Walk, Breathe, Observe and Remember the Beauty

Point Lobos, 3 miles south of Carmel, is one of natures exquisite combinations of ocean, land, flora and fauna.  …a place that reminds one to live. 

Intense natural blues and browns are on display. 

The park’s namesakes, sea wolves, bark incessantly. 

Their brown fur melts seamlessly into the rock. 

The “Old Veteran” Cypress overlooks a tiny spectacular cove. 

Exotic aqua caves riddle the peninsula.  The Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns overlooks Moss Cove. 

On my next visit I will wait for sunset… 

Miramontes Waves

The waves at Miramontes can have a spectacular break over the rocks below the Ritz.

Sunset adds to the drama.

Sometimes the colors just distract from the intensity of the break. 

 

 

 

Wave after wave never ceases to fascinate.(Shot January, 2008)

The Ritz piper always adds the proper, final note.

Refinery Sunset

Seriously, would you pull out your camera in the daylight?

Is this why California gas is so expensive?

(Shot October, 2009)

South from Alaska

Every September, San Francisco Bay is adorned with the glamour of cruise ships returning from their Alaskan tours.  Today was particularly spectacular with four beauties competing for attention. The Embarcadero was their red carpet… 

From Potrero Hill, the Norwegian Star adds to the City skyline… 

The Golden Princess from Telegraph Hill… 

Smoking is still considered glamorous for these ladies… 

(Shot September, 2009)

Architectural Wonderment and Contemplation in San Francisco

San Francisco recently finished the refurbishing of Bernard Maybeck’s entry for the 1915 Panama – Pacific Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts.  The Palace is a constant source of inspiration for residents and tourists. 

After the early evening breeze dies down, there is nothing like strolling these grounds.  …reflecting. 

Details come alive in the dramatic lighting. 

Corinthian columns adorned with cherubs… 

…with angels watching over the Greco-Roman rotunda. 

Even the moon enjoys peeking in on this San Francisco icon. 

The palace ladies adorning the colonnades contemplate in the moonlight. 

An architectural legacy of grandeur in San Francisco… 

…is reflected in the lagoon for the Palace swans. 

(shot June, 2009)

Chihuly at the de Young

The vibrant colors of Chihuly’s glass fill the de Young’s dark exhibit with excitement.

Is this glass or some new incredible shot from the Hubble?Dreamy 8 foot glass mold grows from fallen Birch. 

Pure forest fantasy from any angle. 

A gondola filled with imaginary planets floats on a sea of glass.

…while overhead a glass sun bursts. 

…then unexpected cool reflections bring back serenity. 

Some pieces insist on investigation from every angle. 

…then Chihuly immerses you in his overhead sea of living glass. 

…and your imagination questions the capabilities of what you see. 

The expectation of movement is ever present… 

…then try to contemplate a finale so immense in its glory that you don’t dare leave for fear of missing something extraordinary.  The column of fire reaches nearly 20 feet above an immense garden of glass. 

Mr Chihuly, how does your garden grow? 

…gracefully. 

Thank you, Mr Chihuly, for a tour of your garden. 

(Shot June, 2008)

The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square

Perhaps no location captures more of the charm of living in San Francisco than Alamo Square.  …lined by the City’s row of Victorian “Painted Ladies”.

These grand dames were built on Steiner Street between 1892 and 1896.

…and their glamour is untarnished more than 110 years later. 

Evening views are no less romantic.

…and take on an urban sophistication in black and white. 

(Shot in September, 2009)