the past couple of days. The reflections along the country side made the beautiful sunset, even more amazing. The fields were all harvested and the fresh water from the rains, were just enough to create the lovely reflections. Check out the larger version, you can still see the stubbles. 

It is difficult to get out (u see i’m lazy :P ), when you are not sure if the sun would even peep out and the weather is all mixed up. But if and when it does, these extreme conditions are the ones that create a melody of colors !!! It is the same field where I had shot the Twilight colors of Sunset during summer. This is kind of becoming my favorite place for sunset :)
Fall Colors at the Grist Mill
The Cedar Creek Grist Mill - Stumbled across this lovely place by chance. Did not realize it was such a prominent landmark. Located just couple of miles from woodland, WA – this mill still holds the original structural integrity, grinds with stones even today and is water powered. Being a little more than a century old, the place is definitely rustic. The stream of water, the covered bridge and the colors of the fall season definitely adds to the splendid scenery. If you are around here is the pacific north west, now is the best time to visit the place, as the fall colors are at peak. If not, you can always enjoy the same thru my shots !
Fall Colors at the Grist Mill
The Cedar Creek Grist Mill - Stumbled across this lovely place by chance. Did not realize it was such a prominent landmark. Located just couple of miles from woodland, WA – this mill still holds the original structural integrity, grinds with stones even today and is water powered. Being a little more than a century old, the place is definitely rustic. The stream of water, the covered bridge and the colors of the fall season definitely adds to the splendid scenery. If you are around here is the pacific north west, now is the best time to visit the place, as the fall colors are at peak. If not, you can always enjoy the same thru my shots !
Adios Oregon
With a heavy heart, contemplation, reflection and open mind - I bid good bye to the beautiful Oregon, that pretty much had become my second home ! I will continue to share the beauty of Pacific NW (Still have gigs of shots to process from the previous years :)) and looking forward to that. Open to next opportunities, heading out to urban city of Chicago – exited to explore what life has in store !!!
Adios Oregon
With a heavy heart, contemplation, reflection and open mind - I bid good bye to the beautiful Oregon, that pretty much had become my second home ! I will continue to share the beauty of Pacific NW (Still have gigs of shots to process from the previous years :)) and looking forward to that. Open to next opportunities, heading out to urban city of Chicago – exited to explore what life has in store !!!
Adios Oregon
With a heavy heart, contemplation, reflection and open mind - I bid good bye to the beautiful Oregon, that pretty much had become my second home ! I will continue to share the beauty of Pacific NW (Still have gigs of shots to process from the previous years :)) and looking forward to that. Open to next opportunities, heading out to urban city of Chicago – exited to explore what life has in store !!!
See photo in original gallery.