tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83586196758288689112024-03-13T12:04:13.593-07:00Welcome to Sandra Lee Photography !Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-47286597115532002902015-05-10T04:23:00.001-07:002015-05-10T04:23:44.909-07:00The Wild, Wild West!<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, not completely wild any more but as close to it as you can get here in </div>
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San Diego County. Trust me!</div>
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It was a pleasure to spend a wonderful afternoon yesterday at the <a href="http://www.sohosandiego.org/warners/index.htm">Warner-Carrillo Ranch House</a> on the old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Emigrant_Trail">Southern Emigrant Trail</a> in the back country of San Diego's North County, map <a href="http://mapq.st/1zTNNCh">here</a>. A place I've driven by many times on my way to <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638">Anza-Borrego Desert State Park</a> and the quaint town of <a href="http://www.borregospringschamber.com/">Borrego Springs</a>, CA. Only today I was stopped in my tracks!</div>
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The sign read <b>"Stagecoach Rides Here!"</b> Really? Stagecoach rides? </div>
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Now that peaked my attention and I just had to stop and find out more. </div>
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And have a ride of course!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDlPD2niIH4/VU8ulDE2rBI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Rpary4SB2S4/s1600/Ranch%2BCollection_G2F7239crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDlPD2niIH4/VU8ulDE2rBI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Rpary4SB2S4/s1600/Ranch%2BCollection_G2F7239crop.jpg" /></a><br />
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I was treated to a short, but reminiscent <a href="http://www.sohosandiego.org/main/event_stage050915c.htm">stagecoach ride</a> around the property, a special event benefitting the <a href="http://www.sohosandiego.org/">Save Our Heritage Organisation</a> (SOHO), the institution responsible for protecting and preserving historic architecture and cultural resources of our region. In addition to the ride, there were staff dressed in period clothing and knowledgable volunteers available to share detailed and interesting historical facts about the people who lived there and the place they called home.</div>
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If you have never visited the area and have an interest in our county history, this is a must see. Stories about a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rancho_San_Jose_del_Valle">land grant</a>, The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuma_War#Garra_Revolt">Garra Revolt</a>, Kimbal-Wilson Store and much more. </div>
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Warner Ranch is a peaceful place. With stormy skies as a backdrop and green grasses waving in the breeze, the cottonwoods along a small creek behind the ranch house still grow strong in this time of drought and harbor many migrating bird species. Red-winged blackbirds, red-tailed hawks and many species in between went about their business as our stagecoach, driven by two competent cowpokes, took us along the creekside and fields east of the ranch.</div>
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The Warner-Carrillo Ranch property acted as a way station on both the historic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Emigrant_Trail">Gila River Trail</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfield_Overland_Mail">Butterfield Overland Mail</a> stagecoach line in addition to operating as a pioneering cattle ranch in past years. Currently the 43,000 acre property is owned by the Vista Irrigation District (VID) and is still a working ranch today. You can see forever without another house in sight. It looks like I imagine the wild west looked a hundred and fifty years ago with wide open spaces, free to roam.</div>
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I spoke with a representative of SOHO who informed me of the ongoing property improvements and about future stagecoach rides. If you want to experience your own wild west adventure be sure to make reservations <a href="http://www.sohosandiego.org/main/event_stage050915c.htm">here</a> and plan an afternoon to see one of our counties best kept treasures. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(For even more information, the ranch house itself has gone through intensive r<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">estoration, a process well documented with pictures, which you can see </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.sohosandiego.org/warners/restoration.htm">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">. You can also read a descriptive article about the history and restoration </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.orchidsandonions.org/nomination/2013/warner-carrillo-ranch-house-restoration">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Early images of the ranch and property can be seen in the Library of Congress archives </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/search/?va=exact&sp=1&st=gallery&q=Photograph%3A+ca0620&fi=number&op=PHRASE">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">.) </span></div>
Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-29456681254480791272015-04-15T23:29:00.000-07:002015-04-15T23:29:46.655-07:00Hello Family, Friends, Fans and Followers!<br />
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Didn't want you to miss out on the event coming up this weekend, April 18th!<br />
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Join me at the Valley Center Library from 2- 4 pm for an Artist Meet & Greet. I will have a few copies of my new book on sale and fifteen of my popular images on display. There will be light refreshments and good company present.<br />
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Hope you can join us! Here is your personal invite with all the details ....<br />
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<br />Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-31388634932804612912014-12-26T20:37:00.000-08:002014-12-26T20:37:32.880-08:00Practice and Tolerant Subjects<div style="text-align: center;">
Patience is one trait consistent with great photographers. </div>
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Having a tolerant subject helps.</div>
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This is especially true in wildlife photography. </div>
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Every animal offers up a challenge and it helps to stay focused </div>
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and not give up. Eventually, just maybe, the reward will be worth it! </div>
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It is equally as important to mention practice. Practice is mandatory.</div>
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So let me introduce you to the subjects I use to practice.</div>
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These are our rescue girls, Betty and Freckles. They are fairly tolerant so when the bow was tossed on the floor while opening gifts I couldn't help myself. </div>
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A few things where working for me Christmas day. One, I had my iPhone handy, two, the girls are not strangers to me snapping off pictures and know how to beg with their eyes of course. Three, the ribbon was red! Oh, and add the amazing Snapseed app and it is easy to document life's moments!</div>
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I hope all of you who received new camera equipment get out and practice. Read your manual! Practice, practice, practice. My Mother always said, "Practice makes perfect." I have a long way to go and never expect to be perfect but it's fun to keep working on it!</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-44906244060888130582014-12-25T05:12:00.001-08:002014-12-25T05:12:52.722-08:00HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!Greetings!<br />
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Wishing all my followers a wonderful holiday season and </div>
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best wishes for a Happy New Year.</div>
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This is the time I do my best and reach out to family, friends, </div>
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acquaintances and those who follow my blog but haven't met yet. </div>
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You are all appreciated even though we may not have had a conversation </div>
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recently. Looking forward to a chance to catch up next year. </div>
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We all lead busy schedules, none busier then this time of year. </div>
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I wish you relaxation, joy, and a peaceful season. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siblings discuss plans for the holiday at Hallo Bay Bear Camp, Alaska<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-35380335661147445842014-07-12T20:48:00.003-07:002014-07-12T21:25:35.735-07:00Bosque del Apache You know sometimes you just can't get a thought out of your head?<br />
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Recently I have been thinking of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in southern Socorro County, New Mexico and the fabulous photographic opportunities that await. So here is my post about the place.<br />
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In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt founded our first wildlife refuge, Pelican Island, a three acre mangrove habitat, to protect egrets and other bird populations from extinction over plume hunting.<br />
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Now our Refuge System envelops over 150 million acres across the United States and territories. Its purpose is to maintain the biological integrity, diversity and environmental health of these natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.<br />
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Today more than 560 national wildlife refuges attract approximately 46.5 million visitors each year offering activities such as wildlife-watching, hunting, fishing, photography, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and environmental education.<br />
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Bosque del Apache was established in 1939 providing a critical stopover for migrating waterfowl and is known for the thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese who visit the refuge annually.<br />
