This was a last-minute find as I pointed the truck home from a photo trip. I was still throwin’ mud off the wheels of the Monster Truck from a previous excursion when I spotted this scene and simply had to stop.

Boy, we sure could use some of those blue skies right about now, don’t you think? This weather is a real bummer!

I’ve photographed this wellhead before, but never at sunrise. Last Saturday I got up at 5am for some reason, hopped in the truck with my cameras, and started out in search of photographic adventure. I found it.

Sunrise and sunset provide the most amazing opportunities for photos because of the unique light they provide. Sunset is a lot easier, of course. Sunsets in the winter often happen before I’m off work, and winter sunrises occur after I’ve already arrived at work. Summer sunrises? Well, they’re just plain early. You’ve got to get up to catch ’em, and that isn’t always easy.

I must say, after the results of Saturday’s outing, that it sure pays off.

It’s been a while since I posted YAWP (Yet Another Windmill Photo). I’ll admit that I’m partial to them; in fact, they have their own category on this site! When I find one that’s distinctive like this one I pay it particular attention. The colors of the day made it an even more attractive subject, since I’m especially tired of the dreary skies that have dominated much our spring and summer!

I’m always intrigued when I find an old well out in the middle of an otherwise vacant field. I ponder whether or not there was an old farmstead there at one point, or perhaps a windmill to drive the pump. In this case there’s no sign that there was ever a building foundation there, although there are some big rocks nearby.

I’ve spotted a few of these while out perusing the back roads of central North Dakota. They’re not always easy to see, but I’m starting to get an eye for this kind of interesting stuff as I wander.

I used to think a North Dakota winter was too bleak to provide many photo opportunities. I soon learned otherwise. On those hazy days, one simply has to look a little harder. On those crystal clear days with the sun glaring at you from low in the sky, you’ve got to be a little craftier. Then there are those really stark, dramatic skies that make a rare appearance over winter. That’s when you hope for something like this. Frozen landscape below, varied sky above, and a decrepit old windmill placed just right in relation to the sun. Yep, I like the ingredients in this one.

I didn’t even have to hike too far, and my shoes were already wet. I wear mountain biking shoes when I do winter photo hikes, because they wick moisture away from my feet. They also have hard rubber cleats, which helps with traction in certain conditions. Then there’s the fact that my Shimanos are one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.

Anyway, back to my original line of rambling. No matter what the conditions, North Dakota remains a fertile playground for a would-be photographer. From fluffy snow and blanketing fog to spiky frost and stark, glaring sun…North Dakota winters have a little bit of everything. You need only be brave enough to venture out into it, camera in gloved hand.

What a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend! Time with family, good feasting, and much to be thankful for.