Zama Sunset over the Rice Paddy Fields

Although I still have one or two posts remaining from my Shikoku adventure, I need to take a break. Here's a quick shot the sunset over the rice paddy fields from mid-August, taken during the Himawari Matusri (Sunflower Festival) near the Sagami River in Zama City. It was taken by my small and slightly beat up 70's era Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI.I find it amazing that this 40-year old lens continues performs well (just like it's owner).

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Sagami River Koinobori

On Friday, we were at the Sagamigawa River to check out the Koinobori. It was the day before the Sagami-no-Oodako Matsuri (Sagami Big Kite Festival), but the carp (or koi) streamers were already hung and blowing in the breeze.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f8 ISO 200, 1/500 sec.

Here's a poster for this year's Big Kite Festival.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f8, ISO 200, 1/400 sec.

A close-up of the streamers.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f8, ISO 200, 1/1250 sec.

We were lucky to have such great weather during Golden Week this year.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f8, ISO 200, 1/500 sec.

Fading Red Spider Lily

On my walk home from work to the station, I passed these red spider lilies (or lycoris radiata).  The flowers didn't last many more days and faded away to stems. 

Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lensf4, ISO 200, 1/30 sec

Orphaned Cherry Blossom Photos...

I took plenty of cherry blossom photos this year.  However, I never took enough good ones at one time to post.  So, I'll post a few more today before they are forgotten along with Hamami season.

These blossoms are from a large tree outside my office building in Zama.

These next two were taken at MacArthur Garden at Naval Air Facility Atsugi. The cherry trees surrounding the park here are very beautiful. The General MacArthur's Honor Guard web page has some interesting information on General MacArthur and the establishment of the garden on their Mission of the Honor Guard and the Association page.

Another days worth of blossoms

Here's another picture taken in the morning of the beautiful trees across the street from my office.  They look more impressive on a sunny clear morning that on an overcast afternoon.

These blossoms were on the branches of a tree that I park my car under.

Time for more Sakura!

I've also been busy taking photos on good days and bad, of the cherry blossoms around Tokyo and near where I work.  This first set were taken from outside Tokyo.  I'll be posting more including some from Tokyo soon.

The first one is in Zama city.  I pass this street and park every day on my drive home.

This sakura tunnel is located in Sagamihara City outside Tokyo.

This beautiful trees are located outside my office.