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The 57,331-acre refuge is situated between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east and harbors a wild stretch of the Rio Grande, a ribbon of cottonwood and willow trees critical for the existence of native wildlife.<br />
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My first trip to Bosque was in 2012. I could only squeeze in a week that December and the first couple days brought a spectacular storm through New Mexico making for dramatic skies and lots of great imagery. A definite plus for any nature photographer!<br />
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The image above, from my 2012 visit, was one of three which took the 2014 Grand Prize in New Mexico Magazine's photo competition. Click <a href="http://www.nmmagazine.com/article/?aid=84581#.U8GesCjzzBg">here</a> to open a link for the article about my experience and for other images which took prizes in the contest.<br />
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This year I am planning my third trip to the refuge. Thinking about attending the <a href="http://www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane/">Festival of the Cranes</a>, an annual event which brings like minded nature lovers together under the crowded skies of a crane or geese lift-off!<br />
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<b>WARNING, this video is noisy!</b></div>
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The video is just a sampling of what you will see in the sky as migrants make their way south. And, if that's not enough, below are a few of the other critters who make the refuge their home!<br />
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Thanks for looking! Please share if you like. I think it's time to get busy making 2014 plans! Hope to see you there.</div>
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Sincerely, Sandy :)</div>
Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-67219682998963814472014-07-06T17:38:00.001-07:002014-07-06T17:41:53.361-07:00"Caught in the Act"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been wanting to post for some time now but it keeps getting harder to sit down at the computer and do so. Really need to discipline myself better. Has anyone ever heard of a July resolution? </div>
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I recently returned from shooting up Yellowstone way with some fun new images. This one I call "Caught in the Act." </div>
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Traveling north leaving Grand Teton National Park you will be on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Pkwy which connects you to the southern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. In route you will pass over the Continential Divide on a couple different occasions.</div>
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Many times along the road you can spot wildlife and that is exactly what happened when this coyote darted across the road in pursuit. He turned only for a moment and was caught in the act. </div>
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Thanks for your interest! Happy shooting!<br />
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SandySandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-10396770113923819642014-05-31T04:04:00.001-07:002014-05-31T04:04:43.150-07:00Dubois, Wyoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For those of you traveling to Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) this summer and want to add a true cowboy, small town experience, don't miss the quaint western community of Dubois, Wyoming. (Population 971 from the 2010 census.) </div>
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"Where real cowboys work and play." </div>
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Dubois, (pronounced <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dew-boyz</span></i>) is only a short, breathtaking drive east over the 9,695' Togwotee Pass on US Route 26 and well worth the trip. Whether you have a day or longer there are plenty of things to do for the whole family.<br />
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Spend time fly-fishing dry flies or nymphs for Browns, Rainbows and Cutthroat on the Wind River, a classic mountain stream that runs parallel to the highway with easy access. Or spend time in town at one of the yummy eateries, unique gift shops or friendly watering holes. Say hello to Bill, an icon of the old west and long time resident. Tell him I sent you.<br />
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However my favorite place to visit is the Silver Sage Gallery on Main Street (<a href="http://www.silver-sage-gallery.com/">http://www.silver-sage-gallery.com/</a>) Just park and ask anyone where you can find internationally known western artist Tom Lucas and equally renowned artist Gary Kelmig, owners of the establishment. Sit for a spell and listen to histories about the 14 artists represented by the gallery and shop the exceptional, exclusive work of sculptors, potters, jewelry makers and photographers. Take home a lasting memory of your visit.<br />
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If you are still looking for something to do, Friday night Dubois hosts a rowdy rodeo at the Clarence Allison Arena. Photograph the rodeo clowns, barrel racers, bull riding and cowboy characters honing their ranch style craft.<br />
