It’s time to say goodbye to Amador County; but, I’m sure not for good. I was looking over my images and there are still a few to show you. And, alas, I’ve duplicated some in prior posts. Hope you didn’t mind seeing them again!
With each outing, I learn. Sometimes I learn by watching. Sometimes by trying different things. And sometimes by making mistakes. Mistakes, unfortunately, seem to be the best teacher! How many time do you repeat the same mistake? Not too many I hope. It also pays to go with friends who remember to prompt you like, “What’s your ISO set at?” or “Did you bring your tripod today?”
I’m grateful for those prompts because it shows they care. I’m grateful for all the caring critiques I get on my photographs when I ask for them. This is especially true for the folks in Sacramento Photographers. Ask for help and you’ll get it. And my new Toastmasters Photography Club is also great for giving feedback.
So, as you look at the last of Amador County for a while, understand that with each image I have learned more about photography.
We’re back at Fat Freddy’s. Meet Carlos, aka Fat Freddy.
You could spend hours looking at his walls and the stuff on them. Here he has some funny money and some real that are folded into unique shapes.
How about this shirt and tie.
The outside of his Jackson restaurant.
Now we’re in Volcano. I loved this town. Here’s the jail!
A vintage sign.
An old bench and old building.
Another vintage sign.
The Volcano look.
Red chairs.
A bench dedicated to a loved one.
If you look close enough, you’ll see the most important directional sign on this post: the bathroom!
Another view of the main street in this quaint town.
Isn’t it great that we can just take a day during the week and go shooting–with a camera! Now, I don’t want you 9 – 5’ers to get upset, but we’ve earned the right. You see we’re retired, older and want to do what we can while we can. That’s why a few of us decided to designate Tuesdays as our get away day. And its been great.
The town of Jackson was our destination this time, but you know we never know where we’ll end up. Greg wanted to show Marlene and I Michigan Bar Road. I had already been on part of that road with him, but got too self assured and shot HDR handheld. Mistake! So I was glad to be able to get a second chance. For, Marlene, it was new territory.
We simply drive around (Greg has 4-wheel drive and knows the area so he drives), stop when we see something to shoot and sometimes never reach our designated destination. It’s okay because there’s always next week.
The lone tree.
The dirt road we were on. This was a single shot image.
HDR helped provide this scene.
The drought has made everything so dry. But, the golden color is beautiful.
The trees seem to be reaching deep down with their roots for water.
I love the texture of this old fence and how the barbed wire just cuts into the wood.
Getting close up with the barbed wire.
This road led to the farm where I shot without a tripod. I didn’t get to try again because we turned around.
Yes, I do love fences.
This farm was beautiful.
The National Hotel in Jackson. From our first trip out there.
A Jackson store. Most of these small towns have colorful main streets.
Another store.
Inside a kitchen store, I saw these colanders strung up. Who could pass up that color.
When you go shooting with Greg, you never know where the next turn may take you. For instance, on a recent outing, we came upon some guys flying RC controlled airplanes on Michigan Bar Road near the bustling town of Ione–I jest! Of course we stopped.
The RC pilots belonged to the Gold Country Flyers and were very willing to share stories and have us take their pictures. While Greg was visiting, I started shooting. This was not my first experience with RC Airplanes since my husband tried the hobby once. However, these were very serious pilots with elaborate planes–even one helicopter. I did appreciate their answering my questions and letting me get to know them a little.
Mostly, they had a great passion for this hobby. In fact, the hobby turned into a lucrative business for one gentleman. The airport is owned and operated by the Club which was founded in 1972. The members meet once a month, offer free instruction to new pilots and generally have a great time.
After almost an hour, we left the airport to continue our adventure. That’s what we call it, because we never get lost; we just never know where the road will take us.
A plane awaits its pilot.
These are the stands where the pilots work on their planes.
Getting ready for take off.
The auto pilot!
The plane’s real pilot.
Going down the runway.
Airborne.
Not a plane. This pup was too cute not to shoot. Look at those teeth.
The pilots chat while waiting to fly.
Working on the plane.
The helicopter and its pilot.
I liked the way it was painted and decorated.
I loved these decals.
The helicopter now sits on the pad.
It’s airborne.
I was lucky to get this with a 55 mm zoom lens.
The Club also remembers their members who passed on.
