Postcards from the 24th Century

Pom Pom

2009-02-14T13:20:00.001-08:00

Pom Pom
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Lone Loon

2009-02-14T13:15:00.001-08:00

Lone Loon
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

I believe this is actually a duck, but I couldn't resist the alliteration. This one was cruising across a lake on an overcast day.

The Reds

2009-02-14T13:13:00.001-08:00

The Reds
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

And each label of Young's wine is from a different remarkable painting of Italian characters.

Plymouth Vineyard

2009-02-14T13:12:00.001-08:00

Plymouth Vineyard
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

This idylic vineyard scene, complete with tiny wooden house, oak trees, and shaggy grape fines with golden leaves, was at Young's Vineyard in Plymouth, CA

Plymouth

2009-02-14T13:09:00.001-08:00

A bit South and East of Sacramento, the Northern California countryside presents some beautiful natural settings and some tasty (and not well known) wine-growing areas.

Shells

2009-02-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

Shells
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

They are a fairly long way from the beach, but with a little post-process brightening, the slight depth of field produces an effect that draws my eye into the colorful mass.

Gazing Into The Ball

2009-02-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

Gazing Into The Ball
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

I found this gazing ball - reflecting a canopy of colorful glass balls - in an eclectic housewares store on the main street.

Rings

2009-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Rings
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The rings really were that rich blue. Desaturating the background makes them pop even more.

A Return to Photographing California

2009-02-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

End of the year slipped by and focused my attentions elsewhere. Photos were taken and, slowly, they're making their way out into the light.

This batch is from a day trip to the small California coastal town of Half-Moon Bay.

Commanding Presence

2008-11-30T12:46:00.001-08:00

Commanding Presence
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The Twirl

2008-11-30T12:46:00.000-08:00

The Twirl
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Play That bass

2008-11-30T12:45:00.001-08:00

Play That bass
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Hats!

2008-11-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

Hats!
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Mexcio Espectacular

2008-11-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

The evening performance at Xcaret was really something to behold. A tour through Mexican history and culture, from pre-hispanic Mayan traditions through a music and dance tour of the different modern Mexican states.

Butterphile

2008-11-28T21:50:00.001-08:00

Butterphile
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Some of the butterflies we saw at Xcaret

Corner Scene

2008-11-28T21:50:00.000-08:00

Corner Scene
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Tequila in the Ground

2008-11-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

Tequila in the Ground
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Blue agave plants along the path in Xcaret.

Belltower

2008-11-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

Belltower
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The tower of a building facade at Xcaret. The bright colors on the stucco and soft pink clouds in the dusky sky were captivating

Vaquero

2008-11-28T21:37:00.000-08:00

Vaquero
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

A cowboy shows off his rope skills as part of a horse and vaquero show at Xcaret.

Yellow Breasted

2008-11-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

Yellow Breasted
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Though the park is definitely tamed and well maintained, there is still a lot of beautiful flora and fauna. Including this bright bird who let me get close enough to catch him with my telephoto lens.

Approaching the Summit

2008-11-28T20:48:00.000-08:00

Approaching the Summit
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Xcaret was once the site of a Mayan port settlement. There are a number of small pyramid structures around the grounds. We climbed this one.

Stately

2008-11-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

Stately
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

He looks quite nice, but this tall bird (egret, I believe) was cruising the fish farm ponds looking for an easy lunch.

Fungi Farm

2008-11-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

Fungi Farm
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The mushroom farm definitely had an otherworldly feeling about it. Especially up close with the macro. Not without its challenges, though...my lens kept fogging up because the humidity in the room was about 100%!

Soft Orange Mouth

2008-11-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

Soft Orange Mouth
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The orchid farm and exhibit at Xcaret was impressive. And were most places I've been would need climate control to grow these delicate flowers, the combination of warm and humid on the Mayan Riviera suited these just fine.