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The Dubois Museum, a living history museum, is a great place to discover times gone by (<a href="http://www.duboismuseum.org/index.htm">http://www.duboismuseum.org</a>). Make sure to ask about the summer interpretive program series and you may be lucky enough to tour Sheep Eater Indian bighorn sheep traps, teepee rings, petroglyph sites and tie hack ruins.<br />
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If it's wildlife viewing that brings you to town, start your journey at the National Bighorn Sheep Center (<a href="http://www.bighorn.org/">http://www.bighorn.org/</a>) where you can learn the biology of the species then wander the gift shop to bring home a bighorn inspired souvenir.<br />
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Looking for a way to stretch your legs? Find solitude hiking the granite domes or craggy 13,000' peaks of the Wind River Range. Or take an easy stroll through the town park for peace and quiet.<br />
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You will find a number of places to rest your head for a good nights sleep. There is a KOA and other RV parks in the area. Many historic ranches offer accommodations, horse pack trips and all inclusive vacations. Why not take the kids on an adventure they will never forget?<br />
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When you are ready to find out more information about Dubois visit <a href="http://www.duboiswyoming.org/">http://www.duboiswyoming.org/</a> to get started and <a href="http://www.duboiswyomingchamber.org/">http://www.duboiswyomingchamber.org/</a> to see a calendar of events. Or leave a comment/question and I will do my best to answer.<br />
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How about it? Have you planned your trip yet?<br />
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Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-80403079613107821482014-05-25T22:38:00.000-07:002014-05-25T22:44:55.986-07:00Whoo whoooo!Day two! And another post to delight you.<br />
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OK, thought my Mom would get a kick out of that little rhyme! Hi Mom! My goal today is to introduce you to these cute great horned owlets, just out of the nest, and tell the tale of how I got the shot.<br />
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Great horned owls are found everywhere, females typically larger then males. Often perched high in quiet, secluded habitat taking up residence in trees that include deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests. They prefer areas of open habitats, where they hunt, and woods, where they tend to roost and nest.<br />
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I found these owlets on the grassland located in the South Platte River basin on the Colorado Eastern Plains. It was at the end of a three day workshop on the Pawnee National Grasslands and only the hardy participants were left. We photographed this pair in the golden light of the evening and came away with some super shots then headed back to our vehicles to call it a day.<br />
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Just before packing up the gear, I turned to the owlets to say thank you for the opportunity (as I often do to my subjects) and OMG! This is what presented itself. With a quick exposure adjustment and a few frames later I knew I had something special. Hope you agree! I call this image appropriately "Owlets" and it has been a favorite of viewers and clients alike.Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-38093753363494455652014-05-24T19:43:00.000-07:002014-05-24T19:43:29.929-07:00Really???It has taken me this long to add a new post? Believe it or not, I am back!<br />
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And just like the last post, I am reporting luck has intervened again and this July will be the third time I'll have the chance to camp and photograph brown bears at McNeil River State Game Sanctuary in Alaska. It can't be possible! I am still pinching myself. Three permits in eight years? WOW! So appropriately I feel the need to post a bear photo! OK?<br />
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Glad you agreed. I have been amiss in processing images from McNeil for quite a long while. Shame on me. Please forgive my tardiness. So, inspired by Arthur Morris and his 175 straight days of blog posts, I will try to post on a more regular basis. Hopefully you will follow along!<br />
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Let me take you back to July 2012 and the circumstances surrounding this photo opportunity. I call it an opportunity because it is so rare to win a permit a second time. Our small group had hiked up the trail to overlook Mikfik Falls and were watching brown bears consume dying salmon in the pooling waters of Mikfit Creek. Occasionally a bear would sneak off upstream with a mouthful, disappear for a time, then suddenly reappear to delight of the photographers and bear watchers. This is one of those extraordinary moments when a bear actually raised its head and made eye contact.<br />
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If you would like to know more about the bears and permit opportunities at McNeil River State Game Sanctuary check out <a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewingpermits.mcneil_overview">http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewingpermits.mcneil_overview</a>. I can't recommend it enough!<br />
