Showing posts with label 2018 images. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2018 images. Show all posts

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Morning to Evening


Reverse Autumn Tree
October 26, 2018
It was another unique day from morning to evening.

During my morning drive to work, I had the opportunity to see a reverse autumn tree. 

Watching the Video
Me and Francis
October 26, 2018
What is a reverse autumn tree, you ask? It is a tree that still has its leaves and is silhouetted by the autumn morning sky. I saw the tree on my drive and stopped to snap an image of it. 

It was a stunning scene and the image does not really do it justice, but it does stir the memory in my mind.

The end of the day was a completely different experience. 

Chris and I gathered with friends at a local establishment to celebrate the end of the week and enjoy time together. During the evening, I was encouraged to watch a video on Chris's cell phone and Francis was watching over my shoulder. It was fascinating, as you can tell from the image.

I think the bottle of Americana wine, from a Cayuga Lake winery in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, in the foreground helps to tell the story of the evening. Yes, it was Happy Hour and we were enjoying the fruit of the vine.


Friday is for friends and, well, wine makes it all the better.

From the spectacular morning to the warm ending with friends, it was a Friday to remember.

BTW, if you are keeping track, 14 down and 30 more to go!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Autumn Gracing the Trees


Autumn Trees
October 24, 2018
Last evening as Chris and I were walking the dogs we noticed that autumn colors were finally arriving on the trees. Perhaps the light frost of the past few mornings had jump-started the autumn colors.

The trees were highlighted in the setting sun and they were stunning on the street among the still green trees.
Sunrise over Elkridge, MD
October 24, 2018

Yesterday morning, I also noticed the sunrise on the horizon while I was sitting at a stop light on my way to work. I guess it was a day to notice the autumn.

The morning sky was clear and the sunrise on the horizon was even. The trees, which still have their leaves, were silhouetted by the color of the colorful sky.

The day was bookended by the sunrise and the last rays of the sun. In between was color and life.

Life is noticing the world around me.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Watching the Sunrise


Chris and I are on a early-October, last fling of the summer, get-away.

Sunrise over the Lake
October 4, 2018
I did something this morning that I have not been able to do in a long time. I was able to sit on the end of a dock and watch the sunrise over the lake.

It was a bit chilly, but watching the world transition from dark to light is one of the things that I enjoy the most. And sitting in the very edge of a dock over the water with a 180degree view of the sky, and the clouds as the sun begins to light the sky from below the horizon is stunning, especially when there are some clouds to reflect the first rays downward.

The Sun Rises for Another Day
October 4, 2018
The deepest colors are earlier in the dawn, but as time progresses, the sky becomes alive as more of the clouds begin to reflect the light onto the still dark surface.

I love the way that the colors reflect on the waves sending the light directly to my eyes.

It is amazing how quickly the sun pops up over the horizon once it begins, but the anticipation of waiting almost an hour for it to rise is well worth the effort.

I got a bit chilly. I saw the birds wake and begin flying over the lake and squawking at each other to find the perfect place to land.

Another day is at hand.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Summer Turned Off


It happened this weekend.


Recovered Pool
September 8, 2018
Just as I returned the pool to swimmable conditions after the algae attack, summer ended.

Yesterday was cool and rainy. Last evening, sitting around the fire pit I could see fog coming off the pool surface because the pool was much warmer than the air.


Dawn in Elkridge
September 9, 2018
This morning, the rain continues and the temperature is 57 degrees! 

Summer has ended. The 90s of last week have broken and autumn, which is officially less than two weeks away, is already making its presence felt.

I long for the sunrises of my recent vacation. Clear skies with clouds to reflect the morning rays. Instead there is nothing but gray! The sunrise out my window was almost invisible with the dark of morning giving way to the gray overcast. The image is a color image, by the way, there are just no colors to show as they are absorbed by the pervasive grayness.
Sunrise from Port Everglades
September 2, 2018


Unlike last weekend when I was arriving in port after a week sailing the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the scene is very gray. There is no golf. There is no fall youth baseball. There are few outdoor activities. I have to wear a coat and jeans. 

It is a fitting start to the NFL season. 