I’ve gotten complacent. I’ve gotten bored. I’ve become too comfortable. Yes, I haven’t currently pushed past my comfort zone with the 365 challenge. For those of you who are not familiar with this ominous task, it means taking a photograph a day for one full year. I’ve just started into my 34th week, and I can tell you there are some days I’m ready to quit.
But, I won’t because I realize what I have learned through the process. I was talking with Greg, a photo buddy, during one of our outings and he said that I was a good photographer. Others have said the same thing, but I wasn’t ready to hear them, being stuck in low photographic ability esteem. That day I said, “Yes, I believe I can finally say I’m not a beginner, but maybe call myself an intermediate.” He then went on to tell me all I needed was to learn the software. I agreed.
This is all part of the 365. I’ve become very comfortable and good at close up, macro, and landscape shooting. I’m having fun doing HDR and trying not to over process it. My camera is mostly on manual these days, and I’m helping new photographers. However, there are still things to learn. This is mostly in setting up and lighting a shot. This is what I need to work on with the 265. But, I don’t have the equipment and don’t want the expense of studio lighting. I’ll just have to ask my photo buddy if I can come over!
I know I need to move past my complacent, bored and comfortable self and expand my knowledge. I’ve set a goal to have that done before the 365 ends. If I’m persistent enough, I can do it. Greg, when can I come over?
Here are some of my 365 images. There are others that I posted directly from outings already shown in this blog.
This was taken during a meetup. Mossy trees.
This is the sculpture at the Roseville Sculpture Garden.
Well, I was wandering with my camera and my photo buddy Greg. He’s my guide and driver. When you go out shooting with Greg, you get the history of the area along with some back roads scenery.
Amador County is in the gold country. Its history goes back to the gold rush days when people were coming west to find their fortune in gold. Today its hills are covered with ranches, farms and grape vines. Wineries welcome you in to taste their finished products. It’s rural and beautiful.
This trip took us to Michigan Bar road and a small ranch. We didn’t trespass, but we weren’t invited either. You need to be careful not to go onto properties, but shoot from the road. After shooting what we could of the ranch, Greg took us into Jackson via the back roads.
Jackson is Amador County’s seat of government, and is in the heart of the Mother Load. This town blends the old and the new. We found some of the buildings in need of repair, and some were newer but made to look old. Others were rich in history.
There is so much to see, and we will be returning soon with photo buddy Marlene. Just call us the photo wanderers.
This ranch and the skies were perfect for black and white processing.
These fruit trees were gated off so animals couldn’t get to them.
This was one photogenic spread.
I loved the old fence line.
Getting a close up of the wood and barbed wire. I guess that’s one way to keep photographers out!
We drove over the bridge to get these shots.
Greg said he heard that they were replacing the bridge soon. We will return before then.
Taken in the Jackson kitchen store.
This is the door to a radio station. I just liked the color of the frame and the reflection.
Here’s the main street with all the wonderful colors.
This store offered many items including puzzles, toys, candy and ice cream that tasted great on a hot day.
Looking down the street you see the National Hotel built in 1852–a Jackson landmark.
Many people live above their stores.
Fat Freddy’s Hot Dog diner. He was opening up and invited us in. His name is Carlos, but he told us how his shop got the name Fat Freddy’s–too long for a caption.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church built in 1868. In active use today. (Historical information supplied by Greg!)
This church was across the street from St. Patrick’s. Next time I’ll do better at writing names down!
For me, photography is playtime. Just going out with the camera slung over my shoulder fills my soul and invigorates my spirit. That’s why I bring at least one camera with me everywhere. Sometimes I get down to my point and shoot or even to my cell phone! This past weekend I went to San Jose to celebrate my two friends birthdays with them and their close friends. They are the same age and one week apart.
Of course, the camera came with me, and I had a purpose in mind–practice my macro skills. My friends live in a modular home park and there are flowers abundant. Perfect conditions for macro practice except for the breeze that creates movement in all the park’s plants. But, I persisted anyway. With camera and macro lens, I went out to find success. I hope you enjoy my efforts. I do think I’m getting better at it. Oh, all these images were handheld.
The second morning I took my camera and 18 – 55 mm lens to Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos. I didn’t have too much time because we had a celebration to go to. This was a pretty setting with family setting up picnics, walkers and dogs, fisherman, boaters, geese and other photographers–imagine that!
