James, Jack and I ventured out on a three day backpacking trip in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area last week. It was kind of the Four Seasons trip, starting out on Wednesday with temps in near 80 and ending up on Friday morning a bit below freezing. It was an awesome trip. I’ve mountain biked a lot on the northeastern side but I had never been to Mount Rogers on the southwestern exposure. I was truly amazed at the beauty, especially this time of the year before much had leafed out. It really doesn’t seem like Virginia at all. An added bonus were the ponies which seemed to be several places as we progressed through the trip.

It was Jack’s first time backpacking and he got a new pack just for the occasion. They say a large dog and carry 30% of their weight in a pack. We didn’t load him up that heavy, but it was pretty clear he had no problem with a mostly full pack. He plotted along a few feet ahead of us for most of the trip, turning around every twenty yards or so to make sure we were still coming. It’s pretty nice having a dog that you don’t have to worry about running off or getting lost. There is no way Jack would ever let us out of his sight long enough for that to happen. He is a joy, especially outdoors.

Here’s just a few pics from the trip. I don’t take any of my professional equipment on backpacking trips because of the weight, so these were shot with my little pocket Olympus that I hate so much. I guess I will get around to replacing it this summer. I kind of would like to get another Canon G series. I had a G1 about 10 years ago that I really liked. Now they are up to the G11. It’s a little big, but still portable, and much more adapted to manual shooting which is what I prefer. I think this trip convinced my I need a better knock around camera.

Remember Pia from way back when there was a post on here trying to place her in a GOOD home after her not so great stay in a BAD home? Well, I’m happy to report that Pia is doing great. Jack had a sleepover with Pia last night and the two of them had a great time getting reacquainted. So, this morning I took a much awaited opportunity to have a photo session with the two of them. I wish I could do one with all six of them but I’m sure that will never happen. Anyway, here are a few shots from the session and I’m pretty darned pleased. Both of their personalities (which are remarkably similar, but still different) come shining through.

Pia is in the red collar.

Today was fun because Rummy came by the studio. He is VP of a firm that I was doing a promotional shoot for. He runs things with an iron paw for sure. Most dogs do. So, after all the work was done, I had to get a shot of the VEEP by himself. Of course, he did not want to cooperate. He’s the boss and like most execs, they have very little time for promotional nonsense. But, with a little coaxing from middle management, I was able to get a few shots.

Here’s Rummy. Ya gotta love him!

Jack was a good boy today, patiently posing for me as I fine tuned some new equipment. I think he was bored.

Jack, I promise that tomorrow we will go to the river and play with a stick.

Every time I set foot in the Taubman Museum I get this swell of pride that is hard to explain. I think about the generosity of the many people who made this wondrous architectural work of art possible, and I am so proud to be a part of it in my little way. Friday night was such a time at the opening night of the RVSPCA’s Best in Show exhibit featuring the work of local artists to benefit the RVSPCA. The opening night was hosted by the Taubman Museum and it brought out hundreds of enthusiastic supporters for this most worthy cause.

I contributed a piece to the show which I titled “Jack with Stick” and I was pleased to find out that it had sold before I even got there! I was only an hour late getting there for the start of things, but unfortunately I was too late to snatch up my favorite piece by local artist Mary Bullington. Nevertheless, I was pleased that Jack was able to contribute in his own way to the organization that helped him get such a great start in Life. Jack and I donated 100% of the proceeds to the RVSPCA. I also wanted to thank whomever purchased the piece and say that I hope you enjoy it for many years to come. This piece means a lot to me, and I hope it does to you as well.

So, if you haven’t had an opportunity to see the Taubman, you missed out on the freebie. But, please go and join the support of the thousands who have been so impressed with Roanoke’s newest jewel to the crown.

Kemper

Just a little promo. Come on out and see the Taubman and help the RVSPCA. I have a piece in there and have donated 100% of the proceeds from its sale to the RVSPCA.

This was Jack’s first Christmas with us and he loved eating the wrapping paper.

I like this composition. That’s all that matters.