Camera Data

Camera Model: Canon 10D

Lens: Canon EF 200 mm f/2.8L USM

Shutter Speed: 1/50 sec

Aperture: f/32

ISO Speed Rating: 100

The Olympics - Olympia, Washington (February, 2006)

“Oh, look. The Olympics are out today!”

This is a phrase familiar to all residents of Western Washington. In a way, its like saying, “Gee, there are the Smiths.  I haven’t seen them in a while.”

I know what you are thinking. I’ve been on this water logged thread for the last couple of months, whining endlessly about the rain. But today, the weather was glorious, and a long time coming.

I have trouble determining if a day like today is exceptional because it just is, or because it’s been roughly 4 months since there’s been anything like it.  And I can’t remember the last time I’ve gotten a good look at the Olympics. Crystal clear, unobstructed views of the  Olympics are rare because they are usually covered with a cloak of clouds. Even on a good day they seem to manufacture their own veil of weather, hiding their peaks like a shroud. And in the summer, the snow has usually melted away like a woman’s mascara after a swim in the ocean, revealing her smile lines.

But on a crisp, bright and clear day like today they just turn your head, like a beautiful woman and about all you can say is wow!