Photography

This morning I saw a comment on one of my blog posts.  The comment included a question about my camera - what did I use.  For years I had a nikon d50 and I loved it.  So many of my good Maine photos were taken with my d50.  I finally upgraded when the camera developed a problem with color.  I bought a nikon d7100 but after a short time realized it was too heavy and sold it.  Now I have a nikon d3400 and am fairly satisfied with it.  I primarily use my 70-300 lens.  I use the Picasa program on my computer to primarily crop and highlight or shadow.  This program is no longer available for downloading.
Believe me when I say, I know practically nothing about my camera and keep it on automatic - really no technical skills.  In spite of that, I manage to take some good photos.  I think my biggest assets are patience and persistence - an example would be my robin photos.  I spent hours in a chair watching this family and was rewarded with some good photos.  When I am in nature, with my camera, I can get lost in the moment and that's when I find peace.  Photography is more than a hobby for me, it is therapy - quiets the mind and soothes the soul.

Transit to Camper Van - Update

Jill gave me this bumper sticker.  I'm not sure if I'm outrageous yet but it's my new goal.
My Alaska adventure begins on August 27th and I'll be in Alaska till September 9th.  I'm really looking forward to this trip - very excited but I have to admit I'm also looking forward to camping in my Transit.  I'm planning my first camper van experience about 2 weeks after my return from Alaska.  I've decided to camp in the area or at least lower Michigan to work out the kinks and familiarize myself with driving this very long vehicle.
I've been modifying my first design.  I decided to take out the two back seats which has really opened up my main living space.  I now have room for a chair and it no longer feels so closed in.  I also added curtains.  I bought half panels and modified them to fit the Transits Windows.  Lots of privacy now.

I think it looks great and is very functional.

I still have the same two front areas designated as pantry and kitchen and all my screen house supplies are under my bed.  It will be very easy for me to camp with electricity or rustic with no electricity.

I'm pretty impressed with my design.  

As for driving - I went to the middle school to practice backing up today and really did OK.  The only thing giving me a real problem is using my passenger side mirror.  It's huge and I feel like it distorts my perception of vehicles next to me.  I need to figure this out or I won't be heading to Florida in January. As some of you know, I hate driving through Atlanta and if I can't see cars on passenger side, when I have to make quick lane changes, I'm in trouble.  I will continue working on my mirror problem and with practice, it should be resolved.  

So, my transition back to van camping is moving forward.  I'll be happy to have the flexibility that I missed when  I camped with my tent and the popup.  Now I can stop anywhere, stay as long as I want and don't have to worry about packing up wet on a rainy day.  Good times coming.   Onward and upward.