Yes. We do call her that. It works. 😀
Sunday was another cloudy and beautiful day, and what made it even more beautiful was the arrival on our doorstep of something about which I’ve been ever so fondly dreaming for quite a while — a new Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens:
I couldn’t wait to get out into some landscape and try it out, and Vicki graciously agreed to join me on a second try at getting up South Mountain to Dobbins Lookout. We arrived there around 4pm, and the road was NOT blocked, thank goodness, so we were able to take the scenic drive to the top, where we discovered 90-bajillion other Phoenecians attempting to park in the postage-stamp sized parking lot. Undeterred, we circled once and were able to slide (somewhat crookedly) into a spot just vacated. Then came two hours of walking around on the mountain top from one side to the other, chatting, taking pics of the ever-changing cloud-and-landscapes as the sun sank in the west. We had a deadline: we planned to meet Jeff, Mom, Megan and Geneva for a 7:15 movie back on the west side. That meant that we weren’t able to stay past around 6:15, but I managed nonetheless to break my lens in nicely — while filling my eyes up with beautiful views, and having quality time with my bestie. Here’s a sample of my first wide angle efforts – and you can find more in the Dobbins Lookout gallery on Nettie’s World SmugMug.
I was fairly certain we had more than enough time to get back over to Westgate, but I did not account for two variables: 1) getting to the bottom of the mountain took 10-15 minutes, and 2) once we had finally exited the park, I suddenly realized my gas tank was dangerously low and I could not make it nearly 25 miles on E, so I had to stop for a few gallons of gas. Still and all, we made it to the parking lot only about 5 minutes late, and made it into the theater before the end of the previews. I call WIN! 🙂
After the movie, since I had my new lens along and have been wanting to get some night shots at Westgate, the girls and I walked around taking pics while Jeff took Mom home, and then when he returned, we grabbed a very late low-carb supper at the Saddle Ranch Chop House. It was delicious; however, with the approximately 12 people in the restaurant, the volume on the music could have been cut by about 50% and it would have been much more enjoyable. But if you like good western food, loud music and bull riding, it might just be up your alley.
Here are a few of my pix from Westgate. (see more at Westgate at Night)
amoiesu
3 Mar 2015Stunning!