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Rocky Mountain Folks Festival

Posted by mikebtin

The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado has become one of my family’s favorite annual excursions in recent years.  Having attended 3 festivals to date, we’ve started to become familiar with festival rituals, ……… tarp lines, river cooling, the lively dance area near the stage, etc.  However, even with 3 festivals under our belt, we’re still newbies as we visit with other festivarians and hear their veteran stories.  Many have been coming through  all 25 years of the festival.  They’re full of helpful tips and easily share many wonderful recollections of past festivals. It’s a fun time filled with great music and lots of friendly folks…….easy to see why people keep coming back year after year.

PlanetBG

Days are often very hot so the St. Vrain river, which runs through the property is an inviting respite from the heat.

But first and foremost, there’s music, lots of music ……….

100 Years Of Scenic Beauty

Posted by mikebtin

In July, we went back to Rocky for a second time this summer.  2015 is their 100 year anniversary and visits are up by 25% according to one park ranger.  I believe it, as the place is very busy.  That’s not necessarily a distinguishing factor though, since RMNP is #5 on the most visited national parks list with 3.4 million visitors per year.  Not exactly a destination for someone looking for solitude.  But if someone is looking for grand mountain scenery it is easily one of the most accessible locations in the NPS.
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Wedding Photographer …….. Not.

Posted by mikebtin

 

I’ve shot a handful of weddings over the years.  Always as a friend or family member helping to keep expenses down.  Never charged anyone and I’ve always cautioned that I’m not a wedding photographer and not to expect professional results.  I’ve had varying degrees of success.  Of course most who request this kind of help just want some memories and even snapshots can provide that.  My son Gabe was the latest victim of my kindness.  He and Erika went through a fast wedding planning process (roughly a month) and Erika’s brother and I provided photographic services.  When I hear what most professional wedding photographers ask for their services it always seems exorbitant ……… and then I go through one of these exercises and I get just a clue of how much hard work is involved. 🙂  But it was challenging and fun and it was a great wedding. Continue reading →

Rolling and Tumbling

Posted by mikebtin

Took a short trip to Rocky Mountain National Park this last week …….. first outing of the summer.  Managed a couple of short day hikes during our 2 night stay.  First night there I took a quick drive up to Bear Lake where the mosquito population is quite healthy.  I forgot to apply any repellent that evening so a few shots of the lake and Longs Peak and I headed back to camp before the mosquitos could do more damage. I liked the still section of water where the reflection of the clouds seem to float isolated from the rest of the reflected scene. It creates an unusual but pleasant tension to the scene.

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Trees Of The Garden

Posted by mikebtin

No, not a breakdown of Garden of the Gods tree species ……… just a few images featuring trees from around the park. The old pine upon the ridge, the junipers up on White Rock,  the Cottonwood along camp creek, the surface rooted juniper on Rattlesnake Ridge …….. these are like old friends and I’ll continue to visit and photograph as opportunity arises. Continue reading →