Category Archives: Photography

Back To Bourbon Country

Rickhouse at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky

I mentioned in an earlier post that Kathy & I had recently visited Bardstown, Kentucky. We met friends Jim & Lisa there, as it is roughly equidistant for them and for us. Kathy & I arrived a day early, visiting Bardstown Bourbon Company and Heaven Hill Distillery before meeting up with Jim & Lisa that afternoon.

Visitor Center at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky
Patio at the Kitchen and Bar. Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky
Patio at the Kitchen and Bar. Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky
Inside the rick house at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky. One of the loveliest smells in the world!
Inside the rick house at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky. One of the loveliest smells in the world!

The following day, the four of us visited the Kentucky Cooperage (no photos permitted) to see how barrels are made (a fascinating process), then Limestone Branch Distillery and Maker’s Mark.

Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

The following day we visited Kentucky horse park for a whole different set of smells. 😉 Photos from that day will come later.

Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
The Worlds Smallest Rickhouse. Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky

For those who wish to see more, a gallery of photos from our trip are posted on my Adobe Portfolio website.

Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky

A Little Something New

Relative size of tripods in folded configuration.

I just bought myself a new toy tool. It’s hard to believe it was over a year ago, but I had written in March 2022 about having rented the Peak Design Travel Tripod. I liked it a lot but couldn’t justify spending $600 (at the time – it’s now $650) on a part-time tripod. And I wasn’t sure it was good enough to be an only tripod, so I had lots of excuses to not buy one.

Relative size of tripods in their storage cases.

There aren’t too many cases where I really want a compact, highly portable tripod. I had a Gitzo, that while wasn’t designed for travel was sort of portable – it would fit in a large suitcase with the center column detached, but just barely. My only tripod lately has my big and beefy RRS TVC-33 with the matching BH-55 ballhead. An excellent and steady base, but really overkill for my relatively light Fuji equipment. While it is great for car travel, it’s just a little too tough to jam into a suitcase. It was just the thing when I was shooting with the big-a$$ Canon equipment. Of course a too-big tripod to a photographer is sort of like a too-big diamond to a lovely partner. No such thing, right? But I had been looking for a suitable travel candidate, albeit not too hard. I had done a little research and identified a few likely candidates, but the ones I thought would do the job were still a little pricey for comfort.

A couple of days ago I saw a post on a Fuji Rumors site that B&H was having a MEGA DEAL ZONE – 100s OF DEALS TOO GOOD TO LAST! sale. Included in the sale was a “Benro MeFoto GlobeTrotter Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Kit” on sale for $175, marked down from $365. The ad indicated that it was $300 off, which is a bit overstated, but it is still half the regular price. It was one of the “finalists” that I had on my Wish List, the price was too good to pass up, so I pulled the trigger.

FedEx delivered the package on Thursday, and while I haven’t had a chance to use it extensively, my initial impression is that it is quite a worthy tripod. The build quality appears to be excellent, and I have to say that it appears quite sturdy. Compared to the RRS model I have to wonder why they are so expensive in comparison. The specs indicate that it is designed to hold 26 pounds. I don’t know about that, but even my heaviest lens won’t come close to testing it. I won’t know how good until I have a chance to use it IRL (‘In Real Life’ as the kids say) but I have an opportunity coming up that should let me put it through its paces.

Side by side comparison with MePhoto center column down.
Side by side comparison with MePhoto center column extended.

Colorful Curacao

The colorful waterfront of Willemstad, Curacao

After our stop on Bonaire, we sailed to the island of Curacao. Like Bonaire, we had visited previously but it was a number of years ago. Things hadn’t changed a lot, but there were a few obvious differences from our prior visit.

Arriving in Curacao aboard Celebrity Equinox
Colorful mural on a building in Willemstad, Curacao

The cruise port on Curacao is the capital city of Willemstad. The colorful waterfront and the Queen Emma floating bridge are two of the main symbols of this beautiful island. Downtown Willemstad is an easy walk from the cruise terminal. Although we made the walk three times, and it got a little longer each time!

