I did fall in love at The Fountains–love with the ambiance of this outdoor shopping center and its beautiful flowers, fountains and decorative benches. This center is a great place to take a camera and practice! You just have to keep saying over and over, “I will not shop.” You can say, “I’ll enjoy a cup of coffee, ice cream, candy, cookies, salad, sandwich and more;” but you could easily spend money in the fabulous stores.
Oh, back to practice. See how you can get distracted. I’ve been there twice to practice. The first time, not knowing what to expect, I just had my 18 – 55 mm lens. I was meeting a friend for lunch and arrived early to catch a shot for my 365. The second time was today with my friend Marlene. This time I had my macro lens with me. I was ready to get deep into the flowers; however, there was a heavy breeze. Even the blossoms that seemed to be not moved, were moving when looked through the macro lens. I think given the breeze, I would have been better off with the 18 – 55 mm lens. But, that’s what practice is for.
In this post, I’ll show you some images from both outings. And, yes, I’ll be going back soon. I want to get there early in the morning to get the best light and maybe less breeze. After all, I did fall in love.
My first visit: The main fountain in the shopping center. I’m amazed that they are still running the fountains with the severe drought.
One of the benches that surround the fountain.
One of the metal sculptures.
My close up of these beauties. I don’t know what flowers are called. I just appreciate them.
An open seating area.
The patio of one of the restaurants.
This solitary flower was begging to be photographed.
I don’t know what this is, but I do like it.
Same with this one. On my second visit, these were almost gone.
Second visit with the macro lens: Love yellow flowers. I had to body block the breeze to get this one.
You can see that the center of this flower is almost gone.
Pretty in pink.
Lovely in red.
This chandelier was the only flower that wasn’t moving!
A little bud waiting to bloom.
I couldn’t figure out what was inside this flower. Looks like a water drop and crystals.
They’re cute, fun to watch, a comfort to hold and a gift of independence for the handicapped. They are Canine Companions for Independence dogs or CCI for short. I recently accompanied my friend Marlene on a photo shoot to capture her friend Jan’s latest CCI puppy litter. Jan, a volunteer breeder, names her litters according to the alphabet. This was litter D, meaning all the dogs names began with “D.” A small litter of one female and three males, these puppies, Labrador and Golden Retriever mixes, were soon to leave Jan’s care and go to their volunteer foster homes where they will be raised and trained to help their soon to be owners.
Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of adults with physical disabilities, alert the deaf and hard of hearing to important sounds, and help children and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. They also train dogs who partner with a facilitator working in a health care, visitation or education setting.
These sweet dogs begin their journey with a breeder who oversees the entire breeding process and works with the puppies once they are born. They check the pups for temperament, ability to be trained, health, and physical attributes. CCI oversees the entire process from breeding to placement.
Faced with the puppies moving on to the volunteers who would raise and train them, Jan asked Marlene to take a picture of Litter D. Easier said than done. After arriving, we played with the pups, got them moving about the yard, and, hopefully, got them a little tired. The goal was to have them sit still in the wagon while Marlene took their picture. It almost worked!
It took four of us to get them settled down and looking at Marlene who patiently manned the camera. Of course, I was shooting the whole scene, being glad I wasn’t in Marlene’s position. My friend showed me that not only is she a good photographer, she has a great deal of patience.
Meet litter D and take a look at Marlene’s finished image.
Puppies will play and sleep.
Oh, yes, they will yawn too.
Marlene knows this litter, having visited them before.
A little talking and petting.
Teething.
Back in their pen this one plays.
This one quenches his thirst.
This one falls asleep on an unlikely pillow.
There’s always good smells.
Puppy play.
Jan plays with one of the pups.
All hands on deck!
This was the best I could do from where I was standing. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Marlene’s finished picture taken in front of the puppy’s grandmother.
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!
If you’re lucky you have earth angels, you know, the people who are always there for you no matter what. I’m fortunate to have had three. Judy was there when we were young, raising our children. She’s never forgiven me for moving away. We don’t talk often, but she’s in my heart. My two other earth angels are celebrating their birthdays this week.
