“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.” — Diane Arbus

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 08/03/2025: Posted photo — Dock View.

Here is an unusual angle for a photo. This was taken with my cellphone. I did not know how the photo was going to come out since all I did was put my phone on the deck of the dock and took this photo.

I am happy with the way this turned out. This might be the view of an ant, spider, or other small animal looking out at the water from the dock.

Monday, 08/04/2025: Posted photo — Ready to Hike.

My backpack resting on a signpost getting ready to hike. There was a new member of the group today and they had to travel to the ski area before our hike. There was enough time for them to go to the ski area and back prior to the hike.

While I was waiting, I was practicing some rope work and was planning for the hike. While I was doing this, I put my pack against this post. I looked over at my pack and thought that it would take a good photo for today.

For the ropework, I was trying out some different ways of tying knots. I want to practice now for winter hiking. I plan on bringing my rope on more hikes and have been practicing secure knots, quick release knots, self-release knots, and knots to use for guidelines. I only have a short section of rope, which should be all that I need for my hikes.

Tuesday, 08/05/2025: Posted photo — Sunset.

Once again, the smoke for the Canadian fires adds great color to the sunset. Someone I was with commented on the layering of the mountains and hills as the sun was setting.

Photos do not do justice to sunsets. You need to get out and experience them. I often joke that if you have seen one sunset, you have seen them all. I have seen uncountable amounts of sunsets over the years. Each one is different. Some are better than others, but they are all wondrous to view.

Wednesday, 08/06/2025: Posted photo — Where’s the Fire?

This is a photo from last week’s visit to the fire tower. It shows how the tower personnel use string to locate a fire. I have only one clear photo since there were many people in a small space in the lookout area.

The personnel spot smoke off in the distance and use a compass to locate the bearing for the smoke. They then place the string in the direction of the smoke. They would radio to adjacent towers to locate the smoke. Once the other towers locate the smoke, they send that bearings to the Wachusett tower. They then place string in the direction that the other towers spot the smoke. The intersection of the strings is the location of the fire.

Thursday, 08/07/2025: Posted photo — Sunflowers.

Not all sunflowers follow the sun. Young sunflowers face east to soak up sunlight in the morning and track the sun as it moves westward throughout the day. This process is called heliotropism. Once sunflowers have reached maturity, they stop following the sun and face east from then on.

Sunflower seeds are rich in nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, and fiber, which can contribute to heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

Friday, 08/08/2025: Post photo — Wachusett Mountain.

Clear day have not been too common over the last few weeks due to haze and Canadian wildfires. Today, the humidity and haziness broke and there was a clear view of Wachusett Mountain from Round Meadow Pond.

My DSLR will be out of order for some time as I get it cleaned so I will have to use borrowed cameras and my cellphone. This photo was taken with my cellphone. I am a Canon person. My son is teaching a technology class that uses Nikon cameras. I hope that Simon & Garfunkel are correct. How many of you understand that last statement.

Saturday, 08/09/2025: Post photo — All Dried Up.

In the spring, there were many days without sun. Lately there have been many days without rain. Some of the lakes and reservoirs in this area still appear to have plenty of water in them. As you can see by this photo, they do not.

Water over the dam at Round Meadow Pond normally stops flowing this time of year. This year is not exception. This still made a good photo due to the blue sky.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”