As the weather slowly, too slowly, warms it’s as if I’m emerging from a long, dark tunnel of winter, dead, listless and finding little sweetness in life. A morning of sunshine, hell, just a few minutes of solar radiation can shift a state of mind. Junior and I wander through these fields in the morning, a bit of exercise, a dash of exploration and a dose of meditation. No riding involved though…
No riding as I spend more time photographing. Here captured photographing my boots and shadow, one of hundreds of similar images that appear in my archive of work. On this morning I was using the Leica M6. Soon I’ll be switching to the 8×10 camera.
Most rides of late are simple errands in and around State College, Pennsylvania. The Vespa delivered me to a Piston and Pints event at the Autoport.
A few nights ago on a search for burgers that eventually brought me to Five Guys. A vintage BMW sat on one side of the Vespa while a Ducati departed from the other. Riding home that night I felt the first thrill of the season of being on the road. Air temperature warmed enough to ensure the ride wasn’t a battle against the elements…
Another night in State College — Margarita’s Pizza. Short rides into town, if only to pick up a few pepperoni rolls and a slice of pizza, have become magical events as the weather softens.
I won’t say it’s warm yet. This morning a brisk wind coupled with temperatures in the 30s just felt miserable as Junior and I walked through fields not far from home. Exertion provided warmth but I’ll be happier when it’s actually warm. Things will freeze again tonight and I’m just sick of it all…
Junior still seems impervious to the cold. Focus on a tennis ball has a unique power. I’ve only found them slimy to the touch and having little redeeming value. Still, my black dog is smitten.
So there’s been a bit of scooter riding in State College, Pennsylvania but I’m looking forward to a warming trend and eventual travels farther from home…
How friendly is Junior with strangers or does he inspect them carefully before allowing others to approach? As to slimey tennis balls, such are devices for dogs to grab, carry and slobber upon then drop at one’s feet suggesting we, the owner of the ball(s) throw it numerous times until we too stop,and drop the ball.
The dog of course never tires, or so it seems.
Mind suspect all of us in the northeastern quandrant of North America (just ask those in the Canadian Maritimes about snow)are tired of this too long protracted winter. Tomorrow Sunday April 6 promises sunshine; maybe you can ride for tea and breakfast somewhere in your vicinity that you enjoy, exchange photos with friends and record/photograph images of the repast.
I’ll be thinking of your happiness.
And throw an extra tennis ball with Junior for me.
How friendly is Junior with strangers or does he inspect them carefully before allowing others to approach? As to slimey tennis balls, such are devices for dogs to grab, carry and slobber upon then drop at one’s feet suggesting we, the owner of the ball(s) throw it numerous times until we too stop,and drop the ball.
The dog of course never tires, or so it seems.
Mind suspect all of us in the northeastern quandrant of North America (just ask those in the Canadian Maritimes about snow)are tired of this too long protracted winter. Tomorrow Sunday April 6 promises sunshine; maybe you can ride for tea and breakfast somewhere in your vicinity that you enjoy, exchange photos with friends and record/photograph images of the repast.
I’ll be thinking of your happiness.
And throw an extra tennis ball with Junior for me.
I love reading your thoughts on riding, friendship, priorities…and that shot of Mt Nittany beyond the pond was taken down the hill from my office. If you’re ever out and need a warm cup of coffee, stop in and ask for me! I’m a fair weather scooter rider and a friend of Ken Hull.
Is the first photo of Mt Nittany as well? It looks different than most of your other photos (no tree or scooter!).
I couldn’t agree more with regard to the length and persistence of the winter season. Here in Iowa, it’s been downright annoying, but I took the bike out for a ride last evening and rekindled my own enthusiasm for riding. I hope you’re able to ride more often soon as well…
— Patefermente
Steve
I bet jr is as friendly a the service K9 I met on Friday….
What’s the technique to capture the “going into warp drive” effect of the Ducati rider? Just a long exposure?
Dom
Much as I like X-country skiing and the visual effects of snow, I could give it up for the warmth of Florida. Lynne has lived there, and won’t have it, the bugs and humidity that is, so here we sit and chatter.