Photog Field Trip for One and a History Lesson

We were in Mountain Home for a few days last week and one day was so pretty that I decided to go search for something to take pictures of.  I didn't make it far. 

I'm not in love with Cotter, mainly because I'm holding a grudge against the police officer or constable or postmaster or whatever he was that gave me a speeding ticket a few months ago.  BUT I decided to put my feelings aside for one day and take advantage of some of the good things it has to offer.

I love railroad tracks, bridges, and rivers.  So in theory, I should like this place!

I do think Cotter may have some potential for a night photography session.  Maybe once the weather warms up...and I brush up on my night photography skills.

The next day I thought I'd see what Flippin had to offer but didn't find anything worth stopping for.  It reminds me of Cave City so I'm sure the beauty is in the people who live there.  Maybe I need to do a little research on the place and try again.  I did find the cemetery where Brad's grandparents are buried so it wasn't a wasted trip.  I'd been to the cemetery once before but I'm terrible with directions.  I guess its hard to get lost in Flippin, Arkansas though. 

From there, I went on to Yellville.  The Marion County courthouse is really cool but they still had Christmas wreaths on most of the windows that didn't have a window unit air-conditioner hanging out of it.  And it must have been court day.  Court day in north Arkansas is different than court day in Little Rock but if a person wanted to take photos, court day in Little Rock would be way better.  At least you'd get to see a prison van.  

There are several things to photograph in Yellville, but the weather wasn't that great so I just looked around and didn't get many photos.  

I stopped at the visitor's center and talked to the lady working there for a couple hours about the history of the area.  She was basically a walking Marion County history book and happy to share her knowledge.  I love Arkansas history so I was happy to listen!  I think she knew everyone in the county because she remembered when Brad's uncle passed away in Flippin a few years ago.  And I don't know why she'd know that unless she knew everyone.  I wish I could have talked to her all day but I was sure she had things to do other than talk to me.  I'm definitely going back to Yellville one of these days (I wonder when they take the Christmas wreaths down??).  I know a small amount of its older history from volunteering as a docent at the Old Independence Regional Museum after college but the nice lady gave me some websites I can go to and learn more.  

Norfork and Dogtrots

We were driving through Norfork a couple weeks ago just before dark but stopped anyway so I could take a few photos.  I wish I hadn't been rushed... for such a small place, there are a lot of things I would like to get a shot of.  

I like how the fog is just starting to roll in in the background.

The Wolf House

If only these walls could talk....I would sit and listen for days!!

I've loved dogtrots since college when I did an entire semester of research on the Carpenter House, the dogtrot in Cave City (many people refer to it as the Pinkston House).

You can't really tell from this picture, but the stairs to the second floor are in the dogtrot. 

I wish someone would restore this house...it's basically in good condition, but things like the plastic sheets of fake rock around the bottom make me cringe and the mannequins (yes, mannequins!!) on the upstairs porch are just ridiculous!! I'm pretty sure I'll never move back to Cave City, but if I did I would love to have this house.  Brad, on the other hand, probably wouldn't even step foot inside it.  Function is much more important to him than charm!

Buffalo City

Brad and I went to Mountain Home on Saturday and as we started home, we took a little detour down to Buffalo City (this was the first I'd ever heard of it).  It's where the White and Buffalo Rivers meet! 

I bet the population of this place is pretty low, but hopefully those who do live there don't take their surroundings for granted.  

Yes, that's two humans!  Fly fishing!  In 40 degree whether!

The bluff behind the White River.

There is even a railroad track running next to the river.  

A guy who Brad works with is moving to Mountain Home and is building a house out toward this area.    We wanted to check it out but the house is not far enough along to really be able to tell anything.  We did get to see the view they will have EVERY day though. 

 What I wouldn't give (except enough money) to have this view from my living room!

This picture doesn't do it justice at all.  But I would love to have the White River in my back yard.  And the railroad track in the picture above runs between the river and their house!  I can't imagine anything more perfect. I believe there are some more lots around them for sale but I didn't see any other houses.  The only problem was it was about 20 minutes from Mountain Home.  So basically in the middle of nowhere.  I wouldn't be too interested in that.  And when it snows, they are going to be stuck.  But that view might be worth it!

Assignment #5-ANYTHING

I never posted about my 5th and final assignment in my photography class.  For that assignment, we were supposed to take a photo of ANYTHING we wanted.  I kind of like having parameters so I had a little trouble coming up with what to do.  The night before class, Dawn said she would meet me at the River.  Brian Baltz was here so I knew Brad wouldn't be able to go so I was very grateful that Dawn offered.
I just love how the buildings look reflecting in the water. But it wasn't quite dark enough when we got there.

I was hoping to get the bicyclists that come by all clustered together, but by the time we realized they were coming, it was too late to set the camera.  I'll have to try another time to get them.

There's really not much on the North Little Rock side, but the sidewalk was pretty.

Below is the photo I turned in for my assignment.  I liked it a lot but when we got to class, they had printed all the photos and this one looked better in print, I thought.

I want to try to make this shot a little better so that the lights on the buildings are a little sharper.  The instructor in class said I could raise my Aperature to 22.  

There were supposed to be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for the best photos in the class, but I haven't heard who won.   There were some really good ones.  I really learned a lot from the class and enjoyed it but I'm glad it's over because even though it was 2 hours a week, it took a lot of time!

Sunset on the river

Brad and I took a drive toward Scott a week or so ago with the idea that we could find a spot to take some pics.  We tried the golf course first but didn't get a whole lot.

This isn't really on the golf course....it is at the end of a street in the neighborhood next to the golf course.

After the golf course, we ended up at a boat ramp on the side of the road leading into the river.

The sunset was so pretty!  

I just realized the water tower is in this one.  I love it in this next one.

I like this one but there is NO color in the sky!! It was completely dark when I took this.

I really liked most of these.  But we are going to HAVE to go back out there.  There are several more places I want to go.