Some of my best photos come from poking around obscure gravel roads around Bismarck and Mandan. I grew up near some of these roads, so I’ve always had a fondness of poking around on ’em to see what I can see. That’s how I find some of the neatest old farmsteads, those ubiquitous windmills I like so much, and an occasional wellhead sticking up out in the middle of an otherwise nondescript field. My favorite roads are the ones marked “MINIMUM MAINTENANCE ROAD.” How inviting.

My weapon of choice, once it’s warm out. This is from last Thursday, which was in fact a beautiful day to be on two wheels. Note the GPS mounted on the handlebar, so I can mark interesting photo locations. I was able to mark a couple that will really be neat once the crops get a little taller. Plus I’m able to rip it up a little, and satisfy my urge to ride as well as to play with my camera. I’ve only been exploring photography since 2005, but I’ve been riding since I was four or five years old. To combine the two is joy indeed.

I love shots like this, with the combination of blue and green. I also like charming rural shots. Thus my “Fallen Farms” series of photos, for example. I don’t often have the opportunity (or patience) for many wildlife shots, but I’ve had a knack for finding a variety of scenic opportunities.

This week looks like a wash for photography or motorcycling, with a cold and wet forecast. No matter, I got plenty of neat shots last week. We’ve still got a little bit more summer left…some would jokingly say at least two weeks’ worth! When the weather cooperates, I’ll either be out in my truck or sliding two knobby tires around those gravelly corners, looking for more of those North Dakota scenes I love so much.