By Darren Stones – Freelance Photojournalist / Subscribe via RSS/Atom...
By Darren Stones – Freelance Photojournalist / Subscribe via RSS/Atom Bermagui Seaside Fair 2007 – Blog version with accompanying photographs and music video Note: Photographs relating to this article can be found here. Horseshoe Bay – Bermagui The 10th Bermagui Seaside Fair was held on Saturday 10 March 2007 and what a spectacular event it turned out to be. Thousands of locals from the region were proud as punch to partake and witness a fun-filled day of activities. Festivities commenced on the main wharf at the Bermagui Boat Harbour at 8am with the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. Bishop Allan Ewing conducted the blessing and also addressed the gathering of locals regarding their continued dedication in making the annual festival a continued success. During the ceremony, the dapper dressed gentlemen from the Bermagui Probus Club Men’s Choir sang hymns, and other local singers and musicians performed. The majority of events were conducted at the Dickinson Oval precinct and a large crowd attended. Bermagui Seaside Fair announcer, June Tarlinton, said “They estimate there will be around 10,000 people and judging from what I’m seeing, I wouldn’t be surprised if they are fairly close to the mark.” “The street parade is extremely popular,” said June when referring to the amount of participants and spectators. “The Bega Vintage Car Club has forty cars involved this year and they’ve never had this many ever. The way the cars have been restored is awesome.” As part of the fair each year the Bermagui Citizen of the Year is announced. This year’s recipient of the award was Candy Craine, who was recognised for her tireless work in caring for sick and injured native animals on her property. June Tarlinton said “Candi Craine was nominated by persons within the community and she was a very worthy recipient of the award.” “She has put a lot of effort into rehabilitating animals since the loss of her husband.” Candi is also an avid photographer and she exhibited many of her quality wildlife photographs at the photographic exhibition at the Bermagui Country Club during the Seaside Fair. Celebrity entertainers, Frankie J Holden and Michelle Pettigrove, were invited to perform and compere the Bermagui Idols competition. The competition catered for local talent and the performers came out in droves to strut their stuff on stage for the gathered throng. Winner of the Bermagui Idol primary school age section was the highly talented nine-year-old Sophie Halliday, who performed a cover version of the song Who Knew by Pink. Judging for the competition was carried out in a novel way, and this was done by gauging the level of audience applause when each contestant’s name was announced. When Sophie’s name was announced, the applause and screaming was deafening. You could have come to the conclusion that her family in attendance numbered 500. She was undoubtedly the star of this year’s Bermagui Idol competition. Young local band, Overdrive, belted out a few tunes for the large and receptive crowd. The street parade, sponsored by Australian regional and rural broadband internet provider, activ8me, was a roaring success as it made its way along the spectator-lined one kilometre stretch of Lamont Street. The Batemans Bay Soldiers Club Pipe Band lead the colourful parade which included floats representing local schools, various community groups, the Bega Vintage Car Club, SES and Rural Fire Service, Bermagui Surf Lifesaving Club members, Bermagui CWA and street performers. Novelty events were conducted for kids, and kids at heart, with the Chuck-A-Tuna competition proving more than a handful for participants. A little bending of the rules by some was detected, however it all added to the fun and frivolity of the afternoon. Local Aboriginal dance group, Gulaga Dancers, were in attendance and performed traditional style dances for the crowd. Carnival rides, a spectacular fireworks display in the evening over Horseshoe Bay, and a sandcastle competition were also part of the day’s festivities. Dozens of stalls were erected on Dickinson Oval with stallholders exhibiting and selling local produce and products, advertising local and regional services and businesses, and supplying food and beverages for the masses. On Endeavour Point Headland, Sculpture on the Edge featured sculptures by Alan Watt, Richard Moffatt, Michael Le Grand and the provocative Melbourne sculptor Greg Taylor. Bermagui, approximate population 1120, is situated in the gorgeous Sapphire Coast region of New South Wales and is renowned as one of the best, if not the best, places for marlin fishing in Australia. It’s also home to a fishing fleet, and is close to Montague Island which hosts numerous animal species. Other local attractions in Bermagui are the scenic Horseshoe Bay, the Bermagui Boat Harbour where you can witness the unloading of the catch of the day, and the Bermagui Blue Pool. The historic Bermagui Beach Hotel exhibits fishing memorabilia in the main bar, lounge and dining areas. It’s also a top spot for a soothing ale or lemonade. Meals are hearty and excellent value for money. High quality accommodation at affordable rates is available at the Bermagui Beach Hotel and the ultra modern Harbourview Motel. Bermagui is a friendly and scenic seaside town located 378 kilometres south of Sydney, Australia. Put it on your list of must see places – it’s a gem. Information Visit Bermagui – Bermagui information web site Bermagui Beach Hotel – Established 1895 Harbourview Motel – Four star accommodation Darren Stones Horseshoe Bay – Bermagui Bermagui Blue Pool
I’ll be leaving in a few weeks…(but coming back a few days later) Yeah I got assigned to go do some training in New York. The big ap…
I’ll be leaving in a few weeks…(but coming back a few days later) Yeah I got assigned to go do some training in New York. The big apple. I’ve traveled extensively but never to the east coast of the U.S and aside from the skyscrapers of home, they’re pretty uncommon in most European cities, and indeed most SE Asian cities. So I have to endure a 22 hour transit to get there which I’m not looking forward to, but have a day to recover and wander around NYC before I have to work. So I’ll be taking my camera, hoping to catch the cliche and not so moments of the city. If anyone has any advice on places I simply cannot miss, please let me know.
