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2013-04-01 05:17:04 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 29 +1s)

Happy Easter!

For +SacredSunday™ curated by  +Manfred Berndtgen , +Robyn Morrison ,  +Chatchai Rombix , +Justin Hill ,  +Steve Barge , +Carolyn St.Charles , +Sherrie von Sternberg

#sacredsunday   #easterbunny   #easter   #iphoneography   #nikcollection  

2013-03-25 20:36:06 (28 comments, 1 reshares, 50 +1s)

Spring Cycling
West Contra Costa County, California

With no traffic around and sunny hills of green grass and yellow blooming mustard before me, I took the opportunity to take a picture while riding my bike this weekend.

For +Leading Lines Monday  by +Pam Boling +Andreas Levi +David Murphy +Elle Rogers +Michael B. Stuart +Simos Xenakis

Shot in TIFF mode with 645 Pro, cropped and converted in CaptureNX2, adjusted with NIK plugins.

#leadinglinesmonday   #cycling   #spring   #nikcollection   #iphoneography  

2013-03-25 16:29:01 (13 comments, 2 reshares, 21 +1s)

Chi Chi Sticks
Chinese Fortune Sticks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kau_cim

After a meal to celebrate an occasion, my wife's family would bring out the Chi Chi Sticks and everyone would have their fortune told. She was recently re-united with this ancient set and the tradition was revived on Saint Patrick's Day, which happens to also be her birthday. Each player must carefully shake only one bamboo stick from the can. A number on the end of the stick corresponds to the correct fortune to read. The book has seen many years of use, but the fortunes seem to still work.

For +Know-how and traditions by +Jean-Louis LAURENCE.

And for +Jules Falk Hunter who has a similar looking, but very different game called Jack Straws, that I confused with my wife's game. I wasn't even close, except that they both inherited the game from their grandmother!J... more »

2013-03-25 16:29:30 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 30 +1s)

Flowering Pear
(Pyrus calleryana)
Dublin, California

Happy first Friday of Spring 2013! I missed the official day of Solstice this week,  but it's never too late to celebrate the arrival of spring. And the trees and bees know it's here. The ornamental pears are scenting the air of Dublin this week, bringing showy white flowers along with their strong fragrance.

For +FloralFriday curated by +Tamara Pruessner.

#floralfriday   #iphoneography   #spring   #spring2013   #floweringtree   #nikcollection  

2013-02-12 21:27:12 (29 comments, 0 reshares, 33 +1s)

Celebration

Happy Lunar New Year!
Gong Hei Fat Choi!

After an endless battle with an ear infection, I was finally feeling up to getting out to celebrate. Happily, my slow recovery and returning energy coincided with the Lunar New Year, aka Chinese New Year. So out we went to a local brewpub and then to a movie. Since the calendar New Year went by in a fevered blur, I celebrated the Lunar New Year instead!

We had two wonderful beers at Elevation 66 Brewing Company (http://www.elevation66.com). I chose the choconut stout. It was dry with a nice chocolate, coconut, and toasty note. My wife had the Kölsch, a bright and slightly hoppy lager. We couldn't decide which tasted better, but I like how the lager caught the light in a nice golden glow reflected from the metal brewing tanks.

For #metallicmonday   by +Thomas Raschbacher.

#... more »

2013-01-07 19:17:06 (40 comments, 1 reshares, 77 +1s)

Frozen in Action

Johnsville, Plumas Eureka State Park, California

A view of snow covered mountain in the northern Sierra Nevadas while on a brief outing to a local sled hill to watch my daughter and her friend get wet and tired in deep fresh snow. 

For the better part of December and the beginning of the new year I have been struggling with some sort of nasty sinus infection. The holiday seasons went by with a blur, and I missed so much holiday fun and activities and tested the limits of my family's patience and caring nature. Rest and cutting back on activities didn't help and I ended up on powerful antibiotics.

The good news is that they may be working and I think I am on the road to recovery. Gone are the chills and high fever. Now to regain to some strength and rid myself of the headache that has plagued me over a month.