Colors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, Curacao
Colors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, Curacao
Colors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, Curacao
Colors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, Curacao
Colors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, Curacao
Colors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, Curacao

The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating bridge, hinged on one end with an engine and propulsion unit on the other end that allows the bridge to open, allowing ship traffic to pass in St Anna Bay. We were fortunate to be able to see the bridge open several times throughout the day, and from both sides of the water. When there is a lot of ship traffic and the bridge needs to stay open for more than a few minutes, there is a free ferry that will take pedestrians from one side to the other. We only saw that happen once, as a large cargo ship was escorted out of the bay, and the bridge stayed open long enough for the tugs to return. And yes, it is possible to stay on the bridge when it opens for a long time, and it is possible to get off, but only on one end. So be careful if you have somewhere to be (like the ship?)!

Street scene in Willemstad, Curacao
Ship traffic on the St Anna Bay through Willemstad, Curacao
The Queen Emma Bridge opens to allow ship traffic to pass in St Anna Bay in Willemstad, Curacao
Punda Love Heart sculpture covered with padlocks on the waterfront of Willemstad, Curaçao
Street scene in Willemstad, Curacao
Interesting artworks in Willemstad, Curacao

When our ship first arrived in Curacao, Kathy & I walked into town and spent several hours walking around. We walked all over, including through the New Market, a public market offering all kinds of items, from clothing to produce and beyond. The best part for me was all the color there and in the town. It made for some interesting photography, for sure!

After our walkabout we headed back toward the cruise dock, stopping for lunch at the “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar.” Yeah, it was a tourist trap, but it was close to where we needed to meet our tour, which was scheduled for that afternoon.

It is precisely our human diversity that keeps this ship afloat to resist the storms.
Waterfront of Willemstad, Curaçao viewed from the Queen Emma Bridge
Waterfront of Willemstad, Curaçao viewed from the Rif Fort, former fort turned shopping mall
Gelato cow. Willemstad, Curacao
When in doubt, use the apostrophe?
Building in Willemstad, Curacao
Flamingo mural in Willemstad, Curacao

Our tour took us back into town, where we retraced a number of the steps from earlier in the day. This time we had a guide and narration, however, so we learned a bit more about the town, its history and architecture. After our walk, we boarded a bus for a tour through the city and a stop at the Curacao Liqueur Distillery. Curacao liqueur is a bitter orange liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own, or used as flavoring in numerous cocktails.

Cruise ships Silver Dawn and Celebrity Equinox viewed from atop the Rif Fort, former fort turned shopping mall in Willemstad, Curacao

After our distillery visit we were taken to a local restaurant, where we were served local cuisine, including baked chicken, plantain and rice & peas. Except for the fact that we weren’t too hungry after a big lunch, it was a yummy experience.

Tour of the Curacao Liqueur Distillery in Willemstad, Curacao
Tour of the Curacao Liqueur Distillery in Willemstad, Curacao
View of the harbor from atop the Queen Juliana bridge during our tour of Willemstad, Curacao

Our tour brought us back to the cruise dock in the late afternoon, and we debated whether or not to return to the ship. I really wanted to head back into town in order to photograph the bridge and the waterfront at dusk. We decided that if we went back to the ship we would likely not leave again, so despite being tired and thirsty we headed back into town. We found some bottled water and a place to chill while we waited the hour or so before twilight.

The Queen Emma Bridge opens to allow ship traffic to pass in St Anna Bay in Willemstad, Curacao

Our efforts were rewarded, as we not only got to witness another bridge opening, but we were treated to some really gorgeous light on the buildings as the sun set. Soon after, the lights came on on the bridge and I was able to capture the photos I had hoped for. We then walked back to the ship one last time, grabbed a quick shower and headed for drinks and dinner. My Garmin tracker recorded 15,672 steps for the day, so those drinks and dinner were well deserved!

