Archive for June, 2009
You are currently browsing the Mark's Notes On The Go blog archives for June, 2009.
29
Jun
2009
Lighthouse Landscapes
As I continue my run through my photo archives, a couple of lighthouse photos have been added to my available prints. Lighthouses are one of those subjects that most people seem to really enjoy. I’m not sure if it’s the lure of the sea, the adventure of the sea, or the lure of the life of the lighthouse keeper. I’ve often heard that it’s a much harder life than people generally think, but there’s still something a bit magical about it.
Boston Light
Boston Light is on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. This is the site of the first Lighthouse in America, although the current light is from the 1850’s. The 98 foot structure has the distinction of being the only manned light in the US today. This view of the light is from Georges Island.
Pigeon Point Light
Pigeon Point light is on the Northern California coast between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. If you ever have the pleasure of driving down the 101 on the Pacific coast, you should stop and check out this beautiful light built in 1871 and still an active aid to navigation (automated). This shot is from a nearby beach and captures the warm glow of the late afternoon sun in August.
13
Jun
2009
Rome Prints
As I’ve continued my trek through the archives (bless the down time), I’ve posted some more prints from Rome. If you want to see them all, check out my Italy Photo Prints.
Some Highlights:
The Pantheon - Rome, Italy
Before I went to Rome, it seemed like I had seen a dozen documentaries on ancient Rome that included information on the Pantheon, the ancient temple to all the Roman gods. This is actually the second Pantheon, built in AD 126. It’s amazing to stand before a building built nearly 2 millennia ago, a building which is still in use today no less! It was given to the Pope in AD 609 and has since then remained a Roman Catholic church, Santa Maria dei Martiri. It’s the fact it was converted into a church for the new religion that enabled it’s survival. Most of the other buildings of antiquity were abandoned and fell into ruin. The interior retains it’s original mammoth concrete dome roof and the niches for the pagan gods (minus the original statues). In addition it has become an honored burial place for noted Italians such as the painter, Raphael.
Piazza della Rotonda - Rome, Italy
This print is a view of the Piazza directly in front of the Pantehon (as viewed from the Pantheon portico). Rome is a collection of these piazza’s – outdoor plazas where the Italians and the tourists vacationing there eat, drink, shop, and socialize. This particular piazza is arguably the most central one in the Centro Storico (or historic district). This is where ancient Rome lay and although the buildings today are not 2,000 years old like the Pantheon, they clearly exude that old european feel complete with mediteranean colors. The recent rains also highlight the sampietrini, the traditional basalt cobbles that have been used in Rome since the 16th century. The sampietrini mimic the ancient cobbles of Rome but are smaller than their predecessors.
Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano - Rome, Italy
Finally, a street level view of the center of the Roman Catholic church, the Holy See, Saint Peter’s Basilica. Although often called a cathedral, this is technically incorrect since Cathedrals are the seat of a Bishop, as the church of the Pope, this is a papal basilica. There has been a church on this site since the 4th century AD, but the present day church was built in the 16th and 17th centuries. At the time of this visit, it was between Christmas and the Epiphany, a festive period in Italy. You’ll note in the photo that the piazza is decorated for the season. The moody skies in this photo make this a strong black and white photo.
12
Jun
2009
Meandering Through The Other Georgia
If it seems like I haven’t shared any news lately, it’s perhaps because there isn’t much to be had. I’ve been using a lot of my now spare time to do some handyman stuff at my parent’s house that I’d put off or only half done in the past. It’s hard when you’re only in town for a weekend to get a lot done. There’s still a lot to do (aren’t old houses fun?), but it’s looking like I’ll have some time as I wait for the house to sell. There’s also the chance that I might do a lttle meandering stateside or even take advantage of some last minute travel deals (harder to travel on the spur of the moment when you have a day job you know!).
I did finally take some me time realizing it had been more than a few days since I picked up my camera and did some wandering. I left late in the afternoon, and there are definitely worthwhile places I could have gone near by, but instead I wandered down Georgia 26 until I found myself in Hawkinsville, Georgia. I couldn’t tell you the last time I had been there – probably at least a decade. I saw a lot of rolling countryside on the way and had to make a couple of stops.
Framed By Clouds - Highway 26
There are actually several photos of this old house on that awesome hill (it’s for sale if you want a fixer upper, but I suspect the land is what’s really worth something). Definitely give the others a look in my new “Other Georgia” photo album. I had a hard time picking a favorite but don’t want to put them all in this post! If I didn’t pick your favorite, let me know which one was!
And for anyone wondering what the “other Georgia” is, it’s the part that’s not Atlanta. I’m by far not the first to reference it as such.
I wandered through Hawkinsville for a bit but only took a few photos – neat place and I’m sure I’ll wander back through again, but didn’t find anything too awesome photo op wise in the direction I chose to amble. I drove on a ways but decided it was too late in the day to keep wandering towards the coast unless I was prepared to spend the night in that direction somewhere. So I headed back to Macon County and got there in the best light of the day.
I took one stop in Oglethorpe for a photo I would only get on a quiet Sunday when no one would see me literally lying on the street next to the curb to get this perspective of the 100+ year old courthouse.
Macon County Courthouse
I was partially shielded from view by my car, but if anyone saw me lying there, my apologies! I wanted to get this view of that big blue sky.
After that, I stopped by Troy’s Snack Shack in downtown Montezuma and finally timed it for the light I’d hoped for on past stops. Now, a photo of Troy’s empty doesn’t tell the story of this Montezuma tradition. It’s been there for decades and it’s always busy!
Troy's Snack Shack - Montezuma, Georgia
Troy's Snack Shack Interior - Montezuma, Georgia
That second one is shot through the plate glass windows – I liked the result!
10
Jun
2009
Gone – Print Available
Another recent print posted from the archives. This is one of my favorites from North Georgia. I wish I even knew exactly where it was. I had spent a day wandering North Georgia. I know for sure I had had visited Brasstown Bald and had snaked across some of North Georgia and driven through Blairsville. Somewhere as the last bit of light peaked over the hills, I saw this on the side of some winding road and had to pull over.
Gone
Whatever lonesome highway it was, I loved this little relic. I would love a little house like this someday – well, in better repair perhaps, but the size fits with my new outlook on life. At any rate, I like to look at this little cottage/cabin in this landscape and imagine a family that once lived there. Maybe someone’s little old grandmother lived her last days there preparing wonderful meals when her family visited.
8
Jun
2009
Just Surf – New Print
I recently posted a new print from the archives. This photo was taken near Santa Cruz, California a couple of years ago.
Just Surf
I had a long weekend in California thanks to a Monday business meeting and used the opportunity to spend some time wandering the Pacific coast. It was my first time seeing the Pacific and my first time seeing anyone surf other than on TV. I have to say while surfing had never grabbed my attention on TV, I literally spent a couple of hours sitting on that rocky shore watching these guys paddle out and catch a wave (or try to) and then paddle back out again. Its definitely a very zen thing to watch, one person trying to find that perfect balance to ride a force of nature. I’m not sold on the idea of doing it myself (yet), but I definitely do enjoy watching it!
