tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17961321477521462372024-03-13T15:44:44.935-07:00A Photo eye on Boston & BeyondUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-12861898518651888202021-12-21T18:00:00.004-08:002021-12-21T18:00:40.261-08:00Christmas Cookies 2021<p>I enjoyed <a href="https://snappingboston.blogspot.com/2020/12/christmas-cookies-2020.html">sharing my Christmas baking efforts last year</a>, so I'll share again in 2021, although only a few new faces this year. Recipes are at the end of this post. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilUHjnqLdD7JDKcyXgxWH84E4qxPe-C_unvjgiF1RkZHLBnf1474r-LUn3JRHnNZcXlrlpoCKC1seI-zwjKHhN6le2cTRBYJoEs8bLCYxTuz4NAjd6q2DB8QBViiOF2pW7Dz1zQkZLCc6muwxbA1_6W8Dhsl8pBb148WgcAfp50eQ-3G8O3wv5sZMy=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1280" height="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilUHjnqLdD7JDKcyXgxWH84E4qxPe-C_unvjgiF1RkZHLBnf1474r-LUn3JRHnNZcXlrlpoCKC1seI-zwjKHhN6le2cTRBYJoEs8bLCYxTuz4NAjd6q2DB8QBViiOF2pW7Dz1zQkZLCc6muwxbA1_6W8Dhsl8pBb148WgcAfp50eQ-3G8O3wv5sZMy=w640-h565" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The two additions this year are the topmost cookies - Butter Pecan and Peppermint Bark.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Butter Pecan</span></b></p><p>I can't recall how I happened don this one - I think a hint somewhere got me looking at recipes. Or maybe it was the spare pecans - I usually add them to my Chocolate Chip cookies but forgot to this year so I had extras pecans lying around.</p><p>These ended up being a tasty cookie. Strangely enough, they taste better the next day after they have crisped up a bit. Once crunchy, you can taste the nutty flavour. The nutty flavour comes more from the cooking than the pecans - the pecans are roasted in butter before baking, and the butter is browned before adding to the recipe. Both of those activities left the kitchen smelling wonderful. The only change I might make would be to add more pecans during baking. I mixed it well, but some cookies didn't have enough pecan for my tastes. Perhaps my personal taste. Recipe suggested some salt on them, which I forgot - that can add a bit of flavour...</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Peppermint Bark</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2lTbZinjhjPGYqttEZUtTGYNWbtlnA2BJWPNZb1uZm3SoqKZCghr7ndT1Q5dso_1lhntS2tP2DnG1WNLXWAfeGsqxa8EcIyKQX34kQAVDv06WS-m_mVBLqlIMfiedeiBqVl8zQ1VpfUSAOLdtFKrmLiQLjCbc-_ttXGHL4jqWpWQNLodbab_mUWvb=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2lTbZinjhjPGYqttEZUtTGYNWbtlnA2BJWPNZb1uZm3SoqKZCghr7ndT1Q5dso_1lhntS2tP2DnG1WNLXWAfeGsqxa8EcIyKQX34kQAVDv06WS-m_mVBLqlIMfiedeiBqVl8zQ1VpfUSAOLdtFKrmLiQLjCbc-_ttXGHL4jqWpWQNLodbab_mUWvb=w640-h429" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I made these bars on a lark. Someone on a FB Cookie Group has posted a photo of her bark cookies as part of her Xmas baking and it intrigued me. Also intriguing was how easy these are to make - basically melt chocolate and pour. Came out pretty good, given my first attempt. Will have to try better chocolate next year. And maybe some white white chocolate :) The green and red candy canes were a nice find. All that aside they are super tasty, and I'll be giving them a shot next year!</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">the Recipes</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcLmFACPP_17ZPDMVxFCzanEHeUzqnDYF6icQiyn-xKf9kHHd0oyWs1z6P3vwpHsne8SK4Tlyk6wgMEe2Qdnx0uFGf7-aWUwO4LmYYL5zGt49WZAN4JjVGMFsWKWrLV-X9_cuJTR7fsnVSVTKOB8jftjG9R-F-c6Sk6nSALl2x66lAAPaPmAPcTV6M=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1280" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcLmFACPP_17ZPDMVxFCzanEHeUzqnDYF6icQiyn-xKf9kHHd0oyWs1z6P3vwpHsne8SK4Tlyk6wgMEe2Qdnx0uFGf7-aWUwO4LmYYL5zGt49WZAN4JjVGMFsWKWrLV-X9_cuJTR7fsnVSVTKOB8jftjG9R-F-c6Sk6nSALl2x66lAAPaPmAPcTV6M=w640-h616" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">Top row:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.thebakingchocolatess.com/perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies" target="_blank">Chocolate Chip Cookies</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/almost-famous-peppermint-bark-recipe-2120609" target="_blank">Peppermint bark</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bakerbynature.com/butter-pecan-cookies/">Butter Pecan cookies</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Row:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://snappingboston.blogspot.com/2020/12/grannies-shortbread.html" target="_blank">Grannie's Shortbread</a> (my literal grandmother)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.cookedbyjulie.com/mm-cookies/?fbclid=IwAR1XcsvC4CYRxbZpamSwC3zxbfLBcMhMle-sNJ99sUnW8AvCO0zUraXXN4M" target="_blank">M&M Cookies</a> (Highly recommended)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chocolate-crinkle-cookies/941e22b3-9a48-4fb1-bdb0-27479e76d484" target="_blank">Chocolate Crinkles</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Baking!