Kathy & I recently celebrated our 35th anniversary by spending a week at The Four Seasons Resort in Nevis. It was a splurge for us, but 35 years only comes around once. In the end it was well worth it. I have a lot more words bottled up in my puny little brain, but for now I just wanted to share some photos.
Golden Rock Plantation Inn in Nevis, West IndiesGolden Rock Plantation Inn in Nevis, West IndiesGolden Rock Plantation Inn in Nevis, West Indies
There were several things that made Nevis an enticing destination for us. We had never been there except for a brief stop on a catamaran cruise from St. Kitts, The Four Seasons is known as one of the top resorts in the Caribbean, and almost no one we talked to knew where it was!
The Hermitage Hotel, Nevis West IndiesThe Hermitage Hotel, Nevis West IndiesThe Hermitage Hotel, Nevis West Indies
This was a non-photographic vacation in a very photogenic place, so I had to work hard to suppress the photographer in me. I did take a camera, of course, and did use it quite a bit. But many of the day-to-day photos I took were made with my phone. I’ll share those at a later time with some more words. For now this post will share a few of my initial favorites!
Golden Rock Plantation Inn in Nevis, West IndiesNisbet Plantation in Nevis, West IndiesNisbet Plantation in Nevis, West IndiesSt Thomas Anglican Church, Nevis West IndiesLime Beach Bar, Nevis West Indies
Aspen motion blur in Rocky Mountains National Park
I’ve been working on finishing up my photos from our Colorado adventure in June, and I’m just about there!
I didn’t have a lot of things that I had pre-visualized for our trip, but one of the things that I wanted to come back with was some nice photos of Aspen trees. I’d eventually love to go back in the fall, but June was a great time for some spring green. We get that here in April & May, but of course we don’t have Aspen. We do have Birch, but it’s just not the same.
Aspen motion blur in Rocky Mountains National Park
I have a few more Aspen photos that I like a lot, but they are going to require a lot more work to see if they can be made presentable. It’s kind of a funny story in a Murphy’s Law sort of way. There was one grove of Aspen that I liked a lot, but there was a blue wire fence running through them, I think it was part of an elk enclosure. As I was shooting I assured myself that the blue fence would be rendered invisible by the motion. But wouldn’t you know it, the vertical movement of the camera tracked parallel to the fence, so the fence is perfectly rendered in the background. Crap! I’m going to have to spend some time in Photoshop to see if I can do an adequate job of erasing the fence. I’m quite rusty with my skills but I’ll see what I can do.
Aspen motion blur in Rocky Mountains National Park
Kathy & I are off on our latest adventure next week. Photos and stories to follow!
Aspen motion blur in Rocky Mountains National Park
Big Dawg Slingshots, street performers in Asheville, North Carolina
Monte very astutely observed in my last post that all of the photos I posted had people in them, and what a departure that was for me. And it’s true – people who don’t know what kind of photography I do frequently ask me if I do weddings, and I almost always reply that I don’t take pictures with people in them.
Big Dawg Slingshots, street performers in Asheville, North CarolinaBig Dawg Slingshots, street performers in Asheville, North Carolina
On our recent visit to Asheville, however, I took way more pictures of people than I ever do. After Monte’s comment I realized that, for me, Asheville was all about the people.
Random photographs while wandering around Asheville, North CarolinaRandom photographs while wandering around Asheville, North CarolinaRandom photographs while wandering around Asheville, North CarolinaRandom photographs while wandering around Asheville, North Carolina
A lot of places tend, for me at least, to be about other things – buildings, architecture, historical landmarks, nature, etc. But even though most of those other things can be found there, Asheville was mostly about the people.
“Before I Die” wall in Asheville, North CarolinaRandom photographs while wandering around Asheville, North Carolina
I think the thing I enjoyed most about shooting there was that no one really paid any attention to me. Here in Charlotte, a person with a camera is often looked upon with suspicion, especially by the rent-a-cops that stand in front of (“guard” would be a misuse of the word) the bank buildings. A few people cast a sideways glance, but it seemed like for the most part I was just another tourist, and one who happened to have a camera.
Street musicians in Asheville, North CarolinaStreet musicians in Asheville, North Carolina
I did find that using a wrist strap on the camera instead of a shoulder strap helped me be more spontaneous, and to a certain extent it made the camera a little less apparent to the people I was aiming it at. All in all it was a fun experience, and one I hope to try again soon!
Random photographs while wandering around Asheville, North Carolina
In all the time we have spent in Western North Carolina, we have spent comparatively little time actually in Asheville. Everyone knows Asheville, some people know about Brevard, but relatively few people know about places like Waynesville, Sylva, Bryson City and others.
