I introduced myself to this terrific group just before leaving on a trip to the Pacific Northwest last month. In addition to numerous state parks and National Forests, we visited Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, Olympic, and Redwood National Parks. We also paid calls on Devil’s Postpile National Monument, as well as Mono Lake and Whiskeytown National Recreation Areas. As usual, I tried to cram too much activity into too little time.

It was a great opportunity for me to play with my new camera, experimenting with all the different controls and settings and getting to know how it would react in different photographic situations. Figured out that I really need a couple of graduated neutral density filters and a new tripod. Also spent some time experimenting with composition and tried my hand at a few panoramas. The great thing about digital is you can get instant feedback and try again if you blew it. I didn’t come back with any blockbuster shots, but I think I learned a lot.

Tucson Jim