I feel like... more »

2012-12-14 17:35:23 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 36 +1s)

Transmission

The National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation Summit Meeting
Martinelli Event Center, Livermore, California

The sun sets over the rolling Livermore hills as an informative day of presentations comes to close, and a few hours of socializing over wine from the local winery begins.

Including +Powerline Friday  by +Natosha Davis ,
and +iPhoneography Friday by +Christianna Pierce and +Jose Vazquez.

#powerlinefriday   #iphoneography   #iphoneographyfriday   #livermore  

2012-12-12 00:43:10 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 43 +1s)

Weathered

Echo Peak, Desolation Wilderness, California

Dead but not lifeless, the bare wood of an old Sierra Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) provides a home for lichen among it's nooks and crannies. Years of exposure to the harsh elements has crumbled the hard rock and left interesting patterns in the grain of the tough wood. Perhaps the wood will outlast the boulder on which it rests.

Including +Tree Tuesday curated by +Christina Lawrie and +Shannon S. Myers,
and +Landscape Photography by +Margaret Tompkins, +Carra Riley, +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams, +Bill Wood, and +Jim Warthman.

#treetuesday   #landscapephotography   #ImproveMyPhoto   #nikonshooters  

2012-12-12 00:26:22 (8 comments, 3 reshares, 43 +1s)

Weathered

Echo Peak, Desolation Wilderness, California

Dead but not lifeless, the bare wood of an old Sierra Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) provides a home for lichen among it's nooks and crannies. Years of exposure to the harsh elements has crumbled the hard rock and left interesting patterns in the grain of the tough wood. Perhaps the wood will outlast the boulder on which it rests.

Including +Tree Tuesday curated by +Christina Lawrie and +Shannon S. Myers,
and +Landscape Photography by +Margaret Tompkins, +Carra Riley, +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams, +Bill Wood, and +Jim Warthman.

#treetuesday   #landscapephotography   #ImproveMyPhoto   #nikonshooters  

2012-12-10 20:00:18 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

Window Rock

Desolation Wilderness, California

For +Monochrome Monday curated by +Hans Berendsen +Jerry Johnson +Manuel Votta +Nurcan Azaz +Steve Barge.

#monochromemonday   #nikonshooters   #landscapephotography  

2012-12-05 22:12:33 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 26 +1s)

Added photos to Best Mountain Photos Contest | December 2012 | by Mountain Photos Theme Page.

2012-11-28 20:01:27 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 33 +1s)

Lookup

Agentine Rock Forest Lookout
Plumas National Forest, California

Built from local lumber by local craftsman in 1937, the old wood weathers the harsh conditions of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It was once a shining pearl of white atop the highest peak above Quincy California, clearly visible from below, a welcome sight that gave security from forest fires to the abundant timber lands.

The fire lookout programs were mostly ended in the 1980's due to budget cuts, and this lookout was one of the first to be abandoned.  It now makes a precarious hide out for high school kids who make the journey to hold secret parties.

For +Wooden Wednesday curated by +Jennifer Landua, +Stefan Bittner, and +Jan Lindenberg,
and for +White Wednesday  by +Synnøve Zynne Tilrem.

#woodenwednesday   #whitewednesday   #nikonshooters   

2012-11-26 19:05:45 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 43 +1s)

Lookout
Agentine Rock Forest Lookout
Plumas National Forest, California

Look out where you step and watch for broken boards. Once a functioning and staffed forest fire lookout, the building has seen better times. Storm and sun ravaged wood still clings to the rock outcropping, stripped of the once gleaming white paint down to the wood harvested and milled from local forests. The lookout has amazing views in all directions, and someone used to watch the forests all summer and report the first sign of smoke.

Normally this time of year, the dirt access road has too much snow on it to even get within a few miles of the lookout. But the last storm's rains washed away the snow, making it possible to get to 7,200 feet above sea level without hindrance. Fog still lurked among the valleys as high clouds dappled the sky.

For +Mountain Photos curated by +BakiK... more »

2012-11-19 18:00:30 (16 comments, 2 reshares, 32 +1s)

Bon-Sho
Temple Bell

Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center

Inscribed:
Awakened
By this Japanese bell
The sky-headed sea-tailed
Green Guld dragon
Stirs the fine mists and rains
Of right Dharma
For East and West

The bells hangs from a tree while it awaits the constructions of a proper bell tower. The metal has taken on a nice green and blue patina in it's damp coastal setting. It took all my will power to resist hitting the bell with it's easily accesible striking log.