My daughter is working and going to school in New York. Last weekend I flew up from North Carolina for my first visit staying at her apar…
My daughter is working and going to school in New York. Last weekend I flew up from North Carolina for my first visit staying at her apartment in Brooklyn. Not a happy traveler at the best of times, I was apprehensive about traveling alone and taking the train into the city. My daughter and husband are the ]travelers in the family nothing phases them. I enjoy my house, pets, and quiet time alone at home being creative. This was a charmed trip! My flight out of Raleigh-Durham was into Baltimore early. I got in as a stand by on an earlier flight out of Baltimore to MacArthur airport in Islip, Long Island. MacArthur is the best kept secret in travel in the US! It’s small, pleasant and easy to manage. It NEVER takes more than 20 minute Ronkonkoma station and you have a straight shot into Manhattan’s Penn Station. An hour train ride later, I was there so early that I walked to the lingerie store that my daughter works at on the Upper East Side. The first fall weather must have blown in with my plane. It was cool, breezy, and just glorious all weekend. Saturday morning, I took the train into Manhattan with Les as she had to work. After leaving her at the store, I wandered. The first thing I ran into was a parade! The American Steuben Society, read that as the German-American society, was having it’s annual celebration. Of course, I shot pictures constantly. You have not lived until you hear My Girl, America the Beautiful, and Louie, Louie done as marches by an Oompah band! More wandering, quick lunch with Les and a trip through the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. It’s like a small Epcot exhibit for those of you who know Disney World. Tons of electronics to play with. And, it’s FREE! Sony Plaza also has an enclosed space with coffee stands, tables and chairs where you can sit as long as you like. Spent a couple of hours reading, resting, and watcing the 20 foot tall inflatable Spider Man hanging over the entrance. After Les got off work we made a trip to Buttercup Bakery for cupcakes and ate Italian. On the subway to Brooklyn, we found the secret to getting all of the space that you need on crowded trains. Normally, New Yorkers have very little sense of personal space…..other than their own. Get on with a box of cupcakes and you get treated like royalty. Be old, crippled, or ill, they ignore you. Have cupcakes, and you are the most important person in Manhattan. Two sweet Puerto Rican “boys” in their 20s got on and politely offered me their seat. I declined, thinking that I probably needed to work off the cupcake binge. We started chatting with them. My head turning daughter got a little put off. She heard them saying, “Bonita, bonita.” Assuming it was about her, she started to thank them, when she realized that they were talking about me! Love those cultures where age is honored! One of then gave me a CD….of a Mennonite choir! Sunday, Les was off work, so we walked across the Williamsburgh Bridge into the lower East Side. There was a party of people dancing the Tango on the bridge. Made a stop for tacos on the Lower East Side. Wandered over to Washington Square park to listen to the bands that play there on weekends. Shooting pictures all the way. Shopped at little for school clothes for Les and ate Japanese in the East Village. In all, we walked 11 miles! Monday, it was up early and travel home. Sigh! The only down side to the whole weekend was that Les’ 20 pound cat ate my necklace.
Hi guys, I’m off to the South Island of New Zealand in a couple of weeks, and would welcome any suggestions for must-see photos ops. I w…
Hi guys, I’m off to the South Island of New Zealand in a couple of weeks, and would welcome any suggestions for must-see photos ops. I will be doing the standard Christchurch, Greymouth, Franz Joseph, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Te Anau circuit. I’ve got all the normal brochures, so am particularly interested in lesser known but fabulous locations and tips :) I’ve seen some great shots here on redbubble, so I hope I can at least get something passable, weather permitting, but don’t hold me to that – I’m not known as a landscape specialist !
