Janet Brien's photos with the keyword: Honeyman State Park

(+5 insets) Becoming One with the Forest When I go out on a walk with my camera, I try to open my mind as wide as I can. I will prepare for my adventure by playing a two-part game called "10 Things," and as I walk along, I pick out 10 things that would be worthy of a picture and 10 natural things that I hear. The point isn't to begin taking pictures instantly, but instead to become one with my surroundings. The crunch of my footsteps over dried leaves, the shine of sunshine on a dew-laden leaf…the morning song of a bird perched invisibly nearby, the glow of light through a new cluster of leaves. With this exercise, I shed myself of all but the world around me and I am soon another spirit drifting through the trees… This will be my last post from Honeyman! It's time to move on to our next stop, but my, wasn't this a gorgeous place we got to visit?! :) A whole two weeks was such a gift, with time to relax and soak up everything this park had to offer. We just loved it here! Today's Picture The rewarding jewel of my long walk every day at Honeyman was the enchanted forest loop past the edge of Woahink Lake. Nowhere else was the feeling of immersion so strong, the sense of being welcome here so undeniable. The new growth was everywhere, including this cluster of budding pine cones. Unusual and beautiful, I loved to stare at these closely whenever I had the chance. This image also shows the beautiful bokeh which can be achieved with my wonderful bridge camera, the Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV . Today's Insets Inset #1: The other day I posted a magnificent Fringed Pinesap for my main image. There was another one sitting beside it which had just erupted from the ground and would not open up for many days. It was wonderful to get the opportunity to enjoy the show. :) Inset #2: This pair of budding, droplet-covered fuchsia twins was a great find and a delight to behold! They aren't native to Oregon but are a commonly planted species around state parks which are loved by all who find the dazzling dancing ballerinas. Inset #3: On the moss-covered floor of the magical forest loop I found countless Bird's Nest fungus adhered to twigs and branches that lay on the ground. The cups they formed were filled with spores called periodoles, which are ejected from their "nests" by water droplets that hit them and slowly spread these pretty fungi. This page, "Splish Splash Bird's Nest Fungi" is full of super information, pictures and graphics to teach readers about these remarkable, unusual nests. Inset #4: Two trees leaning towards one another over a tiny pond, the glowing, moss-covered "arms" seemed to stretch out to touch one another and the scene was magical to me. Inset #5: One last picture of the sand dunes meeting the edge of Cleawox Lake, formatted to be a wide panorama. What a sight. And Cleawox Lake was marvelous too, and full of trout that we caught for many meals! In fact, we caught so many (31!!) that we still had some in our freezer to enjoy when we got home! DELICIOUS! Thank You For Coming By! I appreciate all of your visits, comments and stars so much. I hope you have a marvelous weekend--please take care of yourselves! :) Explored on 1/29/22; highest placement #3.