For +#MetallicMonday curated by +Thomas Raschbacher,
and +All Things Green by +Cicely Robin Laing,
and a day late for +Zen Sunday by +Charlotte Therese Björnström , +Nathan Wirth  and +Simon Davis-Oakley.

#metallicmonday   #allthingsgreen    #zensunday   #nikonshooters  

2012-11-16 17:35:10 (26 comments, 1 reshares, 40 +1s)

Chasing Seagulls

Stinson Beach, California

She runs free, through foam and cool sand, to the seagulls that float in the surf, who stay put till the last minute, as the laughing girl quickly approaches.

For +iPhoneography Friday  curated by +Christianna Pierce and +Jose Vazquez,
and for +FeelGoodFriday by +Rebecca Borg and +Jason Borg.

#iphoneographyfriday   #iphoneography   #feelgoodfriday   #beach  

2012-11-14 16:45:02 (20 comments, 0 reshares, 46 +1s)

Ponder

Echo Lake, California

My daughter stares out the window at the trees and lake on our last day of summer vacation. Two weeks of hiking, swimming, and playing with friends will come to a close, and a new school with new challenges awaits her.

For the special Single Window theme of +#Window Wednesday curated by +Simon Davis-Oakley, +Cheryl Cooper, +Jason Kowing, +J.J. Bentley, +Catherine Furet, and +Jules Falk Hunter.

#windowwednesday   #nikonshooters   #reflection  

2012-11-08 00:02:29 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

Added photos to Best Mountain Photos Contest | November 2012 | by Mountain Photos Theme Page.

2012-11-06 19:18:02 (19 comments, 0 reshares, 42 +1s)

Huddle

Mount Tallac, Desolation Wilderness, California

Buffeted by storms and sun, this scraggly Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) huddles next to a granite outcropping to seek a little shelter and warmth from the harsh conditions. Thunderclouds build over Mount Tallac, and rain followed later that day.

For +Tree Tuesday  curated by +Christina Lawrie and +Shannon S. Myers,
and +Mountain Photos by +Baki Karacay,
and +Landscape Photography by +Margaret Tompkins, +Carra Riley, +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams, +Bill Wood, and +Jim Warthman.

#treetuesday   #mountainphotos   #landscapephotography   #nikonshooters  

2012-11-05 16:28:50 (20 comments, 1 reshares, 36 +1s)

 Flame of Friendship

By Leonardo Nierman of Mexico City
San Diego Convention Center, California

A gift from the Government of Mexico that was presented to the people of San Diego as a gesture of friendship.

For +MyMobileMonday Photography curated by +Sinead Sam McKeown,
and +#MetallicMonday by +Thomas Raschbacher ,
and +Monochrome Monday by +Hans Berendsen, +Jerry Johnson, +Steve Barge, and +Nurcan Azaz.

#mymobilemonday   #metallicmonday   #monochromemonday   #iphoneography  

2012-10-31 16:47:33 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 36 +1s)

Baby Boomers

Freel Peak and Job's Sister, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

Thunder clouds build over the tallest peak rimming Lake Tahoe and leave a patterned shadow on the slopes of Freel Peak. The slanted flat face of Job's Sister points to the clouds and yearns for moisture after a hot and dry summer.

Taken from Echo Peak looking south east. The clouds continued to build but no rain came that day.

For #bwlandscapewednesday  curated by +Manuel Votta, +Victor Bezrukov, +Margaret Tompkins, and +Charles Lupica,
and +Summer Photos by +Tiina Niskanen and +Bieke Boonen.
and +Weather Wednesday by +Jason Borg.

#summerphotos   #weatherwednesday   #nikonshooters  

2012-10-24 16:45:53 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 27 +1s)

Kelp Archway

Wildcat Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Separated from the ocean floor, washed ashore and dried in the sun, a stalk of kelp takes on new characteristics and becomes an impromptu sculpture, planted up side down in the sand by an anonymous beach lover.