I hope everyone will stop by and say hello to my friend, Linda Pugh, on her first day here on the Bubble. I’ve told her how wonderful thi…
I hope everyone will stop by and say hello to my friend, Linda Pugh, on her first day here on the Bubble. I’ve told her how wonderful this place is and all of the great artist here who will encourage, educate, and inspire her. Linda is a very well rounded person who is interested in writing and words, photography and art, and travel and always learning and growing. Check out her work here: pughwee. She’s a great person and artist and all round creative soul and I know you will love her and her work as much as I do. / ~Sande
‘The Kidman Way’ is available to purchase as a card, laminated print, poster, mounted print, canvas print, and framed print. This se…
‘The Kidman Way’ is available to purchase as a card, laminated print, poster, mounted print, canvas print, and framed print. This section of The Kidman Way is located between Cobar and Bourke in the outback of New South Wales, Australia. Click here to view Darren Stones’ profile Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance member / (Australian Journalists Association) / Click on each image to enter the purchasing area. Thank you. Card Laminated Print Poster Mounted Print Canvas Print Framed Print Click banner below to enter Darren’s web site
I was not happy with the “road most travelled” I was keen on the idea but the result I felt needed to be improved . So, with the new …
I was not happy with the “road most travelled” I was keen on the idea but the result I felt needed to be improved . So, with the new PaintShop Pro (8) I have now posted a new version of the pic in the same slot. Please could you give me input ? I will leave the old framed version for a while to be able to see the difference. Thanks guys!! XXXXXCarisma / NEW SEPIA /
After two days of straight-through driving, Monty and I stopped at Santa Rosa, New Mexico, just south and east of Santa Fe. We found a h…
After two days of straight-through driving, Monty and I stopped at Santa Rosa, New Mexico, just south and east of Santa Fe. We found a hotel right on the main drag through town, a little highway called Route 66. After a night’s rest we started out Monday morning on our drive westward on “The Mother Road”. Our first stop was just a couple of blocks down from our hotel at the Route 66 Auto Museum. What first attracted our attention was a bright yellow car up on a tall pole. We pulled in and immediately saw a vintage 1950 yellow taxi cab and an old pickup truck with a wooden truck bed. Bet you “youngsters” didn’t even realize that truck beds were once floored with wood planks! As we entered the museum, we stepped on the black and white checkered floors and immediately spotted Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean – no, Elvis is NOT alive. These were life-sized posters in the gift shop. We rested on a bench designed from the trunk and fenders of an aqua 1957 Chevy. Very cool! No need to wonder what happened to the rest of the car. We handed the $5 admission fee over the cashier’s desk, which just happened to be the front end of that same Chevy. Besides approximately 30 completely restored vintage automobiles, there was an impressive collection of vintage toys and signs and other memorabilia celebrating Route 66. Even if you are not a vintage car buff, you can’t help but be impressed by all the shiny chrome and fins. If you are ever near here, this is a stop you don’t want to miss! Further along the stretch of Route 66 in Santa Rosa there was evidence of long-closed businesses that suffered from the building of nearby Interstate 25. But more importantly there were many other businesses have stood the test of time and still remain open. It is obvious that Santa Rosa is working to preserving this section of historic Route 66. After leaving Santa Rosa, we picked up Route 66 again near Dillia and followed a 40-50 mile section to Santa Fe. For the most part, the two-lane road ran a close parallel to I-25 but sometimes curved away from the noise of the interstate. It was during these times, driving along in the rural areas of New Mexico that we experienced a taste of what the early Route 66 travelers must have enjoyed. I suppose it will be no surprise that I will soon be uploading some of the many, many photos taken on our road trip this week.
