Finally!

After many hours, complete with navel gazing, angst and procrastination, my Scottish slide show is complete. I sure learned a lot, and have included work from a digital audio program that made me feel like a recording engineer. I'm likin' this.

A Visit To Courtenay

I had a milestone birthday about a month ago - a rather significant milestone actually. To compensate for this, I was whisked away to a surprise location by the most wonderful group of women in the world: my family. The destination was Courtenay, on Vancouver Island, specifically Kingfisher Spa, where I spent 2 glorious, self indulgent days enjoying yoga, massage, fine dining and even finer company. Thanks again, Christina, Beth, Ros, Lindsay-Anne and Marion!!!!!

Sunrise Over Water

Evening Light

Trestle

Bay View

The Road Well Traveled

This weekend I visited the Glen. I  have been to the Glen on a million occasions, and have photographed it a thousand times. It's therefore quite challenging to see this lovely place with new eyes. I was determined to try, so I grabbed my camera and got lost for about three hours.............................................

Gravel Bar, Nooksack River

Mystic Path

Sentinals

Trail Gate

Tree

 

Forest Grove

Urban Delish

Last night was an epiphany. I visited downtown Vancouver for some dinner and photography. Dinner was a fine idea, but the prospect of photography didn't excite me much. I feel most at home in the natural world, and cityscapes usually leave me cold. Then I started using Chris Harris techniques in the urban environment and whole new vistas opened up - whoa! These shots are hand held and essentially straight from the camera. What do you think?

Store Window

Stairwells

First Avenue

Bistro

Lochranza, Brodick, And The Long Road Home

Arran was a delight - our home was a historic cottage in Lochranza with a splendid view of the ocean. Our stay was far too short, and soon we were on the winding road to Brodick, to catch the connecting ferry to Glasgow. Putting these final images together has been bittersweet - this photographic journey has revisited the adventure of a lifetime. Ah well, stay tuned for the movie!

Lochranza Through My Window

Cemetery, Lochranza Church

Castle By The Bay

The Village Brook

Roadside View

Distant Oasis

Sheep On Route

The Gateway To Arran

When one door closes, another opens, and all too soon it was time to leave Islay for the island of Arran. Our journey took us to the Mull of Kintyre, tunefully immortalized by sometime resident Paul McCartney. Before boarding the ferry at remote, desolate Claonaig Quay, we happened upon an unexpected pleasure - the village of Skipness. Wild daffodils and rhododendrons were in abundance, and Skipness Castle, with its glorious wooded grounds, was magnificent. 

Roadside Forest

Gate House

Skipness Village

Skipness Castle

Castle Interior

Tower View

Into The Mystic, Claonaig Quay

All images copyright 2013, Kathy Neudorf

Ambushed By Inspiration

Although my Scotland work is unfinished, I must pause for dessert. These images are the fruits of a recent Chris Harris workshop, which I attended near 100 Mile House, in the Cariboo Chilcotin grasslands. Chris' work is truly inspiring, and his ideas and suggestions sent me out on a supercharged weekend of discovery. Giddyup!

Dusk At 108 Mile Lake

Evening Clouds, 108 Mile Lake

Aspens, 108 Mile Lake

Wildflowers, 108 Mile Lake

Open Range, Canyon Road

Farwell Canyon

River Bend

Mountain Face

Abandoned Homestead, Farwell Canyon

Farwell Peaks

Chilcotin River

Sagebrush

Roadside Pond

Aspen Grove, Harris Estate

Pavilion Hay

Grassland Reflections

Pavilion Lake

Marble Canyon Woods
Copyright 2013, Kathy Neudorf

Loch Gruinart and Sanaigmore Bay

Like so much of Islay, these northern destinations are a study in contrast. Loch Gruinart is a wetland wildlife preserve, while just down the road, Sanaigmore Bay opens onto the ageless Atlantic. It is also guarded by the most dramatic rock formations I've ever seen. In between are rustic homesteads, rough moors, and the Outback Art Gallery. Oh, and did I mention sheep?

Our visit to Loch Gruinart also included an evening stop at Kilnave, where once again we were enchanted by the historic beauty of Islay's heritage. The Kilnave Chapel and Cross are 'newer' than the Kildalton ruins, dating from the 14th Century. This beautiful spot has an exquisite water view, the perfect place to experience an island sunset.

Kilnave Chapel And Cross

Chapel Exterior Wall

Interior View, Kilnave Chapel

Loch Gruinart Overlook

Loch Gruinart Wetlands

Hurry Home

Gated Stream, Sanaigmore

Rocky Approach, Sanaigmore Bay

Weathered Rocks, Sanaigmore Bay