We have a place in Western Pennsylvania that looks just like that. Took this about ten years ago.

I use a program called Disk Drill on my Mac. I believe there is a windows version. I've had good luck with it for the most part. About the only issue I've seen was getting thumbnail size pictures instead of full size in a few cases. Not sure if there is a free version or not.

It really depends on what I'm doing as to which camera I will use. Going to a big amusement park, I will just use my cell phone. Going to watch firework going off over lake Erie in a couple of weeks, I will use my DSLR. Not that one is any better than the other, it's more a matter of convenience. I've captured some great shots on me cell phone and gotten some that are destined to the dust bin on my DSLR.

Love these photos! I'm going to have to take a drive and look for the first one. Going to Butler tomorrow (for the fair). I'm just up the road from you in Hermitage, gonna have to start paying more attention when I drive around.

I'm thinking it is a software issue as well. On top of cleaning it out you might talk to a repair shop to see what they would charge to change the thermal paste in between the cpu and the heat sink. I was told the paste isn't supposed to stop working but I've seen several computers be saved by putting new paste on.

A tripod is almost a must. Use the manual mode setting as suggested above. Also, if your camera has the ability, use a shutter release cable and mirror lock up. That will help minimize most all camera shake. On windy nights, I've even been known to tie a length of paracord that I keep in my car to the little hook on the bottom of the center pole on my tripod and hold it tight on the ground with my foot. Just a few more suggestions.