Posted on by Anne Sandler

Back in time: Civil War Re-enactment, Gibson Ranch, Elverta, California

It was one of the most brutal wars, and one fought on our soil–the Civil War, north against south and sometimes brother against brother. It was something to enter a time warp and see the encampments as they may have been during the civil war. I felt immersed in the culture and people. But, it was a re-enactment at Gibson Ranch. That is the very same ranch that we photographers visit to shoot horses, ducks, and a sunset.

Marlene and I first visited the Union camp just because they were near the parking lot. Except for a few cars, portable toilets and large trash bins, we walked back in time. As much as I appreciated the effort to keep things as realistic to the time period, it was tough to photograph because of all the modern day stuff visible. But it was just a challenge.

This will be another two part post. Today I’ll focus on the Union encampment and tomorrow the confederate encampment and the battle.

Here’s what it was like pre-battle in one of our bloodiest wars.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Yes, this is Scotland or as close to it as we can recreate: Scottish Highland Games, Woodland, California, the games.

Athletes who train, bands that practice, dancers who start at an early age–they were all there and from different countries. I didn’t realize how big time these games are. Children came from Ireland to compete in what I call the “Drum Major” competition. I’ve tried to find the correct name, but was unsuccessful. Who knows, I might be right! But they were there at the Scottish Highland Games.

I was impressed about how precise everything was. Uniforms had to be just so, routines had to be exact and the throw length in the games was measured. It was pure talent. So take a look at these people of all ages who trained and practiced. I hope you will take the time to view more than the normal amount of images.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Wait, this isn’t Scotland: The Scottish Highland Games, Woodland, California

Photography has pushed me to experience events that I would otherwise ignore–like The Scottish Highland Games in Woodland California. Too bad it took me so long to enjoy this festival because it was fun!

I went with photo buddies Marlene, Greg and Linda and got there shortly after they opened the gates. This was the festival’s second day, but there were still crowds. When we walked in the action was gearing up–athletes, dancers and bands were practicing.

Once they started, the field was bustling with activity. At least three activities at once were being judged. Off the field, contestants were getting ready for inspection, vendors were selling food, crafters were selling their wares and participants were in their camps.

This fair, presented by The Caledonian Club of Sacramento, is an all-volunteer effort enhanced through various sponsorships. I was amazed at how the participants immersed themselves into character, giving visitors a glimpse of what life was like back in the day.

In this post, I’ll focus on people who made the visit so worthwhile for me. I’m so glad photography brought me here.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Talking with the animals: Sacramento Zoo, Sacramento, California

It’s not big as far as zoos go, but that’s the beauty of it. You can get around the Sacramento Zoo in about 2 hours–more if you have children with you. You know kids like to snack and play at the playground.

Marlene and I went to the zoo to shoot (gently with a camera) the animals. I had taken the grandkids there a few weeks before and discovered you’re either a grandparent or photographer! However, we were surprised by the bus loads of school kids there on a Thursday morning. It made shooting a little more difficult, but it was fun to watch the children as they reacted to the animals.

So we walked, talked and shot the zoo’s inhabitants. It may be small, but it’s mighty.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 5 Comments

An amazing find: Rush Ranch, Solano County, California

The best things are the ones you don’t expect. And, I didn’t expect Rush Ranch to be so beautiful and fun to shoot. We went there after we visited the Suisun Wildlife Rescue Center. Photo buddy Laura suggested this and Marlene and I were agreeable. Oh, did we have fun, and we didn’t even take any of the nature paths. We stayed and shot old equipment, etc.

Rush Ranch is a working ranch, with cattle and sheep grazing under a wildlife habitat management program. Prior to its purchase by the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation in 1988, this ranch was owned by the Rushes (a pioneer family).

Now it is open to the public with three hiking trails that take you through different ecosystems. These are the trails we didn’t have time to walk. So we need to go back. Who knows what we’ll see, especially when we don’t expect to.

Meanwhile, enjoy these images from the immediate property.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Birds of a feather: Suisun Wildlife Rescue Center revisited, Solano County, California

Many of the animals never leave here, so it was like visiting old friends when we photographers made our annual trek to the Suisun Wildlife Rescue Center just outside of Fairfield, California. This was my second trip there through a Meetup organized by the Wildlife and Landscape group. It’s actually a fundraiser for the Center that is run solely through contributions.

This Center is a non-profit volunteer organization, dedicated to the rescue of native California wildlife and to the preservation of the Suisun Marsh, working through the dual avenues of wildlife rescue & release and environmental education.  While some animals are able to be released once they are well, many are not. Birds with wing problems, an albino snake, a coyote and many eagles are just some of the wildlife that cannot be released.