One of the good things about driving down the Historic Route 66 is that there are so many interesting side trips. On Tuesday morning, we…
One of the good things about driving down the Historic Route 66 is that there are so many interesting side trips. On Tuesday morning, we woke up to a warm southwestern sunrise in the beautiful Taos Valley nestled at the base of New Mexico’s Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Taos has a history that dates back to the ancestors of the Pueblo people, commonly known as the Anasai. The room blocks and pit houses in the area verify their presence since 900 A.D. AlthoughTaos has a long and colorful history, let’s jump forward to 1898 when two young artists from the East named Ernest Blumenshein and Bert Phillips came to Taos to get a broken wagon wheel fixed. Totally captivated by the beauty of the area, they stayed and were soon joined by other artists. By 1915 the Taos Society of Artists had been formed and the town of Taos was known world-wide as an artist haven. Monty and I love to search out free stuff to do first. We drove down to the 200-year-old Taos Plaza with streets that radiate outward from the town square to form the National Historic District of Taos. Stopping in one of the gift shops, we picked up the free 26-page “Walking Tour” brochure for a self-guided tour of 22 historic Taos landmarks. Starting in the heart of the plaza or town square, we visited the Kit Carson home/museum, the El Rincon Trading Post, The Couse House, Fechin House, and Old County Courthouse, to name only a few. The brochure included maps, photographs, and a written history of each of the 22 landmarks. It was a lovely day for a stroll through Taos. The sun was shining and the temperatures were in the mid 70s. Spring was in the air and the tourist rush had not started yet. I was able to photograph many of these beautiful landmarks in their natural state without dozens of people standing around. Arriving back at the Plaza around noon, we decided to have lunch at Ogilvie’s. From the 2nd floor covered balcony, we enjoyed delicious sandwiches while overlooking the downtown area. For dessert afterwards, we strolled over to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for chocolate ice cream, which we consumed in leisure sitting on a bench in the plaza square. After lunch we visited the Taos Pueblo. Located only a few miles north, the Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Interestingly, their native language – Tiwa – is unwritten, unrecorded, and will remain that way. Instead of the written word, the tribe relies solely on oral history handed down through the generations. The pueblo looks today much like it did when the conquistadors first arrived around 1540. The only exception is the addition of doors. Before the doors were added, the only entry was by ladder through an opening in the roof which also was a source of light. The buildings are made entirely of adobe, which is a mixture of earth, straw, and water, which is poured into forms and then sun-dried. There is no electricity and no running water in the sacred village. It costs $10 per person and $5 per camera to gain admission to the Taos Pueblo. You can join a group with a native tour guide or wander about the pueblo on your own. A note to all photographers, “All commercial and or professional photographers need prior approval through the tribal Governor’s Office.” All other photography is restricted to personal use. Next we will travel the scenic route to Sipapu Ski Resort (Elev 9,000+) and begin a gradual drive back east on Route 66.
Autumn is an ideal time to travel leisurely by car in eastern Australia with temperatures being mild and the days generally calm. Rece…
Autumn is an ideal time to travel leisurely by car in eastern Australia with temperatures being mild and the days generally calm. Recently had the pleasure of a 2300 kilometre road trip to capture autumn images in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Having never embarked on a specific autumn photographic journey before, it was an experience that I’d like to highly recommend to Australians and visitors to Australia. Most visitors to Australia follow the well-worn coastal routes, but to see the best of autumn in Australia, you generally need to travel inland for the amazing colours, scenery and magical light that exists during April/May. Trust you enjoy this small sample of autumn images taken in Australia during late April and early May 2008. All autumn images for sale at Redbubble Cheers folks. / Bright – Victoria / Mount Buffalo – Victoria / National Carillon – Canberra, Australian Capital Territory / Bega – New South Wales / Cann River Church – Victoria
Had the pleasure of photographing the 2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Street Procession on June 7, 2008 and thought I’d share…
Had the pleasure of photographing the 2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Street Procession on June 7, 2008 and thought I’d share a small sample of the images I took. Also like to extend my gratitude to the following people who made me feel welcome during my visit: Jenny Smith – Festival President / Amy and Tim Wood – Festival Photography Competition Co-Ordinators / Carol and Noel Jones – Grenfell Motel Owner/Operators / Julie and Geoff Grattan – Grenfell Camera Club / Noelene and Lisa Davies – Grenfell Camera Club / Jan and Arthur Davidson – Grenfell Camera Club / Colin Walsh – Grenfell Record Photographer / Peter Soley – Grenfell Record Editor / Gaynor England – Festival Short Story and Verse Co-Ordinator There’s many others I met during the festival, however I’m unable to recall all the names – my apology. I had a great time visiting and experiencing the festival, and being a small part of it made it extra special. Cheers, / Darren. More festival images can be viewed at my Flickr account by clicking here
This trip was initially planned for a wedding invitation. My wife and I were invited to see my friends Melissa and Luke get married, but …