In it's proper environment in the sea, the thin end is attached to rocks with strong roots, and the seaweed tapers in thickness, ending at a round buoyant bulb that keeps the long leaves at the ocean's surface.

For +Whatever Wednesday!!! curated by +Cicely Robin Laing.

#whateverwednesday   #iphoneography  

2012-10-23 17:04:19 (24 comments, 1 reshares, 44 +1s)

Poised

Wildcat Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California

She crouched in the setting sun, ducking under the streaks of clouds that criss-crossed the sky, watching the final burst of colorful light spread out over the calm sea.

I rejoiced in her observation of nature's splendor as she forgot about her cell phone, the internet, or TV, and instead embraced the beauty before her.

For +MyMobileMonday Photography  curated by +Sinead Sam McKeown,
and +NationalParksMonday by +Juan Pons,
and +Leading Lines Monday by +Pam Chalkley-Boling, +Michael Stuart, +Elle Rogers, +David Murphy, +Andreas Levi, and +Simos Xenakis.

#mymobilemonday   #nationalparksmonday   #leadinglinesmonday     #iphoneography  

2012-10-17 06:30:20 (18 comments, 2 reshares, 41 +1s)

Directions

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

http://www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm

A tall sculpture of wind vanes shows how the wind varies with altitude, something sailors have to pay attention to when trimming sails on tall masts. It's slim profile makes it easy to miss by the throngs of pedestrians walking the path along the water front in front of the maritime museum.

For +WindyWednesday curated by +Trevor Farrell,
and +Weather Wednesday by +Jason Borg ,
and +NauticalWednesday  by +Annelies Kroen, +StPaul Herrmann, and +Dale Collins.

#windywednesday   #weatherwednesday   #nauticalwednesday   #iphoneography

2012-10-10 05:12:57 (19 comments, 0 reshares, 45 +1s)

 Sentinel

Desolation Wilderness, Tahoe National Forest, California

A hardy Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) braves the harsh conditions of an exposed rocky slope and stands alone overlooking the beautiful view of Lake Tahoe.

For +Tree Tuesday curated by +Christina Lawrie and +Shannon S. Myers,
and +Landscape Photography by +Margaret Tompkins, +Carra Riley, +paul t beard, +David Heath Williams, and +Bill Wood.

#treetuesday   #landscapephotography      #nikonshooters   #tahoe  

2012-10-03 23:32:10 (32 comments, 0 reshares, 51 +1s)

Beautiful Break

Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California

San Francisco finally had a nice break from our persistent cool foggy weather and a perfect day of breaking waves to play in. The beach was full of talented surfers who shredded till the light faded and they rode the last wave in. Big smiles and happy discussions of a great day in the water were the norm as numerous wet-suit-clad-surfers strolled home in the golden light. 

For +Sea Tuesday curated by +Julia Anna Gospodarou,
and +Summer Photos by +Tiina Niskanen and +Bieke Boonen.

#seatuesday   #summerphotos   #iphoneography   #surfing    #under5k  

2012-10-01 05:40:37 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 23 +1s)

Grand Fun

Levi's GranFondo, Santa Rosa, California

On a chilly Saturday morning at 8 am, 7,500 fellow cyclists gathered for an epic ride and bicycle festival. A year's worth of training was behind me and 103 miles of beautiful scenery through redwoods, up steep narrow roads to hot exposed grass covered ridges, down the foggy coast, and back to over more steep roads, was before me.

The camaraderie of thousands of riders along the same route propelled me along my second attempt at this challenging century. We all started with excitement and the desire to move and get warm in the 54 degree weather. The cowbells from fans lining the streets and whoops of happy cyclists were later replaced with moans and groans as the steep climbs and warming sun took it's tool on us. The last remaining miles seemed to take forever and I was never so happy to see the finishl... more »

2012-09-25 20:35:45 (24 comments, 0 reshares, 34 +1s)

In Loving Memory

Green Gulch Farm and Zen Retreat, California

Remembering our mom a year later with a memorial plaque placed on a garden bench in beautiful surroundings. My sister arranged the engraving and dedication and she places a green ribbon for the final touch. We will have a beautiful peaceful place to visit to remember our dear mom.