(+7 insets) Photography is a Boon For Discovery and Learning! One of the things I most adore about photography is the opportunity to learn, first-hand, about everything I find. It's one thing to take a picture--anyone can do that. But, do you take the time to learn more about the subjects/theme/history etc. that you photograph? For me, an image by itself does not suffice, especially if I'm unfamiliar with what's in the image. In fact, to pay it justice, learning whatever I can is almost a requirement to me. And, because of my photography and thirst for knowledge, I've learned so much about the world around me. It's no wonder that the one thing that Steve and I don't like about our RV trips is the spotty connection to the internet. Both of us need to be able to tap into the world's largest research library! Until I'm able to understand what I've photographed, I am unhappy and totally unsatisfied. Do you feel like that too? Today's Picture My marvelous daily hike was one I relished! From our campsite, I walked through Honeyman campground, past Cleawox Lake and alongside Woahink Lake and then around the magical forest loop and back again. Alongside Woahink Lake, I discovered marvelous surprises to photograph, but when I found this, I just about fell over! I noticed a pair of yellow spikes jutting out of the ground just next to the trail--one could have stepped on them in fact!--and I could hardly believe my eyes! What a WEIRD plant!! I thought until just this morning that I was looking at a very rare yellow version of Groundcone called Vancouver Groundcone . But I've just learned that this may be Fringed Pinesap too. Honestly I cannot say which it could be, but there is no debating its unusual beauty! I will be submitting my pictures to a group who will be able to tell me for sure if I've photographed a groundcone or a pinesap! Today's Insets Inset #1: I was delighted to see the beautiful groups of California Groundcone along the Woahink Lake portion of my daily walk. They were in such perfect condition and perfectly placed for easy photography! Inset #2: Steve and I learned how to take vertical panoramas with our phone cameras and we just love the way they look. This is part of the trail I walked every morning, dappled shadows and all! Inset #3: Along the lovely forest loop is a huge area under the pine trees which are covered with moss. This group of birdnest fungus was growing in enormous groups all over! What a rare and delightful surprise! Inset #4 The trail along Woahink Lake goes past a tiny island that I cherished looking at every time I walked by. I love all the trees and plants on it--what a special treasure! Inset #5 & #6: One day I spotted a garter snake who was relaxing on the moss under the pine trees along the forest loop. It allowed me to slowly approach and take all of the pictures I wanted before I quietly retreated and moved on. I was overjoyed at this opportunity! Inset #7: This is another wonderful picture of the sand dunes that are so close to our campground and encompass one side of Cleawox Lake. Magnificent! Thank You So Much! Your visits, comments and stars really make my day and I appreciate this so much, especially since I've not been able to return the favor. Thank you for stopping by! Please take care of yourselves and have a wonderful rest of your week! Explored on 1/19/22; highest placement #3.

(+5 insets) Eek! I almost forgot about HBM! I'll make this quick! Today's Picture On the wonderful trail around the edge of Woahink Lake, which leads to the magical forest loop, is a fantastic memorial bench and the plaque that tells all about the couple who the bench is dedicated to. I sat on that bench many times and enjoyed the view through the trees and out onto the water. (By the way, if you click on the link "View on map", on the right side of this page, you can see exactly where this picture was taken, and shows the trail too! :) Zooming out shows the park as well!) Today's Insets Inset #1: This is the plaque centered on the bench backrest and I reread it many times because it was so touching. Inset #2-5: Honeyman's campground was vast in size and fun to walk through to and from my daily hike. One day I walked past one site and saw a wonderful chalk drawing of Winnie the Pooh adorning the cement in front of the RV. As it happened, a very friendly fellow stepped out of his RV as I was admiring the artwork and I asked if he'd drawn it. "Yes!" he said, and we then had a great conversation about art and camping and life that was really cool and interesting. What a nice guy. Later, Steve came back from walking Pumpkin around in her pocket front-pack and told me about Michael, who turned out to be the same guy I'd met! They'd chatted for 20 minutes about all sorts of things and both Steve and I were so happy to make his acquaintance. The next day I walked by and there was another drawing, this time of Piglet! With Michael this time was his darling daughter, who was cute as a button! It was very nice to meet her and later I also waved at Michael's wife. I learned they were just driving from one campground to the next, enjoying life and having a fantastic, nomadic existence. How cool is that?! :) Over the next few days there were more drawings, of Wise Owl and a beautiful mandala too! What fun it was to appreciate such pretty drawings every day! :) Thank you so much! I cannot tell you how nice it is that you are all visiting and giving me your comments, stars and support. I'm still wrestling with a lot of anxiety but starting to get a handle on it. I'm hoping I'll be able to be my usual vociferous self with my comments soon! Until then, I appreciate you all very much and miss my visits with you! Please take care!! Explored on 1/18/22; highest placement #5.

