This volcanic-looking slope is in Devil’s Den — where I’ve been a dozen times, yeah, but a few friends and I ventured to somewhere new last Sunday, farther past the overlook and into the cliffs than I’ve gone before.

I’ve been thinking recently about how easy it is to do, taking a new direction. No particular reason for the thought; work and life’s going fine, and Lord knows there’s lots of news going on to cover. But what if I decided to try making a living with photography? What if I ran for public office? What could happen? Maybe nothing. Several years ago I walked into an Omaha gallery and store for Thomas Mangelsen, one of many nature photographers these days who carry Ansel Adams’ torch. It was a beautiful place, and the idea of doing that for a career has floated in my brain since. But I don’t know. The idea of different paths is fun but scary.

The water was heavy again in the park because of that Friday storm. Cool, gushing, beautiful water had bent over trees and washed a small parking lot away. Just another summer in the forest.

Thanks for looking, and as a character in one of my favorite TV shows said, keep your brains open to the possibilities.

Dan