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-1740828894284377222020-12-21T19:16:00.007-08:002021-12-11T15:01:25.301-08:00Christmas Cookies 2020<p>
I went a little overboard baking this year - perhaps too much COVID
time. At least my neighbors are enjoying them.
Thought I would share some recipes here (and so I don't lose
them). To keep this photography-related - This is a reminder I
should practice my food photography - the iPhone can only get me so far.
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For the 5 cookies, I made dough each day of the week and put it in the
fridge. That was the easy part. Baking them all on a
Saturday was the exhausting part. Lessons learned - start baking
earlier in the day, and let the dough warm up a bit before trying to scoop it
out.
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Starting with the diamonds at the bottom and going clockwise
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<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">👉Grannie's shortbread </h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Those golden diamonds are not in any book, but an old family recipe that I've decided to share.
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://snappingboston.blogspot.com/2020/12/grannies-shortbread.html" target="_blank">Check out the recipe on my other blog post here</a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvSqv4TJdpg/X-AgHpYTUFI/AAAAAAAAEqU/ZdDOOvzOy04iPc-J_D-XhEnzzFr10p24wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201213-IMG_1966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="2048" height="514" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvSqv4TJdpg/X-AgHpYTUFI/AAAAAAAAEqU/ZdDOOvzOy04iPc-J_D-XhEnzzFr10p24wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h514/20201213-IMG_1966.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">👉Red Velvet white chocolate chip</h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.cookingclassy.com/red-velvet-white-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">Recipe here</a>
- kind of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The website had an 'original' recipe and a 'new'
recipe. Since then (all of 2 weeks ago) the original has
disappeared, so the cookie made here can't be made again. :)
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These were a bit of a challenge. I scooped them while they were still
cold, so some baked into weird shapes. Next time I'll let them
thaw a little, then make them into proper balls.
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Next problem were the (vanilla) chocolate chips. The recipe said
coca butter chips are the best to use. What a mistake. :)
the chips near the bottom of the cookie just melted and candied the
bottom of the cookies. The rest just turned into puddles.
You can see some of the white globs above. You can also see some
burned chips. No fun. Next time I'll try Ghiradelli
and see if they last better.
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That being said - these were very tasty nonetheless.
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<span></span>👉M&M Cookies
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.cookedbyjulie.com/mm-cookies/?fbclid=IwAR1XcsvC4CYRxbZpamSwC3zxbfLBcMhMle-sNJ99sUnW8AvCO0zUraXXN4M" target="_blank">Recipe here</a> Photo at top of page</div>
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Every year I try a different M&M recipe. They're usually good, but not
great. I have now found great.
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I'm not sure if it's a good recipe, or if it is because this recipe calls for
more M&Ms than usual, plus it has you add chocolate chips for good
measure. These are amazing. My search is over!
