landscape,  sunrises

First Light

January 25, 2013
First Light

Well I’m back home after 16 flights in 4 days. Over those 4 days we are locked inside a long metal tube with approximately 1500 people. We are always on alert for any safety or security situations and making all attempts to meet the passengers needs. It can be draining. When I get home my feet are sore and my back hurts. I’m too the point where traveling by car, camping along the road and taking photos of sunrises and sunsets alone is more enjoyable. Shooting a sunrise requires leaving before most people are on the road. I drive out of town in search of a quiet place to refresh my spirit. No people. This image is from my last trip down to visit my parents. I was just south and east of the Superstitious Mountains just after sunrise. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I’m going to relax, enjoy some time with my family and friends and shoot a sunrise or two.

Retired. Having fun shooting Fujifilm cameras. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku. Have a love for fountain pens.

16 Comments

  • Paul

    January 25, 2013 at 9:39 am

    Man! See, I need to get off of my keister, get out from under the covers, and grab some sunrises. Although, at this time of year, that’s exceedingly difficult to do when we become ‘one’ with the covers. 🙂

    • Monte Stevens

      January 25, 2013 at 5:25 pm

      My friend, you do get up early for your walks and post a few sunrise. I’ve seen proof of that. I also agree it’s difficult when it’s cold outside. I think that discipline is seasonal.

  • TomDills

    January 25, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    I thought you said you were slowing down, Monte…doesn’t look like it from here!

    I’m with Paul and have become “one with the covers!”. I fear that I have become a cold weather wimp! 🙂

  • Cedric Canard

    January 26, 2013 at 2:12 am

    Sixteen flights in four days!? … holy smokes… sorry, I’m still digesting that… “it can be draining” you say? Monte, I can see you deserve your time alone with your camera.

    • Monte Stevens

      January 26, 2013 at 11:35 am

      Yes, sixteen flights with an average of about 14 for a 4-day trip. Working full time requires at least four 4-day trips in a month. This equates to about 56-64 flights a month. That requires our bodies to go through a lot of decompression. The decompression has a subtle way of taking a toll on my body, the draining part. These younger kids we work with can handle it so much better than I can. It’s so nice now that I’m working part time. 🙂

  • Bonnie Moritz

    January 28, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Mr. Stevens,
    I work with physically and/or developmentally challenged young adults at Circle of Friends Ministry in Lake Wales, FL. On Feb. 23 we are having an Art Fair to raise money for our program (We are a 501C3 non-profit with no government funding.) Someone donated a piece of artwork to us by Paul Stevens. After checking the internet, I am confused if you are this person. I am finding both names and thinking your name may possibly be Monte Paul. If so, I would truly appreciate a paragraph or two of your bio to include with our hand-out at the art fair. Please forgive me if I am incorrect and thank you for your time.
    Sincerely,
    Bonnie Moritz
    Program Director