The Queen Emma Bridge and the waterfront of Willemstad, Curacao
The Queen Emma Bridge and the waterfront of Willemstad, Curacao
The Queen Emma Bridge and the waterfront of Willemstad, Curacao

Out Of The Ashes: Martinique, Part 1

Approaching the cruise terminal in Port de France, Martinique aboard Celebrity Equinox

Our stop in Martinique was our first visit to this lovely island, so we made the best of it by taking an all-day ship tour. Over the course of 8 hours we visited: the ruins from a 1902 volcanic eruption, a rum distillery, a local restaurant for authentic Creole-influenced island cuisine, a botanical garden, and to balance off the rum distillery, a church.

Approaching the cruise terminal in Port de France, Martinique aboard Celebrity Equinox

For length, I have divided the photo highlights from Martinique over 3 posts. The first one covers our approach to the island and our visit to the ruins and the Musée Frank A. Perret, memorial to the Catastrophe of 1902 in St-Pierre.

Musée Frank A. Perret, memorial to the Catastrophe of 1902 in St-Pierre, Martinique
Musée Frank A. Perret, memorial to the Catastrophe of 1902 in St-Pierre, Martinique
Musée Frank A. Perret, memorial to the Catastrophe of 1902 in St-Pierre, Martinique
Musée Frank A. Perret, memorial to the Catastrophe of 1902 in St-Pierre, Martinique
Musée Frank A. Perret, memorial to the Catastrophe of 1902 in St-Pierre, Martinique
Musée Frank A. Perret, memorial to the Catastrophe of 1902 in St-Pierre, Martinique
Cachot de Cyparis, ruins of a 19th Century Theater and Prison, both destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1902
Cachot de Cyparis, ruins of a 19th Century Theater and Prison, both destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1902
Cachot de Cyparis, ruins of a 19th Century Theater and Prison, both destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1902
Cachot de Cyparis, ruins of a 19th Century Theater and Prison, both destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1902
Cachot de Cyparis, ruins of a 19th Century Theater and Prison, both destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1902
Cachot de Cyparis, ruins of a 19th Century Theater and Prison, both destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1902
Cachot de Cyparis, ruins of a 19th Century Theater and Prison, both destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1902
Cachot de Cyparis, ruins of a 19th Century Theater and Prison, both destroyed in the volcanic eruption of 1902
St-Pierre, Martinique
St-Pierre, Martinique
St-Pierre, Martinique

A Stop In Cozumel

Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico

We don’t usually get too excited about Cozumel, because we have been there a number of times and have done most of the touristy things. We don’t go to the beach, so that leaves out a lot of activities.

Sunrise in Cozumel, Mexico aboard Norwegian Prima

On this recent cruise, Cozumel ended up being our only stop, so we decided to at least get off the ship and have a drink or two. Thanks to The Google, I located a bar and restaurant called The Thirsty Cougar which was a short walk from the cruise dock.

The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, Mexico
The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, Mexico
The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, Mexico

My usual Mexican libation is a Paloma instead of the traditional Margarita. A Paloma is made with tequila and grapefruit soda, and I like the combination. The Thirsty Cougar also does an awesome Margarita, as I was assured by our friends who sampled some. They also do a mean Nacho platter!

Guitar players entertaining at The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, Mexico
Guitar players entertaining at The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, Mexico
Guitar players entertaining at The Thirsty Cougar Bar in Cozumel, Mexico

When visiting Cozumel on a Norwegian ship, it docks in the downtown area where a lot of the restaurants are. Many of the other lines dock at a different terminal about 3 miles away. There are restaurants there, too. But in my mind The Thirsty Cougar might just be worth the taxi fare! 🙂

Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico
Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico
Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico
Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico
Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico
Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico
My Friends Call Me Chip. Waterfront area near the cruise terminal in Cozumel, Mexico

Photos from this most recent trip are here.

