Navy Pier

By the time I took this picture of Navy Pier in Chicago last week, the cold snap known as Polar Vortex had passed, yet wherever I walked I could see evidence of it, and none more so than the frozen Lake Michigan. But by this time it had warmed up to around 32f/0C and so people were out enjoying the “balmy” weather. The Magnificent Mile on North Michigan Avenue was busy and crowds where here at Navy Pier as well. Three more months to go and the whole place will be covered in tulips and Chicagoans going crazy with spring fever, and who could blame them?

By the time I took this picture of Navy Pier in Chicago last week, the cold snap known as Polar Vortex had passed, yet wherever I walked I could see evidence of it, and none more so than the frozen Lake Michigan. But by this time it had warmed up to around 32f/0C and so people were out enjoying the

Polar Vortex

I found myself in Chicago last week just as the “Polar Vortex” was on it’s way out. Mind you it was still well below freezing but to the folks that made it through the worst it seemed downright balmy. On Saturday I managed to walk around and captured this of the lakefront. There was so much ice everywhere it was a little bit stressful as I tried not to slip into the lake while standing on the ice covered concrete wall. I promise never to complain about the chilly whether in Florida where I live, …promise.

I found myself in Chicago last week just as the

Follow link to obtain a limited edition print of this photo.

San Juan Street Party

One of many things that impressed me about the old town section of San Juan was how much the residents like to hang out and shoot the breeze. This was one of many such gatherings I noticed as I walked through the cobblestone streets on a Saturday afternoon. Old world charm and sense of community is tangible here. As I shot this an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens came barreling down the street towards me so I stepped out of the way. As it passed I realized it was a actually a van advertising a fruity rum drink. OMG, only in San Juan!

One of many things that impressed me about the old town section of San Juan was how much the residents like to hang out and shoot the breeze. This was one of many such gatherings I noticed as I walked through the cobblestone streets on a Saturday afternoon. Old world charm and sense of community is tangible here. As I shot this an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens came barreling down the street towards me so I stepped out of the way. As it passed I realized it was a actually a van advertising a fruity rum drink. Only in San Juan!

Follow link to obtain a limited edition print of this photo.

Harbour Sunrise

I captured this one morning in Vancouver at the start of a working day. The small boat at the lower left of the frame is a ferry that holds three hundred people, so it’s much larger than it appears. These ferries run across the harbor between downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver. As a visitor to the city I recommend it as a great way to see the skyline from the water for just a few bucks. For the daily commuters it’s convenient, reliable and on time. However after about thirty trips most riders don’t even look up from their smart phones. But I’m from a small town so I’m always looking out the window at the cityscape, at least the first twenty-nine times. After that, same old same old.

I captured this one morning in Vancouver at the start of a working day. The small boat at the lower left of the frame is a ferry that holds three hundred people, so it's much larger than it appears. These ferries run across the harbor between downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver. As a visitor to the city I recommend it as a great way to see the skyline from the water for just a few bucks. For the daily commuters it's convenient, reliable and on time. However after about thirty trips most riders don't even look up from their smart phones. But I'm from a small town so I'm always looking out the window at the cityscape, at least the first twenty-nine times. After that, same old same old.

Follow link to obtain a limited edition print of this photo.

Dusk Under the Ringling

I have a disproportionate number of photos of the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota Florida, after all it’s an area icon and I just can’t resist. This was the last shot one evening a few weeks back. On this evening I was in “the zone” and just did’t want to stop and had to mentally slap myself to break the spell. Nothing wrong with enjoying photography, it’s just that I was on the hook to bring home take out. Nonetheless, on any given evening this pier is filled with local fishermen, tourist out for an evening stroll and sometimes the occasional photographer fighting against the clock.

I have a disproportionate number of photos of the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota Florida, after all it's an area icon and I just can't resist. This was the last shot one evening a few weeks back. On this evening I was in

Follow link to obtain a print of this photo.