Autumn is arriving, too soon!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, September 7, 2018

Under the Sea - Three Stop Snorkel Adventure, Roatan


Star Fish in Roatan
August 30, 2018
Coral in Roatan
August 30, 2018
I can hardly believe that last Friday I was lounging on a Mexican beach as part of Chris's Retirement Cruise with the family enjoying the sand, surf, and sun. 


Sunken/Grounded Ship Snorkel
Roatan
August 30, 2018
The memories are still so fresh and now that things have returned to normal around the house with the communications and the pool, there is time to dig into the images of the trip.

One of the most enjoyable days was the snorkeling adventure we did on Roatan, Honduras. It was a three stop snorkel adventure. I was reminded of how hard it is to snorkel in a large group, but the day was fun and the grandsons had a great time. There was plenty of coral to see, but I felt that the fish were largely absent.


Sunken/Grounded Ship in Roatan
August 30, 2018
The first stop was primarily a short check to snorkel to assess the ability of the 30 or so people on the boast to swim and snorkel. That was actually important as it turned out that a number of people were not experienced snorkelers. I was able to image a few starfish  and enjoyed paddling around. 


The Bow of the Sunken/Grounded Ship
August 30, 2018
The second stop was a reef snorkel and included a long swim which got people ready for the third snorkel stop which was the sunken/grounded ship. There was plenty of coral and beautiful ocean to admire on the second stop. I enjoyed paddling around and as always on a snorkel tour, the stop was too short for me. 


Coral in Roatan
August 30, 2018
The best of the three stops was without a doubt the sunken/grounded vessel. The ship was not particularly large and the boiler and part of the superstructure are still visible above the surface. The rusted remains below the surface are covered with corals and some fish. Of course, the large group essentially drove the fish away, but it was a fun snorkel and I enjoyed looking at how the wreck was transforming into a reef. 

From what I could see, the ship ran aground on the reef and has been slowly decomposing ever since. 

It was a fun adventure and I was able to capture some good images from my trusty GoPro!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Out the Stateroom Window - Allure of the Seas, August-September 2018


Solitary Flyer
Cozumel, Mexico
August 29, 2018
I enjoy writing about what I see outside of my hotel window when I travel. There is something I personally enjoy about pulling back the curtains and looking to the world beyond. During my recent cruise, I had the opportunity to see changing scenes from the balcony of my stateroom on The Allure of the Seas.

Pelican in the Morning
Cozumel, Mexico
August 29, 2018
I enjoy the changing scenes and that is one reason that when we cruise, Chris and I choose a stateroom with a balcony. Opening the curtains and watching the world beyond increases the enjoyment of getting away and seeing the world. There is so much more to the world than the ship, the decks, and the port.

Despite late hours of activities on the ship, I get up early to enjoy the sunrise, especially when the ship is sailing into a port. 

Sunrise off Roatan
August 30, 2018
The changing scenes as the ship is sailing are generally best illuminated by the golden rays of the morning light. On our recent trip, I was able to capture some memorable scenes in the early light of day as the ship was porting. Sometimes the images don't work out quite the way my mind sees them, but, usually, I am able to find my memory in the captured scene.
Moon over the Gulf of Mexico
August 28, 2018

Although I enjoy sunrises the best, on our recent trip I captured an image of the moon over the Gulf of Mexico. It took four tries to get everything the way that I saw the scene in my mind. 

Whether sunrise, sunset, moon, or birds and wildlife being able to stand on the balcony outside my stateroom is far more enjoyable than clamoring to the upper decks of the ship to attempt an image. And if it happens to be sunrise, well, I know that my morning coffee will soon be delivered by room service and I will be able to sit on the balcony and enjoy the developing scene in relative solitude while sipping my favorite morning beverage.

There is a lot to see outside the stateroom window. I'm glad that I took time to enjoy the view.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Consider the Moon


Moon over the Neighborhood
From Radio Flyer
August 24, 2018
The moon made an impressive appearance last evening.

The moon was evident during our late evening dog walk and then later rising over the trees around the house.

The sight was more impressive because the sky was clear and the temperatures cool, almost autumnal.
Moon Over Elkridge
Duckett's Lane
August 24, 2018

Too autumnal!

August is rapidly giving way to September and with it, the arrival of Autumn. Even though the next season is still almost a month away, the shortening of the days and the cooler temperatures are already heralding the its arrival. 


