Challenges

The sun through the living room window. I used special effects on the camera,
to over expose the picture and let more light in.

I love fun challenges!! That's probably why I enjoy the photography class so much. Today I learned about new settings on my camera, light, framing, angles, composition and details. Our assignment for today was taking pictures of details in our house. I did so AND I also did a 4mile long photo excursion along Napa River Trail, to retake pictures I took yesterday that I wasn't 100% satisfied with. I haven't edited all those pictures yet but here are some from inside the house.

Break

Hayley

A mini adventure!

Lake Berryessa

Today I took my two babies to Lake Berryessa. I hadn't planned for that at all. When I checked my emailed this morning there was a photo assignment for today (from my teacher in the photography class). It was choosing one of the words on our photo list. I'd already done that! My word for the day was "Baby". My plan was to have a quiet day at home, taking pictures of Hayley. The rest of the emailed suggested that we'd go for a mini adventure while making a photo excursion. I quickly changed my word to "Lake" instead. I can't resist a suggestion that includes the word adventure! That would be impossible! Besides, there are so many places that I really want to explore around Napa, while we're in the neighborhood. 

Snacks for Hayley,  organic apple/cinnamon/oatmeal smoothie.

The backroads from Napa
 to Lake Berryessa.

I finally made up my mind and decided to go to Lake Berryessa. I've wanted to go there for quite some time now. I've never been there before. I looked at the map and it was only about an hour away. I made me some coffee. Didn't sleep much last night, that's partly why I planned a quiet day at home. However the sun was shining and it was too tempting to go on an adventure. A big cup of coffee later I packed Hayley and Whitey in the car and started driving.

The road was very narrow, but in good condition. It was a beautiful drive and I would of stopped and taken more pictures if it wasn't so dangerous. There were signs everywhere "no parking, any time". I did stop at a rest stop almost at our destination to changed a diaper and let Whitey run around for a while. 

As soon as we left Napa I barely saw any cars at all. (I did think for a second that maybe I shouldn't be there by myself.) 

It took me 1 hour and 15min to get there. It was well worth the drive, incredibly beautiful. My photography doesn't do the place justice. 

"If we only just take a moment to look around, we would find that the universe is in constant communication with us." - Alexandra Hotmer

I took this picture when we stopped to change a diaper.

Hayley and me

Whitey

We walked about one mile on the side of the lake. Hayley is never more happy than when she is outside. We had a great day! I'm so happy that we didn't stay at home. I can highly recommend a visit! I know that I will be back sooner than later.

Miss Sunshine

Westwood Hills Park, Napa

Eucalyptus trees

Every week I'm trying one new hiking and/or riding trail. This week I explored a park in central Napa, Westwood Hills Park. It's convenient because of it's location so close to town. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, it's am easy hike, several shorter trails around 1mile++. The park has some climbing and some peaks with incredible view. It's heavily forested with oak, eucalyptus and redwood trees. The trails are however very well maintained, some are paved, all are wide and easy to walk on. As I mentioned before in my blog, the park is not stroller friendly because of he gates in the beginning of the park. You can walk around them but you can't take a stroller around them. If it wasn't for the locked gates the park would be perfect for staying at home moms that want to take the kids out in beautiful nature. Even though it's so close to the city you feel like you're far out in the woods. I really like this park. I took Hayley and Whitey there this week, Hayley in a baby carrier. I also went there with only Whitey and my camera, we walked further that time. I think I tried all the trails now, it's not a big park but extremely beautiful.

Eucalyptus tree, closeup bark.

View over Napa

Well maintained trails

Whitey