Discovery

Week number two and the realization that there is lots to see and discover.

Fisheye Canal

From Santa...10.5mm Nikkor Fisheye lens that should help with some creative shots!

The Sullivan House

Hershey Mill, Pa. "The Sullivan House"...a fisheye view from the rear. Christmastime 2007, a wonderful visit for sure!

Christmas Gift

A most wonderful Christmas gift...grandson Oliver!

Garish Christmas

Tis the Season to be understated. Looks like there is still room for more on that lawn....

Wintry Vineyard

Long Island winter...cold, damp and gray. East End vineyards provide a classic stark picture of the months to come.

Real Time Weather

With some many photos to "go through" from Bonaire and the Galapagos it's easy to ignore the fact that winter has made it's chilly arrival on Long Island. While the solstice is still a week away, the weather forecasters are spreading panic with their foreboding predictions for this weekend. Perhaps the owner of vessel should Seize the Moment and admit that the boating season is in the rear view mirror.

Harbor Holiday Greetings

The Harbor Village Christmas card expressing the resort staff's wishes for a joyous

holiday features this image...MY Shot! I took this photo from the flybridge of the dive boat when we were dockside. I guess they were happy with some of our work afterall....

A Loving Welcome

December 12th 2007 @ 3:04 p.m. Oliver Scott made his appearance. Checking in at 7.4lbs at a length of 21 inches, Oliver's life journey begins surounded by loving family. Grarandson number three.... :-)

Galapagos Penguin

A penguin species unique to the Galapagos islands...this guy was not the least bit shy an seemed to enjoy the attention of being photographed!

Darwin Bay Sunset

After a day of discovery, a few hikes, a cold snorkle and a joyous panga ride there is time to enjoy the early evening Galapagos light show! Cocktail hour awaits back onboard the Galaxy!

Bird's Eye View

It has occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, the truly curious don't have the cameras on the Galapagos Islands.

Sante Fe Island, Galapagos

(Best seen in the large view, CLICK on the image). It's ironic that such a harsh environment is host to so many unique species of life. As a very delicate ecosystem, the local government struggles with the push-pull of tourism and conservation that is on-going in the Galapagos Islands. I suppose (in regards to these islands) that the main difference between a strict conservationist and a tourist is.....the consevationist has already visited here.

Among Many

Santa Fe Island, the Galapagos...and yes, you can get that close!

Priceless

Experiencing the vista at Machu Piccu...Spiritual
Exploring the Andes and the treasures of Peru...Thrilling
Up close and personal with unique wildlife in the Galapagos...Adventurous
But...Knowing that each and every day is a true gift to be shared and celebrated with those whom you love...PRICELESS.

Free Lunch

There is a lot going on in this shot, it reminded me of a "Where's Waldo" image. This is the small local fish market on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. The pelicans and frigates are being very opportunistic and certainly have an advantage in numbers! The sea lion arrived shortly after I snapped this shot, seems like the word gets out quickly once the fishing boats return. Click on the photo for the larger view (Waldo is a pelican in this instance!).

Movin' Along

...and at his own pace! I am still going through "raw picture" files from the Peru/Galapagos trip. Shots that were initially passed over now get a second look. These guys were very photogenic!

Main Street

Aquas Calientes is the departure town for Machu Picchu, the only access is by rail. The locals seem unfazed by the reality that their Main Street is actually a railway. The dirt road out of town is the busy bus route that takes tourists up and down the steep narrow switchback trail to the historical site. The town itself is a delight, cozy restaurants and friendly people.

In Different Hemispheres

Okay..time for the required tacky tourist "at the equator" photo. There is a large tourist trap equatorial monument park in Quito. Complete with gift shops, eateries and a brightly colored "equator" line that bisects the entire complex. But, there is a problem in geography here. In recent years, with the advent of GPS technology, it became evident that 18th century science was off by 200 yards or so. Hence the "true" equator around which the present landowners saw a entrepreneurial opportunity in the form of "must do" stop for tourists. AND...there we are with a foot in each hemisphere and not feeling the least bit conflicted!

Heron Close-Up

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos...When I first saw this guy he was very much asleep, sitting in a low bush close to the trail. The gentle sound of my shutter caused him to open his eyes and give me a sideways glance. With a great deal of indifference, he closed his eyes and seemingly continued his snooze. I suppose that I looked like just another one of those strange animals with a camera.