Where Does this Road End?Since the lockdown began-- and after I self quarantined following my return from Bolivia-- I've been taking long walks up Waimea Canyon Drive. Most every day, and mostly in the evenings, I slip on my sneakers; grab a camera or two and head up the hill. Most days I take my 300mm +1.4 extender (in case I see an owl along the way). I usually pair it with a 70-200 for scenics and clouds. The walks are more about clearing my head than photography. But if it looks to be a good sunset, then I'll take a tripod along just to be ready.
Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii Where Does this Road End, Waimea, Kauai

Since the lockdown began-- and after I self quarantined following my return from Bolivia-- I've been taking long walks up a local hill. Most every day, and mostly in the evenings I slip on my sneakers; grab a camera or two and head up the hill. Most days I take my 300mm +1.4 extender (in case I see an owl along the way). I usually pair it with a 70-200 for scenics and clouds. The walks are more about clearing my head than photography. But if it looks to be a stellar sunset, then I'll take a tripod along just to be ready. 

Evening Pueo, Waimea, Kauai

Some days I handle the lockdown better than others. On the good days I'm productive: going through images; editing files; writing posts; communicating with clients. On other days I spend too much time watching Netflix. I'm currently watching The Office, Outlander, a drug show on Amazon Prime (I think it's called Zero, and Vida on Hulu. I am also doing a little reading, and think I will dive into some of my old favorites like Desert Solitaire and Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind in the next few days. Naomi and I also complete another Charlie Harper 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. This one was The Mountains of the Pacific Northwest. We have The Desert Mountains of California on backorder with Amazon. It should arrive with cat food first week of May. 

Clouds, Waimea, Kauai

Somedays I feel like I'm stuck in a break up song. Except it's a break up with the world around me. A break up with the nature I love. A breakup with the freedom of movement that I have (perhaps) taken for granted. In a way it's even a breakup with my gallery. I don't go in everyday. The chorus of the song is an abrupt end to old routines replaced with new ones that can so easily lead to anxiety.

An Empty Space, Waimea, Kauai 

This is why the evening walks have become so important to me. The walks, the sweat, the nature, the talks with Naomi keep me sane. Sure, I worry and I fret the politics and economics, but these two hours in the evening help me manage the thoughts, imaginations, and fears. The worries and fears don't disappear, but they diminish in importance when compared to everything natural that is around me.

NiihauNiihau bathed in cloud filtered evening light. Seen on one of my lockdown walks.
Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii Niihau, Waimea, Kauai

West SideKauai, Hawaii West Side Idyllic, Waimea Kauai

What's keeping you sane during the lockdown? What new routine are you adding to your life that helps you stay healthy? What "walks" are you taking? What fears do you have? You are not alone. I am with you. Your neighbors are with you. The world is with you. We are all going through this together. As the soccer anthem sings You Will Never Walk Alone.

The Road Walked, Waimea, Kauai

The Things Seen, Waimea, Kauai

Windblown in the Evening Light, Waimea, Kauai

Stay healthy. Stay positive. And know that we walk together.

Aloha,

Lee

PS-- If  you have any good NETFLIX recommendations let me know! Mahalo :-)