The Dunes are So Close but Mostly Hidden! Even though this park is situated right next to a massive sand dune area which stretches for 40 miles, you'd never know it if you weren't aware of the surroundings. The soil is very sandy, true, and when it's open, there is a sandy ATV road which leads out to the dunes and the tracks leave heaps of sand in the road. But otherwise the forest and hills completely hide the dunes! Only when you get out to the lake and look off to the side do you see the dunes. It's the most peculiar thing and I was amazed at the dramatic change in scenery from sand to forest. Today's Picture Each morning I strolled through the vast campground (Oregon's 2nd largest with over 350 sites!) and in one part, there's a little trail leading along a nearly-dry stream and past a campsite. One day it was empty so I took a closer look. Next to a pine tree I found this beautiful group of Forget-Me-Nots! Because the lighting was so low, I decided to come back the next day with my macro lens and flash for a proper picture. It rained during the night and I was delighted to see the droplets on some of the petals! Today's Insets Inset #1: The first image shows a trail that leads along the dunes for a short stretch. Even though you only have to walk across the sand for five minutes or so, it's too much! I eventually altered my daily walk to avoid this section because I tired of the arduous, slippery sand and needing to sit down and shake the sand out of my shoes and socks! Inset #2: One of the trails takes hikers to a different lake situated a ways from the main campground and if one has the time, it leads to a deep and magical forest! It was a highlight every time I went! Inset #3 Blossoms were everywhere to be seen in the lovely explosion of Spring's flower show! High in the trees or next to the dirt, adorning bushes and dressing up patches of grass, I loved every floral sight I found! Inset #4: Of course there were mushrooms too! This one I found nestling in a vibrant patch of moss, and I had fun looking for them every day. Inset #5: Plenty of critters to find as well, I noticed this spider web shining in the light and was very happy to find its artist waiting for a meal to arrive! Thank You For the Visits! I hope all of you are doing well! It's a lovely, frosty day with bright sunshine and nary a cloud! Happy Sunday/Monday to you all! (I need to scan in some more doodles to share!) Explored on 1/9/22; highest placement #7.

A Park Featuring Sand Dunes! How would you like to stay at a campground sitting right next to sand dunes? Along part of the Oregon coast lies a 40-mile stretch called the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which are especially popular for folks who enjoy ATVs, dune-buggies and of all things, sand skiing! These dunes are also quite beautiful to look at, but I wouldn't recommend walking over them for any distance. The loose, deep and slippery sand is very arduous for cross and not recommended except for short stretches. (By the way, these dunes are only open to vehicles in certain areas.) Honeyman State Park has plenty of hiking and biking trails that do not go into the sand though, and I fell in love with this wonderful park and its unique habitat. The forest which hugged the edge of the sand was healthy and full of birds and other animals to enjoy, and of course I found lots of flowers and mushrooms to photograph as well! Today's Picture One of the trails I love takes me past a small pond and out to a much larger and picturesque lake. Every morning I was greeted by sun or diffused light streaming down through the trees, and in some of the trees, ferns grew. With beds of moss to cling to, the glowing greens and beautiful light was a sight that took my breath away every day. Up in one tree I saw this pair of vibrant fronds which showed the beautiful spores dotting each blade. Magnificent! Art News: New Doodles! I'm posting a pair of doodles I drew the other day and of course I have many more to share, which I'll do whenever I add another post! I don't draw every day but still, my linework improves quickly, which I'm very delighted by. It will be fun to see where my creativity leads me. Today's Insets One day Steve and I got to watch a family enjoying the sand dunes in their ATVs and it was such fun to get pictures! You'll see several pictures showing them buzzing around and climbing the hills of sand. One also shows the ocean in the distance. You will also see a picture of huckleberry flowers and a row of shelf fungus I found on the bark of a tree. Thank You For Stopping By! Thank you so much for your visits and support! Please forgive my lack of visits, I hope to get back to stopping by as soon as I am able. :) Have a safe and happy weekend! :) Explored on 1/7/22; highest placement #5.