Spring Break

New video camera arrived so I'm learning how to use it... sorta. It's a Sony HXR-MC50U HD.... what's nice is that it only weighs a pound, has amazing stabilization and uses no tape... just flash memory. This shows one of the many springs flowing year-round just below Cliff Drive. Actual travel time from the roadway is about 3 minutes. Deer drink here all the time. But not today.

http://gallery.me.com/dremley#100020

Of Trees and Wildflowers and Leaves Oh My

You've probably guessed that I love nature.... the part that doesn't tear up your house but just looks pretty. These first three shots were taken in my back yard... the Japanese Maple is very happy this year and the rose is just waiting for one more warm day.



My favorite tree in Kessler Park and the view the tree has of downtown. A couple more years and the skyline will only be seen in winter.

The bluff above and moss below.
Couldn't find the name below....

Below, invasive and evil Bush Honeysuckle tries to make amends with pretty and fragrant blossoms. Above, Multiflora Rose....

Virginia Bluebells above Daisy Fleabane below.

The roadsides have never been greener.... above/ below, Columbine.

Sun, Clouds, Vantage Point... All Came Together Part 1

A beautiful day must not be wasted. Took a couple of hours to venture out in Northeast (big surprise ). With the help of Christopher Leitch, Historic House Director, Kansas City Museum, I ascended to vantage points to capitalize on the beautiful day, flowering trees and wonderful clouds. Above is a 180 degree panorama taken from the balcony just above the front entrance to the Museum. East is left and west is right, south straight ahead. Six images stitched together in Photoshop.

Below, same vantage point ... vertical looking down on the entrance walk and main gate.
The shot below, taken from the roof, shows the downtown skyline... the view from up top is the best in the city in my never to be humble opinion. Foreground of the image includes Kessler Park and part of Reservoir Hill... the light green...
Below, from the roof top... looking south.... Gladstone Boulevard curves around in front of the mansion.
Tomorrow more of the same... only different..... Many thanks to Christopher for his time and wealth of information that he provides about this grand old building.

Sunset at Scarritt Point

View from Historic Northeast Kansas City looking west toward downtown.

Layers and wiggly contrails made an impressionist sundown.

The gray limestone of the Museum glows with the warmth of the late afternoon.


Warmer weather with longer days.... despite this weekend they will be here soon.

Nearly 1000 Participate in Cliffhanger Run/Walk

At 9 am Sunday morning runners and walkers from all over the city gathered at the east entrance to Cliff Drive for the start of the Cliffhanger 5k and 8k races. Staged by the Kansas City Track Club the funds generated benefited Gladstone School (my alma mater thank you very much) and Neighbor to Neighbor an agency founded to help those who don't have and can't get health insurance.

Nearly 1000 participated in the event which was blessed by mild temperatures and sunny skies.

Fresh out of the gate the first runner passes my position which was totally stationary.

All ages and both genders participated in the races. Both courses ran along the Cliff Drive Scenic Byway in Northeast Kansas City. One of the few urban byways in the nation.

That may, or may not, be a wigged runner on the left.

Holy cow.... smiling runners..... very rare....
Below Geoff and Jen Henggeler and what appears to be a stolen baby.

The Burnetts, John and Ingrid... both avid runners. Ingrid set a personal best in the 5k... no word on if John has finished yet.
When not cartooning for the Northeast News Bryan Stalder walks the Drive with his family.
5k turnaround was just past North Terrace lake.... 8k turnaround was further along the drive. Reservoir Hill is in the background.

These shots were taken from the Lexington Avenue Bridge.

A Remembrance of Suns Past

Maybe we'll see this nearby star again on Tuesday. One can hope.

The sunset skyline from Kessler Park.

Along The Bluff

More shots along Cliff Drive. Immediately below looking down at North Terrace Lake from the Lexington Avenue Bridge.The Island.... may or may not contain pirate treasure.
Bluffs near Prospect Point.
Cliff Drive Chestnut Bridge
Abandoned stairs by Chestnut Bridge.

Kessler Park, Early Fall

Walked along Cliff Drive today and up Goose Neck by Corinthian Hall. Last flowers of summer and first leaf changes of fall were on display. Cliff Drive closes to all motorized traffic at 2pm on Friday and remains closed all weekend.... it's a great place for a family walk, run or bike ride.