Posted on by Anne Sandler

On the road again: Sick in Death Valley, California, part 2

Yes, still sick. Yesterday was a bust. I slept through the morning and two guys slept through the afternoon. So we stayed put. I can’t say I feel a whole lot better, but at least I’m walking upright!

To make up for our day off, we’re having a full day. I figure I can sleep in the truck if I need to! Oh, we have a camp mascot—a coyote. He roams around the campground. Hopefully, I’ll get a shot of him before we leave. Of course we’re very careful with our dog.

Today, I’m going to show you the Borax Museum. The Borax Company’s history is rich in this area as a mining company. Our Ranger guide at the Inn told us that Borax wanted to have this area designated as a National Park and did whatever they could to make it happen. In 1933, Death Valley was designated as a National Monument and became a National Park in 1994.Borax is still mining here.

The museum is a small structure and has artifacts from the old mining era. However, outside, I found my own gold mine—a bunch of old rusted mining equipment.

That equipment can’t be brought back to life, but I hope I don’t feel old and rusted for too much longer!

Posted on by Anne Sandler

On the road again: Sick in Death Valley National Park, California

I didn’t plan on it, but it happened anyway. I left home with a bad back, hoping it would get better. While here I caught a cold from my dear friend Sandy. And, she really didn’t want to give it away. All of us four adults seem to be suffering from cold in some way.

So, we have taken it easy, avoiding strenuous hikes. Our first outing was to the Furnace Creek Inn and the Borax Museum. The Lodge is rather posh. We’re not staying there, but are camping in the National Park campground down the road. Here are some images from the lodge. Tomorrow (maybe depending on how I feel) the museum

It’s a bummer being sick when you want to see the sights and shoot pictures.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Finally got my photo fix: Family Thanksgiving weekend, Monterey

Shoot, shoot, shoot. Yes, I did a lot of shooting Thanksgiving weekend. We had one great day, and then the rain came. Fortunately, by the time we got out to see the sights, it had stopped raining. However, it was cold, damp and overcast. Not the opportune time to take photos.

At the butterfly sanctuary, the Monarchs were huddled and not really flying around. They hang from branches high up on trees, and my 300 mm had a difficult time reaching them. But, I did my best–with Richard’s help. I have a difficult time bending my head back; I get dizzy. So, Richard became my human tripod. I leaned up against him and had him hold my elbows so I could steady the camera. I had two other alternatives: 1. to hand him the camera; 2. to go get the tripod. But why take the easy way!!

The weather was in my favor when we visited the lighthouse. But, no blue skies. This wraps up our Thanksgiving weekend. We are on our way to Death Valley. I’m looking forward to more shooting, shooting, shooting.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Finally got my photo fix: Family Thanksgiving Weekend, Capitola Beach

Busy, that’s how I would describe Capitola Beach. Of course, the holiday weekend helped. The city was gracious to offer free two or three hour parking, but you had to go move your car. We were about a half hour late, but didn’t get tagged. This was my first time to this cute little beach town.

It catered to whatever you needed: surfing, just sitting on the beach, fishing, shopping and eating. My family opted for all except surfing. The grandkids enjoyed their beach time, their parents enjoyed relaxing, other family members enjoyed not catching fish, and the rest shopped. I had fun walking and shooting. My wonderful husband walked with me and patiently waited while I took pictures.

Here are some of the beach images. My next post will be on Monterey.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Finally got my photo fix: Family Thanksgiving weekend at KOA, Watsonville, California

Yes, I finally shot my way out of the funk! I shot grandkids, beach, surfers, buildings, people, butterflies, a lighthouse and more. I think this may be a three-parter, but we’ll see. We’re leaving on Wednesday for Death Valley National Park. So I have to be quick.

Let’s start at the beginning–the very sandy campground. No it wasn’t on the beach, but the children’s play areas were in sand which my dog sat in. Needless to say, sand was all over the trailer! But the grandkids had a great time, and isn’t that what is important?

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Needing to get out of a funk? Don’t go after the Sandhills: Consumnes River Preserve

I’ve been in a funk for about 1 1/2 weeks now. So, remembering my trip to Benicia and all the fun I had, I decided that I would get up early and drive about 45 minutes south to capture the Sandhill Cranes at the Consumnes River Preserve. I missed them last year and really wanted to shoot them this year.

So off I went with my camera gear and coffee–no breakfast. I wanted to get down there before they flew off. They spend the day elsewhere and come back at sundown. The preserve was supposed to be open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. I left my house around 6 a.m. Remember, I’m doing this to get out of a funk. The elusive thread of happiness.

I got there around 7 a.m., and all the gates were locked and barriers were across the parking lot. So I drove along the levee a little and then I need to use the bathroom. I drove back to the visitors center and the pit toilets were locked too. I had to drive about 15 minutes to civilization to get to a bathroom and some breakfast. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t hold the camera still. I hadn’t eaten breakfast and hypoglycemia had set in.

