Sailing Camp!

Both grandsons (Cole & Shane) are in their second week of sailing camp at Mission Bay Yacht Club.  Paige had her turn last week.  

After being on the water all morning, Shane had a quick bite to eat then grabbed his bogey board and went back in the water!   He is determined to stand up on the board and was practicing most of the  afternoon.

Cole with his 'war paint' sunscreen

Paige helps big brother 

Shane on bogey board 

Shane in 'Wipeout"

Sundial Bridge

Here's the overview of the bridge taken from the banks of the American River (top).

It's a well used bridge, lots of families out for a walk, runners, bicyclists, skateboarders -- and tourists like me taking photos  ;)  

If you are interested, I've put a few more on my website:   www.photosbyjudy.com

From the cool coast to the hot inland

I left Crescent City this morning with an extra shirt on to keep warm in the 51 degree temps.  Later in the day as I drove east through Whiskeytown area toward Redding I was hit with 105 degree temps.  Phew!  I was almost ready to turn back and return to the coast   ;)

Along the way I was lucky enough to see elks at the  Prairie Creek Redwoods .  Incredibly beautiful with huge redwoods and lovely meadows.  I still can't believe I saw the elks!

Driving east, I ended up in Redding around 5-ish and went right to the Sundial Bridge.  I've seen a lot of photographs of it over the years and always wanted to take my own.  Here's two from the evening session.   I'm going back tomorrow morning too, because I just realized I don't have an overall shot of the bridge.

Abstract section of bridge

Top of the bridge

Crescent City

I'm back in California again, heading home to San Diego.  I hated to say good-bye to Oregon because it has been such a wonderful time visiting friends.  So many memories (and photos):  beautiful river views, walking through gorgeous, lush, green forested areas, Newport with crab pots and fishing boats (!), Portland with an incredible moonrise my first night there and then photographing a burned out building and graffiti!  Plus a walk around the waterfront.   So many memories of  good times with friends, good meals and many photo outings.

This sunset in Crescent City, though, was like a wonderful welcome back to California evening!   Several of us were lined up on the cliffs tonight enjoying the cool breezes, great ocean smells and this incredible sunset.

Happy in Portland -- burned out building & graffiti

Linda H. & I have been out & about in Portland.  This morning we drove to the industrial part of town & a fire-damaged building site, complete with graffiti.  The fire happened in 2006 and for a lot of reasons, the remains are still standing --  and provide  a great opportunity for photographers.   Unfortunately in some spots there are two layers of chain-link fence and all around the site, plenty of keep-out signs.  Sad to see it is still standing, a reminder of a terrible fire,  but glad we were able to at least find open spots where we could photograph  the graffiti and remains of the building.
 

2013 Oregon Road Trip

I have lots of catching up to do here.  I left Redwood City a week ago after a fun visit with Mike & Cat & girls there.  Heading north I stopped at Arcata & enjoyed that drive, especially through the beautiful redwood trees.   Heading north again, my  first stop  in Oregon was at Susan & Earl's home on the Umpqua River.  I'll post photos in a later blog post of that stay.

Second stop is Waldport OR at  Carol  & Chris' home.  

We spent yesterday at Newport exploring the waterfront:  my kinda day with good company, waterfront sights & smells, and lots of photo opportunities along the way.    After walking all day, we ended up at the new  Maritime Museum .  It was fun seeing all the exhibits at the new Museum.   At that point we were back down on the street &  I realized I had to walk all the way back to the car.   Chris gallantly offered to get the car (guess he figured that was better than carrying me all the way back).   Thanks Chris!    

This morning we made another trip up to Newport early in the morning to photograph the crab pots.  

Here I am in Newport.  Thanks Carol for taking my photo.  

Crab pots -- love the colors & textures.

Great colors!

More water lilies from Balboa Park

This was taken a week ago when I made an early morning trip to Balboa Park.  Everyone was just waking up, even the water lilies.  I like the bit of reflection in the water of the tips of the lilies. 

Glorious day on the water again.

I was back at the Maritime Museum again, this time sailing on the tall ship Californian.  It was one of the best days of sailing, blue skies, steady winds and full sails.  

Furling the sails.  Yes, they are attached with  a harness!  

These photos were taken with my iPhone and processed with Snapseed.  

Happy Independence Day.

I hope you will all be able to enjoy this day with family and friends.  I'll be at the Maritime Museum with a great view of fire works tonight!   How will you celebrate?

Happy 4th!

Balboa Park Lily Pond

I made a very early, quick trip down to Balboa Park to see the water lilies and lotus flowers, I read online that they were blooming & beautiful.   The advantage of being in the park on a Sunday at 7 AM is that there is plenty of parking and nobody around!   Well, there were several other photographers, dog walkers, runners, and a few people enjoying their morning cup of coffee.   But not the usual summer crowds you'll find around noon.

Here's one photo from the morning:

I loved the reflections as much as the water lilies.

Magnolia flowers

I love these flowers. My neighbor was kind enough to let me pick this from her tree, so I was able to enjoy it in my home.  They don't last long as other cut flowers, but long enough to photograph it and enjoy it here.

I was curious about the flower & found this on "Symbolism Wiki"   "The magnolia symbolizes sweetness, beauty, and love of nature.  Over time it has developed into a symbol of femininity, nobility and perseverance."  

What happened to June ????

Jail bird.

How could I let a whole month get away without posting on my blog?   Time is truly flying by.

My friend Lori Johnson was in town again and we met up in Del Mar at a  place she found:  Free Flight Bird Sanctuary   It's a small place with many birds that they have rescued, or people have donated.  They are well cared for.  For a $5 donation you are allowed to wander about, feed the birds and hold them if you wish (& if the birds are willing too).   Lots of time and space to photograph these beauties.  

Hope you enjoy these three iPhone photos from the day.