Journal

“Blogging is like work, but without coworkers thwarting you at every turn.”

— Scott Adams

Creating and maintaining a photography site—even a personal one—is surprisingly a lot of work. Things never seem to fit the page the way you want them to. You constantly find yourself rearranging text and images randomly until something "clicks," and you achieve that look you didn't know you wanted.

Igor Os 9/8/23 Igor Os 9/8/23

Otsego Lake & Cooperstown, September 2023

Otsego Lake and Cooperstown, where nature meets America's pastime. The lake's a gem—perfect for those misty morning shots or capturing the sunset's reflection. As for Cooperstown, it's like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, only with more baseball jerseys. Snap the Hall of Fame if you must, but don't overlook the small-town charm and rustic landscapes.

Igor Os 9/3/23 Igor Os 9/3/23

Quebec City, September 2023

Quebec City is a photographer's dream, no doubt. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and that European vibe without crossing the Atlantic. You've got the iconic Château Frontenac, the Mona Lisa of hotel photography. Don't even get me started on the views from the Citadel. You're doing it wrong if your camera's not weeping with joy. Just brace yourself for the tourist hordes; they're as inevitable as lens flare in a J.J. Abrams film.

Igor Os 8/27/23 Igor Os 8/27/23

Nova Scotia, August 2023

Nova Scotia's a mixed bag of maritime glory and Cape Breton Highlands Park is its crown jewel. Think cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic, making even your camera question its life choices. The Cabot Trail? It's the winding road your lens has been yearning for. Wildlife's a bonus; moose and eagles, if you're into that sort of thing. Just a heads-up: the weather's as moody as a cat denied its dinner, so pack for four seasons. But hey, unpredictable skies make for dramatic shots, right?

Nova Scotia's a mixed bag of maritime glory, and Cape Breton Highlands Park is its crown jewel. Think cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic, making even your camera question its life choices. The Cabot Trail? It's the winding road your lens has been yearning for. Wildlife's a bonus; moose and eagles, if you're into that sort of thing. Just a heads-up: the weather's as moody as a cat denied its dinner, so pack for four seasons. But hey, unpredictable skies make for dramatic shots, right?

Cape Breton Highlands Park

Igor Os 8/5/23 Igor Os 8/5/23

Wharton Forest, New Jersey

In August 2023, I decided to escape the daily grind and head out to Wharton State Forest in New Jersey for a solo camping adventure. I set up camp by the serene Atsion Lake, a perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind with nature. The Atsion Family Campground has some decent amenities. After getting my suspension upgraded, I was eager to test it out before heading out on my big trip to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Wharton Forest offers enjoyable and not-too-challenging offroading options that are perfect for a test run.

Igor Os 12/12/22 Igor Os 12/12/22

Christmas at Longwood Gardens, December 2022

Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. During the Christmas season, the gardens are decorated with millions of lights, holiday-themed displays, and Christmas trees. Visitors can stroll through the gardens to see the light displays, attend special performances, and participate in holiday-themed activities. Some popular features of the Christmas season at Longwood Gardens include the "Main Fountain Garden," which is decorated with thousands of lights and synchronized fountain displays, and the "Christmas Tree" display, which features a variety of decorated trees. Longwood Gardens' Christmas season typically runs from late November to early January.

Igor Os 9/18/22 Igor Os 9/18/22

Maryland Renaissance Festival, September 2022

The Maryland Renaissance Festival is a Renaissance fair held annually in Crownsville, Maryland. The festival features a variety of Renaissance-themed attractions, including live entertainment, food, and crafts. The Maryland Renaissance Festival is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Igor Os 8/6/22 Igor Os 8/6/22

Shenandoah National Park, August 2022

Skyline Drive is a 105-mile road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The road winds its way along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Shenandoah National Park is a national park that covers part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the U.S. state of Virginia. The park is long and narrow, with the Shenandoah River running along the west side and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east. Shenandoah National Park is home to various wildlife, including deer, bears, and birds. The park also has many hiking trails and opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Skyline Drive is a 105-mile road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The road winds its way along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The Skyline Drive is popular with tourists and is a popular destination for scenic drives.

Igor Os 7/16/22 Igor Os 7/16/22

Yellowstone National Park, July 2022

Camping at Yellowstone after driving on the Bonneville Salt Flats requires a thorough car wash. All that salt stuck to the wheel wells attracts a lot of elk.

Camping at Yellowstone after driving on the Bonneville Salt Flats requires a thorough car wash. All that salt stuck to the wheel wells attracts a lot of elk.

Igor Os 7/14/22 Igor Os 7/14/22

Bonneville Salt Flats, July 2022

I am not sure why, but camping at the Bonneville Salt Flats was a highlight of this trip. Maybe it was the sense of openness or the absence of all the usual tourist traps. Probably a combination of both.

I am not sure why, but camping at the Bonneville Salt Flats was truly a remarkable experience for me. The vastness of the salt flats seemed to stretch endlessly, creating an overwhelming sense of openness that I had never quite encountered before. It was as if I had stepped into a different world, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What struck me the most was the absence of all the usual tourist traps that are often associated with popular destinations. Instead, I found myself surrounded by serene beauty, allowing me to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Perhaps it was the combination of the breathtaking landscape and the peacefulness of the surroundings that truly made this camping trip a standout moment.

Igor Os 7/12/22 Igor Os 7/12/22

Canyonlands National Park, July 2022

From a photographic perspective, the Canyonlands National Park is a perfect location. But it's rather warm, and you do need an all-wheel-drive vehicle with beefy tires.

From a photographic perspective, the Canyonlands National Park is an absolute paradise for avid shutterbugs seeking to capture the breathtaking natural beauty that unfolds before their eyes. With its majestic canyons, towering arches, and mesmerizing rock formations, this park offers an endless array of picturesque vistas just waiting to be snapped. However, it's worth noting that venturing into this enchanting wilderness requires more than just a passion for photography. The scorching desert heat can quickly sap one's energy, making it essential to come prepared with plenty of water and sun protection. Moreover, the rugged terrain demands the use of an all-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with robust, beefy tires that can withstand challenging conditions and allow photographers to access even the most remote corners of this stunning park. So, while the Canyonlands National Park may pose certain challenges, its magnificence and photographic opportunities make it a destination worth braving the heat and ensuring you have the right wheels beneath you.