After I returned and still found gates locked, I went back to the levee. More problems–I didn’t see the sign that said to stay on the road. After talking with the Ranger, who gave me a lengthy explanation of preserving the wetlands and promised to open the gates, I returned to the main area.

And, I don’t think my shots of the Sandhill Cranes are that great. My 300 mm lens just doesn’t reach that far. You’ll see what I could salvage in this post.

So, did I get out of my funk? What do you think? Benicia, I’m coming back! It’s important to maintain a sense of humor.

Just writing this is helping me out of the funk. I’m looking forward to shooting in Santa Cruz this weekend.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Feeding my soul: Hakone Gardens, Saratoga, California part 2

I’m already needing to feed my soul again even though my visit to Hakone Gardens was a week ago. I’m so glad I discovered photography. It’s become more than a hobby. It’s a passion, and I need to press that shutter to ground myself, bring joy into my life and just relax. Yes, I also like to see the results and bask in my improvements.

I do wish I had more time to devote to photography, learning more about my camera and the editing programs I have. There are not enough hours in the day, and by the time I have the free time, I’m tired. “But, you’re retired,” you’re saying. Yes, however my days seem to fill up! Now I understand why retired folks say they are more busy than when they worked.

Maybe Sunday I’ll be able to get my next soul food. In the meantime, here are the rest of the Hakone Gardens images.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Feeding my soul: Hakone Gardens, Saratoga, California

I just needed to take time to feed my soul last week–feed it with photography. We have been so busy, and I missed getting out and shooting. Not that I wasn’t using my camera; I just wasn’t using it in an activity where I could relax. That’s why I spent the day in Benicia on my way to visit friends in San Jose.

While in San Jose, my photography goal was to visit Hakone Gardens. I used to go there to relax and meditate when I lived in San Jose. Then it was free, quiet and beautiful. It’s still quiet and beautiful, but it’s no longer free. But the fee is nominal and shouldn’t stop anyone from visiting.

Here’s a brief history of the place from Wikipedia:

In 1916, two San Francisco arts patrons, Oliver and Isabel Stine, intending to build a summer retreat, purchased the 18 acres (73,000 m2) site on which Hakone now stands. Inspired by her trips to Japan, Isabel Stine modeled the gardens upon (and named them after) Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. She hired Japanese landscape artists and architects to design the gardens and the Upper “Moon Viewing” House. In 1932, ownership passed to financier Major C. L. Tilden who added the main gate to the gardens. When he died, Hakone was inherited by his sister, Mrs. Walter Gregory. After her death in 1959, Hakone was left untended, and the property was put up for sale.

In 1961, Joseph and Clara Gresham, their son Eldon and wife Deon, and four Chinese American couples: George and Marie Hall, John and Helen Kan, Dan and June Lee, Col. John C. Young and Mary Lee Young purchased the estate. This partnership restored Hakone to its original splendor, keeping its traditional Japanese authenticity while using it as a private retreat. In 1966, the partners offered a beautifully maintained Hakone for sale to the City of Saratoga. Today Hakone is administered by The Hakone Foundation, a non-profit organization, which was established in 1984 to restore and enhance the gardens independently of public funding. The gardens are open to the public and the various community facilities are often used for cultural events.

I’ll write more about the gardens in my next post. Yes, this is another two-part post.

I hope these images feed your soul.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Photographer error: Benicia, California, part 3

Okay, where’s the extra battery for my D7100? These last two weeks have been comical regarding camera equipment. I know the minute I order another one, it will turn up. Is this photographer error or a senior moment?

I noticed the battery missing when I went to Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California. I had a great time there and will talk more about it in my next post.

Here are the final images from Benicia. I found the waterfront and pier. It was a great day for me. I had never gone to a new place on my own, scouted it out and shot what I wanted to. It was great.

By the way, I’ve got my check list on paper and mentally stored in my head. Right now I’ll trust the paper version more!

The waterfront.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Photographer error: Benicia, California – part 2

One of my photo buddies posted that she had made the same error of shooting on JPEG instead of RAW which limited her editing. I could only post a reply that she wasn’t alone. So did other photographers of various levels. So, how do we overcome photographer error. Again every problem I’ve had with my cameras have been mine. Sometimes is not understanding the camera fully; sometimes it’s just brain fade. Routine may be the answer for me. Before I leave, check the camera settings. When I get to where I’m going to shoot, re-check the camera settings. The night before I leave, make sure batteries are charged and SD cards have ample room. We’ll see how it goes. If anyone has a better way, please let me know.

Meanwhile, today’s images are from the Benicia Marina. This was a stark contrast to the State Park which I didn’t find very well kept or pretty until I reached the shore. The marina was full of boats and yachts. Condos lined the shore. And, the sun was peaking through the clouds.

Still running on JEPG here, so editing was limited on these images. No more photographer error in the future!