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James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

200 followers 140 following 290 posts

I am a 68 year old male living in Central California. My interests include reading, writing, music (listening), film, being an LBGTQIA+ ally, social media that helps us all connect on our own terms.

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James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Morning walk. 1/22/25

This is a sunrise view through pine trees, with the sun appearing as a bright orange orb on the horizon, creating a golden-yellow sky that transitions to deep blue above. The trees are silhouetted against this dramatic backdrop.

This image shows a sunrise scene with a dark treeline silhouetted against a gradient blue sky. There’s a contrail visible in the clear sky above the trees.

This is a sunrise photo featuring a silhouetted tree against a vibrant orange and turquoise sky, with power lines visible and mountains in the distance. The sun is peeking through the tree’s branches, creating a striking backlit effect.

This is a sunrise view from an elevated position, showing houses nestled on a hillside overlooking Monterey Bay. The sky has a beautiful gradient from blue to golden yellow, and the houses are catching the warm morning light. Trees frame the scene, and mountains or hills can be seen in the distance across the water.

January 22, 2025 at 4:51 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Morning walk 1/21/25

This is a close-up photo of a manzanita shrub with clusters of small, bell-shaped pink-white flowers among thick, green oval leaves, photographed during golden hour lighting with palm trees visible in the background against a bright blue sky.

This is a photo of tall pine trees in golden morning sunlight against a bright blue sky. The trees’ trunks and branches are illuminated with a warm, orange glow, creating a striking contrast with their darker foliage and the blue sky background.

This is a sunrise view of a pine forest treeline, with dry grass or brush in the foreground and a gradient of blue to yellow sky above. There appear to be a couple of tree stumps visible in the foreground ground area.

This is a close-up photo of clover and grass growing on a hillside, with trees lit by golden sunlight in the background against a blue sky. The photo was taken from a low angle, focusing on the green vegetation in the foreground.

January 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Here some pictures from two years ago for you to ponder.

#Monterey
#OldMorningWalks
#RestlessNight

This is a close-up image of a willow catkin that has burst open, showing its characteristic fluffy, cotton-like seeds with their silky white hairs hanging down. Next to it is an unopened brown catkin bud. The image is captured against a bright blue sky with blurred foliage in the background.

The image shows willow tree catkins (fuzzy, elongated flower clusters) catching sunlight on a branch. The catkins appear fluffy and have yellow pollen, creating a beautiful backlit nature macro shot.

This image shows a forest landscape with tree stumps in the foreground and a dense treeline against a bright blue sky in the background. The lighting suggests it’s either early morning or late afternoon, with sunlight casting shadows across the clearing.

January 20, 2025 at 6:17 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Morning walk. 1/18/25

The image shows a gravel walking path running parallel to a curved road, with several tall pine trees lining the path and grassy areas on both sides.

This is a close-up photo of plum blossoms in bloom, with their delicate petals shown against a pale blue sky. The branches are still mostly bare except for the flowers.

This image shows a hillside residential view with power lines cutting across the frame, trees in the foreground, and misty or hazy mountains in the background. A house rooftop is partially visible among the trees.

This is a framed artwork depicting a casual diner or café scene called “Reds.” The painting shows two people sitting at a counter with bar stools, rendered in a simple style with green framing elements and purple accents. It appears to be signed “JACKSAN” at the bottom.

January 18, 2025 at 5:33 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Morning walk 1/17/25

This image shows Lace lichen (Ramalina menziesii) hanging from tree branches alongside dark green leaves.

This is a close-up photo of a Toyon plant with glossy green leaves and small pink flower buds, photographed against a blurry background of trees.

This image shows a winding road through a wooded area, with tall pine trees draped in Spanish moss. There’s a dirt path or trail visible in the foreground, and the landscape has a mix of green vegetation and shrubs on gentle slopes.

This is a moody landscape photo showing a pine forest under overcast skies, with some flowering shrubs or bushes in the foreground. The image has a somewhat dark, atmospheric quality due to the cloudy conditions.

