After this, I went into downtown St Paul, which is the Capital of Minnesota and took a couple of shots of some interesting buildings.
This is the Capitol Building
These are some shots of Cathedral of St Paul.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Minneapolis St-Paul
Spent the last two weeks in MSP for business. The first week saw some sights that made me want to bring my camera. In particular the Fort Snelling National Cemetery. There are over 172,000 internments there and they are still accept funerals. It was quite the sight. Hopefully my photos do it justice.
After this, I went into downtown St Paul, which is the Capital of Minnesota and took a couple of shots of some interesting buildings.
This is the Capitol Building
These are some shots of Cathedral of St Paul.
After this, I went into downtown St Paul, which is the Capital of Minnesota and took a couple of shots of some interesting buildings.
This is the Capitol Building
These are some shots of Cathedral of St Paul.
Backyard Lily
We have some Cala Lilies in our backyard. This morning there some sort of drop on one of the lilies that I thought looked pretty cool. Had my Tamron 90mm macro lens on for these shots. Unfortunately there was a bit of a breeze so these may not be quite as sharp as I would have liked as I was using a fairly slow shutter speed and the flowers were in the shade.
Stunt Rider
Here's a couple of shots I took about 2 days after I got my camera. Still haven't figured it all out, and really just tried to take some pics to get used to the feel etc of camera. Haven't figured out autofocus points and setting yet or some of hte other modes, but got to play a bit.
These are photos of Zach Schockey, who is the son of one of our riding buddies. He is a professional but was just at our bike skills class for a bit of a demo.
These are photos of Zach Schockey, who is the son of one of our riding buddies. He is a professional but was just at our bike skills class for a bit of a demo.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Des Moines
Dez Moiness. That's how the blonde stewardess pronounced it. Later on the flight, someone must have corrected her, De Moine.. she pronounced it correctely. Certainly, she admitted this was not her regular flight as she butchered other announcements, but geez....
I'm downtown, and actually I really like this city so far. Its a mid-sized city, very clean and relatively friendly as near as I can tell. I didn't bring my camera. Hopefully I'll be back here some day as there are some great photo ops that I don't normally have.
The city reminds me a bit of Oklahoma City, nor sure if that's a good thing or not. I have only been to OKC for fun, this trip to Des Moines is for business so its difficult to compare properly. One thing is apparent, they do love their Harley's here though. A surprising number of bikes in the downtown core. And lots, lots, of bicycles. oops, hockey break, RedWings just came back and tied game 1-1 against Sharks. Good thing, they have been kicking butt all night.
Speaking of my camera, I got a new toy recently, for my birthday. An EOS 7D. I'm excited. I have a couple of shots already I need to post when I get home. Inspired and need to stay that way,
I'm downtown, and actually I really like this city so far. Its a mid-sized city, very clean and relatively friendly as near as I can tell. I didn't bring my camera. Hopefully I'll be back here some day as there are some great photo ops that I don't normally have.
The city reminds me a bit of Oklahoma City, nor sure if that's a good thing or not. I have only been to OKC for fun, this trip to Des Moines is for business so its difficult to compare properly. One thing is apparent, they do love their Harley's here though. A surprising number of bikes in the downtown core. And lots, lots, of bicycles. oops, hockey break, RedWings just came back and tied game 1-1 against Sharks. Good thing, they have been kicking butt all night.
Speaking of my camera, I got a new toy recently, for my birthday. An EOS 7D. I'm excited. I have a couple of shots already I need to post when I get home. Inspired and need to stay that way,
Monday, March 07, 2011
Mardi Gras - Part Deux
Shreveport last weekend, sure, it was a bit premature, but all these partiers and festival goers have to spread their joy over multiple weekend to take it all in.
While several of our friends are off to N'awlins for the real deal, we stuck by the homestead to take in the Krewe of Barkus parade in downtown Mckinney. Like all these Mardi Gras parades, they are annual events and the one in Mckinney is no exception, and is somewhat unique, just like all the rest. However this one may be the rest, as the parade goers are all dogs. Yes, Dogs.
While several of our friends are off to N'awlins for the real deal, we stuck by the homestead to take in the Krewe of Barkus parade in downtown Mckinney. Like all these Mardi Gras parades, they are annual events and the one in Mckinney is no exception, and is somewhat unique, just like all the rest. However this one may be the rest, as the parade goers are all dogs. Yes, Dogs.
Mardi Gras 2011
Have you missed me?
It doesn't matter. I guess Facebook and other social media are the more common means of communication over the web now. But, I think a blog post is still better for a better story than some little Facebook snippet, or god forbid a 140 character tweet.
Well anyway, the weekend of Feb 26, we joined the AEHOG chapter on their annual pilgrimage to Shreveport, LA for the Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras parade. One of our members has excellent connections and get us prime seating in a VIP area with a few perks.
With my travel schedule, this year Darlene and I rode up on our motorcycles on Saturday morning, with our eldest son following in his car. This was Ryan's first experience with Mardi Gras, although the festivities in Shreveport are noticeably tamer than say, New Orleans. Still a good time is had by all.
