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.
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.
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
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.
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 