David and Chris Wilkins arranged this field trip to Red Rock Canyon to photograph star trails on a cold dark moonless night in January. Seven of us showed up for the adventure (David/Chris Wilkins, Paul/Sue Craft, Bill/Leslie Sutton, and Anita Kratofil).

David and Chris staked out a campsite, tossed the charcoal into the fire pit, tossed a match, and got the coals all hot and glowing, and ready for all of us to toss in our “Hobo Packets” to cook our dinner. A “Hobo Packet” consists of whatever meats and veggies you want, with seasonings, all wrapped up in heavy duty aluminum foil to withstand the heat of being directly cooked upon the coals. The aroma emanating from the hobo packets was heavenly!

Our photo adventure began at the Coffee Cantina in Frazier Park. Yummy Mochas! Eighteen photographers met, and ride sharing was arranged. After a quick cup of coffee, the group headed out to catch the nice morning light.

Our first stop was in Cuddy Valley, where we were greeting by a very inquisitive llama. A grove of brilliant yellow Cottonwood Trees was waiting to be photographed. Old farm equipment and wooden wagons were nearby.

Another great trip!!! Twenty four of us had a blast photographing, and enjoying each others company.

To kick off the event, generate excitement, share information, and answer questions, a potluck was held the Sunday before at the home of Tylene and Marty Trout. After a yummy BBQ, fifteen trip takers sat around the fire pit, and David, Tylene and Sue all shared photo tips on star trail photography, sunrise/sunset, and Bodie.

Sea Gulls to the left, right, straight ahead and behind. It seemed like a scene straight out of Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds”.

In case you haven’t seen it, it is a movie where the gulls and other birds mass and attack people and buildings. It resonates with me especially since Chris and I were married in the Church at Bodega and lived in Bodega Bay (where “The Birds” was filmed) for two years. But no, I was only on Anacapa Island and the gulls didn’t draw blood. They did let you know when they thought you were invading their territory by making noise and strafing attacks.

On May 17th, Glenn Olson and Lyle Trusty lead a local field trip to Willow Springs.

This was one of the largest attended trips in a long time. Somewhere around 40 people signed up to go and I believe about 30 showed up.

I think the huge attendance was a combination of the fact that it was fairly close to home and held on a Sunday when most people were available. The free admission that Glenn had arranged didn't hurt either (a $10 benefit).

Great trip, great photographs.

David Wilkins, our trip leader, led fourteen LPA members, on a four day photography adventure to Death Valley. David did his “homework” (I’ll give him an A+) and planned the trip around the Full Moon, very seasonable/nice temperatures, and a hopeful show of Wildflowers.

Sixteen LPA members met at the entrance to the Huntington Gardens in San Marino, before the noontime opening, and got the group discount for entry ($4 off per person).

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens are located on 207 acres in San Marino.