January 17, 2025 at 5:50 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Just before the sun begins to peek over the horizon, the world around us starts to wake up, before the first rays of sunlight illuminates the trees and buildings.

A special time of day, when the world feels both peaceful and full of possibility. Someone had to call it something. Twilight will do.

This is a silhouette of pine trees against a dusk sky that transitions from yellow near the horizon to purple-blue higher up.

The image shows a sunrise with a vibrant yellow-orange horizon fading into deep blue sky, silhouetted against a treeline of pine trees.

This is a sunrise photo showing a mountain range silhouetted against a vibrant orange and golden sky. The mountains appear as dark shapes against the warm-colored gradient background.

January 16, 2025 at 6:05 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Morning photos 1/15/2025

This is a sunrise view through pine trees, with a paved road cutting through a grassy area. There’s a tree stump in the foreground and a walking path visible. The setting sun creates a golden glow through the trees.

This image shows tall pine trees against a bright blue sky, with their upper branches illuminated by golden sunlight. The lower portion of the image shows dense underbrush, with some areas lit warmly by sunrise light.

This is a close-up macro photograph of pussy willow bud with a fuzzy, reddish-brown texture against a blurred autumn-like background with orange and green bokeh effects.

January 15, 2025 at 4:58 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

The morning walk.

This is a sunrise photograph captured through tall pine trees. The sun appears as a bright orange orb on the horizon, creating a warm golden glow in the sky that transitions to blue above. The pine trees are silhouetted in the foreground, with their distinctive branching patterns visible against the sky. There is Lace lichen hanging from the trees.

This is a sunrise view through pine trees, with a golden-orange sky fading to blue above. The trees are silhouetted against the sky, and the sun is visible as a bright disc on the left side of the image.

January 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

It’s remarkable that we had never ventured into an area so close to home. When the Morris Fire swept through in 1987, we lived less than a mile away. Many of today’s trails clearly follow the paths originally cut by bulldozers.

We will definitely return to explore more of this hidden gem.

This image shows a cluster of small white bell-shaped flowers surrounded by thick, waxy-looking green leaves. The leaves appear to be arranged in a fan or star pattern around the flowers. The photograph is taken in close-up, with a blurred natural background of other foliage.

This image shows several round, brown seed pods or seed cones growing among bright green foliage that appears to be from a cypress or cedar tree. The seed pods have a cracked, segmented appearance and are clustered together, contrasting nicely with the vibrant yellow-green branches of the conifer.

This is a close-up photograph of an Amanita muscaria mushroom (also known as fly agaric), showing its distinctive bright orange-red cap with white spots or warts. The mushroom has a thick, pale yellow stem and is growing from forest floor debris. The image appears to be taken in natural lighting conditions, possibly during golden hour given the warm tones in the background.

This image shows a bright red Amanita muscaria mushroom (also known as fly agaric) growing among dried twigs and forest debris. The mushroom has its characteristic white spots on the cap and appears to be photographed in a close-up, detailed shot. The stem is white and there appears to be some soil or dirt particles on the cap.

January 13, 2025 at 6:35 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

A few weeks ago, we explored a little traveled area of Monterey. I took several random photos. As you wander around these types of relics, you can’t help but have your mind haunted by history.
#Monterey
#History
#AfternoonWalk

This is a collection of 6 images from near the historic Monterey Presidio, a historic American fort in California built in 1846–47. The images include:
A memorial plaque mounted on a large rock/boulder
A historic cannon pointing outward over a bay view
A sign describing Fort Mervine and its history, noting it was the first American fort in California
A monument or memorial structure with what appears to be an eagle on top
A scenic view of Monterey’s harbor with the city in the background
A white statue depicting Junípero Serra

January 12, 2025 at 8:49 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Morning walk pictures…

This is a silhouette of bare winter trees against a vibrant orange and purple sunrise sky, with hills visible in the distance.

The image shows a rocky hillside with pine trees at the top and a wooden railing or fence at the bottom. The scene is lit by golden morning sunlight, creating warm orange tones on the trees and rocks. The sky is a clear, bright blue.

