Month: September 2016

Sunday Morning Walkies

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I stopped into Mom and Pop's Diner in Carson City, Nevada, Sunday morning for breakfast. The place has decent food (at least breakfast) and a neat vibe. It's an easy walk from my hotel as well.
I stopped into Mom and Pop’s Diner in Carson City, Nevada, Sunday morning for breakfast. The place has decent food (at least breakfast) and a neat vibe. It’s an easy walk from my hotel as well.

The Girl and I woke about our usual time. She retired early last night, tired and sore. She’s walking with a noticeable limp and was lagging behind me badly during errands yesterday afternoon. She was not interested in much walking last night, so we stayed in. I had laid in some provisions for the next week or so, and was prepared to feed myself (as well as the Girl).

I slept pretty well, especially given that we upped our distances the last couple of days. That’s why we’re both tired — I’m challenging us physically with distance and pace. That’s good for both of us, I think.

This morning we rose and I did my morning thing, some meditation, some coffee, and time to wake. Then we took off walking. I elected to go by the old orphanage to give her some time off-lead. We walked through the Capitol grounds for some exercise and to collect a few Pok&eacute’mon Go items, plus the grounds are beautiful and I enjoy them.

While there, we visited with another walker who was also picking up Pokémon Go items. We bumped into each other on the other side of the circuit about the time the deer showed up.

It's not a great capture, but it is what I got that Sunday morning when the deer came wandering by the Capitol Quadrangle.
It’s not a great capture, but it is what I got that Sunday morning when the deer came wandering by the Capitol Quadrangle.
The Girl really wanted to chase the group. But, I’m not OK with that, so she went into a down-stay. There were a couple of bucks, a couple of does (on with a radio transmitter who appeared to be the lead), and a couple of fawns, still in spots. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my Fuji X-T1 with me (darn it!), but still managed a couple captures with my iPhone that are good enough.

The take-away message to me is to start carrying the real camera along on my walks. Hrm…

I’ve been walking past Mom and Pop’s Diner for years, never stopping in. I decided that this morning I would. So, we crossed Carson Street and stepped inside. Because we were walking, I didn’t have the Girl’s vest on her, so I announced that she’s a service dog. I got no hassle. And, of course, the Girl behaved just like she’s supposed to.

The place has a neat vibe. Breakfast was good and the Girl has the remains of my ham to add to her kibbles for a few more meals. I’m glad I stopped in.

All in all, it was a good morning. We had great walkies, a fun encounter with a herd of deer, and good food. Life is good.

Nevada Children’s Home

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This is the quadrangle of the Nevada Children's Home. It was the state orphanage here in Carson City. Now it's just another park. But the Girl and I love to visit here and the morning light was magnificent.
This is the quadrangle of the Nevada Children’s Home. It was the state orphanage here in Carson City. Now it’s just another park. But the Girl and I love to visit here and the morning light was magnificent.

Friday morning, the Girl and I were out early for a short walk. We crossed Stewart Street (always risky) and walked through the fire station parking lot. I turned her off leash so she could hunt the ground squirrels (which are far too clever for her).

The morning light was gorgeous, so I stopped to make an image of the main quadrangle. It’s a place where we play on many afternoons. There are sometimes other dogs who play too. It’s a great place and I love it.

Newport, Oregon

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I think this is Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon. What a beautiful morning.
I think this is Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon. What a beautiful morning.

On my way home from Washington, I drove down US 101 through Forks, Washington and on down to the Oregon coast. I spent one evening in Newport, Oregon. We arrived relatively late (I misjudged my ETA) and didn’t have much time before dusk.

But the next morning the Girl and I got out and walked down to the beach. It was cool and foggy that morning. There were a few hardy souls out on the beach, some surf fishing, others playing with their dogs or jogging, and a few just walking along the wet part of the sand, enjoying the sound of the Pacific Ocean.

I brought the Girl’s Chucker and we spent some time playing fetch in the sand. It was fun to throw the ball hard and watch her dig to chase it, then hockey-stop to grab the ball.

After a few runs, she got the knack of picking up the ball without getting too much sand in her mouth. Apparently, she doesn’t like the grittiness of the sand.

There was a bit of sniffing about the rocks as well. I know there were new smells for her there. After a bit, I chased her out of my frame and made a few captures.

Of all the oceans I’ve visited over the years, it’s still the Pacific Ocean that I like the best.

The Miner

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The tribute to Nevada miners on the Capitol Quad is one of the very cool statues there.
The tribute to Nevada miners on the Capitol Quad is one of the very cool statues there.

While I’m staying in Carson City, I walk the loop around the Nevada Capitol nearly every day. Part of the reason is to give both the Girl and me some exercise. Part of the reason is to collect some items for Pokémon Go.

When we walk through the quadrangle, I’m impressed by the serenity there. Even during the big initial rush of Pokémon Go players, the place has a sense of reverence. There are a number of statues there that I think would be excellent subjects for some evening photography and lightpainting. I might just have to do some of that.

This morning we passed by the Capitol Quad again on our morning walk. The morning was gorgeous, cool, calm, peaceful, and quiet. The construction on Carson Street continues, but the noise seemed abated this morning.

The Girl was engaged and calm.

We paused for a few minutes at the Nevada Miner Memorial, reflecting on the importance of mining to this state. I made a few captures in the morning mixed light. And then we moved on.

It’s a good day.