Moon Over Duckett's Lane Elementary School
August 24, 2018
But last evening it was the moon that was on display. 

I was able to get Radio Flyer up for a quick flight to capture the fading colors of the sunset after we walked the dogs. 

It was a beautiful evening for flying and capturing the scene developing above us. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Cicada Squealing


Cicada in the Tree
The sound was deafening. 

I love the sounds and smells of summer. In the afternoon and evenings the cicadas buzz as the temperatures crawl above 80 degrees. It is one of the sounds of summer that I enjoy. They sound like so many buzz-saws in the trees. 

The other evening, Chris and I were walking the dogs and I heard a cicada singing seemingly right above my head. I stopped, saying to myself, "I should be able to see this one." And I found it sitting on a branch, just above the sidewalk. 

Next came the challenge of getting an image of the bug! It was exciting to see one alive, I usually find them dead in the pool skimmers. 

The cicada continued singing all during the imaging opportunity, oblivious to what was happening on the ground below it. 

I successfully snapped the image and then got away from the almost 100 decibel noise that was making my ears hurt.

The bug continued singing as Chris and I continued our walk.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Hibiscus Morning


Hibiscus Around the Pool
Last winter was tough on some of the plants that I bring inside to escape the freezing temperatures.
Hibiscus Blossom Gracing my Pool

While the palms did fantastic, the flowering hibiscus lost most of its leaves and went into a hibernation type mode. It has taken all year for it to finally develop leaves and look healthy. This week, my patience was rewarded with flowers. Beautiful hibiscus gracing my pool environment and reminding me of tropical climates. 

The arrival of the blossoms and the multitude of buds makes the wait worthwhile. I hope to do better this coming winter. This hibiscus has been through a few winters in my basement, but this past one was the worst.

While it is late-August and the hibiscus is only now blooming, I will enjoy its tropical flowers for the rest of the season. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Sunrise, Sunset, Repeat



Patuxent Greens Before Sunrise
August 15, 2018
In a rare twist, I managed to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset yesterday.

I decided to take some morning time and play golf with two guys from work. We had a 6:15 AM Tee-tim, but were actually able to tee-off at 6 AM. There was no one else on the course and sunrise was not until 6:19 AM. It was very dark when we hit the first golf balls of the day off the tees at Patuxent Greens Golf Club.


Across the Tees
Patuxent Greens
August 15, 2018
I thoroughly enjoy watching the day start from the manicured fairways and greens of a golf course. Yesterday was no different, with the exception that the heavy rains of the past few weeks have not been kind to Patuxent Greens. The fairways and some greens definitely were showing signs of damage. 

And then there was the sunset. I watched the sun pass below the horizon from the comfort of my backyard. Although I cannot actually see the horizon from my backyard, I watched the sun-light move up to the top of the trees and then the colors of the sunset appear.

As Chris and I were sitting there and the twilight deepened, the bats began to fly overhead dancing in the sky performing their unchoreographed ballet in the air. We love watching them twist and turn while hanging in the evening sky as they chase after the bugs and mosquitoes.

And thus the day ended as it began, I was admiring the sky and the sun and the joys of being able to appreciate the rays of the sun as they grace the Earth and bring joy into my heart.

I'd love to do it again, today.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, August 11, 2018

California Fire Reflection

Last evening's spectacular sunset over Central New York was aided by the California fires. It is being reported that smoke from the fires in the upper atmosphere contributed to the color and depth of the sunset.

It is very strange that the results of such widespread destruction could be part of something so beautiful. I was lucky to have Radio Flyer ready to fly and image the incredible colors.

Radio Flyer just hovered and took images as the sunset deepened. Sometimes I refer to sunsets as fire in the sky, yesterday it was truer than I knew.

The colors were spectacular and I was glad to have seen the sunset and enjoyed its beauty.

— Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

July is Gone


Fireworks at Big Cork Vineyards
July 28, 2018
August has arrived! There is just no way to stop the progression of the months.

Looking Down the Tracks
Harper's Ferry Station
July 29, 2018
Of course, July is my favorite month of the year! And now it is gone. 

I am amazed how quickly July passed. Perhaps it is because I was busy and there were some nice periods of good weather, although it was the second wettest month on record in the Baltimore area. Interestingly, July 1955 holds the record for the wettest July on record with two tropical storms/hurricane remnants passing through the region.

