Preferred States 2008-2009
While last year’s list consisted of favorite photographs, this year’s list is based on a different theme. This year I chose images that are representative of my favorite moments.
Soul Free
December 2008
The other Chris came to visit in December, just in time for the snowy season. We drove to Alstrom Point and listened to Monte Montgomery and enjoyed the peace and beauty together. It was a joy to share this place with an old friend.
Big Start
January 2009
Johnny was with us through the New Year. This image is from New Year’s Day at Goosenecks SP near Mexican Hat, Utah. Just when you think you’ve seen it all…
Pre-Construction Destruction
January 2009
Mark began our remodel project in January. Lisa and I originally planned to do the work ourselves but Mark offered to come out of retirement for a while and help us out. We were thrilled by the idea of actually having our house done while we were still young enough to enjoy it. Many months of work ensued…
Southernmost
January 2009
Thanks to our neighbors, Dennis and Dyana, we got to spend a bit of January in Hawaii. It was nice to get out of the cold (and away from the construction). Dennis toured us all over the big island, from east to west, north to south. This is South Point.
Tick Tock II
March 2009
I turned 45 in March. I’m now officially qualified for a mid-life crisis but find that I no longer require one. Time is not my enemy, time is my companion.
No Workie II
March 2009
Pocket Wizards! Now I can shoot a decent action photo. Self-timers are for amateurs.
Parasailing
April 2009
Nick missed all the previous rides to the overlook so we made a special trip just for him. I love visiting a favorite spot with someone who’s never been. All the details come back into focus through the eyes of another person.
Number 81
May 2009
It’s 240 miles round-trip to Hole In The Rock. That’s a long way to go alone so I got my friend/contractor Mark to go with me. It’s big and empty out here and perfect for camping. I can’t wait to go again in 2010.
Remains
May 2009
Johnny was with me on this trip too. In fact, we made several stops here over the course of a few days and watched the remains of this horse get stripped apart more and more.
Five To One
June 2009
This year’s money shot. I photograph this spot regularly with mixed results. This time my perseverance paid off and it all came together beautifully.
Swimming Aspens
June 2009
This was a moment I almost missed. I was driving over highway 14 and saw this out of the corner of my eye. At first I didn’t stop. I had a long way to go and I felt like I didn’t have enough time to stop. Then I remembered that I had all time I wanted.
Inverted
June 2009
I spent some time in Reno with Riley, working side by side on some projects that we had been talking about. We worked long days (and nights), but it felt good to be getting something accomplished.
Twilight Serenity
June 2009
Stephen and Allison made a drive-by visit. We had enough time to share a meal and take them on a sunset cruise. Tahoe’s got nothing on Powell.
Tiki
July 2009
I made this photo while Lisa and Mark were playing horseshoes at one of our neighborhood gatherings. The Greenehaven gang has been getting together much more often this year for meals and activities. Good neighbors who are also your friends are hard to come by.
Displacement
July 2009
Houseboat, ski boat, fishing boat, jet skis, friends, family, food, and fun. This was the camping trip that had it all (including, of course, great water skiing).
Electric
July 2009
The right place at the right time. It doesn’t happen often but when it does it’s amazing. I stood on the edge of these cliffs for hours and watched strike after strike.
Sol Abajo Redux
July 2009
The evening activity that has become ritual. It is the pause at the end of a day that allows us to reflect upon what that day brought and to ponder what tomorrow might offer.
A Grand Staircase
September 2009
One of many rides with Dennis this year. This one took us to Cannonville, UT. In addition to a very fast, very intense ride we also had a long picnic lunch in the town park.
Morning Room Done
September 2009
What began in January finally comes to an end in September. The carpet had been rolled out the day before and the furniture had just been put back in place. This day came as a big relief.
Remote Office
September 2009
A multi-day trip to Blanding, UT with the Greenehaven ATV club.
Deserted Runway
October 2009
Coral Pink Sand Dunes with Dennis and Dyana. Dennis was breaking in a new ATV. I was marveling at the scenery.
Take A Spin
October 2009
I finally conquered the giant cliffs that I stare at every day through my living room windows. A personal triumph shared with my sidekick, Spin.
Up And Away
October 2009
Once again the Greenehaven gang gathers for food and fun. Dennis brought the spud gun for our after dinner entertainment. Silly old men and their toys.
Balanced Rock
October 2009
Lisa’s Mom and Dad came for the weekend and we took them on a sight-seeing drive over to Kanab and back via Marble Canyon. The giant rock pictured here is very near Lee’s Ferry. Yes, it’s really that big.
Good Posture
November 2009
I set up a big background in the pool room to shoot a self-portrait (which did not turn out well). Calvin helped as usual and I convinced Lisa to join him for this special moment.