Tag Archives: hills

Layers of Hills South of Kelowna

As we were walking around the winery in Kelowna, we had a lovely view to the south across the lake and to the hills beyond.  The weather was quite clear but there was same haze in the air.  This did a nice job of distinguishing between the hills based on their distance with the farthest hills getting obscured the most.  With the warm winter light on this haze, it made for a very attractive view of the terrain in the distance, and I grabbed a longer lens for a quick shot.

Clouds Rolling Over The Hills

As we took the ferry to San Juan Island, I spent a bit of time wandering the car deck and looking out at the other islands.  One of the hills to the north of us clearly had the wind running in from the water and, as the air rose up over the hill, the water vapor condensed out to form some nice clouds. They were rather distant but I figured I would try my luck with getting a shot.  The processing is a little harsh but I still like the shapes of the clouds and put up with it not being perfect.

Driving Across The Hills In The Snow

Our trip to Cannon Beach got delayed a day by snow on the hills which you have to cross to get to the Oregon coastline.  When we did make the crossing, not only were we properly equipped (as shall be seen in another post) but the weather was transformed.  The sun was out, and it looked picturesque.  The snow was still heavy on the trees and the hillsides while the road was compacted snow.  Consequently, it was white everywhere.  We were on a major road that would normally be traversed at speed but, due to the traction devices fitted, we were limited to 25mph.  It made the crossing pretty protracted, but it did provide ample time to look around and see the scenery – and the occasional vehicle off the road!

Early Morning Over the East Bay

When flying to the east coast, the combination of flight time and time zone changes means that an early start is a good idea.  My flight took off from Oakland just after the sun came up so the view across the east bay was one full of warm morning light and long shadows with the occasional scattered cloud or fog bank.  It looked really cool.  I was only shooting with my phone (although sometimes this is actually better since the small lens can fit between the distortion of the average airliner window) but you could still get a good idea of interesting variation in light that the hills get that early in the morning.  The lakes scattered throughout the hills also would reflect dramatically at that time of day so it all looked rather appealing.  There is something slightly ironic about seeing everything look so nice when you are leaving!

Lafayette Reservoir

AU0E2184.jpgThe hills to the east of Oakland provide a great opportunity to build reservoirs. Supplying the Bay Area with water is a big deal so the reservoirs are in important pat of the local infrastructure. Damming a valley is no simple feat but, once done, a substantial quantity of water can be held. Of course, this also makes a nice spot to hang out.

AU0E2201.jpgWe took a trip to the Lafayette reservoir. It has trails and picnic areas around the water. Originally we had intended to walk around the whole thing. However, they had a facility for renting pedalos and rowing boats so we decided to go out on the water instead. Off we went in our pedalo. The rules were quite amusing. Absolutely no way we were to touch the water. I know the water will be used for public consumption but I don’t think the local wildlife is so bothered about what it does in the water. The water quantity is huge so there is no risk but you would think we were going to have some sort of toxic impact if we touched the water with a hand. Oh well.

AU0E2190.jpgThey obviously don’t want you getting too close to the water inlets but you can get pretty close to the dam structure in the boat. (You park on top of the dam so you are really close then!). The dam looks a lot more impressive from the surface of the water. Given what a lovely day it was when we there, I was surprised how few people were there. I’m not complaining since it meant it was quiet for us.

Twin Peaks

wpid8859-AU0E1074-Edit.jpgMy niece spent some time with a friend of hers in San Francisco while she was staying with us.  They went to Twin Peaks and Sara told me how cool the view was and that I should definitely go.  I am an obedient guy so Nancy and I took a trip up there.  Sara wasn’t wrong.  Being at one of the highest points in the city does provide a great view and having a clear day made things even better. We weren’t alone enjoying this either.  Indeed, it was quite fun seeing some of the footwear on women climbing up to the top of the hills!

wpid8855-AU0E1063.jpgYou have a view around to the Golden Gate in one direction all the way to Candlestick Park and beyond in the other. The downtown is ahead of you and the line that Market Street cuts through the city is readily apparent.  The whole outlook is made for panoramas and I have had to cut them down to make them fit on screen.  Early morning and sunset seem like times when a return visit will be in order so don’t be surprised when this location shows up again in future posts.

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