Many thanks to Steven Foster for his coordination, and of course Tee and Carla for their generosity and company.
One of the highlights of this trip was dragging Ryan along to get float beads. As a parade "virgin", we used that to our advantage to get some rare float beads. Hmmm, I may have to try that again in the future as Ryan beat me on Float Bead count!
As always this weekend is a better photo opportunity than many, not that the photos are always great, but still.
Also, its Louisiana. Mudbugs.
Back to the main even, the beads and the parade!
It doesn't matter. I guess Facebook and other social media are the more common means of communication over the web now. But, I think a blog post is still better for a better story than some little Facebook snippet, or god forbid a 140 character tweet.
Well anyway, the weekend of Feb 26, we joined the AEHOG chapter on their annual pilgrimage to Shreveport, LA for the Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras parade. One of our members has excellent connections and get us prime seating in a VIP area with a few perks.
With my travel schedule, this year Darlene and I rode up on our motorcycles on Saturday morning, with our eldest son following in his car. This was Ryan's first experience with Mardi Gras, although the festivities in Shreveport are noticeably tamer than say, New Orleans. Still a good time is had by all.
Many thanks to Steven Foster for his coordination, and of course Tee and Carla for their generosity and company.
One of the highlights of this trip was dragging Ryan along to get float beads. As a parade "virgin", we used that to our advantage to get some rare float beads. Hmmm, I may have to try that again in the future as Ryan beat me on Float Bead count!
As always this weekend is a better photo opportunity than many, not that the photos are always great, but still.
Also, its Louisiana. Mudbugs.
Back to the main even, the beads and the parade!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Cannonball race
Hi everyone, its been a while. I guess its been an interesting year and we haven't ridden as much as we have in the past. Have been busy with other things but haven't had the desire to post too much I guess. But, this weekend we went to Ada, OK. and I have some things to share.
Earlier this year, in one of my magazines, I read about a cross country motorcycle race with vintage, actually pre 1916, motorcycles. The Cannonball Race was going to venture through parts close by, and in fact, during a weekend. Well I put it on my calendar as it was something I really wanted to check out.
Ada, OK is just about 140 miles north, so a good day trip there and back. The riders were going to have a lunch stop there, and spectators would have a chance to see the bikes and riders. We decided to celebrate some other good news and made an overnighter out of it, Sunday through Monday.
It was a great weekend, the bikes and stories were incredible, we rode some great roads returning Monday and overall had a much needed mini-vacation.
But back to the bikes. These are all engineering marvels, both in their original form and in some cases, their current forms.... To think that 100 year old motorcycles would traverse the country in 16 days is pretty freakin' incredible. I have ridden some long days, and long weeks, upwards of 3000 miles, and I ride an easy chair compared to these bikes. Most, nearly but not all, have some level of support, and additionally they riders are very intimate with their bike and repairs. Apparently one crew is even traveling with a lathe!
I met Michael Lichter, one of the most recognized and renowned motorcycle and motorcycle culture photographers there is, and other industry notables. Kevin Bean're, Laura Klock, and many others who are either racing, supporting or otherwise partipating in this glorious event. There were two stories in particular that really speak volumes to this event and the commitment. Cris Sommer Simmons, and her team, were inspired by Effie Hotchkiss, who ninetyfive years ago she wanted to travel coast to coast and chose to do so on a 1915, 3 Speed V-Twin Harley-Davidson. Her mother, Avis, told her she couldn’t make that trip alone so the deal was made between mother and daughter that Effie would buy a sidecar, and Avis would make the trip with her. Story goes that Effie carried a bottle of water from the Atlantic ocean with her so that is what Cris is planning to do, dump the bottle of water from the Atlantic Ocean she is carrying in her saddle bag into the Pacific Ocean upon completion.
The second story, is of couple from Germany who are making the trip, she, Katrin Boehner, is on the oldest bike, a 1907 JAP, and he, Dieter Eckel, is on a 1913 BSA, both single cylinder machines.
These motorcycles require constant care and maintenance along the route. Besides the pounding these riders get, the bikes require constant attention as well.
Earlier this year, in one of my magazines, I read about a cross country motorcycle race with vintage, actually pre 1916, motorcycles. The Cannonball Race was going to venture through parts close by, and in fact, during a weekend. Well I put it on my calendar as it was something I really wanted to check out.
Ada, OK is just about 140 miles north, so a good day trip there and back. The riders were going to have a lunch stop there, and spectators would have a chance to see the bikes and riders. We decided to celebrate some other good news and made an overnighter out of it, Sunday through Monday.
It was a great weekend, the bikes and stories were incredible, we rode some great roads returning Monday and overall had a much needed mini-vacation.
