Back from The Brink

In 1970 Humpback Whales were listed as an endangered species. There were estimated to be only 750 whales left in existence. Commercial whaling of this species was stopped internationally although certain countries still hunt other whale species in violation of international law.

Today, the worldwide Humpback Whale population is estimated at 84,000 and increasing. Regional estimates are 18,000–20,000 in the North Pacific,12,000 in the North Atlantic and over 50,000 in the Southern Hemisphere. The population is no longer considered endangered but still protected by NOAA. Because of this protection it is hard to photograph these animals. Boats are not allowed to get closer than 100 yards. If whales approach the boat they are required to shut off their engines and stay in “whale jail” until the whales back off.

We were fortunate to see a lot of whales and managed to get a few images including a mother and baby.

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The Missing Peel

It was like a clue from an Agatha Christie novel. I wondered about how it got there and why. Did the one guy steal it from the other’s lunch and hide the evidence? Did a person throw it there? Did a bird drop it from the sky? Was there a monkey in the area? I’ll never know.

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The Missing Peel

My Virtual Vacation Day 9—Lake Como Italy

We had hoped in retirement to travel the world. So far we have done a pretty good job with trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain and The Czech Republic. However the pandemic has stopped all of that for a while. So while waiting for Africa, Alaska and Scandinavia, our current travel is going to have to be virtual. Today’s stop is tLake Como Italy.

Truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. You can understand why the rich and famous have chosen to live here. Steamer boats travel along the lake to historic villages like Belaggio. It is worth th short train ride from Milan and a spectacular day trip.

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Lake Como Italy

Lake Como Italy

Lake Como Italy

Lake Como Italy

Lake Como Italy

Lake Como Italy

Pittsburgh Party Deck

The empty party deck of the Gateway Party Liner provides a colorful frame for a view of Pittsburgh from the SouthSide across the Monongahela River.

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Pittsburgh Party Deck

Happy Labor Day

Now that I am retired, I think I have a deeper appreciation of those who labor. Of course I worked for a long time and still do creative work every day, but there is work and then there is labor.

I have also done some labor in my time. I worked in a commercial bakery. I worked in supermarkets. I was a cab driver. I have done photography inside nuclear reactors, steel mills and paper mills. I understand what labor is and to all of you who labor…thanks and enjoy your day!

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paddlewheel

Smithsonian Candidate #2…Ghost Ship

I am thinking of entering the Smithsonian Photo Contest even though I have zero chance of winning. I say that not to denigrate my ability as a photographer, but each category already has over 50,000 entries. Sure a lot of them are crap but some, well follow the link above and see for yourself. Also you can only submit work from 1/1/2016 until the present and all works with people must have a model release.

If you are familiar with any of my work (e.g. Moment and Souls) you probably realize I don’t have a lot of model releases.

Fortunately I do have some images that may qualify in other categories and will be publishing some here to see if you feel they quality. Please comment and let me know your thoughts. This is an entry in altered image category of a boat at sunset off La Isla Dora in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

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Ghost Ship

Sunset at the Dock

I took this picture while this boat was at the dock. I couldn’t help but wonder how this would feel to see the sun going while at sea. No other boats around, no land in sight.

Would I feel anxious, peaceful, scared or happy. Probably all of the above making it a unique experience.

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Sunset at the Dock

Sunset at the Dock

Cruising at Sunset

Next time w visit Mexico I have to figure out how to be this guy for a day. This is MY boat. I want this boat and I want to be at sea at sunset and sunrise for that matter. I am planning an ocean cruise but this is different. This boat is a personal yacht to only share with very close friends.

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Cruising at Sunset

Cruising at Sunset

Play Me

In every country we visited throughout Europe we found pianos in public places available for public performance. This one was inside the mall adjacent to the Central Station in Amsterdam. The piano was in tune and pianist actually knew how to play.

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Play Me

Creative Tree Trimming

I have noticed that in Europe there is a formality and structure to even the smallest garden. This attention to detail extends to even the way they trim their trees. This tree is along the Rhine River near Breisach Germany

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Breisach Tree