So, here’s a glimpse of my playtime.
This image may be slightly soft, so we’ll call it artsy. I just like it.
This is inside a bird of paradise.
Peeking inside a rose.
At first, I thought this was bottle brush, but I was wrong.
Petal close up.
Hibiscus. It took me two mornings to get this one.
Vasona Lake. A walking bridge.
Banana Boats! Looks like a bunch of bananas to me!
Colorful paddle boats.
Too early for these to be rented out.
The lake.
This guy’s trying to put up a hammock.
The sun peeks through this tree.
Another lake view.
The walking bridge.
Another view.
A different angle.
The geese.
There were a lot of geese! Love this flowered area.
How would you like to live in a cool underground dwelling while it’s sweltering topside? Yes, this dwelling would have all the creature comforts available at the time it was built. You may not have that option today, but in 1906, Balasare Forestiere began digging to escape the heat of his new home in Fresno, California.
An immigrant from Sicily, Forestiere bought this land hoping to plant trees like those in his native country. However, the soil was not conducive to growing anything and the heat was oppressive. So, Forestiere began digging his home–air-conditioning was not an option then! He dug and planted until his death in 1946, leaving acres of living area in the cool underground. Some of it was sold by the family and some bought by the government via eminent domain for highway 99. His brother held on to the current acreage, finishing what Forestiere had planned. Today, his nephew still tends to the place with the help of The Forestiere Historical Center. While the land is still privately owned, it has been designated as a California Historical Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
I did introduce the gardens to you in my last post, but wanted to show you more of this amazing place. I was impressed with how airy and well lit from natural sources the catacombs were. Forestiere had planted citrus trees underground and they grew to the surface and beyond via openings. As he dug, he kept changing his living quarters. In the end, it was like a maze. He wanted to have people come to escape the heat, enjoying the cool underground quarters. But, that never materialized as a business, He did have guests though.
Take a look at this amazing cool underground dwelling. If you are experiencing hot weather, you’ll wish you were here!
The ballroom was finished by Forestiere’s brother and is now used to begin the tours.
The entrance to the living quareters and courtyard.
One of the skylights.
A tree grows to the light.
You can see how deeply underground they are planted.
One of the tunnels linking rooms.
A religious man, this was Forestiere’s prayer alcove.
One of the connecting rooms with a window to the courtyard.
A fireplace in the living room. His picture is on the mantel.
The living room.
Forestiere’s bedroom.
The window of the bedroom.
A guest bedroom.
The dining room.
Another hallway.
The stove in the kitchen. Look how open all the rooms are as they lead to one another.
Sometimes things are not what you think them to be! We found this to be true in Fresno, California. Typically thought of as a farming community in a not so well off county. We expected a small town with little to attract tourists. Boy, were we wrong!
Fresno really impressed us. There was much to do and enjoy. The town has grown and will continue to grow. There was only one disappointment: The Tower District which is supposed to be the hub of Fresno night life complete with the iconic Tower Theater. We went there during the late evening, hoping to catch some of the sights before dark. Then I wanted to shoot all the neon that the brochure pictured. The Tower Theater was not well kept and dirty, and after the fourth police car went through, we decided to leave.
But everything else was as promised and enjoyable. I’ll probably post a large amount of images just to get through the highlights. You’ll see sights from the Old Fresno Water Tower, downtown Fresno, the Forestiere Underground Gardens, the Shinzen Japanese Gardens and Fresno Zoo. That was all we had time for. And, yes it was hot there. So, we went out in the mornings and evenings.
Take a look at Fresno, and find out more about each place by visiting the links.Because, sometimes you can be surprised!
The zoo has a tropical bird aviary.
Some are parrots. I don’t know what this bird’s name is.
Playing coy? Beautiful colors.
I think these are not kangaroos but a close relative.
A momma Galapagos tortoise and her baby.
Watch out emu (I think), I’m catch up
Another Mom and babe.
Beautiful colored duck.
This bird is called a screaming something. He makes a horrible and loud noise.
My artsy version of one of the two tigers.
The regular version.
The lake at the Shinzen Japanese Friendship Garden.
This is the only bloom we saw.
Another bud.
It’s okay, peacocks can’t read!
Waterfall at the garden.
A garden walkway.
A statue in front of the Fresno Court House.
I’m pretty sure this is a parking structure.
