Old Town Scottsdale

 On Monday we took a drive to Old Town Scottsdale with JC and Guylaine.  The ladies wanted to do a little shopping and JC and I wanted to do a little shooting.  Lori was very successful in her objective and I got some shots which you can see below.  

The girls hit the stores and JC and I went to church

Next door was an old blacksmith shop.
Yes I changed the sky and turned the light on.

Next door is an old building with some nice gardens

Once JC was done with his pano I took one of my own, below. 

Not sure what the building is used for but we weren't getting in. 

After lunch at the Sugar Bowl we took a walk to see the "Doors".  A kaleidoscope built on a street corner.  Along the way we found more shops, restaurants and some great scenery. 

Inside the kaleidoscope.  
Hard to tell what's real and what is a reflection

The Doors.  

Another great day.

A trip down Bush Highway and guess what?

 I've been out to see the Salt River horses a few times this winter but Lori hadn't seen them yet so she accompanied JC and I.  Pretty brave of her since the last time she went on a photo hike with us it was about an 8 hour adventure.  

We went down Bush Highway, just past Butcher Jones Recreation Area.  We could tell we were getting close when we started seeing cars parked on the side of the highway taking in the easy view of the horses.  We never take the easy way and after parking JC's truck and passing a few four legged stragglers and a passel of tourists we found a couple of bands totalling 40 horses and, bonus, no people.

Down a dry wash and around the backside of a steep climb we saw them.

When we got here in the fall the hills were brown after a hot dry summer but the rains this past few months have greened up the hills and fattened up the horses.  

Tourists coming up behind and a photographer in front.  
She was not happy. 

This one is known as Moon Shadow

"If I've told you once....."

Lori getting a good shot. 

This stallion was keeping one eye on us and the other on his band.

Mackenzie grazing off by herself.
Her colouring is very distinctive

A lonely photographer waiting for the perfect shot

Rain clouds moving in.  Time to head home. 

Great afternoon. 

Tempe Town Lake Night Shoot

 Our photo group went to Tempe Town Lake for a night shoot to get the building lights and river reflections.  Lori and Guylaine joined JC and I for the outing and afterwards a few of us went to Nando's for a late dinner.  I think Nando's is our new favourite Mexican restaurant.  

Got some great shots.

Lots of activity on the lake.  Kayaks, Dragon Boats
and people out enjoying an evening
by the water with a great view. 

 A fun night and something very different from my usual outings.

Butterfly Wonderland

 Here are some shots from our photoclubs' outing to Butterfly Wonderland.  Lori and our friend Pat joined the group.  The enclosure has a few thousand butterflies flitting about plus a few other critters best kept behind glass.  

Would like to visit again but next time I'll close down the aperture a bit to increase the depth of field. Was hard to get the wings, head, body and antenna all in focus. 

Lori and I also took in the Aquarium next door but more on that in another post.

They thought nothing of attaching themselves to us.

This one just emerged from its chrysalide.
Once its wings are dried it will be moved from the hatchery to the main room 

It's eat or be eaten.  
This unfortunate gecko is lunch for the snake.

 Its an interesting place and well worth a visit if your in the area.