They are the same age, just one week apart. Carol and Alyse were there when I was at a tremendous low point in my life. They picked me up, took me to the ocean, out to lunch and made me feel that I was worthy. I’ve never forgotten that. They were also there when I woke up in CCU after heart valve surgery. They drove from San Jose to Sacramento just to make sure I was okay. I remember waking up and seeing them sitting there. They said hi, that they loved me and left. I went back to sleep. That was a five hour drive and sitting I don’t know how many hours just to say a few words!
This is also significant because about 20 years ago Carol was diagnosed with a degenerative auto immune disease. The doctor wanted to order her a wheel chair, saying she wouldn’t be walking for very long. She refused. He offered her a walker. She refused. He offered her a cane. She accepted.
Since then, she’s been diagnosed with two more auto immune diseases and has suffered a major heart attack. She’s still walking with a walker around the house, but uses a chair when she and Alyse go out. She is my hero, bucking the doctors who would have made her an invalid before her time. She’s determined and maybe a little precocious.
Alyse, Carol’s friend and roommate, has been her caregiver this whole time. She’s also my hero, never giving up even though she’s had surgeries and medical issues of her own. The challenges these two women face are enormous and their joys are numerous. They are always there to help their friends. And, if a person is in need, they become their friend.
They wanted to celebrate their 75th birthdays with one lunch on Carol’s day and another on Alyse’s day. Alyse tells everyone that Carol is older! I’m thrilled to be among their friends who gathered for Carol’s birthday. If we could say that we have touched so many people and affected their lives for the positive, then we would be walking in Carol and Alyse’s shoes.
Happy Birthday my dear earth angels!
Getting ready for the lunch.
Left: Carol; Right: Kim
Left: Kim; Right Alyse
Alyse and Barbara
From left: Pat, Alyse, Meredith and Barbara
Janice and Alyse
Top: Kim and Marty; Bottom: Stephanie and Carol
Top from left: Paulette, Marty; Bottom: Janice, Alyse, Pat
Carol and Anne
From left: Alyse, Anne and Pat.
We celebrated with cupcakes.
Carol and Alyse
Getting ready to blow out the candles.
Back row: Meredith, Anne, Paulette, Pat, Barbara; Front: Kim, Stephanie, Carol, Alyse, Janice
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.
I can’t believe I left my tripod home! I’ve worked hard to become “one” with it, and I left it home. As I post about Bodie and Mono Lake, we are visiting Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks and Fresno, California. I’ll post about this visit back to the parks after a more than 30 year absence next.
So far, I haven’t needed the tripod, but I did need it in Bodie. Why, to get great HDR images, you need to bracket and that’s difficult to do handheld. I’ve done it, but it’s much easier with the tripod. I did a lot of bracketing in the ghost town, because that seems to be a good way to present the decaying buildings and machinery.
Founded in 1876 as a gold mining town, Bodie is a now ghost town in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of Mono County, California.The nearest is Bridgeport, where we stayed. I talked about the altitude (Bodie is at 8,379 ft or 2,554 m.) and my reaction to it in my previous post. Bodie is also recognized it as a National Historic Landmark, became a California Historical Landmark, and officially became Bodie State Historic Park in 1962. We were three of the about 200,000 yearly visitors.
Because of the ghost town’s altitude and other health issues, I had a difficult time. However I thoroughly enjoyed it. I just took my time and rested when I needed to. Back home, I had a lot of fun with pushing sliders in Lightroom and processing images in black and white.
Here are some of my favorites in Bodie. Mono Lake will be in my next post. And, I’ll tie a string around my finger regarding my tripod when we head out on the road again!
Although this barn is standing on its own, the dark skies lent this to a monochrome image. Shot on day 2.
We were allowed in one house. This is the living room.
The dining area.
Main street.
This old wagon probably hasn’t been moved from this building in years.
Rusted car.
Listing building.
The church.
The church steeple. Notice the new roof! They are doing repairs to some of the buildings.
Another image looking great in monochrome.
Looking through a store window.
Our first day was sunny and hot. Our second day, overcast and cool. Shot the first day.
Buildings listing into each other. Shot day 2.
Main street. Notice the two by four bracing the building.
The mining area of the town. I didn’t walk up there.
I love rusted gears.
Another rusted gear.
I think this is a new door knob.
The second day, we went up to the cemetery. Two old head stones in this fenced area. They are replacing old fencing with new wood fencing.
A newer head stone with pretty wildflowers around it.
Slow Shutter Speed 