Not much posted on the blog for the last half of 2017.  Although I did some good photo work I also enjoyed myself on a great visit to Spain to meet up with Catherine when she completed a 500 mile cross country trek.

2018 however, has been a very busy year that started with a trip to Moab, Utah, followed by a six week drive to Florida and back to Hillsboro.  Driving cross country had been on my bucket list for many years.  Seeing how other people live, viewing the diverse geography and visiting with many friends along the way made it a great trip for Catherine and me.  We especially enjoyed following much of the Oregon Trail route where it fit into our journey.  Whenever possible, we traveled on secondary roads and scenic byways.  

Just before our cross country trip, I added a new Olympus EM-1 Mark-II camera to my arsenal.  It has become my 'go to' camera and I carry an older Mark-I, usually set up with a 7-14 Pro Lens.  I love that lens and keep it ready when I'm in areas that can take advantage of its wide angle capability.  With the new Mark-II camera I use a 12-100 lens and a 12-40 lens.  

I made several trips to the Oregon Coast and to Mt. Hood.  These are two areas that provide different photo opportunities on each visit.  We got some good photos while staying at Black Butte Ranch near Sisters and also some descent photos during a trip to Joseph, Oregon.  One thing we struggled with on these trips was the smoke from the many forest fires not only in Oregon, but also from northern California.

In September, I had a great trip with my Seattle photo buddy Bobby Berenson.  We traveled 2000 miles going from Portland, across Oregon, into Idaho and finally into Washington.  We visited Mt. Hood, Smith Rock State Park, The Painted Hills, Stanley Lake, Sun Valley and finally the Palouse farm country in eastern Washington.  We stopped at several lesser known places during our trip and came home with great photos.  I've included many of them on my webpage.

Before this year is over we have a trip planned to Yosemite National Park for some winter photography.  I also have a photo seminar to attend at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite.  Hope to do some new postings before yearend.