Kind Of A Port – Puerto Plata

Taino Bay Harbor. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Because there are so many cruise ships sailing these days, the cruise lines have been looking for more places to stop. And because cruise passengers like to spend money in ports, more and more countries have been trying to attract cruise ships. In some cases, ports are being “invented” where there haven’t previously been cruise ports. Often, these ports are being developed in conjunction with, and most likely significant investment from, the major cruise lines. One of these is Puerto Plata, in the Dominican Republic.

Cruise ship pier in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Celebrity Constellation in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

We visited the Dominican Republic once previously, on a Carnival ship that docked in Amber Cove, which is another recently developed port just up the coast from Puerto Plata. Amber Cove is frequented by ships in the Carnival family, namely Carnival, Princess and Holland America. We did an island tour on that cruise, so we had seen most of what we wanted to see. Highlight for me was a visit to the Brugal rum distillery, but since I can buy their products at home, we didn’t think a follow up visit was needed. 😉

Cruise ship pier in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Excavator with interesting bucket. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

The port area in Puerto Plata is called Taino Bay, and it contains the requisite spending opportunities. Taino Bay is still in the development stages, but there are plenty of shops, many of which offer locally made crafts and other wares. We picked up a couple of souvenirs, but mostly used it as a way to get off the ship, stretch our legs and take a few photos.

Taino Bay Harbor. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Taino Bay Harbor. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

What I enjoyed most about Puerto Plata was that the shop owners and workers were very polite. They seemed happy to see us and were not pushy or aggressive like in other ports. It was a welcome change, and I hope it stays that way!

Flowers. Taino Bay Harbor. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Flowers. Taino Bay Harbor. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Flowers. Taino Bay Harbor. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Taino Bay Harbor. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Taino Bay Harbor. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

What Are You Taking Pictures Of?

Dining Room ceiling, Celebrity Constellation

We were sitting at breakfast one morning, waiting for our food. I was looking up at the dining room ceiling and decided to take a few pictures. A really nice man at the table next to me turned and asked, “could I see what you were taking pictures of?” I showed him the screen on my camera, and I can’t remember exactly what he said, but it was something like “fascinating” or “interesting” or “excuse me I need to go now.” Just kidding about the last one. 😉

Dining Room ceiling, Celebrity Constellation
Dining Room ceiling, Celebrity Constellation
Dining Room ceiling, Celebrity Constellation

Two Thoughts On A Similar Subject

The North Davidson (NoDa) area of Charlotte

Sometimes I just read a line that resonates with me. I came across these two over the last day:

From The Online Photographer: It’s one of the cool things about getting older…sooner or later you live in the future.

Directional sign on the Royal Promenade aboard Allure of the Seas

From Douglas Adams (Hitchiker’s Guide) via Terence Eden via Om Malik:

– Anything that is in the world when you’re born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.

– Anything that’s invented between when you’re fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it.

– Anything invented after you’re thirty-five is against the natural order of things.

Johnny Rockets diner on the Boardwalk aboard Allure of the Seas

Its interesting when you think about it. My grandmother, born in 1908, always talked about how her mother would be amazed with the microwave oven, invented, according to the Wikimonster, in 1955. Today we can’t imagine a home without one. Now, I imagine describing to my dad some of the technology we currently use. He was a “shade tree” automotive mechanic, aspiring electronic tinkerer and auto racing fan, among other things, so today’s electronic everything would be his microwave. But it seems like we have a lot more of those things today than we did 50-ish years ago. Maybe it just seems like more magic.

What will ours be?

‘Watch Your Step” signs in Cental Park aboard Allure of the Seas
Sign in front of the Westin Hotel in Charlotte

A Few More Fuzzy Photos

Morning on the beach. Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Monte enjoyed my motion blur photo from a couple of days ago so I thought I would serve up a few more. Sometimes the camera moves, sometimes the subject moves.

Lots of motion blur here today as we await Ian’s arrival. It’s been rainy, breezy and chilly – a good day to work on photos and watch Formula 1 practice! Ian keeps angling further east of us, which is good for us but unfortunately not so good for someone else. Should be by us by morning, hopefully!

Morning on the beach. Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Morning on the beach. Carolina Beach, North Carolina