Xcaret Eco Park

2008-11-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

Located on the coast, a short drive South of Playa del Carmen, the Xcaret eco- and adventure-park was one of the trip highlights, despite cloudy and rainy weather. Part nature preserve, part zoo, part cultural heritage museum, part aquatic wonderland (dolphin interaction and snorkling through underground rivers), and part delicious food and drink enjoyment.

Pinks

2008-11-26T17:49:00.003-08:00

Pinks
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Two of the aforementioned flamingos. They're surprising loud in large groups. And, no, they're not plastic.

Storm Brewin'

2008-11-26T17:49:00.001-08:00

Storm Brewin'
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

While this is not the Playa of Playa del Carmen proper, it was fun to walk out along the pier into the growing storm.

At the Edge

2008-11-26T17:48:00.001-08:00

At the Edge
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

This infinity pool (complete with palm-tree studded islands) runs right up against the man-made lagoon (complete with turtles and diving birds) in the middle of the resort.

Lounging

2008-11-26T17:46:00.003-08:00

Lounging
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

El Pistachio, lounging by one of the pools at the Grand Mayan resort in Playa del Carmen. Can you say, "relaxation"?

Corazonas

2008-11-26T17:46:00.001-08:00

Corazonas
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The bright colors and hand-crafted glass of the local culture (I assume).

Central Figure

2008-11-26T17:45:00.001-08:00

Central Figure
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

We were greeted by this faux-Mayan obelisk in the lobby of the Playa resort.

The Sign Made Me Do It

2008-11-26T17:44:00.001-08:00

The Sign Made Me Do It
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

This pretty much sums it up. Outside of the Senor Frogs in Cancun, but just as applicable to the whole Hotel Zone.

Looking East

2008-11-26T17:43:00.001-08:00

Looking East
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

One last look off the balcony in Cancun, over the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.

Wandering South

2008-11-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

We left the luxury hotels and delicious restaurants of Cancun's hotel zone for the even more luxurious resorts of Playa del Carmen, along the Mayan Riviera. Only about 45 minutes South of Cancun, the feeling is dramatically different. Why would you leave the hotel grounds when there's two different pools, a golf course, flamingo and alligator preserves (the enclosed habitats, not the jams), no less than three delicious restaurants, and live entertainment nightly. The setting is still very much in dense jungle, and the daily rain storms did a good job of explaining how the place can get so green.

Swimin' Hole

2008-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Swimin' Hole
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Cenote Ikil from above. Vines extend from the surface-level edges straight down into the pool

Ruins

2008-11-15T11:29:00.001-08:00

Ruins
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The variety of building styles at Chichen Itza was impressive.

Reflecting on Ruins

2008-11-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

Reflecting on Ruins
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Seedpods

2008-11-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Seedpods
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The area has a vibrancy in variety and color.

Jaguar Carvings

2008-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

Jaguar Carvings
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Jaguars held important spiritual significance for the ancient Maya

Faces of Death

2008-11-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

Faces of Death
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Carved along the exterior of one of the ruins.

Mayan Ballgame

2008-11-15T11:21:00.001-08:00

Mayan Ballgame Goal
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

It's high up a vertical wall and the object was to get the ball through the hoop without using your hands.

Athletic Mural

2008-11-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

Athletic Mural
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

This guy is part of a long mural depicting priests playing the traditional Mayan ball game.

Still Life with Serpent and Temple

2008-11-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Still Life with Serpent and Temple
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The park is quite big with a lot of different structures and statues

Kukulcan Pyramid

2008-11-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

Kukulcan Pyramid
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The pyramid from a distance. On the equinoxes, the setting sun creates the shadow of a snake on one side.

Serpent Staircase

2008-11-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Serpent Staircase
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

They don't let you climb the 45-degree angled stairs anymore.

Chichen Itza

2008-11-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

On our only group tour of the trip, we visited Chichen Itza, an site filled with ancient Mayan ruins including the Kukulcan temple which functioned as a calendar. Conquistadors and missionaries destroyed the site, but some structures have been restored. Surrounded by so many archaeological treasures gave quite a feeling of being transported back to a very different time.