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<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">👉Italian Lemon Ricotta</h4>
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<a href="https://www.cookedbyjulie.com/italian-lemon-ricotta-cookies/" target="_blank">Recipe here</a>
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I tried this on a lark. I like lemon, and these reminded me of childhood
cookie. Ironically, I thought these were good, just not great.
Maybe the other high sugar cookies have me spoiled. But they were
good and the neighbors loved them. I tried drizzling the topping
on, but dipping the top of the cookie in the glaze worked best, and was
actually less messy.
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<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span>👉Chocolate Chip</h4>
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<a href="https://www.thebakingchocolatess.com/perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies" target="_blank">Recipe here</a> Photo at top of page
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Well, who doesn't love a good chocolate chip cookie. But like
M&M cookies, there's no shortage of recipes out there. And there are
a LOT. I randomly picked one of the many 'this is the best'
from a FB cookie group, and I struck gold. I think they are
literally the perfect chocolate chip cookie for me! Lots of chips, great
texture, and lots of chips. I definitely need to make these again.
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<span></span>👉Chocolate Crinkles
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<a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chocolate-crinkle-cookies/941e22b3-9a48-4fb1-bdb0-27479e76d484" target="_blank">Recipe here</a> Photo above
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I got this from a cookie book, but there are a million crinkle recipes out
there. The one above is closest so what my book has. These
are a fun cookie - nice and chocolaty. You can make these nice and
small so they are bite-size. And they're a fun cookie to make with kids
- roll balls like play dough and sugaring them up. My only tip is
to really coat them with powdered sugar. It melts a little when they
bake, so if you have a light coating, you won't have white powder on the
cookies when done. (if you have a cookie like that, you can sprinkle
powdered sugar on them afterward. They'll look different but are
still tasty)
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I hope some of these inspire you!!
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-32802125626521265542020-12-20T18:13:00.003-08:002020-12-20T18:13:26.922-08:00Grannie's Shortbread<h2 style="text-align: center;">It's time to share</h2><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tf-mQiexzc/X99xM5gFFmI/AAAAAAAAEpw/On6rfVrQbcYG5n2h95WUvBplQLD_DVYkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201213-IMG_1968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1876" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tf-mQiexzc/X99xM5gFFmI/AAAAAAAAEpw/On6rfVrQbcYG5n2h95WUvBplQLD_DVYkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w586-h640/20201213-IMG_1968.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I've been making my grandmother's shortbread forever - the 'secret' family recipe. The time has come to share the recipe, with both the family and all the great bakers I'm meeting on FB. Grannie used to make this in round cake pans, but I find doing it on a cookie sheet gets me some nice crisp shortbread.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u>Recipe</u></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1lb butter (salted)</li><li>1 cup granulated sugar, plus a handful or two</li><li>4 cups flour (all purpose)</li></ul><p></p><p>350 degrees, 30-40 minutes or until golden brown</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u>Directions</u></h3><p>Bring butter to room temperature</p><p>Using your hands, mix the butter and sugar until well combined</p><p>Add the flour a bit at a time (a cup-ish) , hand mixing until well combined before adding the next bit of flour. You're basically giving time for the flour to absorb the butter. You could add it all at once, but it would take forever to mix. Once mixed, let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes to continue to absorb and mix with the butter.</p><p>Line a baking sheet with a brown paper bag. You can cut the bag down to size before baking. </p><p>Form the dough into a long log and place in the center of the sheet. Using hands (or rolling pin if you like) to spread the dough until it fills the pan, Do your best to make it even throughout the pan.</p><p>Using a fork, make a lot of holes in the dough. This will help in the baking process and ensure the center is nice and crisp.</p><p>Cut any excess bag off and place in center rack int he oven. Back for 3-040 minutes or until they look golden.</p><p>Once out of the oven sprinkle the top liberally with sugar. Then cut the shortbread into pieces while it is still warm from the oven. (As it cools the shortbread will crisp up and be impossible to cut without it falling apart). </p><p>Enjoy!!</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u>Details</u></h3><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AaBARspT6Q/X99s4-PnxUI/AAAAAAAAEos/QSRuJhrkjEEv0icUXK4tJFSVilxHOvVDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201212-IMG_1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1738" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AaBARspT6Q/X99s4-PnxUI/AAAAAAAAEos/QSRuJhrkjEEv0icUXK4tJFSVilxHOvVDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w340-h400/20201212-IMG_1938.