This is a sunrise scene with a silhouetted treeline of pine trees against a gradient sky that transitions from bright yellow-orange at the horizon to deep blue above. There appears to be some brush or grass in the foreground.

This is a sunrise photo taken through pine tree branches, with power lines visible in the background. There appears to be a lens flare or digital artifact creating a red circular effect in the upper portion of the image. The sky has a vibrant orange/golden color.

January 11, 2025 at 5:28 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

This pretty pink plum blossom said hello as we walked by it this morning. With no worries, it’s looking perfect, serene in its simplicity. It will be fine.

It’s refreshing to find something so pure and peaceful. Even amid turmoil, beauty and hope can be found.

This is a close-up photo of delicate pink plum blossoms against a soft blue sky. The image shows both open blooms and unopened buds along a dark branch.

This image shows deer resting on a grassy area among trees draped with Lace lichen. There’s a large tree stump in the foreground, and a lattice fence is visible in the background.

This image shows a scenic sunrise view through the branches of a large, gnarled oak tree, with houses visible below and mountains in the distance across the Monterey Bay. Lace lichen can be seen hanging from the tree branches, and the sky has beautiful orange and yellow sunrise colors.

January 10, 2025 at 4:31 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Here are the crappy photos. 😉

This image shows a rocky hillside or outcropping with scattered vegetation, including some bright green shoots or leaves and what appears to be reddish-brown shrubs. The rocks have a golden hue from sunlight, and there’s a wooden fence visible at the top of the frame.

This is an upward-angled photo of tall pine trees against a vivid blue sky, with one prominent dead or partially dead trunk in the center showing lighter colored bare wood.

The image shows a garden bed with large, green elephant ear-like leaves (possibly taro or similar plants) and some small white flowering plants growing among them. There appears to be a single blue morning glory flower visible in the background.

This is a close-up photo of a willow tree bud and branch tip with fuzzy, soft material visible. This was taken in mid-winter on the central Californian coast. The background is blurred but shows blue sky and golden sunlight through trees.

January 7, 2025 at 5:43 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

Next comes Tom, followed by Marvin with that characteristic slouch of his. And finally, there’s Sal. Yes, he definitely looks like a Sal.

Maybe you have your own ideas for naming these figures from Cannery Row’s past?

#Monterey
#CanneryRow
#Whimsy
(2/2)

This is a mural representation of people sitting casually on what looks like a wooden beam or ledge. The artwork shows six individuals in casual 1950s-style clothing, lounging and sitting in relaxed poses. The mural has a distinctive style with bold colors against a dark background, with corrugated metal visible below where they’re sitting.

January 6, 2025 at 6:55 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

This morning, my wife and I swapped bedrooms, switching the spare room with the master. Within ten minutes, the situation devolved into a proper psychodrama. The ebbs and flows of marital bliss, am I right?

We got an extra donut, and walked it all off.

#Monterey
#AfternoonWalk

This image shows a typical suburban street in California, with the architectural style and mountain backdrop that is typical. The street is well-maintained with clear road markings, including a zebra crossing (crosswalk) and “STOP” painted on the asphalt. There are bare deciduous trees lining both sides of the street, suggesting it’s winter or late fall, while some evergreen trees remain full and green. The street has sidewalks on both sides and appears to be in a residential area with houses visible in the background. The sky is a clear, bright blue, indicating good weather conditions.

The image shows two seals resting together on some rocks surrounded by blue water. One seal appears darker while the other has a lighter, mottled coloring. They are lounging close to each other on what seems to be a partially submerged rocky outcrop.

This image shows a high voltage power pole with electrical transformers and insulators against a bright blue sky. What makes this image particularly striking is the large number of black birds (they appear to be starlings) perched in orderly rows along the power lines and on various parts of the electrical equipment. There’s also a yellow “HIGH VOLTAGE” warning sign visible on the crossbeam. The birds appear to be using the power lines as a communal gathering spot, which is a common behavior for these types of birds.

January 5, 2025 at 10:25 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

The fusion could help me appreciate the wisdom and beauty of the past while embracing future opportunities, which should enrich the present. What does the new year hold for you?

