As most of you know I love to photograph farms. And on my way back from Northport this week I drove, slowly, through miles and miles of farmland. It was all so beautiful that I was constantly stopping to catch a shot, and there were many more that I didn’t get. Those were recorded only in my memory.
I’ll show you a few of the beautiful farms I saw on my trip home. A trip that usually takes four hours took almost twelve. And I loved every minute of it. I hope you do too.
What is it about barns that are so photogenic? This first one is not far south of Northport itself, still ‘up north.’ I’ve photographed it before, and while I was parked on the side of the road two more cars drove up and stopped.
I guess I’m not the only barn lover out there. I especially liked the wild sweet peas blooming in the foreground, and the way the barn is set against the hills behind it.
And with nowhere to turn around to continue on my way I wandered down a back road that dead ended with this view. How could I resist?
Sometimes getting a bit off track will find you a beautiful place few get to see. I never mind getting lost when I’m out with the camera and unlimited time.
Further downstate (which to you that don’t live here means further south) I came across the windmills. Once again I was on a road I hadn’t planed on traveling. But the faster way home was under construction, so there you go. Another nice surprise.
I got off the freeway and drove down empty country roads to get up close.
They are controversial. Some people love them. Others don’t. There’s a hum that comes from them that I suppose could be annoying to those that live under the giant wings. I think they are beautiful, but I think the final vote should be from those that live with them day after day.
As the sun got lower in the sky I couldn’t stop shooting. There was beauty everywhere, and more than once I turned around to go back and get something. Like this tractor in a shorn field set against a wall of clouds.
And these wagons filled with bales of straw, glowing in the last bits of evening light.
And who wouldn’t stop and turn around when a field of sunflowers nodding in the late day sun suddenly appeared?
Even after hours on the road I was sorry when the light and my photo shoot came to an end.
So much beautiful farmland. So little time.
August 2, 2015 at 8:33 pm
A drive through such beautiful country is special. Having the time to turn around for a photo of things that grab your attention – priceless.
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August 2, 2015 at 9:18 pm
I know. I’m so lucky.
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August 2, 2015 at 9:22 pm
My only objection to those wind turbines is the toll they take on the lives of migrating birds. Can’t quote you the statistics, but they’re deadly.
Your long slow trip was very worthwhile, I would say.
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August 2, 2015 at 9:44 pm
Did not realize that Judy. Good to have that input.
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August 4, 2015 at 11:03 am
I have a friend who is both a birder and strong advocate for alternative energy, and I put this question to him. He says it’s not difficult to locate wind generators outside migration paths, and when that’s done correctly the bird loss is minimal. I’ve asked him to write a Forum piece for our local newspaper, because so many people who otherwise support renewable energy sources worry about the birds, and it takes a knowledgeable person to put the facts before the public, but he has not yet found time. Newer models of wind towers are also less deadly to birds. And finally, cats and cell phone towers kill more birds every year than do wind towers, but I never hear anyone worrying about the cell phone towers. Wonder why….
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August 4, 2015 at 9:21 pm
Judy is a birder too, does nature talks at wildlife refuges. Bet they’d have some good conversations! Good to know there are solutions.
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August 3, 2015 at 7:00 am
I remember when we drove through california seeing miles of those windmills along the mountain ridges – they are kind of beautiful and ugly at the same time
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August 3, 2015 at 8:11 pm
I know. They are sleek and beautiful, but shouldn’t compete with the natural beauty of the areas they are in.
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August 3, 2015 at 7:52 am
What a lovely day dallying along your way home, taking your time. And lovely photographs you got for doing it. A field of sunflowers is on my photography “bucket list”!
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August 3, 2015 at 8:12 pm
I couldn’t really get the ‘field’ as I was up close to it and no way to see it all from the level I was. But I got some nice shots of the sun shining through the blossoms.
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August 3, 2015 at 11:20 am
Dawn, these photos are simply stunning! Each one is a feast for the eyes, and together, they showcase Michigan’s beauty. Kind of like those ads for Pure Michigan, you know? They make me want to visit every time I see one! You’re blessed to have had such a restful day!
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August 3, 2015 at 8:12 pm
I love those Pure Michigan ads! Makes me want to go to each place too and I already live here!
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August 3, 2015 at 4:18 pm
These are such beautiful shots, Dawn. I wish I could have been with you on that drive. In a way, I guess I was since I get to see it through your eyes and lens. 🙂
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August 3, 2015 at 8:13 pm
You never know. Maybe someday we’ll take a photographic journey together in real life!
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August 4, 2015 at 7:28 am
I would love that, Dawn. 🙂
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August 4, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Hi Dawn, Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog! It is nice to meet you! I really enjoyed all your photos, barns are few and far between up here so we must photograph them while we can! 🙂
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August 4, 2015 at 1:22 pm
Nice to meet you too! Your world seems a lot like ours.
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August 7, 2015 at 8:04 pm
I love the farmland! And I’m a huge fan of that Port Oneida barn – that exact patch of sweet pea (and the barn in another image) is what’s in the Milky Way image I recently shared. Fortunately, I hear that area of the park wasn’t damaged much in the recent storm.
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August 7, 2015 at 8:58 pm
That is so neat!! I will have to go find that photo and look at it again!
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August 9, 2015 at 2:08 pm
I love your first shot. And I really love the idea of taking side-treks through the countryside to stop and shoot when the mood hits. I don’t go many places a lone, and hubby is kind of a get-where-you’re-going guy. Which works out nice when you are in a crowded arena trying to get out the doors, to your car, and home, but not so well when you are in the mood to wander. You’re doing great with your photography.
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August 10, 2015 at 8:02 am
Yes, the meandering photo hunt usually works better on your own. My husband is a get where you’re going kinda guy too. But once in awhile, when we’re on vacation, he will stop because he knows I want to take a picture of something. I hope you get out and about soon!
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