2012-09-24 20:25:33 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

Summer Salads

Green Gulch  Farm, California

Where food comes from! This little working farm and Zen retreat center grows wonderful organic vegetables and offers a tasty lunch made from their own produce. While the hills are brown and dry, the farm remains lush and productive through the dry summer. Fog creeps up the gulch from it's close proximity to the cool Pacific Ocean and it's a short walk to Muir Beach.

http://www.sfzc.org/ggf/

For +Leading Lines Monday curated by +Pam Chalkley, +Michael Stuart, +Elle Rogers, and +David Murphy,
and +Summer Photos by +Tiina Niskanen and +Bieke Boonen.

#leadinglinesmonday   #summerphotos   #nikonshooters   #under5k   #farm  

2012-09-17 16:41:41 (28 comments, 0 reshares, 33 +1s)

The Beacon Beckoned

Mount Diablo, California

Goal accomplished! I finally made it up the mountain and back home, without the use of public transport. The lure of the views and the test of endurance tempted me back this weekend. It was also the last chance to fit in a hard training day prior to a big benefit ride in two weeks.

True to it's name, the devil mountain radiated heat and my bike thermometer reached 105 F degrees (40.5 C) at one point. Plenty of water and occasional breezes provided some relief, but it was the promise of grand views and a cold Coke at the top that kept me going.

The clear skies that tortured me with heat on the ride up, gave way to expansive views and blue skies. The top of the mountain is crowned with an old stone and metal lighthouse to warn night time pilots of the highest peak around. The mountain is visible from a great... more »

2012-09-15 06:49:02 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 29 +1s)

Pink Monkey Flower

Mimulus lewisii Pursh
Desolation Wilderness, California

A little spring kept these perennials moist enough to continue blooming late into August. Most of the meadows dried up early this year, taking away the colorful wildflowers, but a few little native snapdragons remained to brighten the trail.

For +FloralFriday curated by +Tamara Pruessner,
and the +PurpleCircle by +Lynn Langmade, +Craig Szymanski, +Alexis Coram, and +Sinead Sam McKeown.

#floralfriday   #purplecircle   #nikonshooters   #desolationwilderness  

2012-09-11 06:06:41 (32 comments, 4 reshares, 50 +1s)

Hors catégorie

Mt. Diablo, California

The highest or toughest category given to a climb on a cycling route, the route up Mt. Diablo is the only HC climb within reach of my house. It's a cycling mecca for those wishing to make their legs hurt.

Mt. Diablo is aptly named. On Sunday I took my second ride up the devil mountain and it nearly defeated me with sun exposure and heat and nonstop effort. It's a 13 mile climb to 3,864 feet (1,178 m). But the views are spectacular and panoramic overlooking the Pacific Ocean behind the Golden Gate Bridge to the west and to the Sierra Nevadas on the other side. A combination of haze, bright sun, and fatigue made getting any good photos an impossibility, so I captured my trusty bike overlooking the slopes I would soon descend.

My goal was to ride to the top of my the mountain from my house. For years I couldsee ... more »

2012-09-06 07:26:14 (19 comments, 0 reshares, 33 +1s)

Sierra Buttes

Lakes Basin, Plumas National Forest, California

The view from Mount Elwell looking down on the glacial basin holding Long Lake in the foreground and across to the jagged peaks of the Sierra Buttes.

In all my years growing up hiking in this area, I never made it up the big mountain to take in the views. We spend Labor Day weekend in this area, and have long admired the lofty peak of Mt. Elwell, and this year we finally made the trek around the lakes and up to the peak. It was well worth the effort to see the work of the ancient glaciers and admire the beckoning waters of refreshing lakes that we would we soon descend back to for a nice swim.

http://www.lakesbasin.com/

The sun was not in my favor, and my kit lens threw in a nice flare, so it's my first submission to #throwawaythursday  curated by +Lynn Langmade, +Doug DeTraz,... more »

2012-08-29 06:32:19 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 19 +1s)

Added photos to White Wednesday!.