We just had a lot of rain during July.

July 2018 was a busy month. It started with a visit from Mom and Dad to enjoy the fireworks and the 4th of July and it ended with fireworks at Big Cork Vineyards after the concert. I guess the month was full of explosions.

Radio Flyer
July 4, 2018
Radio Flyer also got a few good flights in during the month. It is unfortunate that it cannot fly in National Parks, as there would have been some great shots this weekend.

My drone did have some issues during the month in terms of losing connection, but all-in-all it was a solid month of flying. 


July brought friends and family together for the Independence Day celebration, which was just awesome. Independence Day is fast becoming my favorite holiday as Christmas moves farther down the list. I suppose that if I lived in Australia or somewhere south of the equator that Christmas might be a more enjoyable holiday. But Independence Day in July in the Northern Hemisphere provides the opportunity for swimming, family, baseball, and fireworks. 

In the news, one of the greatest stories on the planet unfolded as 12 boys and their coach were rescued form a cave in Thailand. The drama of that situation played out for weeks before finally ending with the successful rescue.

Sadly, the month ended on a low note as the Orioles dismantled the team by trading Machado, Schoop, Brach, O'Day, and Gausman. The team is rebuilding and the hopes of playoff baseball are now at least four to five years away. 

And that, as Walter Cronkite used to say, is the way it is, July 2018.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Twilight Flight


Looking up the Street at Sunset
July 27, 2018
Looking to the Sunset
July 2Nd 7, 2018
The weather cleared enough last evening for a quick Radio Flyer flight as the sun was setting.

I enjoyed the colors of the sunset and was anxious to get my drone airborne before they faded away.

I intended to fly to the end of the street and take a few shots looking over I-95, but due to the rain, the trees were impeding the quality of the signal between Radio Flyer and my controller. I kept losing contact at the target location and so I brought it back where I had full control and took some evening images.

I especially like the one where the golden colors of the sun are reflecting off the houses along my street.

It was a relatively short flight all-in-all, but I enjoyed the final results. It was a nice way to watch the end of the week fade over the horizon.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, July 27, 2018

Made it to Friday


Moon from Elkridge
July 26, 2018
The rain is back this morning, but I made it to another Friday.

That is a cause for celebration--even with the ever pervasive rain. I had hoped the day would be clear and sunny!

Chris and I have another busy weekend planned and hopefully the rains will hold off.

Moon
July 26, 2018
Last evening as Chris and I were walking the dogs, we noticed that the Moon was especially beautiful.

I now realize that photographing the Moon is difficult. The camera never really captures what the eye sees, especially with a dog pulling n the leash as the hand attempts to snap and image.

But I tried.

The good news is that the skies at the time were mostly clear and it was not raining for the first time in about five days. It had dried out enough for me to cut the lawn and begin to get it back into shape.

I was beginning to feel like I was living in a rainforest.

All of that written, and even with the rain, it is still Friday and we are on the cusp of the weekend!

Why does Friday seem to make is all better?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Beautiful Day

I spent most of yesterday at my parents in Danby, NY.

Radio Flyer spent a few minutes touring the area and I snapped this image looking North. Cayuga Lake is just visible on the horizon and the blue sky was welcome.

It was another great July day. This July has seen one great day after another. Although today has seen some much needed rain, the days remain the stuff that great memories are made from.

I was happy to help mom and Dad with a few chores around their house yesterday. It is too bad that the drive to see them eats up the better part of the day.

I am going to be very unhappy when July slips away next week. It has been a month to remember.

— Bob Doan, writing from Williamsport, PA

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Danby Sunset

It was a beautiful sunset last evening. It was a work of art to be admired as the colors deepened.

I enjoy the blending of the ending of the day colors.

I just stood there and admired the work.

I will keep a piece of this sunset in my mind for a long time.

— Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Waiting for the Sunrise


Sunlight in the Tree Tops
July 14, 2018
I took some time this morning to wait and watch the day break over the land. It was dawn of my second favorite foreign holiday--Bastille Day!

I was quiet and I was trying to sleep on the couch because I just could not stay in bed any longer--but, I was still tired and sleepy.