#Resolutions
#Intentions
#Technology
#AI
#ReadingLists
#StayingHuman
#DonutShop
(6/6)

This image shows a panoramic view of a wall filled with framed photos, artwork, and memorabilia. There appears to be several drawings or portraits of clowns among the collection, as well as various historical photographs and decorative items. The wall has a pale yellow color, and there’s a small Christmas tree visible in the center. A Coca-Cola sign can be seen on the right side of the image. The setup suggests this might be inside a restaurant, entertainment venue, or some kind of nostalgic establishment that celebrates its history through this wall display.

January 4, 2025 at 7:14 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

The chilly weather hit us as we stepped outside, but thoughts of hot coffee and donuts quickened our pace. It’s amazing how simple motivations can transform a cold morning walk into an adventure.

#Monterey
#MorningWalk
#Panorama
#Chilly
#Donuts
(2/2)

This is a scenic view of a winding road through what appears to be a wooded area, with tall pine trees and Spanish moss visible. The photo is taken from an elevated position, possibly a hiking trail or lookout point, during sunset or sunrise (as evidenced by the sun visible through the trees on the left). There’s a tree stump in the foreground and a small portion of what appears to be someone wearing a bright pink/red winter hat visible at the bottom of the frame. The landscape has a mix of evergreen and deciduous vegetation, with some golden-colored foliage visible on the right side.

This image shows a residential street at sunset or sunrise, with a person walking along the sidewalk. The street appears to be in a hilly area with mountains visible in the distance. There’s a stone wall on the left side and landscaped gardens. Power lines and poles line the street, and there’s a 25 mph speed limit sign visible. The sky has a dramatic golden-orange glow, with wispy clouds catching the sunlight. Some parked cars can be seen along the street, and the overall scene has a peaceful, suburban feel.

January 4, 2025 at 5:32 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

It seems to have a mind of its own, often doing what it wants rather than what I want it to do.

#Monterey
#MorningWalk
#Bees
#Plants (2/2)

This image shows a close-up of a manzanita (Arctostaphylos) shrub with clusters of small, pink-white, bell-shaped flowers hanging in groups among bright green, leathery leaves. The flowers appear to be in various stages of bloom, with some being more pink while others are whiter in color.

This image shows a honeybee collecting nectar from light purple-blue rosemary flowers. The rosemary plant has its characteristic needle-like green leaves visible in the background. The bee is clearly visible with its striped body and appears to be actively foraging among the delicate blossoms. The image appears to be a close-up macro photograph with good detail and clarity.

January 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

But perhaps there’s something quietly meaningful about that - it’s when our intentions for the year start meeting reality. The real work begins.

#Monterey
#MorningWalk
#Routine
#Reality
#Sunrise (3/3)

This is a stunning sunrise landscape photograph featuring a dramatic orange and pink sky over mountain silhouettes in the distance. The foreground is framed by pine tree branches, and there are utility poles with power lines visible on the right side of the image. Some lights from what appears to be a valley or urban area can be seen glowing dimly in the distance beneath the mountains.

January 2, 2025 at 5:20 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

This realization is humbling and sometimes uncomfortable.

You probably find that you are your own worst critic. We could all try approaching ourselves with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness.

#Monterey
#MorningWalk
#ThermalAdaptation
#HumanBeings
#Forgiveness (5/5)

This image shows a dramatic sky view with wispy cirrus clouds streaking across a deep blue sky. The clouds have a feathery, windswept appearance creating an interesting pattern against the blue background. At the bottom of the frame, there are silhouettes of some trees, including what appears to be an evergreen or pine tree. The composition emphasizes the expansive nature of the sky, which takes up most of the frame.

January 1, 2025 at 5:41 PM

James Phelps

@steeperthandeep.bsky.social

As we move into a new year, we could pause to appreciate the constancy of the natural world and draw strength from its steadfastness in the face of adversity.

#Monterey
#MorningWalk
#Adversity
#Constancy
#Nature (4/4)