I too grew up with Roberts Camera and prefer the downtown Indianapolis location, although I bought my tripod & LowePro backpack from the Carmel store. For those that aren't in the area, they offer used equipment from their Roberts Camera online site, but also here ... https://usedphotopro.com/ Same people, same great service, same level of trust.
But did Polebridge have bearclaws???? :) Great shots, I love that drive!
Love White Sands, so happy that they just made it a National Park, not just a monument.
I too loved the Alkali Flats Trail - but it's almost 5 miles and definitely not flat, so judge accordingly. The fine "sand" was more difficult to walk in than anticipated - and we love to hike. But it was well worth the effort.
The Dunes Nature Trail close to the front offers an elevated boardwalk - I don't typically like such trails but the advantage is that most people stay on the boardwalk and the sand isn't trampled with footprints. The picnic areas are unique, take a picnic and enjoy one of the individual picnic shelters. :)
Definitely get a sled & try sledding the hills. The sand is cool and not hot - sledding was SO much fun! We bought a sled at the visitor center and took it home to our grandkids.
ENJOY!
I love them all, but the last one is awe inspiring! Thanks!
I use my MacBook Pro 13" for travel and home. It has a 2 Terabyte external hard drive for my raw photos. I like it, it fits (barely) in the laptop pocket in my LowePro backpack. It's a 2013 model, has spent time living aboard our sailboat and done 5,300 miles circumnavigating the eastern US aka The Great Loop with me. So far it hasn't given me any fits - although the "V" key is sticking. Life aboard a boat is not what any laptop is designed for so to me the fact that this one survived is good.
When this one dies, I'll go to the Apple store to look at a 11" MacBook Pro. Not sure the screen is large enough but it doesn't hurt to look. In a prior life, for an extended camping trip to Alaska, I used my IPad Pro and left the MacBook at home. Not an ideal solution for me, but the compact size was nice.
Your photos are amazing! We spent several hours exploring the USS Alabama and also the USS Drum submarine a few years ago. Thanks for sharing.
Another thought, although it would not have as broad an appeal perhaps. I appreciate books that show me off the beaten track places to hike to. When we were in Kanab, we hiked to The Wave (lucky enough to win the at the ranger station lottery for a permit because online we failed), House On Fire and Fallen Roof Ruins. I found them because I had a physical book to look at and hiking instructions as well as hints for getting the best photos. I know some of this info exists online, but I guess I'm old school and really enjoy a good book... You might want to organize it into "backpack" photo ideas with an idea how many days the hike might take and "dayhikes" where those of us that aren't that committed to backpacking might get to "discover" something we'd never see otherwise. But the marketing side of me says there might not be that much demand from the general public.... GOOD LUCK! I love your website & photos!
Taking a photo a day & finishing my Photo A Day 365 Challenge!
I'd head south to Chugach State Park & maybe south to Seward & maybe the Kenai Peninsula. That was our favorite part of our trip to Alaska. Denali was OK but SO vast. Enjoy!
Cheers!
All of these are stunning! THANKS for sharing!
Thank you! What an incredible set of photos and memories! We don't have Antartica on our bucket list, but your photos make it tempting. Please post more!!!
I have the Sony A7iii & a Canon 24-105 with a Sigma MC11 adapter. I wanted a native lens with more reach to take to Costa Rica. I rented the Sony 70-300 and also the Sony 70-200 f4. I did a week of test shots - same shot with each lens.
After the head to head comparison, I decided there was a difference in sharpness in the 70-200 shots and purchased that lens.
That said, I also have a "leftover" Sigma 120-400 - my 1st long lens and I use it regularly with the MC11 adapter. It has provided the longer reach and the Sony 70-200 provides better sharpness (and quicker focus). For now, until I can afford a native longer lens, this combination is working for me.
I switched from a Canon EOS T7i to a Sony A7iii back in May. I took some of my photos into the now defunct Creve Couer Camera shop in St Louis, showed them to the photographer/salespeople. My biggest concern was the lack of sharp detail. Everyone agreed the crop sensor had alot to do with my issues and unilaterally opined for a full frame sensor - could have been a sales ploy but I didn't get that impression - they could have sold me a new Canon lens as easily as a Sony A7iii. In the past I wanted a full frame Canon but they were just too big & heavy for my photography style (travel, hiking, exploring - mostly handheld). I "store tested" all the available mirrorless and settled on the Sony. I added a Sigma MC-11 adapter so I could use a couple of my Canon lenses.
It didn't take long for the PIA Sony menu system to become almost 2nd nature & I'm comfortable with it. I'm glad I made the switch.
Did it make me a better photographer? Probably not, but I'm loving the setup & how easy it is to carry - especially with the nifty 50. :)
Wow! These are great shots! I didn't realize peregrine falcons were in the Venice area - I'll definitely check out that pier this winter. THANKS!
Love the elk & arch shots. Where in St Louis did you get that angle, it's absolutely stunning! THANKS for sharing!