few times a year, I leave New Jersey and (usually) head west. This spring I got to a bucket list location: The Palouse in eastern Washington state and western Idaho. It is a geologically fascinating area of the country. In the spring, rolling green (wheat) or yellow (canola) hills are the norm, with scattered farmsteads (think red barns) or abandoned farms of weathered out buildings. By August, the harvest leaves the fields a patchwork of browns and very interesting geometric compositions created by the remains of the crop.

Continuing the images made from a recent trip to Grand Teton National Park (WY), the morning after I arrived did not offer the sunrise I had hoped for. Instead, a storm was brewing and by dawn it looked like snow. I shot a little in (gasp) color, but disappointed in the very dark skies overhead. I headed for coffee as the rain came down. Within a couple hours, the rain had moved across the Tetons and was working its way through the valley. I stopped at the Mount Moran turnout on Teton Park Road to practice creating a panorama image.

My demise has been greatly exaggerated! I’ve been very fortunate to visit seven states during August and September while on the road photographing for a total of five weeks. Here is an image I made late September in Grand Teton National Park. The aspens were golden, the elk bulls were calling and gathering their harems, the air had that fall early-morning edge requiring hat and gloves, and there was plenty of space for all the photography groups I saw lined up at the traditional spots.

It’s been a struggle getting back to the blog. Not writer’s or photographer’s block; very full days working on new projects and trying to keep all the balls in the air! So far, so good. Thanks for your patience. I am in the midst of a three-week trip through the coastal areas of northern California, Oregon and now up into the islands of Washington’s Puget Sound (Whidbey Island to be specific). It’s been a terrific trip so far. Connected with friends along the way, oddly enough those from the east coast who happen to be out here at the same time. Small world.