2012-08-29 06:35:28 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 26 +1s)

Crystal Views

Desolation Wilderness, California

After an early rise and nice hike up the trail, I was rewarded with many grand views as I approached the summit of Ralston Peak at an elevation of 9,300 feet above sea level. This is the view looking west at the Crystal Range over Lake of the Woods in the foreground and Lake Aloha in the background.

The effects of long ago glaciation scoured the white granite into a a beautiful basin and left behind smooth exposed rock and sapphire blue lakes. This year's drought is evident in the low levels of Lake Aloha, which normally covers much more of the basin.

For  +White Wednesday curated by +Synnøve Zynne Tilrem,
and +Mountain Photos by +Baki Karacay,
and +Landscape Photography by +Margaret Tompkins, +Carra Riley, +paul t beard, +Ke Zeng, and +David Heath Williams.

#whitewednesday   #lands... more »

2012-08-28 06:22:09 (32 comments, 3 reshares, 57 +1s)

The Calm Before the Storm

Echo Lake, California

An approaching thunderstorm loomed in the distance as I embarked on my paddle home before the rain and lightening came. There is nothing like the threat of lightening over a lake while holding a conductive paddle to speed one's journey home, but I took a moment to enjoy the view before retreating to safety.

For +TransportTuesday curated by +Gene Bowker, +Joe Paul, +Steve Boyko, and +Michael Earley,
and for +Summer Photos by +Tiina Niskanen and +Bieke Boonen.

#transporttuesday   #summerphotos   #iphoneography   #mobilography   #padling   #kayaking  

2012-08-06 07:18:00 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 33 +1s)

Vacation!

Echo Lake, California

A much needed and long awaited vacation awaits me tomorrow. I will be looking at this mountain and lake for the better part of two weeks. It's a chance to unplug and get back to nature and enjoy hiking, swimming, and kayaking and time with my family in a relaxed setting. 

No internet and spotty cell phone coverage is the perfect excuse to spend time offline and practice trying to capture some of the beauty around me with memories and with the camera. I will return with a bounty of nature and landscape shots, a relaxed mind and body, and a lot to look forward to catching up with the all the wonderful people and photographs I'll miss while I'm gone.

Summer has been far busier than I ever remember, both at home at work, but with the rapidly approaching start to school and a normal fall routine, I wil be back to... more »

2012-08-03 06:25:12 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 29 +1s)

Thimbleberry

Rubus parviflorus

A lush thicket of thimbleberries showed off their complex leaves and had me looking for tasty treats of their delicate red berries, but all I found was a nice view of the soft light through their green leaves.

For +Leaves On Thursday by +Marilou Aballe, +Margaret Tompkins, and +Ray Bilcliff,
and +All Things Green by +Cicely Robin Laing.

#leavesonthursday   #allthingsgreen   #nikonshooters   #under5k  

2012-08-01 19:38:05 (23 comments, 0 reshares, 42 +1s)

Foot Bridge

Tilden Park Botanical Gardens, Berkeley, California

A shady path winds it's way through chaparral and over a small foot bridge to cross a babbling brook. On a rare warm sunny day in Berkeley, the shaded bridge makes a nice cool spot to rest and take in the beauty. My hiking companions blend into the background of dappled light and bokeh, reminding me how quickly things can become obscure and lost in the woods.

For +On The Fence Wednesday curated by +Natosha Davis,
and for +Bridge Wednesday by +Mara Acoma, +Mark Hall, +Alan Gurling, and +Nigel Smith.

#onthefencewednesday   #bridgewednesday   #nikonshooters   #under5k  

2012-07-31 16:10:57 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 24 +1s)

Rounding the Mark

Sailing on the San Francisco Bay

A late season regatta of classic boats is known for it's irreverence and post-race party, and for it's cheering squad. The race course crosses the south bay in a large triangle and then loops back and forth along the Bay Bridge twice. Each leg requires going close inshore to round a buoy, or mark, before heading out across the bay to round a downwind buoy.

The inshore mark is particularly challenging because of shifting winds blocked by buildings, but even more so, because of the boat club's spectator boat is known for it's exuberant cheerleaders who try to distract the crew members going by. They did their best to throw everyone off course as they showed their appreciation for the race and crew.

