Tag: sunset

Evening Ride Around the Neighborhood

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5, 1/300 sec, ISO320
 “Waiting for Mercury and Venus” Cedar Park, 2021

I originally intended to just ride my bicycle down to my sunset spot for a photo and then back home, but it was such a pleasant evening that I rode on past my house and kept going towards the library, and what would have been a 2 km ride turned into an 11 km evening cruise around the neighborhood.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.2, 1/140 sec, ISO320
 “Twilight Panorama” Cedar Park, 2021

My first stop was at my go-to sunset location (see top photo), where I chatted with a man who was settled in to try to see the Mercury-Venus Conjunction. The clouds were not cooperating, but at least he got to enjoy the cool evening and brilliant colors of the sunset.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/110 sec, ISO320
 “Colors over In-N-Out” Cedar Park, 2021

After that I cruised around by our city library area and took a few more sunset photos and then on one bit of trail, I noticed there were fireflies blinking all around. It was so cool! I tried to video the fireflies with my phone, but it really doesn’t capture the magic.

I’m so glad I decided to go for the longer ride this evening. There were lots of neat things to see. ☺

Overnight at a Highway Rest Stop

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/320 sec, ISO320
 “New Mexico Rest” Deming, 2021

Today I am in the middle of a road trip from our home in Texas to my parents’ house in California. The trip will take two days of driving, but instead of staying at a hotel, I decided to save money and either find a free campsite or stay at a Walmart parking lot (yes, this is a thing!). The rest stop just east of Deming, New Mexico popped up in the map and the reviews were pretty good. I figured I’d check it out and, sure enough, it was pretty nice! I parked by one of the picnic tables and made it my home for the evening.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/850 sec, ISO320
 “New Mexico Sunset” Deming, 2021

I think there were about 4 other groups doing the same thing, either in their RVs or passenger cars, and I felt very safe. I’m used to camping so this was pretty similar, although I just laid out my sleeping pad and sleeping bag in the back of my car instead of pitching my tent.

I’d say that this is not for everyone, but I’m simply on a long drive to get from point A to point B and not sightseeing. I honestly just wanted to get some sleep before continuing the drive. That being said, I did get to catch a wonderful sunset, and I was able to have dinner (a sandwich I made at home) while video chatting with family. So, it was a pretty good night. 😄

Sunset and Beautiful Sky

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Photo info: GoPro HERO9 Black, 3mm, f/2.5, 1/240 sec, ISO262
 “Sunset over Suburbia” Cedar Park, 2021

I glanced out the window and noticed the sun was making a late appearance after hiding behind an overcast sky all day. I started taking photos from my backyard, but thought I might get a better image from a wide-open area that’s not far from the house, so I hopped on my bike and headed over. I was not disappointed!

It seems like a long time since I’ve seen a nice sunset…

Here’s the short ride over to take the photo.

I hope you had a good day! またね～

Baseball at Dusk

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/2.8, 1/220 sec, ISO200
 “Baseball” Cedar Park, 2020

Koa and I played catch for a little while until it became too dark to see the ball. We had a stunning sky to enjoy!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/2.8, 1/170 sec, ISO200
 “Baseball” Cedar Park, 2020

Bicycle Ride With the New Wheel

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“Bike Ride” Cedar Park, 2020

My new bicycle rim arrived and I got to work replacing the old one, which entailed transferring the spokes over to the new rim and then truing the wheel to make sure it’s straight. I followed this video’s instructions, which proved invaluable.

I also followed the advice in this video to true the wheel, and got it in good shape. Next, I adjusted the rear brake and it was ready to try it out on the road!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.2, 1/100 sec, ISO2500
 “New Rim” Cedar Park, 2020

I only intended to ride around the neighborhood to test it, but I wound up hitting the hike and bike trail and riding several miles. It was just so fun! It seemed like I was able to ride faster, accelerate quicker, and cruise at a higher speed with the new wheel. It might just be that I am getting in better shape, but I have heard that the bicycle upgrade that will make the biggest difference it to replace the wheels. Well, I’m not sure if my new $33 Sun Ringle rim is an upgrade or not, but the stock Mavic rims are generally regarded poorly. So I’m leaning towards the opinion that the new rim helps out a lot. 😀

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4.5, 1/1100 sec, ISO200
 “At Brushy Creek Lake Park” Cedar Park, 2020

Later in the evening, Mariko mentioned that the sunset was probably pretty nice so I hopped on my Kona again and headed down to the place where I like to take sunset photos. Turned out pretty good:

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5, 1/500 sec, ISO640
 “Sunset” Cedar Park, 2020

I’m so happy to have my bicycle back, and working better than ever!

またね～