Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

As dawn breaks the rays of the sun envelop the worn boards and the weathered roof of the old crusty building. In year’s gone horses or cows or sheep settled safely, snuggly in stalls chomping away on metered gobs of alfalfa or Wyoming grass as the winds and rains and sleet ferociously assaulted the aged wooden planks.

At times like this, undoubtedly the farmer or rancher gently tended to the needs of his livestock — seeing that they were quieted, calmed, and well fed. He too found safe haven from the pelting particles of moisture hammering the sides of the old edifice.

Barns are places to stay dry, places where cows are milked, tack is stored, animals are feed, hay is stashed, and tractors parked.

I have memories of grandpa milking, of cats begging for the predictable squirt of milk, of mucking stalls, forking hay, and feeling content, happy, and fulfilled.

I remember the musky fetid smells radiating from the mishmash of earth, manure, urine, and fallen flecks of hay. And the human scent, the crusty salted odor produced from pitching hay, sweeping floors, or tending to the needs of the animals.

I see now why I gravitate to shooting of old buildings, barns in particular. It’s because of the allure of the past and the pleasant recollections of times long gone.

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Retired fat guy with a camera Loc: Colorado

Nice shot. Where is this?

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

This is a composite of a barn outside of Westcliffe, Colorado and the background somewhere near Rand.

Thanks!

Retired fat guy with a camera Loc: Colorado

Okay. I am in Firestone. I was over by Plattville last week and got some good shots.

Shadowace

Takes me home to Kentucky where I milked and mucked stalls loaded hay bales.Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

My pleasure! My mind was stuff on my grandparents place in Kansas.

Thanks for the comment!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Wonderful composite.

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Thank you!

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Fantastic Image !!!!!!!

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Thank you!

Wes Loc: Dallas

Wow! Come to Dallas and attend our Writers' Guild. That monolog is worthy of your photography.

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks for the invitation! And thanks for the compliment!

A good image needs no explanation, but sometimes a little prose thrown alongside can augment the tale.

Cotondog Loc: Saskatchewan, Canada

Excellent work. I love old barns and abandoned houses.