More Boca Grande

On this day, my brother Cole and I went to Boca Grande. I was still getting used to the new camera, and experimenting in black & white.

Top of the lighthouse.

My brother defying a wave.

More wave watching.

A brown pelican.

Again, we see that birds like going to the beach just as much as we do.

Another thing you'll learn about me is that I like to take photos of things that one would normally ignore. Here, I've captured the essence of the sewage loading pier.

I also like making texturals.

The lighthouse shilluetted against the lowering sun.

Back to color for now. A brown pelican strolls the beach. While I'm not absolutely certain, I think my brother may have taken this photo.

An old pier endures time.

Along Clay Gully Road

I used to love going on drives through the country, and there were lots of places to go around Sarasota. One of my favorites was to head east from Sarasota on State Road 780. It starts out as one of those four- or six-lane urban arteries, and by the time it ends many miles to the east, it's a dirt road.

Normally, I would take 780 from Sarasota to it's eastern terminus at State Road 70. I'd turn right, and go the few remaining miles to Arcadia. Then I'd get onto State Road 72 and head back to Sarasota. It was beautiful country.

These photos were among the first I took with my new (to me) Pentax ME Super. Also decided to experiment a little with black & white.

A sign announces who owns the ranch on the right on Clay Gully Road.

A fence line. I mentioned at one point that I liked convergent subjects; well, I like diagonals as well.


A good indicator of what much of the scenery is like.

I always felt like this is what it would feel like to be 'Out Back'.

Ranch buildings along Clay Gully Road.

Hey, convergence and diagonality!

More Time At Siesta Beach

Yet another of many trips to Siesta Beach. I was showing my brother Al around town, so of course I had to include Siesta Beach.

People are always making sand sculptures. And this one literally is a sandcastle.

Beachgoers enjoying another beautiful sunset.

I can't get enough sunset shots.

A jet ski is a great way to enjoy the water.

Yeah, it's paradise.

One last shot.

Busch Gardens, Tampa

My brother Al came to visit in October of 1992. We decided to go check out Busch Gardens in Tampa. Unfortunately, I left the camera at home, so I had to buy one of those disposable ones.

Some alligators lounging about next to a pond.

Grounds.

Two tigers - orange and white.

The elephant stomping grounds.

Horse stables.

Don't remember.

The theme for Busch Gardens in Tampa is Africa. This almost makes me feel like I'm in the savanna.

I Take A Ride In The Tin Goose!

Yes, you're wondering what is a Tin Goose. It's an airplane, a Ford Tri-Motor to be exact. In February of 1990, a Tin Goose came to the Venice, Florida airport to give tourist rides. I'm not sure how I heard about the rides, but it wouldn't surprise me that I just happened to be driving by the airport and saw the sign.

Actually, I rode the Tin Goose twice. The first time was on February 11, 1990, but I did not have my camara. That's why I think I just happened across the airplane - had I known about it, I would have had the camera. Luckily, they would be back the next week, so on the 18th, I took a second ride, this time with the camera.

It was quite a lot of fun riding in an historic airplane. According to airliners.net, this airplane was flown by Charles Lindbergh for American Airlines, and that he gave Henry Ford his only plane ride in it.

In 1992, the plane was severly damaged by hurricane Andrew, but was repaired. As of 2007, the plane is still alive and well, according to the Sandusky Register.

Tin Goose, tail number N7584.

Inside the cabin.

Just after taking off from Venice airport.

Still climbing out, looking south along the coast.

After a left turn, looking back at the Venice airport.

Looking east over Venice.

Now facing west, with the airport in the background.

Turning to prepare to return to the airport.

Very close to landing. The bridge is Business 41.

Crossing a perpendicular runway while taxing.

A fellow passenger deplanes.

Front of the aircraft.

Colorado Vacation 1989 - Wrap Up

Well, I enjoyed going back to Denver for Thanksgiving. Not only did I get to spend some time with family, I also was able to visit some of my favorite places. I'll have to go back soon.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Whenever I visit a city, I always seem to visit the botanical and zoological gardens. On this trip, I did visit the Denver Botanic Gardens. More information can be found at the Garden's web site; there's a link in the Landmarks I've Visited section.

A view of some residential buildings from the grounds of the Botanic Gardens. I don't know why I took this, but I like the photo.

Along one of the many walkways on the grounds. Note the greenhouse in the background.

The Greenhouse.

A squirrel enjoys a meal.

Japanese garden.

Japanese garden.

Along a trail inside the greenhouse.

Also inside the greenhouse.

A grass amphitheater on the grounds.