Evening Beginning to Fall
Annapolis, MD
July 13, 2018
I enjoy the early morning summertime sunrises. We have had a string of great weather days that almost make up for the foul weather experienced earlier this year.

The sky was clear as light began to creep over the trees in my backyard. 

And then, suddenly, it was daylight and the sound of departing aircraft from BWI filled the air as the day began in earnest.

So I made a cup of coffee and thought about last evening as, from the streets of Annapolis with friends, I watched the day pass. 

Annapolis Harbor
July 13, 2018
It was a quite a week and, frankly, I was happy that it was over. It was appropriate that the workweek ended with a Friday the 13th! It was almost as if the week had been scripted like that from the beginning of the year.

But this morning's dawn holds the promise of a new day and a weekend full of activity with family and friends.

Saturday has dawned and it is time to get moving and greet the day head-on.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Old Cars at the Airport


Schacht Model K Runabout
Schacht Model K Runabout
Airports can be interesting places to explore while waiting for flights. I have found that some airports are committed to improving our sense of history and not always about air travel and the development of the aircraft.

The Cincinnati airport advertises the local museum. One exhibit that displayed as I passed through yesterday contained older automobiles spanning a few decades made by companies in the Cincinnati area. It was very interesting to observe the development of the car. The Model K Runabout has the driver sitting right behind the radiator. While the license plate suggests it is a 1911 auto, the model dates from at least 1910.


Vehicle Dated from 1925
A later example of the auto development was in the wooden vehicle, which was dated 1925. I have to admit, I didn't get as much information on this vehicle. I tried the museum website but could not positively identify the car. 

There were many other exhibits from the museum in the airport and I actually look forward to heading back through the airport sometime to view other displays.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Stairs


I went for a walk last evening. The idea was to walk to dinner and then back, but due to the drenching rains that started during the walk to dinner, I only walked to and not from the eating establishment.

I walked along a canal/creek for most of the way. At the end of the park was a climb up some stairs to get to the city level. I had intended to take a picture of the canal and part from the higher street level, however, the trees were full with leaves and blocked the good vantage points. Since it was raining, I was not too motivated to find a clear shot of the park below, hoping that I would find one during the return trip.

Since there was no return trip through the park I lost my opportunity and am left with only a memory and this image of the stairs at the end of the park.

I need to remember to be more aggressive in taking the images that I see in my mind when they are happening on the first occasion. 

-- Bob Doan, writing from Huntsville, AL

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Another Day, Another Beach

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 7, 2018

It was another idyllic day in Florida during the month of April yesterday. That meant another trip to the beach to enjoy the sun and surf. The beach of the day was the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach on Jupiter Island. 


Fishing on Hobe Sound Beach
April 7, 2018
The trip to the beach was planned to take advantage of the morning before the other beachgoers arrived. Being Saturday, we actually experienced some crowds at the beach as we were departing about 1PM. 

As we arrived, the beach was principally the domain of those fishing for the bounty of the sea. In chatting with the various fishermen, I learned that they were only catching frustration that morning. No one had caught anything meaningful. It was a very interesting view along the water looking at the poles lined up. I should have taken and image of that same view later because the poles had been replaced with beach umbrellas.


Beach Essentials
I had some time, while sitting on the beach, to compose a beach image of essential items.

Beach trips require a number of things, among them flip flops, beverages, umbrellas and a good view. 

We were well supplied yesterday. 


Tubular Dog at West Palm Art Show
And, since drones are not allowed in the National Wildlife Refuge, there are not corresponding drone images to share. Radio Flyer had to stay in its travel case back at the house. I learned an interesting legal tip about drones in the refuge. It is illegal to even possess a drone in the refuge whether flying it or not. I was smart enough to talk to the ranger BEFORE I took my drone to the refuge. I had read that flying the drone in the refuge was illegal, but I didn't know that even possessing one was illegal as well.

So while I view my drone as an essential beach item, knowing where it is allowed is equally as important.

During the afternoon we headed off to West Palm Beach for an art show. I have to confess that I was impressed by the artists--however, one piece really made me smile. I was this tubular dog who was lifting his leg. 

Another day is on tap and my Spring Break vacation is rapidly coming to an end. I wonder what we will do today?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida
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