Yesterday, I combined two of my loves/avocations/hobbies/joys:  I hiked 15 miles and took photos along the way.

The hike:  For about ten years now, my friend Melanie and I walk a marathon each year.  When the pandemic arrived, we decided to create our own marathon since organized events were canceled.  With our combined schedules, it still makes sense for us to create our own challenge rather than participate in formal events.  This coming weekend (day depends on rain!), we will, once again, walk 26.2 miles.  To train, one weekend I made sure to walk 10 miles, the next weekend 15 miles, the following weekend 20 miles, and yesterday 15 miles.  I am SLOW – and I can do this!

The photos:  I’ve been frustrated lately with the quality of my photos, especially the lack of focus quality.  I re-read my camera’s manual, changed some settings, and captured photos during my 15 miler.  Culling through over 200 pictures, following are my 15 best attempts.  I figure one photo per mile – so 15 photos for 15 miles!

Heart hanging on a fence

While editing this photo of fall colors, I zoomed in and was surprised to find this bird perched in the tree

Bridges, such as this one, allow walkers to traverse creek beds while traveling on neighborhood trails

Although it is autumn, some leaves remain green throughout the year

Seen from the railroad trail linking my home to downtown SLO

Practicing focusing on moving subjects…bicyclist on the railroad trail approaching the Jennifer Street Bridge

Sculpture near the train station honoring railroad workers

Public art at the corner of Marsh and Higuera

The Marsh Street parking garage sports public art

Downtown San Luis Obispo Victorian home

View of the hills from the top of Cerro San Luis

Very dry Laguna Lake – WE NEED RAIN

I played around with Black & White – these three photos seemed to call for it!

View of the morros, Bishop Peak in the foreground, from the top of Cerro San Luis

Picnic table next to the railroad trail

The tunnel under the railroad tracks connecting two neighborhoods – when it rains (a lot), this tunnel is closed due to flooding