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If you get a chance, let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you! It has been a while.<br />
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<br />Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-73602138516245636722012-03-25T10:31:00.005-07:002012-03-25T11:06:37.374-07:00Lucky Again...I thought once was my limit but who knew? I have been lucky enough to be drawn again for a permit to view bears at McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge. You don't know how excited I am! I will be joining two of my best buddies and the biologists at the refuge to walk among, observe and photograph some of the most beautiful, mature brown bears in Alaska. <div><br /></div><div>Alaska here I come! I have already purchased the current Photo-ID spiral book to study the bears before I arrive in anticipation of coming home with the best photographs I possibly can. Today I will be coordinating details, reviewing my journal from our 2009 trip and booking travel arrangements. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone interested in learning more about McNeil River Bears can check out the book <i>The Way of the Grizzly</i> by Tom Walker, visit Friends of McNeil River at http://www.mcneilbears.org/ or read Moose Peterson's <i>BT Journal Volume 13.2</i>. And watch my posts! </div><div><br /></div><div>Subscribe to this blog and you will receive email updates when a new entry is posted! It is easy, just type your email address in the box in the upper right hand corner and submit! Thank you for following! Go one more step and "Like" me on Facebook too! You won't be disappointed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sandy :)</div>Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-16229128862264923072011-11-19T22:03:00.002-08:002012-03-25T10:30:06.844-07:00From Death Valley...<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hL6dlh9B2go/TsiYTNASYkI/AAAAAAAAACQ/nvBK7pzicC0/s1600/DUSTY_1_0768.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hL6dlh9B2go/TsiYTNASYkI/AAAAAAAAACQ/nvBK7pzicC0/s400/DUSTY_1_0768.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676954785976312386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>Hello and greetings from Death Valley! As I mentioned in my last posting, I was going to try and post a couple more bear images. So here is another shot of Dusty. In a very endearing pose.<div><br /></div><div>I can't say enough about McNeil River, the staff and the bears! Just a super opportunity and by all means put it on your bucket list! You won't be disappointed. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oGHfFaiRdk/TsiZ87JpjDI/AAAAAAAAACc/W-pwAXhGRv4/s1600/Brown%2BBear%2Bwith%2BSalmon_0824.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oGHfFaiRdk/TsiZ87JpjDI/AAAAAAAAACc/W-pwAXhGRv4/s400/Brown%2BBear%2Bwith%2BSalmon_0824.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676956602249874482" /></a><br /><div>When you go, plan to do some trekking. You will need hip-waders and good rain gear. Bring your camera gear and protection for it also. We hiked up to 6 miles each of the four days we were at the sanctuary over tidal mud flats, tundra, river crossings-right through bear country. They were all around us, content with the abundance of chum salmon in the streams-typical at the time of our permit. We made stops everyday at Ender's Island where this shot above was taken. <div><br /></div><div>I don't recall if this bear had a name. The Friends of McNeil River publishes a spiral-bound book with interesting reading and help in identifying most of the bears you find who make the return trip to McNeil River every year. Visit http://www.mcneilbears.org/ to purchase the book and help a good organization help the sanctuary and the bears. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Bear Watching! </div><div><br /><div><br /><br /></div></div></div>Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-34685299166981827542011-11-16T01:21:00.001-08:002011-11-16T02:22:27.332-08:00I promised...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DyFYJbXAo0/TsOBVpwvqYI/AAAAAAAAACE/_2fqX-sFQrU/s1600/SZ%25232.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DyFYJbXAo0/TsOBVpwvqYI/AAAAAAAAACE/_2fqX-sFQrU/s400/SZ%25232.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675522164404496770" /></a><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">OK, many of you have asked to see my "bear" shots. Thanks for being consistent. I will try to get a couple posted before my trip to Death Valley. Here is the first one!