This trip was initially planned for a wedding invitation. My wife and I were invited to see my friends Melissa and Luke get married, but that fell though and instead of cancelling the trip, we decided to go. From London we flew to New York City on the Saturday morning and were in NYC by that afternoon. Off the plane and onto the subway we went. No, no taxi or silly personal car. We dove right into the heart of NYC. Let me tell you. The NYC Subway is no Paris Metro or London Underground. It’s vast and confusing. But by the time we left I had mastered the art of reading the subway. Took me four days but I got there. Bloody cheap too at $25 for a weekly card. We stayed in a small apartment (typical of NYC) on West 14th street between 6th and 7th Avenues, just north of Greenwich Village and smack bang around the shopping area. The room was so small we had to climb a ladder to the bed which was above the kitchen. Comfy bed and the window faced out to rear yards, not onto the noisy 24hour NYC streets, so what more can a traveller as for? Day one. Shopping. For me, camera gear. For Beck, clothes. Well for me some clothes too. First thing first. Jeans. UK levis – £70. NYC Levis £15. Half price sale. £7.50. Supposedly the jeans grow magic powers when they are sent overseas. Thus the ridiculous mark up! Purchases made it’s was time for a walk. So from 14th we walked north up to Central Park located at 55th street. Stopped for some take away coffee and muffins on the way and sat in Central park watching the world go by, eating my big fat tasty muffin and my rather well made latte. (Advice for the coffee drinkers. Do not ask for coffee in NYC. You have to ask for a latte or the like to get a decent coffee. Trust me.) Went for a wander and saw the skating rink in the park then headed south a few blocks to the Rockefeller Centre to grab some tickets for the Top of the Rock observation Deck. Hung around till sunset and went up to the observatory deck, to happily snap away. My fingers that is, were snapping off it was so cold, but well worth it. Dinner and drinks I had sorted before we left the UK. All thank to the wonders of the WWW. As many of you may know I am a big beer fan. And thankfully so are many New Yorkers. I did my research before we left and had selected, with Beck, a few places to check out. First night, and our last night in NYC was spent at Jimmy’s No.43 down Greenwich way. Beside the weirdo’s coming in and out of the back room listening to their fusion Jazz, the beer was great and the food was even better. Not to mention the service. Great bar. Highly recommended. Day 2. Beck had researched and discovered the now trendy and slightly bohemian part of town was Williamsburg in Brookland just over the river near the Williamsburg Bridge. We trudged around there all day. We did so much walking that by 4 o’clock we were ready for bed. But a coffee and internet café later, we were off. Williamsburg is a great place to walk. An industrial area being revived without first being wiped off the map. As a consequence, there are hidden treasures everywhere. Right amongst the garages and small factories we stopped for some shelter from the rain, in what we though was a bar, but was also a restaurant. We had a coffee. And what do you know? The BEST coffee I had in the US. By far. Beautiful coffee. Seeing as the rain was still coming down we had a special brew beer from the Brookland brewery which is located up the road. It was to die for. Italian owner sat just across from us discussing business. So the best coffee in town was no surprise there. Wandering again we picked up a few items of clothing in the trendy but cheap shop and then off to another bar I had discovered. Spuyten Duyvil. This place had Belgium beers that I had not seen in Belgium. Talking to the manager, he tells me the owners had been on a world trip to find different beers by small brewers. What a life hey? Once again a great place and great beer. Dinner at a Moroccan place across the road and off to the next bar and the one I most looked forward to. Barcade. They have the biggest selection of US brewed beer on tap in NYC. And on top of that, old arcade games. And yes, they had my favourite game of my youth, Galaga, was among them. Two more beers and a few games later, we were ready once again for bed. Day 3 we wandered down town. South from 14th. This time stopping off a lot so Beck could shop – for more jeans!!! Around 6 or 7 shops later and no luck with the right size I had had enough. I put my foot down and the city tour continued. And what do you know. We stop looking and we find. Finally found a pair that fit and she liked. Woo hoo. We were off with a happy Beck. We wandered down to the 9/11 site. Just to see for ourselves. You could not have imagined. So big. Through the holes in the hoarding you could still see the basement. Twisted reinforcement everywhere. Quite a sight. It’s also the business area so to wander around the suits in NYC was fun. Sat down and had a sandwich from one of the carts. No not the type of sandwich OZ and here UK. I’ll let you go and find out for yourself. Went down to Battery Park at the south tip of Manhattan and then we headed north again back up to Greenwich. There were a few more bars I wanted to check out. We dropped into BXL Café which was your typical modern bar but they had good beer and snacks, not to mention some crazy ladies behind the bar. The off to Ginger Man for a few more. Had a great beer here. But if you ever go, do not, I repeat, do not eat there. We only had a burger. I knew from researching on the net that the food was bad, but i could not have imagined. The worst meal we had in the US by far. But the beer. Ohhh very nice. Off to bed again. Jet lag was starting to kick in. Day 4 – Last day in NYC. We headed up to the Bronx this time, to visit Little Italy in the Bronx. After being sent in the wrong direction by some idiot, we finally got there. A walk and half it was, but twice as long when someone sends you in the complete opposite direction. By the time we got there we were tired. So we stopped in an Italian sweets shop for a coffee. Coffee good, cannoli was terrible. The cream was textured and too sweet. Not creamy and smooth like ones I remember back home in Melbourne. And the pastry rock hard. Oh no. No good. I was disappointed. And tired. We were there early so most shops were closed. Before we decided to head off we had a good look in the lonely planet and found the Italian market, which was across the street! As soon as we walk in I