pa

Simple tools, simple results

Despite being down a critical piece of equipment, some quality time was spent enjoying the snow and creating some balance prior to the large snowfall that hit our region. For a few days everything’s been under a few feet of snow making time away easier to cope with. The “Frozen” balance was one that was left overnight. The slightest amount of spray from the creek transformed the balance into a an object fixed in the creek. The other three photos are of a different creation that I took a liking to.  I used a Nikon D50 (circa 2005) to shoot these photos.  The batteries are as old as the camera and have barely enough life to snap a few photos in cold weather.  I even used the cold weather trick of keeping them warm with “shake and bake” hand warmers trying to squeeze out as many images as possible.  Luck and a small amount of skill netted several decent shots with a nostalgic “old school” digital appearance.  Not that they’re worthy of massive enlargement, but they work for social media sharing after the arduous task of removing the hundreds of black dirt specs due to the badly neglected image sensor 🙂 Can’t wait to get a proper camera back in my hands!

Winters arrival

River day in October

Hard to believe the beautiful days recently. The unseasonable weather allowed for one more day of swimming and hanging out along the river in Connellsville.  With a high near 80°F, it was hard to pass up the opportunity to take advantage. It may have been the last time to enjoy whats normally revered as summer activities, but time will tell.  Soon enough I’ll be in my neoprene waders and going into winter mode… For now it’s wader free for me. ❤

2015161

2015159

2015160

After the storm, Ohiopyle State Park 6_9_2015

A recent lightning storm had me running for cover from Meadow Run creek leaving a started, but unfinished balance. I stashed the rocks and returned the following day to finish what I had begun the day before. A massive top rock finished off what would become a personal favorite for 2015.

DSC_1470DSC_1788 DSC_1774DSC_1754

Winter, a stone balancing wonderland

During the past week winter has a put a hard grip on the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania.  Many of the normal water sources I frequent have become mostly covered in ice.  These conditions make the task of delicately balancing stones slightly more difficult, but just as much fun.  I enjoy every experience balancing in nature and am always excited to pack a few extra items and heading out to create.  Winter is a wonderful time to be out.  How can it not put a smile on your face?  Everything is blanketed in snow and open areas of water still contain the basic elements.  In simplicity, stones and the motivational energy of the natural environment.  It’s hard not to be creative when immersed in what winter provides.  Yes the elements are real and they don’t go unnoticed.  Hands do get wet and cold despite which gloves are worn, toes do get uncomfortable even with toe heaters and insulated waders.  These items are necessary allowing me to sit almost motionless in an icy body of water.  Usually the cold is noticed after the intense concentration is no longer aimed at the stones which are now in they’re new balanced form, a changed entity with a different appearance from all angles.  Along with its independent beauty, winter truly compliments a completed balance and adds a different dimension to photos when compared to those taken during the other three seasons.  I enjoy sharing my photos for the world to critique whether is be good or bad.  The most important critique is my own… The most valuable part is the time spent alone, learning about myself, the natural elements and being truthful to my passion.  Here are balances from my recent outings.

Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle State Park PA

Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle State Park PA

Jacob's Creek, Laurelville, PA

Jacob’s Creek, Laurelville PA

Jacob's Creek, Laurelville, PA

Jacob’s Creek, Laurelville PA

Cucumber Run, Ohiopyle State Park, PA

Cucumber Run, Ohiopyle State Park PA

Meadow Run, Ohiopyle State Park, PA

Meadow Run, Ohiopyle State Park PA

Jacob's Creek, Laurelville, PA

Jacob’s Creek, Laurelville PA

Jacob's Creek, Laurelville, PA

Jacob’s Creek, Laurelville PA

Jacob's Creek, Laurelville, PA

Jacob’s Creek, Laurelville PA

Linn Run State Park, Rector, PA

Linn Run State Park, Rector PA

January 20, 2015 Stone Balancing

I spent a few morning hours at nearby Linn Run state park, PA.  It was about 28° upon arrival upstream from the Adam’s falls parking area.  The air seemed warm compared to the much colder low teens I’ve been out balancing in recently.  I was anxious to get to balancing stones.  I found a spot near a pool below some currents that seemed to speak to me.  I set my kit down and noticed a very cool ice formation in a small puddle of water beside my packs resting location.  It appeared to be the imprint of a fern, but upon closer inspection it revealed to be the early formation of ice crystals.  I shot a few photos and started selecting stones to balance.  Fortunately I did, because the air temperature warmed up enough to turn the crystals back into liquid form erasing the beautiful formation.

Ice fern

After about an hour of working my chosen stones, I was able to assemble this temporary stone balance sculpture.

2015014

2015015

2015016