Big Dawg Slingshots, street performers in Asheville, North CarolinaBig Dawg Slingshots, street performers in Asheville, North CarolinaHammered Dulcimer player in Asheville, North Carolina
Most of our previous visits to Asheville have been for specific purposes – a visit to a museum, meeting with a photo editor, or a quick stop on our way to somewhere else. But Asheville is much more than just a place to pass through. In many ways it is far more cultured than the pseudo-culture of Charlotte, although admittedly there are places in Charlotte that are pretty darned interesting as well.
Accidental Self PortraitPictures of People Taking Pictures, Asheville, North Carolina
I have spent virtually no time in Asheville with a camera, so on Sunday afternoon we decided that it was high time we do some exploring. A quick check of the calendar confirmed that Octoberfest was the previous day, so other than the usual Sunday tourist crowd we figured we’d be OK. And were right, although the “usual tourist crowd” was still a bunch of people!
Random photographs while wandering around Asheville, North CarolinaRandom photographs while wandering around Asheville, North Carolina“Before I Die” wall in Asheville, North Carolina
We had a nice few hours in town, checked out a few of the highlights but left plenty of places yet to be explored. We’ll definitely have Asheville on our short list for places to go back to soon. It’s even a pretty decent day trip from the Big City, so we just have to make a go of it in the near future.
Balloon guy, street vendor in Asheville, North Carolina
Pumpkin Patch at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville, North Carolina
This past weekend, Kathy & I made one of our periodic visits to Waynesville, North Carolina. Waynesville is our favorite mountain town to visit for a weekend, because it is easy to get to, there is a nice little motel right in town that we like to stay at, and there are a number of excellent hometown restaurants that we enjoy checking in at.
Random photographs while wandering around Waynesville, North CarolinaVine covered bench in Waynesville, North CarolinaDew-covered webs, Waynesville, North Carolina
As it turned out, Saturday was supposed to be a craft fair, where they close Main Street for the day and fill it with vendors and craftspeople. Unfortunately this year’s show was a bit of a washout, although I understand the craft vendors did very well in spite of the rain, but the food vendors didn’t fare as well because no one wanted to eat standing in the rain. Can’t blame them!
Abandoned chair on the sidewalk in Waynesville, North CarolinaRandom photographs while wandering around Waynesville, North Carolina
I did manage to take some photos around town, and on Sunday we drove to Asheville for the afternoon. That will be the subject of another post, because I have a completely different set of photos. So for now, here is a little taste of fall from Waynesville, North Carolina, courtesy of me!
Pictures of people taking pictures, Waynesville, North Carolina
Fishing boats at Hobo Seafood, Swan Quarter, North Carolina
I have this need to do a new wallpaper periodically. Sometimes I post them, sometimes I keep them to myself. This one looks like one to share. Taken over Labor Day weekend in Swan Quarter, NC. It’s a place I return to often, and there’s something about these boats that attracts me. Sometime maybe I’ll need to talk one of the captains into a tour. And maybe a fishing trip.
Kathy & I spent an extended Labor Day weekend visiting eastern North Carolina, generally the towns of Belhaven and Washington, NC. We’ve become friends with Andy & Karen Fisher who own Belhaven Water Street Bed & Breakfast in Belhaven, and we like to get out there a couple of times a year. We checked our records when we got home and realized that we’ve been going to Belhaven and staying at this B&B since 2007. And I like to joke that, even though we are friends with Andy & Karen they still charge us to stay there! Of course I am completely joking – it is worth every penny, plus I think she does give us a discount.
Belhaven, North Carolina
Other friends James & Yvonne McKelvey operate Wine & Words…& Gourmet in Washington. Just like it sounds, they operate a wine store with used books & music plus yummy food items. We make the trek to Washington a few times a year because James specializes in good wine at good prices. Our palates are very similar and we can count on his recommendations being spot-on. It’s a long way to go for wine, but it’s just another excellent reason to head out that way.
Belhaven, North Carolina
Another reason I love to visit the Belhaven area is that I have a number of favorite photo spots. I’m a firm believer in re-visiting places, and there are a number of places in the area that we visit every time we are there. This time, I had some new equipment to try out, and what better place to try new equipment than a place I have come to know and love?
Downtown Washington, North CarolinaDowntown Washington, North Carolina
We usually spend at least part of a day walking around downtown Belhaven and Washington, and this year was no exception. While much of the scenery doesn’t seem to change much, every so often I come across something new and interesting. And sometimes just the change in light and shadow creates something I haven’t seen before.
But…Welcome!Downtown Washington, North Carolina
Another place we like to visit is Swan Quarter. While known to most people as the place to catch the ferry to Ocracoke, we’ve come to know it as a place with interesting fishing boats. About the only time we visit the ferry terminal is to use the restroom, because there aren’t a lot of alternatives in that area! Swan Quarter is home to Hobo Seafood, and a number of boats dock there. There seems to be something new every time we visit.