am greeted by guys rolling cigars. So I decide to buy some. I ask the lady (who could not speak English) and she indicates to wait and runs off. I stand around looking at pictures on the wall of some guy with Hollywood stars on the wall. Marlin Brando and Al Pacino for example. Next thing I know some Mafioso bloke is standing next to me. He scared the shit out of me. He looked like he just stepped out of Godfather the movie. He knew he scared me too. Funny stuff. I got my cigars and we wandered around taking in all the smells and sights of great Italian food. I even got to have a traditional San Pellegrino Chinnoto in the traditional little bottles. We headed down south again to catch the ferry to Staten Island to take some shots and get a good view of the city from afar. Headed back over to Manhattan and spent out last night in Jimmy’s getting drunk, with a tear in the eye, and a heavy head, tired and jet lagged. Yes we were leaving NYC. And although many would not expect me to say it, I loved NYC. It rocked. It was like a bloody big Melbourne. But better. I felt at home and not judged like over here in London. A great city, built by multiple cultures. Just like back home. They know good beer, good food and a good time, with a friendly atmosphere. Bloody nice place. I can not say too much as I have not lived there, but it is a great place to visit. Let’s just say I would go again. I’ve just realised this is getting a bit long. I will not carry on much more about the last leg of our journey. So off to California via a 6 hour bumpy plane ride. The wedding was supposed to be in Orange County. We were told to stay in Anaheim (the home of Disneyland) but when we discovered the wedding was cancelled we changed plans and stayed in a place called Laguna Beach. And guess what. That’s were they film that show I hate, The OC. Go figure. I had heard everyone wants to be star in La, and we were not disappointed. We get off the plane, and after logging the forms for my lost luggage (it was still in NY. Helpful advice no 2. Do not put a laptop in your luggage, carry it on the plane), we were greeted by our helpful but nutty shuttle van rep. Oh this guy wanted to be on the set of a Hollywood movie bad, and said so. The world was his stage. Bloody hilarious. Welcome to California. So off to Laguna Beach via a seven lane highway. I have never seen so many big cars in my life. I saw a Mini showroom before I saw a Mini driving around. They are nuts with the big cars. Our first day in sunny California was rained out. Not that we complained. We needed a rest and we got it. The next day was nice and sunny. We got out and trawled the beaches, taking in the area and the houses. A nice place to live. Do not ask me how much it would cost, I’m sure a lot. But what was interesting was that there were a quite a few houses empty. Houses right on the beach! Apparently the housing market is so bad that they are not selling. So people just buy another, move out and leave them. What a waste. Next day we were off. I left my jacket at the hotel. I left it on my bag and when we left just grabbed my bag and jumped in the shuttle car. My jacket was moved by the cleaning lady so I missed it. Not cold enough to remember. Cost me £74 to have it sent back! We arrived at LAX early. Doing so, at the check in, we were given the opportunity to upgrade to premium economy. Take the bargains while you can they say, so we did. For once I had a good sleep and did not have elbow wars for arm space with the person next to me. Bit of extra leg room too, was nice.
On January 2nd 2009 I shall be boarding a plane from London to Hong Kong. After a short stay of 2 nights I will be moving onto NZ for 6 w…
On January 2nd 2009 I shall be boarding a plane from London to Hong Kong. After a short stay of 2 nights I will be moving onto NZ for 6 weeks and figi for 10 days before 2 months in australia traveling from sydney to cairns. Finally flying to singapore to explore malaysia and thailand for 2 months. If anyone has any tip top tips for any locations i should hit or miss then please let me know. Really excited and cant wait to explore! Steve
Small dilemma ! I have a ceratin quantity of photos on the tTuna Tin. But if I post them from today even before Andy Mercer recoive th…
Small dilemma ! I have a ceratin quantity of photos on the tTuna Tin. But if I post them from today even before Andy Mercer recoive the box where is the surprise ? / Thus I have two possibilities : / 1) to show in a single image, the box closes ready in the sending / or / 2) to have some images which rise in tone day after day until the real tin arrived at destination. / ... / Or Do you have another suggestion ? / ;-) PB
More than a bit behind here in the land of the redbubbles. The job that pays all the bills has been sucking up a lot of time lately, but…
More than a bit behind here in the land of the redbubbles. The job that pays all the bills has been sucking up a lot of time lately, but as many friends who I have who have been laid off in this economy, I can only be thankful that I’m busy right now. You never know when things will change. Sometime for the better, sometime not. Speaking of thankful, I’ve happy to say I’ve had several sales on here recently. Speaking of that t-shirt, I noticed that there is a challenge for T-shirts with the theme of London Calling and entered mine in there. It seemed one of those providence moments where I was just meant to see that, so I entered my London Calling shirt. There are some incredible entries, so I know the competition is stiff, but definitely check it out and if you are so moved to vote for mine, so be it and thank you! London Calling Competition I’m still working on editing my photos from my recent trip to England. It was an incredibly journey and the 5th time I’ve been to the UK. Believe it or not, I do try to go other places, but it just seems like I keep getting lured back. I have succeeded in going in the other direction for my next trip, which is at New Years. This will be my 5th New years on foreign soil. This one will be on a GAP Adventures tour of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. I considered a trek through Europe but the warmth of Egypt during my last New Years hath spoiled me. Hope everyone is doing well!