Finding a new purpose for an old but beautiful theater.
The work on this building is magnificent.
The front. It is now for rent for various projects and shows.
Wall art.
Another theater that is re-purposed.
The entrance to the Forestiere Underground Gardens.
Pomegranate outside and before we go underground.
The entrance to the residence from the ballroom.
A walkway between various rooms
Trees were planted and grew up towards the light.
The door and dinner bell.
The owners bedroom. You can see by planting the trees and letting them reach the light, the entire place had light.
The kitchen.
The Old Water Tower.
It is now an art gallery and tourist attraction. Just beautiful inside.
“You can’t go home again!” You’ve heard that old saying, and going to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks was like going home for Richard and me. We used to take the kids camping there pretty much every summer. I just loved it there, but we haven’t visited in more than 30 years.
The good news is that nothing has changed in the parks. The same trails are there, campgrounds are the same and the sights are still beautiful. The bad news is that we have changed–we’ve gotten older! Oh, and the altitude is about 1,000 feet less than Bodie. We took a few simple walks and decided that we needed to get into shape. My goal is to do Little Baldy Saddle. It’s a beautiful walk through the woods and then about 1,000 feet straight up via a switch back trail. At least that’s the way I remember it!
Why haven’t we been there? Well, our previous trailer was too big to get into the park and Richard is on a CPAP machine at night, needing a generator to run it. I was told over the phone that they would not make exceptions for medical purposes and no generators could be run at night (there are no hookups). However, it was a different story when we talked with the rangers in person. We can camp there, and we found just the right spot that would accommodate our much smaller rig. That’s why we were in Fresno at an RV park. And staying in the National Park will eliminate the 1 1/2 hour ride each way on Highway 180. I will talk about how Fresno surprised us in another edition of this post.
Right now I want to introduce you to Sequoia if you haven’t been there. This park is home to the earth’s largest tree in wood volume. The General Sherman Tree is estimated to be 2,200 years old. Sequoia is also the second oldest National Park, being given the status in September 1890. The Sequoia tree is resistant to most disease and even fire because of the chemicals in their wood and bark. Different from the coastal redwoods, which are tall and thinner, the Sequoia is wide with a massive trunk, huge stout branches and is not as tall.
Take a look at these magnificent trees found only on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada usually between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation. But, why when they get older, they get stronger; and, when we get older….?
We entered the parks at Kings Canyon and drove down to Sequoia. It was cloudy, giving the sky a beautiful look.
The overlooks are magnificant.
Some of the trees in the General Sherman grove.
Look at how large the root system is on this fallen sequoia.
The General Sherman. There were many families waiting to take pictures, so I just shot one along with the family. We don’t know these people!
You can see the fire damage to this sequoia. Eventually the bark will close up the wound. May take hundreds of years!
In the National Parks, they leave things as is. A way was necessary to access the walkway!
Halstead Meadow is just one of the beautiful meadows in both parks.
I call this one big foots toes.
A meadow.
Another meadow.
A fallen tree.
The pictures really can’t do justice to the size of these trees.
Catch a breath, relax and gaze. That’s one way to take in Mono Lake. Photo buddies Marlene, Laura and I took it in with our cameras. We were there as part of our weekend trip to the ghost town Bodie.
Mono Lake is a large, shallow saline soda lake 8.321 miles long. It’s at least 780,000 years old and is among the oldest lakes in North America. While we enjoy its beauty, migratory birds call it home for a while and brine shrimp swim its waters.
You can see Tufa Towers as you walk down to the lake. These salt towers are formed because having no outlet, trace amounts of salts and minerals brought into the lake by freshwater streams have accumulated over the centuries. This resulted with Mono Lake having a salinity two to three times the Pacific Ocean. Tufas are the result of the combination of minerals in fresh and salt water. They take on all sorts of shapes and various neutral colors.
The images you’ll see in this post are of sunset and sunrise (Only Laura can get me to wake up at 4 a.m.) when the lake looks most beautiful. Just catch a breath, relax and look.
Sunset on Mono Lake.
The sun falls behind dark clouds.
A little closer to the lake. I didn’t walk all the way down because I wasn’t feeling well.
Twin Tufas!
This Tufa looks like a sitting bear!
Tufas have amazing textures and sometimes dark and lighter colors are mixed in the same Tufa.
Slow Shutter Speed 