Smile darn Ya

A face only a mother could love! Giant Tortoise, Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. These guys have a life expectancy of 120 to 200 years!

Mother and Baby Frigate

North Seymore Island, The Galapagos...The islands were teeming with young birds. Courtship dances were very much underway! Click on the image for the best view.

Pisac, Peru

On a terraced mountain side at the ancient Inca site of Pisac, a lone flute player sent mystical music on the wind. The sound carried for great distances. The effect amplified the beauty of the site and made one's senses all the more aware of the unique nature of this wonderful piece of history.

Watch Your Step

Hiking was the keynote activity of our journey through Peru and The Galapagos. Thinking back on just how much walking we did is one thing....looking at photos of WHERE we were walking is another! I drew the line on these cliffside steps ( notice the absence of a railing!). Alida agreed to pose here but...."hurry-up and take the picture!".

Shore Excursion

Travel Buddies prepare for a shore landing on James Island, the Galapagos. That would be our Tour Leader, Christian, standing in the bow.

Galaxy

Four of our six days in the Galapagos Islands were aboard the Galaxy, a very comfy and well appointed yacht. Galaxy has eight cabins (max 16 passengers), a roomy dinning area and plenty of common space on three decks.

Equipped with two dingies and a stern activity platform, shore excursions were a breeze! Oh yes...and Galaxy has a full service bar making for a perfect return from shore bound walks!

Keeping Vigil

A modern day resident keeps his eye on the ancient Inca site at Machu Picchu.... Having returned from a whirlwind 19 days in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands...its time to "work on" photos! I'm not sure that I will ever be able to push them all through Photoshop and do justice to this "trip of a lifetime". :-)

Great South Bay Sunset

Taking a break from Random Shots for a few weeks. Should have some shots of South America upon my return....

Season's End

An early end to this year's boating season...Travel plans for the Fall necessitate hauling the boat before the usual November date. Last ride of the season always evokes a sense of saddness.

Being Expressive

Saturday on the East Side of Manhattan...people were setting up for yesterday's visit from the president of Iran. A very large police presence was already in place setting up barriers and posting traffic signs. Click on the image for more detail and better view.

The Right Breeze

It doesn't get much better for sailboat lovers. A perfect evening with just the right amount of wind and just a touch of those September evening temperatures on your face. Life is good.

Evening Race

September evening race on the Great South Bay.

September Sunset

Stellar September evening for a sail complete with a spectacular sunset.

Cherry Grove

The view looking East from Cherry Grove's main walk. September on Fire Island is hard to pass up!

Human Targets

What just might be the most bizarre (sick?) amusement on the Coney Island boardwalk, "Shoot The Freak". Beyond the railing is an empty lot where human "targets" sit as contestants shoot at them with paint ball guns. I'm not sure that this type of target practice needs to be encouraged. Makes you wonder just who "The Freak" may be in this strange form of entertainment.

Hot Dog

The fact that I could get a hot dog and sauerkraut at 9 in the morning was amazing enough, the fact that I had to stand in line for it was another matter! Blame the early cyclists participating in NYC's 100 mile ride for the wait!...

Beach Perch

September holds much promise, the weather is still warm, the kids (and the teachers) are all back in school and the beach is all ours!

Summer Path

Could that be summer slipping by in my rear view mirror? In my world, Labor Day comes and goes much too quickly.

Ocean Moon

...Full Moon, empty beach, beautiful spot!

My Little Chickadee

...had them eating out of the palm of my hand. At Long Island's Morton Wildlife Preserve the chickadees will, if you are patient, take sunflower seeds right out of your hand. Holding one hand out with seeds while manipulating an SLR with the other hand took a bit of practice! ( CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR A MORE DETAILED VIEW)