Swan Quarter, North Carolina
Another place we enjoy returning to is Englehard. It is home to several fish houses and has a fairly good size harbor with a lot of boats. It is often a good spot in the late afternoon, but this time we were there closer to mid-day. Fortunately it was a day with good clouds, so with good timing I was able to make some photos I am happy with.
Englehard, North CarolinaEnglehard, North Carolina
Something new for us on this adventure was a visit to Aurora & Oriental, across the Pamlico River from Bath & Belhaven and accessible by road or ferry. We took the 30-minute ferry ride over and back. It is a fun way to travel and a nice break from driving. Plus the ferry itself always has a few photo ops! While we were there we came across RE Mayo Seafood in Hobucken, NC and another batch of fishing boats. We had lunch in Oriental and spent a little time exploring, but decided that we needed to head there for a whole day when we had more time. So it is on the list for a return visit!
Ferry from Bayview to Aurora, North CarolinaAurora Fossil Museum in Aurora, North CarolinaRE Mayo Seafood in Hobucken, North CarolinaRE Mayo Seafood in Hobucken, North Carolina
I’ll write later about my thoughts on the Fuji X-T1, but suffice it to say that I am very happy with this little camera and have no regrets at all about making the switch. I’m still learning the ins and outs but every time I use it I feel like I’m working with an old friend.
Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina
New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, Colorado
Just when you thought we were done with Colorado photos, I came across this collection that I had held back from the Fort Collins photos to do a separate post on our tour of New Belgium Brewing Company. We had a great tour leader and he told the story of the history of the company as well as a lot about the current plans for expansion and new products. It sounds like a great place to work!
New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, ColoradoNew Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, Colorado
It’s about time I wrap up the Colorado posts and move on to something new. I think this pretty much takes care of the highlights from our visit to Colorado, so unless I come across some other gems or find something that is appropriate for another topic this will just about do it.
Random photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, Colorado
I’m always a bit disappointed in myself when I realize that for all the time I spend walking around a town, I’m always paying attention to the “Tom” shots but I forget about the “tourist” shots! I did a better job in Grand Lake and Estes Park, but I don’t have a single “street scene” from Fort Collins, and it was my favorite town that we visited!
Random photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, Colorado
I did end up with a pretty nice collection, and I know someone will say that I did a good job of capturing what I saw. But I also saw a lot more, but I can’t prove it because I didn’t take any pictures!
Random photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, ColoradoRandom photos from around Fort Collins, Colorado
So anyway, tourist photos or not, please enjoy this tour of Fort Collins.
Bear Lake, Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado
It’s been nearly two months since we got home, so it’s about time to be done processing and posting photos, and time to move on! Alrighty, I’m on it! 😉
Big Thompson River at The Pool, Rocky Mountains National Park
These are a few lingering photos from the “East” side of Rocky Mountains National Park. It’s easy to see why the Estes Park side of the park gets a lot more visitors than the Grand Lake side. There are a lot more “destination” places on the east side than there are on the west side (so named due to their relationship to the Continental Divide).
Trail to The Pool, Rocky Mountains National Park
When we arrived on the east side of the park, we stopped at the Fall River visitor center and asked a ranger for advice on some of the less traveled areas of the park, since while we wanted to see the highlights, we also wanted to see some quiet places. While he indicated that there weren’t many truly “un-busy” places there were a few.
Bear Lake, Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoBear Lake, Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoBear Lake, Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado
Most of these photos are from the Bear Lake area and the Grand Basin area. We found, just like in most other parks, the farther we got from the parking lot the fewer people there were. So that’s probably the secret – assuming you can find a place to park, find a trail and go!
Bear Lake, Rocky Mountains National Park, ColoradoCopeland Falls, Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountains National Park
Here’s the story on the Aspen photo – a little embarrassing but here goes. I had been on a bit of a quest for photos of Aspen, and I had a vision of what I was looking for. I wanted a good motion blur shot, but I also wanted a shot that showed the trunks against the green background. Since we weren’t there in the fall for yellow leaves, that would have to do.
Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountains National Park
I saw this tree and knew that it could be what I was looking for. I took two shots with my camera, checked the LCD and was convinced that I had gotten what I wanted. We had been hearing thunder for a few minutes and it was just starting to rain, but at the last minute I took out my phone and took another shot of the tree.
As it turns out, I hadn’t checked the settings on my camera and forgot that I had adjusted it for slow water photos. The two camera photos were shot at 1/15 and 1/25 second and are a little soft, too soft for my standards – a rookie mistake! Fortunately my phone saved the day and I ended up with a pretty decent photo. I may even try to print it!
Copeland Falls, Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountains National ParkWild Basin Area of Rocky Mountains National ParkBig Thompson River at The Pool, Rocky Mountains National Park
