Project Athena - Day 84 (Barns)

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

“The buildings tell the story of pioneer settlement, farming, and cattle ranching dating from the 1880’s through the late 20th century. ”
— Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Brochure

Today sadly concludes the theme of barns for me. It was a truly a wonderful week of shooting as I met the friendliest people along the way and discovered an amazingly rich farm heritage that made this place I call home.

I couldn't decide which picture to post today so like a Fourth of July fireworks display, the grand finale is a collage of photos from the beautiful historic farm at Bobcat Ridge.

Discovering this natural area today was such a delightful treat. Strolling around the property, I realized there is a lot to look at and photograph as the preservation of the structures is phenomenal. I am looking forward to revisiting for another shoot, hopefully when the sunshine returns, as well as taking a hike on the trail.

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins, CO

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-200mm lens • ISO 200

Project Athena - Day 83 (Barns)

Picturesque Barn

This picturesque barn resides in a neighborhood park in Fort Collins. I couldn't find any information about its history, whether it has always lived on this piece of land or if it was moved here. Every door and window is tightly buttoned up with nails. Even the knot holes don't allow for peeking inside. Who knows? It could be a secret lab for experimental time travel using park squirrels as subjects. Or, maybe there is a host of farm animals like chickens, pigs, cows, ducks and of course goat, living in an alternate universe that just happens to fit nicely within the illusion of these four crimson walls. Either way, the security cameras hanging at the peaks on the outside make me curious about both its history and its contents. I smiled for whoever is watching.

Neighborhood Barn, Fort Collins, CO

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-200mm lens • 20mm • F/20 • 1/10s • ISO 100

Project Athena - Day 82 (Barns)

Country Roads

“To love beauty is to see light.”
— Victor Hugo

One of my favorite things to do is hop in the car and drive the back roads of the front range from Loveland to Boulder. There are gorgeous stretches of open space dotting the rolling landscape and in between, sprawling ranches and magnificent fields of wheat and hay. I treasure this beauty, especially knowing that the oil industry is on the way with their fricking fracking. But that is another blog....

This mammoth barn sits on a horse ranch off one of those country roads. Double silos tower over the property like sentinels, capturing the long shadows of the pines in the afternoon light. It's hard to describe the emotionality of gazing on a scene like this. Gratitude, bliss, peace, joy....smiles.

Big White Barn, Loveland, CO

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 70-300mm lens • 75mm • F/32 • 1/80s • ISO 1600

Project Athena - Day 81 (Barns)

Winter is Coming.

“Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.”
— Rumi

Lee Martinez Farm has become one of my favorite places to photograph because wonderfully preserved buildings, the hilarious farm animals and the friendly staff. The farm at Lee Martinez Park is a former dairy farm. It has been converted into a domestic farm setting so that urbanites like myself have an opportunity to connect with and  appreciate of the importance of agriculture in our lives.

This summer I shot the loft of this barn at the farm when there was no hay stored for the winter. I think this one I shot today is a much more interesting picture. They have a lot of animals to care for over the winter. I think this stack of hay represents a small fraction of what they will use in a season.

With appreciation for those that work the land to provide us with food. Yay farmers!

Lee Martinez Farm Barn, Fort Collins, CO

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 18mm • F/22 • 3ss • ISO 400