Meanwhile, Back At The Refuge

I’m still so taken by the Ankeny Wildlife Refuge; it's so peaceful. A perfect place to gather yourself and get a little perspective.  I found myself out there on a bike again last weekend. It’s out just south of Salem, and west of I-5. I wanted to take some more pictures and some video clips, but wasn’t quite sure why. Anyway, I put the pictures and clips together in a short movie, in case you’d like to see it.

Sorry about the quality of the video clips. I don’t have a movie camera, just the little “video” setting on my still camera.  You’ll notice there’s a big difference between the video and the still picture quality.

Anyway, if you can only get out this way once all summer, come out to Ankeny.  It’s a very easy loop to ride, and the views will absolutely stun you.



 Mr. Coppolla, you probably don't need to worry about me. Clearly, I'm no threat!

Let's Go To The Movies!

"And the Oscar goes to"...well, certainly not to me! However, in the spirit of the Academy Awards night, I hereby submit my first attempt at movie-making. Why should my kids have all the fun with iMovie?

Yesterday was another fantastic almost-spring morning. I got out on the bike and went back to Croisan Creek Road in South Salem, this time I brought along my camera. I put it on the "movie" setting and started recording from the top of the hill and kept it going the whole way down. I held the camera down by the handlebars (since steering is a non-negotiable), and tried to stabilize it and keep it pointed forward. I wasn't always successful, but I suppose that makes it look more "authentic." :)

I wanted to capture that sensation you get when you're on a bicycle, rolling forward, moving through space. Honestly it's no different to me now than riding a two-wheeler for the first time...just a lot faster.

Enjoy the ride!