But, they do work for their keep. Volunteers take them to schools through an educational program. While they educate, the animals are cared for by an all volunteer staff. And the staff brought out the animals in turns so we could photograph them. While we were shooting, we were told about the animal’s personality, how they were brought into the Center and whether they would ever be released. When you look at the images, in many cases, you can tell why they will remain at the Center.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Deja vu: Mossy trees and mustard, Lake San Antonio, Monterey County, California, part 3

Mustard! It’s yellow just like the condiment, but you don’t spread it on sandwiches or hot dogs. You just look at its beauty and admire it. I’m amazed at how wildflowers can make a hillside or valley look stunning. You’ll see mustard in this post; the last of our visit to Lake San Antonio.

It was sad to see Lake Nacimiento and San Antonio so low in water capacity. We used to camp there with our children when we had a boat. We saw Nacimiento from Lakeside Rd and drove down to San Antonio. The California drought is becoming very noticeable now. We are beginning strict water rationing, which I think should have been done sooner.

Right now there are thunder storms north of us and it may be snowing in the Sierras. But, that won’t be enough to get us through the hot summer. I know the east coast has had enough rain and snow. Funny how Mother Nature is!

So, let’s get on with the serving of mustard–no hot dogs on the side!

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Deja vu: Mossy trees and mustard, Lake San Antonio, Monterey County, California, part 2

Do you remember the mossy trees and mustard that I went all the way to Napa Valley to shoot? Well, I found the trees in our campground and the mustard in the countryside here at Lake San Antonio.

It’s amazing how much I’ve learned through photography, and I don’t mean learning the art. I’ve studied birds, flowers and trees! So during this trip I had the opportunity to educate my husband in the flora of the area. Sadly, because the lake is so low now, there wasn’t the opportunity to see many water fowl. There were plenty of turkey vultures though.

In addition, I became acquainted with the various stages of the dreaded fox tail from beautiful to mowed down so they stick in your socks and dogs paws. All weekend I picked fox tails from Gem’s hair, checked his ears and made sure he was tick free. The little guy was happy to be home.

In this post, I’ll give you the campground tour including the mossy trees. You’ll have to wait for the next post to see the mustard.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Starry, starry night: An astronomy star party, Lake San Antonio, Monterey County, California

Dry brittle low lying ground cover with lots of fox tails and some wildflowers welcomed us to our campground at Lake San Antonio this past weekend. Some of it was due to the fact that we were in the overflow area where there were few trees, but the drought has also taken its toll.

But the wildlife activity was normal with many chipmunks and rabbits running the campground. They left small to large sized holes that Gem liked to stick his mussel into and I kept pulling him back. But we were there for the stars and there were plenty of them.

This was my first attempt at shooting star trails. So armed with my printed out tutorials, I set up my tripod and camera and did my best. Thank goodness for Lightroom! No matter what I did, my images turned out with a light tan background. Each night I used a different lens and kept the aperture open. I did 30 minute exposures because I didn’t have stacking software.

I brought my challenge to my Toastmasters Photo Club meeting, it was suggested that I needed to close down the aperture because I was letting in too much light. Well, I’ll try that the next time we go up to the observatory at Blue Canyon. It needs to get a little warmer for my body! In the meantime, I’ll show you what I did get.

I was also shooting during the day, catching some of the wildflowers and fox tails, and I’ll show you those images in my next post. On to my starry nights.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 1 Comment

Shoot ’em cowboy: The Arrgo Cantua shoot at Sloughhouse, California

I’m not a lover of guns. In fact, they scare me. But I did have fun at the Single Action Shooting Society’s contest at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center in Sloughhouse.

We went there to see what our family members, Richard and Sandy, spend their time with and travel the western states for. In this shoot, everyone dressed as cowboys and cowgirls. Yes, women shoot too. The buildings were facades with targets behind them. The club members are scored on their accuracy and time which is converted into their score. Each member rotates from one building facade to another, completing the circuit during the two-day activity.

While they are waiting for their turn, members tend to their rifles and pistols, cleaning them. They also make their own bullets. And, they visit, talking with each other. It’s truly a fun time. And, it’s not just for adults. There were two 10 year old boys shooting.

So, while I’m not a lover of guns, I can appreciate the skill involved in shooting, the passion of its members and the safety this club provides. There are a lot of images in this post, but I hope you’ll look at each one to understand the fun of this activity.