Liz Magor’s Light Shed

This is a work of public art by Liz Magor called the Light Shed in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour district. If nothing else it’s striking when you come upon it or even notice it from a distance. I’ve taken pictures of this as have many others from the opposite perspective looking out across the harbour. If you Google images of this you’ll see what I mean. However, one night while watching the ghostly lights illuminate from it’s windows I got the idea to shoot back towards the city. Not sure if there’s a point in all this, however when I think of one I’ll get back to you.

This is a work of public art by Liz Magor called the Light Shed in Vancouver's Coal Harbour district. If nothing else it's striking when you come upon it or even notice it from a distance. I've taken pictures of this as have many others from the opposite perspective looking out across the harbour. If you Google images of this you'll see what I mean. However, one night while watching the ghostly lights illuminate from it's windows I got the idea to shoot back towards the city. Not sure if there's a point in all this, when I think of one I'll get back to you.

Follow ling to obtain a print of this photo.

Reflection

Early morning reflected in the widows of the Loft in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. Refections sometimes produce an effect of separation that’s not really there, but allows our minds to believe it is, producing perspective, hopefully for the better. I wonder what the perspective of the early morning crew was as they saw me taking pictures of the reflections in their windows. Something I’ll never know.

Early morning reflected in the widows of the Loft in Vancouver's Coal Harbour. Refections sometimes produce an effect of separation that's not really there, but allows our minds to believe it is, producing perspective, hopefully for the better. I wonder what the perspective of the early morning crew was as they saw me taking pictures of the reflections in their windows. Something I'll never know.

Follow link to obtain a print of this photo.

Garden Hideaway

It’s nice to have a little hideaway where you can go to get away from it all, if just for a bit. A break now and again to fill up on your own thoughts and musings and not those of everyone and everything around you. I get that when I ride my bike or walk the dogs. For some, this little garden under a bridge in the middle of a large bustling city. I happened upon this and almost walked by when I realized what it was, a little garden hideaway. And when I entered, even though I was only steps from the street it seemed somehow quiet, somehow peaceful and the feeling stayed with me for a while after I left. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it is, and it’s good enough for me.

It's nice to have a little hideaway where you can go to get away from it all, if just for a bit. A break now and again to fill up on our own thoughts and musings and not those of everyone and everything around us. I get that when I ride my bike or walk the dogs. For some, this little garden under a bridge in the middle of a large bustling city. I happened upon this and almost walked by when I realized what it was, a little garden hideaway. And when I entered, even though I was only steps from the street it seemed somehow quiet, somehow peaceful and the feeling stayed with me for a while after I left. I don't know how that's possible, but it is and it's good enough for me.

Follow link to obtain a limited edition print of this photo.

Old and New

In October I arrived by ship at this port in Bridgetown Barbados. The sugar elevators used to play a major role in the economy but are little used now due to the world market. However in it’s place tourism has taken hold and as most people know, Barbados has the most friendly people anywhere in the Caribbean and perhaps the most beautiful beaches. I was intrigued by these towering elevators which represent the old economy as they silhouette the tug in the foreground. This tugboat is used to guide large cruise ships into port which deposit the new economy (tourist) to the island. Either way, it’s an island that relies on the sea and is undergoing transition and I, for one, can’t wait to go back.

In October I arrived by ship at this port in Bridgetown Barbados. The sugar elevators used to play a major role in the economy but are little used now due to the world market. However in it's place tourism has taken hold and as most people know, Barbados has the most friendly people anywhere in the Caribbean and perhaps the most beautiful beaches. I was intrigued by these towering elevators which represent the old economy as they silhouette the tug in the foreground. This tugboat is used to guide large cruise ships into port which deposit the new economy (tourist) to the island. Either way, it's an island that relies on the sea and is undergoing transition and I, for one, can't wait to go back.

Follow link to obtain a print of this photo.