Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue; Lancaster, California

Robin and I drove down to Lancaster, California last Thursday afternoon, spent the night, and then drove out to Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue.  

We were met out at the ranch by Angel, Beth, Cheyenne, and Mark.  They were wonderful to us and made us feel very at home. 

Angel took us all around the smaller fenced in areas where we fed some of the horses the carrots that we had in our pockets.  The horses have a great sense of smell and came quite close to us because they knew we had some of their favorite food.  Robin ended up giving me her carrots, as the horses were getting a little to friendly for her comfort.  Angel had to keep shooing them away because they were getting a little to aggressive.  It was great fun.  I ended up having one of the horses nibbling on my coat pocket to the point where it got pretty wet.  After we were outside the fence I went ahead and gave the rest of the carrots I had stashed in my pockets to them.  I was very popular for a few minutes.

Then Beth and Cheyenne joined us and took us out to the 26 acres area where the horses had more room to run.  Mark was able to herd them over to where we were so that we could capture them galloping.  It is a beautiful sight, something neither one of us had ever seen.  God's creatures, great and small, are a wondrous sight to behold.  Here are some samples of what we saw.  A big thanks goes out to the folks at the Rescue for their hospitality and for saving so many of these awesome animals!

The USS Hornet, Alameda, CA

Robin had worked diligently in order for us to be able to shoot the USS Hornet.  I was sorry that she could not accompany me after all of her hard work.  She was just finishing her antibiotics and was in no condition to go, unfortunately.  I am so grateful that Jesus continues to bless us with wonderful opportunities. 

 I learned that once the Navy delivered the USS Hornet to Alameda and turned over the ship it was then totally up to The Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation, the volunteers, and the donations of everyone to make it what it is today.  You can tour the ship and I would recommend this experience to everyone, young and old.  It is such a great part of our history.  The keel was laid in 1942 , was heavily involved in WWII, Vietnam, brought back troops from the wars, picked up the Apollo astronauts after they had landed on the moon and then in 1970 it was decommissioned.  It remained in moth balls until it became and National and State historical landmark and then opened up for tours in 1998. 

I got up at 5am and left the house to drive to Alameda about 6am.  I was met by Randall, CEO, and Chuck, head Docent, at the entrance to the ship.  Randall had to be at meetings throughout the day so Chuck would be showing me around.  He was very gracious and hospitable and took me all over the ship from about 9am to 3:30pm.  During that time I can't tell you how many nearly vertical ladders leading from one level to another that we climbed.  Up one level, down another level, across the ship and then down another level, up another level.....whew.  All the time carrying the good old camera and tripod. We didn't stop for lunch and took no breaks. Chuck was quite a  trooper. He was great and helped me to enjoy this fantastic experience and it was a treat to be able to talk navy stuff with an extremely knowledgeable man.  I previously had only seen aircraft carriers through the periscopes of the two submarines that I was on during my Naval service.  There was so much to look at I know i barely scratched the surface in regards to the images I captured.  I can't say enough about how wonderful everyone was aboard the ship.  Here are a few of the photos that were taken.  Please enjoy and God bless America. 

Alex & Ashley Engagement Photos

Robin and I had such an incredibly pleasurable day with Alex and Ashley.  We met up at our house at 6 a.m. on Friday and headed out, in the dark, to Point Reyes National Seashore.  We had the honor of being able to officially celebrate their engagement in photos.  This is a couple that truly has the love of Jesus in their lives and it shows in their love, respect, and consideration for everyone and everything around them.  You can see the peace, joy, and love in their faces.  What a wonderful time we had.  Lots of laughter and beauty abounded throughout the day.  They could have chosen anyone to photograph their special day, but they chose us and we are so very grateful that they did.  I don't have enough words to express how happy we are for them.  May God continue to anoint them and bless them throughout their lives together.   We are so very happy for them.  They have a very special place in our hearts.  God bless and enjoy.