A month ago the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded me a spot on a March 2009 trade mission to Australia and New Zealand. / Never been t…
A month ago the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded me a spot on a March 2009 trade mission to Australia and New Zealand. / Never been there… sounded like a trip of a lifetime. But… but.. but… While they will pay most of the cost (everything but dinners/drinks) the mission lasts eight days… in three cities (Melbourne, Sidney and not sure of the New Zealand city yet). It will involve four days in the air going to and from, and however long the trip will take from Australia to New Zealand. Each day will be filled with meetings (three to five meetings daily). So… eight days of meetings, four days of travel… best part of two weeks away from my work (I am a partner and managing editor of business magazines). Most of my work would involve writing a major piece on the fit between the Pennsylvania business culture and those of the countries I’d visit. But… but… It will still cost me a lot, and I will lose about two weeks from my management responsibilities and simultaneously have to do a lot of my editing by internet on top of the many hours of work during the days of the trip. Sigh… In some ways it is a trip of a lifetime (and of course my wife wants to go… hmmm… but for pesky some reason that expenditure is mine, go figure…). I have until Monday to notify the folks at the commerce dept. re. my decision. And frankly, this is a lot of work and a lot of money for… for… well, I’m kind of wondering what’s in it for me. Can’t really afford to add more days to the trip away from the job. And while it could be cool to see those cities after work, well, there are a lot of cities I still haven’t seen that won’t take four days of travel. Anybody got any advice? Most photo opportunities will be at night when I probably will also have to do my editing chores. Sounds like a whirlwind… and I’m not sure the benefits outweigh the costs. Hulp!
Hope you like them: Tropical Dreams “Under The Same …
Hope you like them: Tropical Dreams Under The Same Sun Nature All Around Us Thanks!
I’ve created a new travel blog that I will use for most of my reportage during my upcoming Mexican Motorcycle Odyssey! If you wanna r…
I’ve created a new travel blog that I will use for most of my reportage during my upcoming Mexican Motorcycle Odyssey! If you wanna ride along with me… you can follow along HERE
As a result of my travels over the last four years, I’ve had the chance to visit a few places and meet a few folks. Here’s my new Austral…
As a result of my travels over the last four years, I’ve had the chance to visit a few places and meet a few folks. Here’s my new Australian Travel Photography video featuring the people, places, animals, events and festivals of Australia.
“Masquerade” was featured in “Exceptional Ekphrasis” !http://images-1.redbubble.net/img/art/backingcolor:white/product:greeting-card/v…
“Masquerade” was featured in “Exceptional Ekphrasis” / “TheTimeTraveller” was featured in “Soul Mates” / A huge thank you to these two outstanding groups and their hosts for featuring my works. / I’ve just got out of hospital after a months stay and imagine my surprise and delight on coming home to find that these two works were featured! / Happy bubbling to all / Love and hugs / Carol xxxxxx
Kristi“
Kristi“
I’m currently trying to get some sleep on a friends sofa before I venture off to New York. Gotta leave for the airport in 5 hours, so shu…
I’m currently trying to get some sleep on a friends sofa before I venture off to New York. Gotta leave for the airport in 5 hours, so shut eye seems unlikely. While I’m out there, Im hoping to get some photo’s down… I’ll try my best to amaze you. / I’ll give you an update as soon as Im back. Take care yo!