On the way back, the tour stopped at a natural fresh water swimming hole called a Cenote. A hole in the earth about 60 yards across that goes straight down for almost 100 feet to a pool of cool refreshing water. It was hot in the jungle, and this dip felt very nice. We even got to jump in from a 30 foot platform carved out of the rock wall.

Estrella

2008-11-10T10:47:00.001-08:00

Estrella
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

It's tough to beat a cold Mexican beer at a beach-front taco stand.

Progress Marches On

2008-11-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Progress Marches On
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The rate of change is staggering. Especially now, in the off season. Hotels being demolished, new ones being built.

Dolphin Pool

2008-11-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

Dolphin Pool
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

One of the dolphins takes a last look before we leave.

Tequila Sunrise

2008-11-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Tequila Sunrise
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Early morning view from the hotel balcony. Yeah, that's the sun rising over the ocean. A bit disconcerting for a California boy.

Aquatic Adventure

2008-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Spent a carefree day wandering the hotel zone and wound up at an aquarium. And, if that wasn't great enough, we spent the afternoon swimming with trained dolphins in the pool complex and feeding sharks while suspended in a plexiglass cage in their giant tank. Is it wrong to enjoy whole fried fish at an aquarium restaurant?

So Many Shades of Blue

2008-11-09T22:39:00.001-08:00

So Many Shades of Blue
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The sky, the sea at the horizon, the shallower water, the frothing green waves. It was really remarkable. All crashing into a beach dotted with thatched umbrellas. Pretty close to paradise.

Infinite Swimming

2008-11-09T22:37:00.001-08:00

Infinite Swimming
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Walking out past the registration desk, we were treated to this inspiring vista.

One Sweet Fortnight

2008-11-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

The wedding was wonderful and followed quickly by a much appreciated tropical vacation. Cancun, Mexico surpassed my expectations in natural beauty, friendly people, exquisite food, and the simple joy of drinking tequila on a beach lounge chair. On the flight in, I was surprised by how lush and dense the jungle in the area was, but we spent the first day exploring the beach nearby our hotel.

Passing the City Through a Fine Mesh Screen

2008-05-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Passing the City Through a Fine Mesh Screen
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

From the 90-somethingth floor of the Hancock building in downtown Chicago.

Heart of the City

2008-05-01T18:15:00.001-07:00

Heart of the City
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

I like the light in this one. It really softens the buildings and the river.

Ediface

2008-05-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Ediface
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Looking almost straight up at the Wrigley building.

River Side

2008-05-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

River Side
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The tilt distortion is pretty intense, but it was a nice view with the bridge and the buildings. I'm not used to seeing a river in the middle of downtown.

Portal

2008-05-01T18:12:00.001-07:00

Portal
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Window in the old water tower. Saved part the town from the Great Chicago Fire

Street Side

2008-05-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Street Side
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Not just public art, but lots of public plantings like this one. It makes Michigan Ave a nice stroll.

Behind the Scenes

2008-05-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Back alley off of Michigan Ave.

Street Level

2008-04-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

Street Level
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The scale of downtown Chicago impressed me first. It's big, but feels like it started small and grew up (like the fire escape that drapes down an almost obscene length of the building).

Architectural

2008-04-29T18:04:00.001-07:00

Architectural
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Walkway to the Music Pavillion at Millenium Park

Millenium Grid

2008-04-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

Millenium Grid
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Part of the Music Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry with the Chicago skyline in the background. I like the lines

Bean in Motion

2008-04-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Bean in Motion
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Driving past Millenium Park. The flowers and the bent reflection from the Bean give this shot a lot of kinetic energy.

Chicago Skylines

2008-04-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Chicago Skylines
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The iconic "Bean," or "Cloud Gate" as it's artist named it. One thing I liked about Chicago was the public art all over the city.

