Creature of the Night

Sighting this beautiful animal in Brazil was a real treat.

Ocelots are nocturnal. They are solitary cats that feed on birds, rodents, snakes, rabbits, insects and fish. Our Brazilian guide spotted this animal walking along a bridge over a small stream. It then descended and walked along the stream, where this photo was taken. The light was from a spotlight used by our guide to help spot wildlife at night. 

Notice how well camouflaged this beautiful animal is. It prefers wooded areas, which offer protection from enemies such as jaguars.

Rusty Old Wheel

I spotted this rusty old wheel while on a photography trip recently. I don't remember exactly where this picture was taken. It was  in Colorado, on a large ranch belonging to designer Ralph Lauren.

This image speaks of time. A rusty wheel, long discarded, now has plants growing between its spokes. To what kind of thing did this wheel once belong? A wagon? A cart? How long has it been discarded? How old is it?

A Story Without Words

I really like this photograph.

It tells a story without words. These baboons were part of a large troop in Tanzania that also included a white (not albino) male baboon. We watched the animals for quite a while during a morning game drive. There were several babies that entertained us with their play, chasing each other and running around.

I'm not a big fan of baboons, but this image captured my attention. I don't know the relationship between the two animals in the picture. They might be siblings, or perhaps they are mother and baby.

Whatever the relationship, the baby is looking up at the older animal as if to "I love you." I think the fact that I can't see the face of the other animal tells a more poignant story, as it is left to the viewer's imagination to determine what the interaction represents.

Peaceful Reflections

I need to look at this photograph. I need its calming colors, its peaceful waters, its quiet goose in the coolness of an early morning. The pink tint to the water is reflected from the sun rising over the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming. 

The world in which I live is insane. It has been sold to the highest bidder. It has lost all sense of decency, all sense of morality. Only nature can bring me peace. Only in nature can I find comfort.

A Step Back in Time

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs between Durango and Silverton, Colorado. The train is powered by a coal-fired steam locomotive. It has been in continuous operation since 1882, initially carrying silver and gold ore from the San Juan mountains.

The locomotives are from the 1923-1925 era. My favorite thing about riding this train, aside from the spectacular scenery, is riding in the open-air gondola car.