It’s now Thursday, and I arrived back from New York on Monday… / Coupling jetlag and general business, it’s taken me this long to actual…
It’s now Thursday, and I arrived back from New York on Monday… / Coupling jetlag and general business, it’s taken me this long to actually tell you all (probably around 4 people) about it. I set off on the Sunday, a week preceeding (20th), and after an aggonising 7 hour flight where I indulged in free booze and an array of films/shows on the 10’ screen in front of me, I arrived; along with Sam and Ben, who none of you will know. Immediately we were greeted with the politeness of American security, pushing and pulling us through queues; questioning us on our purpose and mocking me when asking what I had been studying at University. Ben was taken aside into a different room, followed by a man with a rubber glove hanging from his back pocket… sadly it wasn’t to be used… Ben merely had a similar passport number to someone in the US… THEY’RE NUMBERS… OF COURSE THERE WILL BE SOME SIMILAR!! Anyhow, after more searches and surveys, we were out into the city; well after 2 trains from Queens to Manhattan. Everything seemed to move at a different frame rate from what I was used to back home (England-just in case) We walked through and then alongside Central Park up to 106th street (west) where we checked into our Hostel (classy right?) The hostel smelt just like a Deli back home, aptly named ‘The New York Deli’. After checking in and choosing beds, we decided to go for a wander around Manhattan and ended up in Times Square. Bloody marvellous, made friends with this American girl named Andrea in the Billabong there, I tell you what… they LOVE the English accent out there, constantly asking us to quote lines from Harry Potter… while we pretend we don’t love the attention. That night we went back to the Hostel and watched a Comedy show downstairs in the Cellar, some amazing and mostly AWFUL acts that night. Randy was the best, a train wreck of a comic, each joke failing more so than the one it followed. I can’t remember what we did each day in what order, so I shall bring the lineality of this journal to a hault and just tell you I visited all the main sites and museums and galleries. Had an amazing time. Met some amazing people. Discovered Beer Pong. Went to an amazing club where I saw 2 shit bands, 2 great cabaret acts, 1 great gay performer and spent a ridiculous amount on alcohol. Before I upload the few snapshots I actually have, I’d like to thank the amazing people I met, Hostel’s are great for that, if not the crappy breakfast and infestations. So thanks firstly to Sam and Ben and then to the foreignors: Natalia, Cameron, Ursa, Ula, Hektor, Marcus… haha I’ve actually forgot all their names. Brilliant. / Subway / View from Central Park / Apprantly we British are ’’Nazi’s” / Sam went to the top to get our tickets for the Hockey game. / Coney Island=dead on a weekday / Sam peeing into Bens mouth… / Empire State Building… I went to the top… used the toilet there. / Views from 86th (though I went to the 102nd) / Oooo / Aaahh / Guffaw / Yeah / Sam and Ben, at the top. / Proof that I was there too…. with Ben / Spiderman, hanging out outside Sony Wonderlab (AMAZING) / Inside MOMA (moma was awesome) / Lots of penis art inside MOMA / This image was alot more explicit at the bottom… photos of open curtains… if you know what I mean. / Ben checking some guy out / Yeah / View from the Met… I didnt think much of the Martini roof garden / Some buildings / Times Circle… yeah, you like what I did there? Yeah you do :] I got a little carried away with the image posting. / Tshirts and stuff to follow. Gutted I came back :\ Thankyou for reading, means alot.
I recently discovered a RedBubble group called Tag Along – whose purpose is to link up phot…
I recently discovered a RedBubble group called Tag Along – whose purpose is to link up photographers for photo shoots. The “opportunity” I am about to describe may not precisely fit the group’s ideal, but I am just going to throw it out there, anyhow …..... I am currently on a short-term contract in northern New Mexico, between the cities of Las Vegas (NM – not NV) and Santa Fe. I need to make a mad dash by car, to my home in eastern Nevada (near Ely) – and BACK AGAIN … all within a couple of days’ time. The trip is about 900 miles EACH WAY, and actual driving time is approximately 14 hours EACH WAY—not counting REST STOPS and PHOTO OPS. Departure date is no longer FLEXIBLE. I will be leaving VERY EARLY tomorrow morning (TUESDAY – 2009.OCT.27), returning no later than the evening of WEDNESDAY, 2009.OCT.28 My usual route includes Mesa Verde, the Four Corners area, and the magnificent Escalante and Canyonlands of Utah. Sadly, there will not be a LOT of spare time for exploring, or waiting around for the absolutely BEST LIGHT … but … well … if anybody wants to jump in as co-pilot on this whirlwind “adventure” - please BMail me OR email: PHOTOROVER@GREATBASINLIFE.COM …... IMMEDIATELY (if not sooner). I am open to the idea of somebody hitching along for only part of the way, or in either direction. I’ll buy the gas; you cover your own meals and any other expenses. For my security, I will require a scan of your driver’s license, and a recent photo – which will be e-mailed to a third party for the duration of the trip, and then destroyed. Thanks! PS: Must love dogs. :) * / So! You missed it! I flew solo, and what a neat trip this was, despite the RUSH …... here are a few scenes from along the way …..... / Veyo, UT / / BlackRock, AZ / / Vermillion Cliffs Naitonal Monument* – Arizona / / —MORE TO FOLLOW --
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