But back to the bikes. These are all engineering marvels, both in their original form and in some cases, their current forms.... To think that 100 year old motorcycles would traverse the country in 16 days is pretty freakin' incredible. I have ridden some long days, and long weeks, upwards of 3000 miles, and I ride an easy chair compared to these bikes. Most, nearly but not all, have some level of support, and additionally they riders are very intimate with their bike and repairs. Apparently one crew is even traveling with a lathe!
I met Michael Lichter, one of the most recognized and renowned motorcycle and motorcycle culture photographers there is, and other industry notables. Kevin Bean're, Laura Klock, and many others who are either racing, supporting or otherwise partipating in this glorious event. There were two stories in particular that really speak volumes to this event and the commitment. Cris Sommer Simmons, and her team, were inspired by Effie Hotchkiss, who ninetyfive years ago she wanted to travel coast to coast and chose to do so on a 1915, 3 Speed V-Twin Harley-Davidson. Her mother, Avis, told her she couldn’t make that trip alone so the deal was made between mother and daughter that Effie would buy a sidecar, and Avis would make the trip with her. Story goes that Effie carried a bottle of water from the Atlantic ocean with her so that is what Cris is planning to do, dump the bottle of water from the Atlantic Ocean she is carrying in her saddle bag into the Pacific Ocean upon completion.
The second story, is of couple from Germany who are making the trip, she, Katrin Boehner, is on the oldest bike, a 1907 JAP, and he, Dieter Eckel, is on a 1913 BSA, both single cylinder machines.
These motorcycles require constant care and maintenance along the route. Besides the pounding these riders get, the bikes require constant attention as well.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Oo Eee Baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Won't ya let me take you on a sea cruise?
We are back on dry land, after a wonderful family vacation. As children get older, it becomes a rare occurrence when you can spend several days with your family and have some fun and relaxation. It is quite possible that this was the last time we could do this as the boys will no doubt have commitments, work, school, girls, whatever, maybe even just don't want to hang out with their wonderful, fun parents....
Actually, I think they really do enjoy our company, at least sometimes.
Its a bit of a weird time however. For the first time in my life, I have joined the ranks of the unemployed due to a workforce reduction (one of many) at my long term employer. Actually I went through a similiar experience many years ago, but I was much younger and the impact did not carry the same weight. I'm not going to dwell on that, but actually I am a bit excited about the prospect of new challenges and opportunities.
Last year Darlene and I went on a cruise, my first, her second. We had a great time, with a lot of friends. Darlene has wanted to take the boys on a cruise for years and as we finished up the HOHS cruise, it seemed like the time was right, as the boys are getting to the point where they may not be able to or want to take a family vacation.
So, we booked a big, bad cruise, Royal Caribbean - 7 night Eastern Caribbean, on the Freedom of the Seas. This is the second largest cruise ship currently sailing and the same one we were on. We booked out of Florida, as departing out of Texas during Spring Break has a premium. Florida, meaning we had to get to the port.....
No problem, its only 1200 freaking miles to the port. Can you imagine, me, a Bluenoser, growing up with salt air in my nose, has to drive 1200 miles to get to the ocean....
20 odd hours and we get to the east coast of Florida, time to kill (sleep...) we take Ryan to Cape Canaveral for the NASA tour and eventually get to port to board the ship.
All on board and fancy drinks in hand, relaxation station as we float on... Stay tuned for the next installment...
Won't ya let me take you on a sea cruise?
We are back on dry land, after a wonderful family vacation. As children get older, it becomes a rare occurrence when you can spend several days with your family and have some fun and relaxation. It is quite possible that this was the last time we could do this as the boys will no doubt have commitments, work, school, girls, whatever, maybe even just don't want to hang out with their wonderful, fun parents....
Actually, I think they really do enjoy our company, at least sometimes.
Its a bit of a weird time however. For the first time in my life, I have joined the ranks of the unemployed due to a workforce reduction (one of many) at my long term employer. Actually I went through a similiar experience many years ago, but I was much younger and the impact did not carry the same weight. I'm not going to dwell on that, but actually I am a bit excited about the prospect of new challenges and opportunities.
Last year Darlene and I went on a cruise, my first, her second. We had a great time, with a lot of friends. Darlene has wanted to take the boys on a cruise for years and as we finished up the HOHS cruise, it seemed like the time was right, as the boys are getting to the point where they may not be able to or want to take a family vacation.
So, we booked a big, bad cruise, Royal Caribbean - 7 night Eastern Caribbean, on the Freedom of the Seas. This is the second largest cruise ship currently sailing and the same one we were on. We booked out of Florida, as departing out of Texas during Spring Break has a premium. Florida, meaning we had to get to the port.....
No problem, its only 1200 freaking miles to the port. Can you imagine, me, a Bluenoser, growing up with salt air in my nose, has to drive 1200 miles to get to the ocean....
20 odd hours and we get to the east coast of Florida, time to kill (sleep...) we take Ryan to Cape Canaveral for the NASA tour and eventually get to port to board the ship.
All on board and fancy drinks in hand, relaxation station as we float on... Stay tuned for the next installment...
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