</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Meet an amazingly photogenic Brown Bear </span>(<i>Ursus arctos horribilis</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">named Dusty by the staff at McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge in southwestern Alaska. The sanctuary has run a lottery system for bear viewers since 1967, allowing a very limited number of guided guests access to witness natural bear behavior during salmon season. Bruce and I were lucky enough to draw tags for a four day period August 2008. We spent those days hiking through mud flats, across tundra, in rain and overcast skies to places like Mikfit Creek, Enders Island and McNeil River Falls. It was SPECTACULAR! A photographers dream to be so close these magnificent creatures. </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">To learn more about McNeil River State Game Sanctuary visit http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=mcneilriver.main. And if you plan to apply for the chance to visit, you better get started. I have heard that some have waited several years before getting drawn. The application can be found at the website, due March 1st each year, and costs $25.00 per person just for the chance to get drawn. If you are lucky enough, there is a resident and non-resident fee system you will need to fund along with organizing transportation, camping arrangements, supplies and photo gear to take along with you. Weather plays an important part when flying in Alaska and McNeil River can only be accessed by float plane at low tide. Expect to pay more for over weight baggage. Food, photo gear, camping necessities and an array of clothing you can layer adds up fast. </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Don't be discouraged. This trip is so worth it! Make sure to do your homework and read up on the location before you go. If you would like to know more about our experience there, just drop me a line or give a ring. I would be glad to reminisce and share many more details about our adventures in Alaska!</span></div>Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-1631192562660359332011-11-13T10:41:00.000-08:002011-11-13T14:05:09.547-08:00The morning after...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPcrHd1TMgM/TsA--vWFVfI/AAAAAAAAAB4/Fro3Fv7ca5k/s1600/sandyzelasko10_0177_border.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPcrHd1TMgM/TsA--vWFVfI/AAAAAAAAAB4/Fro3Fv7ca5k/s400/sandyzelasko10_0177_border.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674604778068727282" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I woke up this morning wondering "what had I done?" My otherwise tame email account had numerous replies from people confirming or wanting to friend me. "What have I created?" My intentions were to reach out to family and a few close friends but I am finding out how much more a Facebook page can be. Wish me luck with this new-fangled (new to me), cyber-space, web of fun!<div><br /></div><div>But really! This is my photography blog so I better be posting images and interesting stories to accompany those images. So here goes! </div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Best of Nature Photography Show</i> entry period just wrapped up. I had been accumulating images I thought might bode well in the competition, did some post-processing on each of them and off they went. Here is one of my favorite images from a visit to Yellowstone NP earlier this year of a red fox (<i>vulpes vulpes</i>) crossing the snow on a very cold and overcast day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know what you think by leaving a comment! Want to know more about red fox? Visit http://www.visitthefarm.com/animalfacts/redfox.php or do your own google search. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like to see my latest posting delivered directly to you, enter your email address in the box on the upper right-hand corner of my blog page where it says subscribe. Then confirm the action once you receive an email asking you to do so. Thanks so much for following along! </div>Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-21560357083450037992011-11-12T22:24:00.000-08:002011-11-12T23:01:08.466-08:00Yellowstone...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4B_2gKfAJHM/Tr9q_UpevMI/AAAAAAAAABg/B5UZA3YGeSc/s1600/Old%2BFaithful%2Bpromo%2B4x6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4B_2gKfAJHM/Tr9q_UpevMI/AAAAAAAAABg/B5UZA3YGeSc/s400/Old%2BFaithful%2Bpromo%2B4x6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674371691617107138" /></a>As you might already know, the Yellowstone Association (YA) is using the above image of Old Faithful on their new line of promotional postcards. Funny story. Bruce and I were visiting the park on my birthday, August 25, 2010, for the opening festivities of the new Old Faithful Visitor Center. There were tons of people. Since we were there early, Bruce saved me a seat to watch the next spray of Old Faithful geyser while I meandered around to catch some candid shots. I got to my seat which had a clear view when this lady crowded in and started making rude comments. I was lucky enough to snap a dozen or more clean images of the show before it was over. Months later the Yellowstone Association called and asked if they could use the image. You betcha! SWEET.Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358619675828868911.post-22880320907995026832011-11-12T20:59:00.000-08:002011-11-12T21:45:47.226-08:00Finally...<span class="Apple-style-span">It's a cool, rainy day here at the office. Fireplace is crackling and I finally decided to dive into </span><span class="Apple-style-span">my Facebook page and start a blog. Time to get everyone excited and share my adventures with family, friends and anyone else who wishes to follow my blossoming career as a wildlife photographer. </span><div><br /></div><div>Please check back often to view some of my favorite wildlife images and posts of my travels. Leave a comment or two and enjoy. C-ya back here soon!</div>Sandy Zelaskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01156775315977830590noreply@blogger.com0