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once mixed and allowed to rest, it will have a consistency like play-doh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85mRHxWz98c/X99s4xWXAKI/AAAAAAAAEoo/lLX6-uQ4bS05eD_EgRSUckJY82ADYbHdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201212-IMG_1939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85mRHxWz98c/X99s4xWXAKI/AAAAAAAAEoo/lLX6-uQ4bS05eD_EgRSUckJY82ADYbHdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201212-IMG_1939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I work the dough into the try by hand - the uneven look makes the shortbread more interesting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can also roll out with a rolling pin. Might be interesting to try going over with a patterned roller.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here I've already cut the bag down - I wait until all rolled out in case things shift on the pan while I'm spreading the dough</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The brown paper will absorb a lot of the oil - I never tried using regular parchment paper, that would prevent sticking but wouldn't absorb anything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NQECNybH6k/X99s4-uFfaI/AAAAAAAAEok/3bahrN2GzJIxesMpeYl2IbSlQbbzMj84QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1582/20201212-IMG_1941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="1532" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NQECNybH6k/X99s4-uFfaI/AAAAAAAAEok/3bahrN2GzJIxesMpeYl2IbSlQbbzMj84QCLcBGAsYHQ/w388-h400/20201212-IMG_1941.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiDVULLlG5M/X99s5NS3xXI/AAAAAAAAEow/uBEybNoTs74qFhZFpT4J0pxFcN_8uLYnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201212-IMG_1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiDVULLlG5M/X99s5NS3xXI/AAAAAAAAEow/uBEybNoTs74qFhZFpT4J0pxFcN_8uLYnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h404/20201212-IMG_1943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The recipe calls for poking holes throughout - I do so with a fork</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I assume this is to ensure consistent baking throughout, so I've never tried not doing this. If you make this in 2 smaller pans you might not need the holes, but they do make the shortbread interesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since you will cut into smaller pieces, you can poke holes freehand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5kyvDdUMVg/X99s5X6KQAI/AAAAAAAAEo0/ChPdsyw2V7EciTI7NxarSlHPN5nOnz2HACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201212-IMG_1944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1599" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5kyvDdUMVg/X99s5X6KQAI/AAAAAAAAEo0/ChPdsyw2V7EciTI7NxarSlHPN5nOnz2HACLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h640/20201212-IMG_1944.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shortbread right out of the oven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I let bake it a little longer to make a bit crisper, (and my friend loves the crispy ends)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can tell by the color variations that my oven isn't quite consistent, but it all tastes good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky7uiAC48yw/X99s5S7NTmI/AAAAAAAAEo4/U6NNe7aYrvA4ft3Gs47OkzPBOL92vJKQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201212-IMG_1946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky7uiAC48yw/X99s5S7NTmI/AAAAAAAAEo4/U6NNe7aYrvA4ft3Gs47OkzPBOL92vJKQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/20201212-IMG_1946.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grab a handful (or two) of sugar and sprinkle it all over the shortbread.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You don't have to be perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX1mqEuVRlQ/X99s5R5-PxI/AAAAAAAAEo8/G6ygcVoXiMc9wrMSrqyWoW789l6Lk1t6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201212-IMG_1947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX1mqEuVRlQ/X99s5R5-PxI/AAAAAAAAEo8/G6ygcVoXiMc9wrMSrqyWoW789l6Lk1t6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201212-IMG_1947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make sure you cut this right out of the oven, before the shortbread starts to crisp up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAa9lvoyFLc/X99s5k7tVQI/AAAAAAAAEpE/LFP2-qEJbywgw0_5OpUenf3fI45gYJ7KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201212-IMG_1950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAa9lvoyFLc/X99s5k7tVQI/AAAAAAAAEpE/LFP2-qEJbywgw0_5OpUenf3fI45gYJ7KQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201212-IMG_1950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I make the second cut on the diagonal to be more interesting than plain old squares</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also like small, bite-size pieces. