Southern California

I generally travel in my day job, and most recently my travels have been to San Diego, CA.  I've been there a few weeks and will spend some more time there.  I decided I needed to bring my camera and see what's so special about this place.

The first photo trip I took, I had my old camera, EOS 20D and just my 50mm 1.8.  I figured it was light and easier to travel with than my 7D.  I hit the coast and stopped at a couple of places, eventually reaching Del Mar.   Well I figured out what's so special about this place.   If it wasn't for the traffic and population, everyone would move here!

The sunsets are incredible, folks were literally lined up all along the coast with cameras in hand.

My next trip, I did bring my 7D and my 28-135.  This will give me a few more options.  I ventured a bit further up the coast, and in doing so, decided to jump on I-5 to save some time....   Then I jumped off that veritable parking lot of a highway as soon as I could and drove up along the coast to Encinitas.  Nice town but I didn't stay there for long, may be back though.  The cliffs along here are something else making the beaches only accessible in certain areas.   I decided to head back to Del Mar.   The clouds weren't cooperating as much as my previous trip but I still got some good shots.

This next one is one of my favorites, these kids were just running along the beach with their little dog, playing in the water and enjoying life.

July 4 - Americana part 3

The last part of my Independence day journey took me away from familiar climes. Although not too far, to The Colony. Yes a town that has a "The" as part of its official name. The major celebration was Liberty on the Lake. It was actaully very cool and on the shores of Lake Lewisville. Tons of folks, lots to do, if I lived in the area it would have been a great celebration. But alas, I decided to partake in the festivities and get the heck out of dodge before the fireworks and all the ensuing traffic snarls. Oh, by the way, did you see what happened in San Diego? A 15 minute coreographed disply over in 15 seconds? I chatted with my client, he was there with his family, utter disappointment... Anyway, I went for the next bit of Americana, an eating contest, and luckily for me, right next to the Watermelon Eating Contest, was a BMX and skateboard exhibition. Love it!

This last skateboarder has one artificial leg. This guy absolutely ripped and was fearless. He did some handplants that unfortunately I was unable to capture.

Now for the Watermelon eating contest... a series that hopefully tells a story.

Anticipation or fear...

No fear...

Can get a bit messy...

July 4 - Americana Part 2

Well July in Texas, is well, hot.   So after a post parade break and a dip in the pool, it was back to downtown Mckinney for their annual car show.

Wow, what a great show!  Lots of partipants, lots of great cars, and lots of spectators.   Many of the cars were immaculate and several added additional touches to gain People's Choice votes.   I walked the lot and took several pictures.  Folks were very friendly, and fortunately there was some shade available throughout.

July 4 - Americana part 1

July 4, Independence Day.  The true start to summer for a lot of folks.  School is out and its a holiday and a time for celebration.   As a Canadian, I get to celebrate both Canada Day (July 1) and Independence Day, although my Canada Day celebrations are more limited to wishing friends and family a great holiday and perhaps toasting to Canada with a Labatt's product.

But more than any other holiday, the 4th of July is truly a small (and large) town celebration.  This year I decided to skip the fireworks, mostly due to riduculous traffic associated with them, and focus on the daytime celebrations.

Mckinney has its Red, White and Boom celebration.  Its starts of with the Hometown Parade through downtown Mckinney.  I tried to find a good spot to position myself but even by 10 am the sun was very bright and harsh.  I guess one big difference with a parade in the summer is that school is out and there are not school bands, etc.