Nature

This week I did something that I have never done before. I entered a photo contest. I figured oh why not, it might be fun. The contest name is "It's Amazing Out There" and is held by the Weather Channel. The contest is open to both professional and amateur photographers, with pretty good payouts for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. There was no limit to the number of photos one entered so I picked a number of my favorites and decided to go for it. I figure it is kind of like playing the lottery, if you don't play there is definitely no chance you will win. At least by entering I have a chance, even if it is an extremely slim one. LOL

In addition to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place they also have an honorable mention called "peoples choice" which is determined by the number of votes the photo receives during the voting period. Now that I may have a better chance at. So here are the photos I entered. Just click on the title if you want to boost my ego and cast a vote. ;) 

Voting runs until 11:59am eastern time August 26th. Oh and by the way everyone can cast one vote a day.

Some of these may look familiar as I know I have shared a few here and on my other blog. Just click on the image for a larger view.

Title: Peek-a-Boo
A young mule buck sits quietly in a ravine just off a hiking trail in Rapid City, SD.

Title: Trail Hog
This was taken on one of the many hiking trials in the Hanson-Larsen Memorial park. Trial rules forbid going off the path which isn't bad as the paths are fairly wide. Yet, this biker nearly ran me over even though I was standing on the very edge of the trail.

Title: Late Winter Run  A runner taking advantage in a mild winter day added a nice burst of color.

Title: Winter's Lace
The delicate icy snowflakes on this twig reminded me of lace.

Title: Ocean View
Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA

Title: Oh Barnacles!
Barnacles become beached after attaching to a piece of driftwood.

Title: Historic Landing
A sea gull lands on what was probably once part of the historic Ocean View Amusement Park. For more about the amusement park check out this post.

Title: Golden Sea
The shells, sand and rocks give the crystal clear wave a golden appearance.

 Title: Cotton Candy Clouds
What can I say? I just love a spring sunset.

 Title: Angry Clouds
Dark clouds mix turbulently with lighter grey and white clouds in the midst of an incoming storm.

Title: Storms Eye
Shortly before a storm as two large cloud formations joined at sunset this eye shaped clearing could be seen.

Title: Vibrant Summer
The rich shades of greens and blues provide a striking background for these vibrant red orange Lilly's.

Title: Digging Out
Twenty four hours after being hit by the blizzard of 2013 my son-in-law sets to the task of digging us out.

Title: Lone Locust
While stopped at a rest stop amid a swarm of locust I noticed this one locust all by itself half way up the wall of the building.

Title: Sunrise Adventure
A single motorcyclist rides into the sunrise.

Title: Solitude
A young girl sits in solitude before the rushing falls.

That wraps up my entries. 

Have you ever entered a photo contest?

Drop me a line in the comment section, I would love to hear all about it.

Two For Tuesday

Typically I enjoy getting out and taking winter shots, but this winter's got me huddling indoors. Maybe it is time for some warmer outerwear. Until then I will be looking at photos of summer to warm me up.
 

Enjoy the day!

Biker Bob

Located along Sheridan Lake Drive in the Black Hills sits this fun biker, with a very important message. His message for motorist to drive safely is written on a large sign. Unfortunately, I did not capture the sign in the photo as we drove past.

Remembering Summer

Random Flowers

I wanted to share some flowers with everyone to get the week off to a cheerful start, but realized my current selection of flowers was a little sparse. So here are a few more from my archives. 

 So there we are, a few flowers to start off the week.

Have a wonderful week!

Summertime Snapshots

I absolutely love one of my neighbors front porch! Doesn't it look inviting? 

I can so see myself relaxing in one of those rocking chairs with a nice cold Mountain Dew. I bet you expected me to say lemonade, but alas I am a MT. Dew nut.

 Now for a few more random shots taken around my neighborhood.

Don't forget to take a moment to enjoy yourself this week!

Linking up with Mary Denman for Wordless Wednesday.

Summers End

Before I get to more of the Arizona photos I wanted to share a few end of summer shots taken around Norfolk in late September and early October.

With the kids all back in school and the weather cooling down the ocean front was very quiet on this weekday afternoon.

On another afternoon I went wandering and came across this peaceful neighborhood full of beautiful homes and calm waterways.

I am hoping to head back to this neighborhood for some Autumn photos as I can just imagine how beautiful it looks with the trees ablaze in autumn colors.

Pretty In Pink

Random Summer Shots

This summer has flown past in such a whirl wind of activity, with the last few weeks busier than ever. As Autumn approaches I hope to get myself back to some semblance of routine but for now here are some shots from this summer that I have been wanting to share. 

One thing I am sure not to forget from this summer is the heat and humidity of Virginia. Although I am not a beer drinker I was very tempted to run off with all this ice.

Braving the heat I was drawn to the many ships, both big and small.

With the weather cooling down I am looking forward to exploring this beautiful city at much greater length. 

Although the kids will soon be starting school I am hoping we will still find plenty of time for long walks and photo hunts or as my grandson calls them park hunts.

So I say ado to summer and welcome the coming Autumn with excitement.

Loving Summer

Just a few reasons to love Summertime!

 I can wear flip flops and no one thinks I am crazy like they do when I wear them and there is snow on the ground.

 Summer wardrobes are simple.

 Opportunities for fun in the fresh air are as endless as the sky.

Thursday Theme Submission

Best of all I can capture fun photo's like this one.

Linking up with Photo Theme Thursday.