merlin

X-T2, 90mm f/2 Sunflowers Russian Sage Verbesina encelioides Buddleia

Thanks very much!

For the first time in 10 weeks, we hiked the entire length. The rocky and treacherous steep descent at the beginning required total attention, but there are outstanding trees, rock formations, and views. Many wildflowers are having their second seasonal bloom, which added immeasurably to our pleasure. The steep climb out of the valley was easier than going downhill, but just as taxing. Our favorite lunch spot afforded 150-mile vistas with several mountain ranges. We were quite tired on the last part of the hike, but the huge boulders, rock formations, junipers and piñons were sources of awe and wonder. And we even got home before the afternoon storms hit. The vastness, solitude, stillness, and connections with nature were impressive and deeply moving, and left us feeling inspired and hopeful.

X-T2, 90mm f/2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Thanks very much!

Our kayaking trip today took us about 9 miles upstream to Capulin Canyon, in Bandelier National Park. Water levels had dropped about a foot since last week, and mudflats and sandbars are beginning to appear, making navigation tricky in some areas, with strong currents in a number of places. Due to muddy and slippery banks we were not able to land at Capulin, but went back down river to Cochiti Canyon for lunch and a short hike. Sightings included Great Blue and Black-Crowned Night herons, Canada geese, turkey vultures, ravens, redtail hawks, a merganser and other ducks, and a beaver. The stillness, solitude, and connections with nature are always deeply moving and inspiring. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Our hike yesterday in the Eldorado Nature Preserve took us to a previously visited off-trail area. The adventure offered wonderful vistas with huge boulders and rock formations. We had the entire place to ourselves, and the stillness and connections with nature and spirit were deep and inspiring. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

X-T1, 56mm f/1.2

Our kayaking trip today took us to Medio Canyon, about 5-6 miles upstream. Water levels were at an almost all-time high for this time of year, so paddling was fairly straightforward, with strong current in only a few places. Still lots of mud and silt from the ongoing monsoon rains, but we found a fairly dry stopping spot for lunch. 1. 2. 3. Sightings included redtail hawks, turkey vultures, Great Blue and Black-Crowned Night herons, a merganser, and various ducks. Once again we had the river all to ourselves, and the vastness, stillness, and connections with nature were invigorating and inspiring. 4. 5. 6. 7.

A "free" battery is the least they could offer, given your hassles!

Glad your baby is back home! And hopefully no more problems... Interesting re: FW 2.11. I just visited the Fuji website, and the latest version posted for the X-T2 is still 2.10.

Thanks very much, Mike, and for highly recommending the X-T2!

X-T2, 90/2 - SOOC

X-T2, 90mm f/2

A sunny and almost windless day on the river, after a three-week break due to eye surgery. There was lots more water and huge amounts of mud because of the monsoon rains, and finding a place to land for lunch was quite a challenge. Sightings included a flock of 7 Canada geese, a few ducks and herons, and even a beaver, which swam across the river, checked us out, slapped its tail and dived underwater. As always the stillness, solitude, and deep connections with nature and spirit nourished us in innumerable ways. What a blessing to have access to all this just 45 minutes away!