The Long Lost Mascot for Winger

2008-04-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

The Long Lost Mascot for Winger
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Truth is, indeed, sometimes stranger than fiction. I don't I would believe a drawing of this chicken-fro.

(Note: Fun not to scale)

2008-04-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

Party On The Roof
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

On the roof of a minivan of all things...

On Final Approach

2008-04-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

On Final Approach
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The proboscis on this bee is just ridiculous.

Racing Stripes

2008-04-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

Racing Stripes
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The dragonfly waited patiently for the portrait.

The Fullness of Afternoon

2008-04-17T23:01:00.002-07:00

The Fullness of Afternoon
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

I like the white on black.

So a crab and a lemon fall in love...

2008-04-17T23:01:00.001-07:00

So a crab and a lemon fall in love...
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Hand Of Buddha: best citrus ever!

Mischevious Grin

2008-04-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

Mischevious Grin
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Love these pots. When I've got some small plants I'll be going back.

Photography Will Set You Free

2008-04-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Photography Will Set You Free
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Isn't it always the case that just as you walk out, you remember that what you wanted to shoot was inside. Was for Matt.

Urban Safari

2008-04-17T22:59:00.001-07:00

Urban Safari
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Scott stalking his photos in the Berkeley Horticulture Center

Geometric

2008-04-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Geometric
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The distortion is straight from the camera - no photoshop involved. Still don't know quite what caused it.

Under Pressure

2008-04-17T22:58:00.002-07:00

Under Pressure
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Should've blown out the background.

Pollenate

2008-04-17T22:58:00.001-07:00

Pollenate
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Prickly

2008-04-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

Prickly
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Wheaty

2008-04-17T22:57:00.001-07:00

Wheaty
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Icy Cold

2008-04-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

Icy Cold
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

A little desaturation goes a long way

Mickey

2008-04-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Mickey
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Mickey graciously posed for photos while telling us about when he got turned on to photography (presumably it was before he got turned on to worm composting). Turns out they're both pretty gross stories.

Olive Oil

2008-04-17T22:55:00.002-07:00

Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Restrained

2008-04-17T22:55:00.001-07:00

Restrained
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Articopia

2008-04-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

Articopia
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

One Woman Band

2008-04-17T22:54:00.003-07:00

One Woman Band
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Lost in Thought

2008-04-17T22:54:00.002-07:00

Lost in Thought
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Does it get more Berkeley than this guy?

Shutterbug

2008-04-17T22:54:00.001-07:00

Shutterbug
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Wouldn't be a photowalk without photographers

Finally Caught That Unicycle

2008-04-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

Finally Caught That Unicycle
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Golden State

2008-04-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

Golden State
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Just a California Poppy interlude

Spit Shine

2008-04-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

Spit Shine
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Fountain in the courtyard at the Huntington Beach Hyatt

Everyone, Lean

2008-04-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone, Lean
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

A patch of wild sunflowers. I'd like to revisit this photo with some serious post-processing.

Windows to the West

2008-04-06T22:47:00.001-07:00

Windows to the West
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Sunset over the ocean in Southern California

I Love The Smell of Sea Spray In The Morning

2008-04-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

I Love The Smell of Sea Spray In The Morning
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Waking up overlooking the beach. It's tough to overestimate how great it is.

Bridge and City

2008-03-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

Bridge and City
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Returning to the city, we stopped for the view.

Mouth of the Bay

2008-03-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

Mouth of the Bay
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

From the Marin Headlands looking out over the Golden Gate, the bridge, and the city in the background.

Poised to Explode

2008-03-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Poised to Explode
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

The far and the very near.

Spring in Sonoma Valley

2008-03-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

Cacophony
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Vanishing Point

2008-03-12T22:20:00.001-07:00

Vanishing Point
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.

Mustard plants and grape vines.

Spring Pastoral

2008-03-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

Spring Pastoral
Originally uploaded by 24thcentury.