High Above with Grandpa Daniel
2011
Documentary, Photography, Travel, Aerial, Ruralism, Montana
Aerial photography of the typography of Hinsdale, MT. Taken in July 2011 while the sweet clovers are in full bloom.
- Grandpa Daniel
High above Hinsdale, MT - During my trip throughout the prairie's of eastern Montana my friend took me to her hometown of Hinsdale along the "Hi-Line" and the BNSF Railroad across region. Hinsdale is easily one of the smallest town's I have ever visited, but it also has the greatest hospitality and generosity of anywhere I have ever been.
Part of this amazing little town is the Jensen Family, my great friend's family and legacy. Stories told by my friend will stick with me always as do all the stories we have created for ourselves. Sitting at the top of their family tree is Grandpa Daniel, who certainly was not the first Jensen but is also, most certainly, somewhat of a living legend. I will leave the legacy and storytelling to my friend, Plain-Spoken Ruminations, but will only share my experience high above the plains, sitting co-pilot with Grandpa Daniel.
My friend woke me up relatively early one morning wondering if I was really ready to fly. Grandpa Daniel was outside with the Super Cub waiting to show me Hinsdale from above. Man of very few words unfortunately for me most of what he said was inaudible (his family will tell you this is normal) but I decided it was due to the wind coming through the open window on the Super Cub. It was clear the pride he had in his town as well as the dedication. He seemed to be part of every major occurrence in Hinsdale since the beginning of his time there.
He could spot deer from pilot's seat and was determined for me to see them too. He would swoop down so close to the Earth I thought he planned to land, but then would turn the plane so tightly you felt as if you were following the actual curve of the Earth. I was able to understand Big Sky country with a whole new meaning. 
-
Exploration of Seaside Heights, NJ after Hurricane Sandy wipes away the manmade amusements.Digital Photography, Photography, Photojournalism2013 -
Lightweight backpacking in the eastern Chugach Mountain Range in Alaska.Photography, Expedition, Mountain Sport, Travel, Wilderness, Alaska2011 -
The remnants of Bodie State Historic Park near Lee Vining California.Documentary, Photography, Historic, California2011