View from the Skywalk, October 20, 2002

Corner of Douglas and 5th Streets, the First National Bank columns, toward the main branch of the Sioux City Public Library in Sioux City, Iowa, October 2002. (Photo by Daniel Binkard)

It was a cool October morning when we journeyed across the state line in search of adventure. I always liked visiting the Sioux City library, with its airy rotunda with hanging kinetic sculpture. The library and the buildings around it seemed a lot more massive when I was six, and this slice of Sioux City shows the true scale of the block. As is normal for most of my October photos, there is some fall color. I like how it's small scale fall color, just like the surrounding small urban skyline.

Mulberry Bend Scenic Overlook

 

North view from Mulberry Bend Scenic Overlook toward South Dakota and the Missouri River, near Newcastle, Nebraska, April 2002. (Photo by Daniel Binkard)

Clearing the Roof, Ponca, Nebraska, February 1, 2002

Dave watches a pile of snow fall at the house near Ponca, Nebraska, February 2002. (Photo by Daniel Binkard)

There was a big drift of snow peering over the edge of the roof, and who could resist clearing it off? Dave took the shovel and gently tapped the underside, causing the bulk of the overhanging snow to come crashing down. This is a precursor to my girl jumping off a column photo from 2006. My favorite part is the dog preparing to dive away from the snow (he was out of the line of fire, fortunately).

Sunset with Contrails, Ponca, Nebraska, January 23, 2002

Contrails and clouds near Ponca, Nebraska, January 2002. (Photo by Daniel Binkard)

Winter sunsets have a magical quality. I think the cold makes them more special. You certainly have to work more efficiently, especially if you notice the sunset and run outside without a coat to take the photo. I'm pleased with the range of colors and textures in the sky, and the contrails provide a geometric component to counterbalance the variety of organic shapes.

Contrail Sunset, January 3, 2002

Contrails lit by a sunset near Ponca, Nebraska, January 2002. (Photo by Daniel Binkard)

At sunset, I noticed these wonderful lines lit with orange and pink. The delicate clouds beyond the contrails are icing on the cake.