Spiriti of Elvis  looks good in the background as they prepare to jibe around the buoy and andf... more »

2012-07-30 16:02:41 (21 comments, 1 reshares, 55 +1s)

Surf Fishing

Wildcat Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Perfect weather and nice waves drew this lone man down to the surf to try his luck at catching dinner. He didn't appear to catch anything more than seaweed while I was there, but he was having fun and staying cool.

For +Monochrome Monday curated by +Hans Berendsen, +Jerry Johnson, +Manuel Votta, +Steve Barge, and +Nurcan Azaz,
and +Landscape Photography by +Margaret Tompkins, +Carra Riley, +paul t beard, +Ke Zeng, and +David Heath Williams.

#monochromemonday   #landscapephotography   #seascape   #nikonshooters   #under5k  

2012-07-26 17:32:11 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 26 +1s)

Pedestrian Bridge

For +BridgesOverTuesday by +Steve Boyko and +Clare Bambers.
And a day late, but it seemed so fitting, to +Leading Lines Monday by +Pam Chalkley, +Michael Stuart, +Elle Rogers, and +David Murphy.

#bridgesovertuesday   #leadinglinesmonday   #iphoneography  

2012-07-20 15:42:02 (23 comments, 3 reshares, 45 +1s)

Ruby chalice clarkia

Clarkia rubicunda
Tilden Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California

Happy Friday! It's been a crazy busy week for me! I've had my head buried in software and databases and maps too intently for too many hours. I feel like sitting in a meadow in the warm sun with pretty wildflowers surrounding me. But the best I can do for today, as I cram through a long list of projects, is to daydream of such as place with the image of this native lilly I found at our local botanical garden.

For +FloralFriday curated by +Tamara Pruessner,
and the +PurpleCircle by +Craig Szymanski, +Alexis Coram, +Sinead Sam McKeown, and +lynn langmade,
and +HQSPPromotion by +Carina Marsh, +Marina Versaci, +Syuzanna Avetisyan, +Mukundh B, +Thierry Raemaekers, and +Rinus Bakker.

#floralfriday   #purplecircle   #hqsppromotion  #niko... more »

2012-07-16 15:54:11 (27 comments, 0 reshares, 42 +1s)

Sister Ships

Cape Hudson and Cape Horn
San Francisco, California

These twins are berthed together alongside a pier near McCovey Cove and the Giant's ballpark. Called "Roll-on/Roll-Off Ships, they can carry more than 200 tanks, or any vehicle that can be driven aboard.  They are known are floating parking garages. They dwarf the small boats that pass nearby, that must keep away by at least 100 feet, according to large warning signs plastered on the side of the hull.

For +MyMobileMonday Photography curated by +Sinead Sam McKeown,
and +Leading Lines Monday by +Pam Chalkley, +Michael Stuart, +Elle Rogers, and +David Murphy,
and +Monochrome Monday by +Hans Berendsen, +Jerry Johnson, +Manuel Votta, +Steve Barge, and +Nurcan Azaz.

#leadinglinesmonday   #mymobilemonday   #monochromemonday   #iphoneography   #mobilography  

2012-07-13 16:39:47 (16 comments, 1 reshares, 26 +1s)

Power Conduits

Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, California

Looking over the Berkeley hills to the fog enshrouded City of Richmond and the sunny hills of Marin County in the distance. 

The windy slopes of Volmer Peak make a nice perch for the high power transmission lines that feed a portion of the Bay Area's energy needs. A gap in the coast range allows the powerful currents of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers to flow into the San Franciso Bay, and powerful winds carry cooling fog far inland through the same conduit.

For +Powerline Friday curated by +Natosha Davis.

#powerlinefriday   #nikonshooters   #under5k  

2012-07-12 15:50:37 (13 comments, 1 reshares, 26 +1s)

Railfan

Pennsylvania, mid-1970's

I must have been about 12 or so when I took a solo trip to Schuylkill County in Pennsylvania to visit my mom's family. Her dad was a mechanic and loved motors and engines of all kinds. I'm sure that my enjoyment of tinkering with moving parts and my love of trains comes from him.

