Sorry About That

My apologies. I left you hanging there after my last post. We did manage to escape a torrential down pour, sprinkles only. However we were treated to a spectacular light and sound show with all of the lightening and rolling thunder. We sat there in the comfort of our camp, with cold ones in hand and had a great time. No cover charge.

A bit later in the evening, we strolled across the street to the Cafe Diablo for a fantastic supper.

I can't describe what an oxymoron this is. Such a great place to eat in such a little out of the way place as Torry, UT. If you get a chance, you really should go there.

We've probably been to the Cafe Diablo 6 or 8 times and never once have we sat inside so I can't really tell you what that is like. That's two of the three of us on the far right (somebody had to take the picture). The gardens are beautiful and they make maybe the best Margarita to be had. Good thing all we had to do was walk back across the deserted highway to our camp.

The chef is award winning and the menu is a real surprise. Go to www.cafediablo.net to find out more. We'll be going back.

The next morning, Sunday, we headed home. On the way we stopped at "Blondies", well known for their milk shakes and burgers. Another little gem out in the middle of nowhere, this time at Hanksville, UT.

This a great stopping point for many boaters on the way to and from Lake Powell. You'll also find bikers there who take a break from roaming the back roads of Utah. That's my wife Kathy and I. It was only a two day get away but a great little ride.

Torrey, UT

Here we are I'm In Torrey, Ut. It was a beautiful ride here and we managed to stay dry. In fact it was rather warm to hot in places. Things change on short notice however. As you can see, we stand to get our 40% chance of rain. We've been watching this storm from our campsite. A fantastic lightening show going on. We may have to retreat to the bar across the street to wait this one out. Stay tuned.

Just A Miss

I finally got done processing all of my photos from the Will James Roundup I was at a couple of weeks ago in Hardin, MT. I took about 400 photos and have been busy converting them all to something useable, selecting the best, cropping, enlarging, etc. After making one initial pass through the results, I have 77 photos right off of the top I can use for reference for some great paintings, in both oil and watercolors. I also plan on doing a series of pen and ink sketches of many of these images.

The trick here is going to be to to capture the fluid motion and not just make an accurate illustration of the image. Drawing an accurate rendition of the image is easy. I want to create something that depicts the motion. That'll be the hard part. There are some great action shots and I really need to experiment with some technique to pull it off. I'm thinking kind of loose and sketchy with just a hint of detail.

I'll start with this one, titled, "Just a Miss". Because I'm only using the information presented to do the art, it would be very tempting to move the loop a bit so it is a "catch". We'll have to see what I decide to do.

Rainy Day Sunday

I've never been so wet riding in the rain with the sum shining at the same time as I got yesterday. It was crazy.

Left son Glenn's in Ranchester, WY a little after 8:00 yesterday morning and 630 miles later arrived home wet and tired, a little after 8:00 in the evening. A great riding day none-the-less.

I thought this shot was befitting. I took it just coming into Delta, CO.

I want to thank every one who followed me this weekend. I'll get a couple of photos posted from the rodeo as soon as I get them processed.

What a Great Day

You know, for as tough a night that I had, today turned out pretty darn good. I got some outstanding photographs of the rodeo, spent some time with old friends and I think the best part of the day was the ride down to Ranchester to see Glenn and spend the night.

Leaving Hardin in the early evening I headed south on the Interstate at a pretty good clip. The sun was setting and cast the rolling hills in gold against dark and stormy skies. The was the sweet smell of cool rain in the air. It was absolutely wonderful.

Rough Night

Fellas in the spot next door were up 'til after 1AM. I couldn't decide whether to join them or put my ear plugs in. Sounded like they were having a good time.

The cot I brought doesn't fit in my small tent so I had to sleep on the ground. Sort of like trying to sleep in a straight backed kitchen chair.

Hot all night. Would've slept out of the tent, under the stars, but the wind and off and on sprinkles, didn't allow it. Like sleeping in a sauna.

77 degrees at 6 AM. Decided to get up and make some coffee. Broke a sweat packing up. Gonna be hot again.

Lots of little black bunnies running around camp last evening. Couldn't decide whether they looked cute or looked like supper.

Well, I'm off to the rodeo. I'll let you know how it goes.

Hardin, Montana

Great little spot at the KOA in Hardin. I got here about 4:00 this afternoon. It was 104 degrees at the time. Jeeezzz! I don't think there is any danger of the tomatoes freezing for the next couple of nights.

Since then, I went over to the rodeo and took in the evening event of a big loop roping, found some old friends. I tried a couple of photos with my iPhone but they are iffy. Got some great shots with the Nikon however which I'll post when I get back.

Right now it has clouded up. A stiff breeze and the wind has picked up. Watching some great lightning in the near distance. Hope it rains and cools things off a bit. More tomorrow.