I would have pleaded and annoyed my parents to death with requests to visit a working train museum, but papy was more than happy to take me on an excursion to a working steam train. I remember the excitement we both had of the sounds of the puffing engine and clickety-clack of the rails as we lurched and rocked down the old rails through lush green scenery. 

An even older, non functioning, steam engine placed on an unused section of track was fun to poke around, but my grand-dad made me stop inspecting the steam works long enough to... more »

2012-07-11 20:27:17 (26 comments, 1 reshares, 55 +1s)

Artichoke thistle

Cynara cardunculus
Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, California

An invasive weed that spreads easily in the grassy hills east of San Francisco Bay causing problems for cattle grazing and native vegetation. It's purple flowers attract bumble bees, while the pointed leaves jab clumsy hikers who get too close with a camera.

The California Invasive Plant Council describes the plant well:
http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/ipcw/pages/detailreport.cfm@usernumber=38&surveynumber=182.php

For the new tag #weedwednesday  which would make a nice +Daily Photography Themes page,
and for the +PurpleCircle curated by +lynn langmade, +Craig Szymanski, +Alexis Coram, and +Sinead Sam McKeown,
and +HQSPPromotion by +Carina Marsh, +Marina Versaci, +Syuzanna Avetisyan, +Mukundh B, +Thierry Raemaekers, +Tammy Boldt, and +RinusBak... more »

2012-07-11 23:18:30 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 26 +1s)

Water Fountain

Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, California

A refreshing stream of water to quench the thirst after hiking the beautiful park trails on warm day. Our regional parks provide cool clean water at many locations, often using interesting metallic fixtures. This one had a nice patina and angular design to catch the water and direct it away from the drinker's feet.

For #oneprimewednesday  curated by +Alfie Goodrich,
and +Summer Photos by +Tiina Niskanen and +Bieke Boonen.

#summerphotos   #nikonshooters   #under5k  

2012-07-09 16:32:18 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 29 +1s)

Fog River

View from Vollmer Peak, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California

Looking over the Berkeley hills and Richmond beyond, to the hills above San Rafael. The fog flowed across San Francisco Bay to blanket Richmond and Berkeley with cool breezes.

San Rafael stays warm enough to repel the fog, but the East Bay hills were enshrouded in fog by the evening. Elsewhere in the country, summer means hot days and air conditioning, but for me, it means cold foggy mornings and evenings, with hopefully a warm afternoon thrown in.

For +Misty Monday by +Martin Rak,
and +Landscape Photography by +Margaret Tompkins, +Carra Riley, +paul t beard, +Ke Zeng, and +David Heath Williams,
and +Monochrome Monday by +Charles Lupica, +Hans Berendsen, +Jerry Johnson, +Manuel Votta, +Steve Barge, and +Nurcan Azaz.

#mistymonday   #landscapephotography   #mon... more »

2012-07-06 21:03:45 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 27 +1s)

Cotton Candy

Pursuing happiness!
July 4, 2012 Berkeley, California

A fun little neighborhood Independence Day festival had a cotton candy machine. It wasn't just the kids that waited in line for a cone of sugar fluff. This man voraciously attacked his treat with glee!

For +Catch Shot ... curated by +Gena Slash,
and +Food Friday by +Nicholas Ong, +Natty Netsuwan, and +D. DeMonteverde,
and +FeelGoodFriday  by +Rebecca Borg and +Jason Borg.

#catchshot   #foodfriday   #feelgoodfriday   #independenceday   #streetphotography   #nikonshooters   #under5k   #hashtagblitzkrieg  

2012-07-06 20:52:34 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 18 +1s)

Liberty

Independence Day, July 4, 2012
Berkeley, California, United States of America

Celebrating another milestone of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Thank you forefathers for having the wisdom to bring so many disparate people together, sometimes getting along, sometimes kicking and fighting along the way, but united behind simple principles. May we all find happiness and liberty through our lives.

For +FeelGoodFriday  by +Rebecca Borg and +Jason Borg,
and +FloralFriday by +Tamara Pruessner.

#feelgoodfriday   #floralfriday   #nikonshooters   #under5k   #independenceday