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These manage to be a nice 2 bite snack</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujs3hXB__00/X99s5lVz6VI/AAAAAAAAEpA/e05sVhlppu0mRdfwmay6vIQ_1cEkgBRhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201212-IMG_1951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujs3hXB__00/X99s5lVz6VI/AAAAAAAAEpA/e05sVhlppu0mRdfwmay6vIQ_1cEkgBRhACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h472/20201212-IMG_1951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let cool in the pan an hour or two and then put in a container, or serve!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Will keep in an airtight container for a few weeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These also freeze well - just allow to come back to room temperature on their own</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you enjoy the family recipe! Leave a comment if you try it and it works out well!</span><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-81382637492238104462020-07-16T20:04:00.001-07:002020-07-16T20:04:46.503-07:00Fan Pier Remnants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WM-u2ySNafQ/XwvfJbhrSaI/AAAAAAAAEU0/lKFGI2hd-mEgd8xQ6B3zrLlYuVhUIWp8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200711-DSC_3407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="2048" height="373" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WM-u2ySNafQ/XwvfJbhrSaI/AAAAAAAAEU0/lKFGI2hd-mEgd8xQ6B3zrLlYuVhUIWp8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h373/20200711-DSC_3407.jpg" width="625" /></a>
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<i>The Last Days of the Northern Avenue Bridge</i>
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I posted a photo of an old railroad diamond to an
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/abandonedrails/about/" target="_blank">Abandoned Railroads group on Facebook</a>. Well, the post got so many "likes" I figured I would take some more photos of the area, which turned into a blog post...
So here is the history of that diamond.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYGPUBALyAE/XwvNleBp91I/AAAAAAAAETc/vNCQkiuzsSIRiZNq015trTGO0LZ-bjsOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200628-DSC_3379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="419" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYGPUBALyAE/XwvNleBp91I/AAAAAAAAETc/vNCQkiuzsSIRiZNq015trTGO0LZ-bjsOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h419/20200628-DSC_3379.jpg" width="625" /></a>
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<i>The diamond that started it all</i>
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The area of Boston now known at the Searport District was once, well, a
seaport. Lots of industry. Plenty of shipping.
And railroads. Lots of railroads. Railroads before there was land. The New York and New England Railroad ran through the Dorchester mudflats, as they were called, on its way into Boston, terminating close to where the current South Station is located.
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<div>Of all the yard trackage that used to fill the Fort Point area, there are only two remnants left in place. One is a semi-active yard track that
goes by the Convention center, with abandoned tracks continuing to the
Design Center. This is the track that runs next to the South Boston Bypass Road. The other remnant is some rusted rails near the old Northern Avenue Bridge.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8A2nytiOHs/XwvZpFI6_5I/AAAAAAAAEUY/sX51e2nrYwwIw5r14FwUp84TSQvPWpUoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/20191227-Fort%2BPoint%2B1901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="960" height="489" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8A2nytiOHs/XwvZpFI6_5I/AAAAAAAAEUY/sX51e2nrYwwIw5r14FwUp84TSQvPWpUoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h489/20191227-Fort%2BPoint%2B1901.jpg" width="625" /></a>
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<i>Seaport area in its heyday</i>
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<i>Fan Pier on the left</i>
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<i>Northern Avenue Bridge in the center</i>
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<i>More New Haven yards in the background</i>
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<i>(Photo from internet)</i>
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<div>The first track of the diamond has to do with the waterfront end of the yard.</div><div><br /></div><div>Left in the photograph above (and below) is a stub-end yard. The yard fans out to a set of team tracks - This fan track layout gave this particular area the name Fan Pier. A Federal courthouse now stands on this location. </div><div><br /></div><div>(Thanks to Paul Cutler on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/bostonhistory/?ref=nf_target&fref=nf&__tn__=C-R" target="_blank">History of Boston FB group</a>: "The Fan Pier (A.K.A. Pier 1) was mostly for team tracks. A "team track" was a railroad term used when setting out freight cars for customers that didn't have dedicated railroad sidings of their own but still needed boxcar-sized shipments. The customer would load or unload the boxcar with a wagon hauled by a "team" of horses, thus the term. In the above pic, note that the tracks fan out to allow extra paved space between pairs of tracks to allow wagons and later trucks to load or unload the cars.")</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUAV_Gka2-M/XxD2OW1S6fI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/uwh_e0HXAj8tLGiQBLHBgftxIvm-j_YVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1029/Fan%2Ban%2BPier%2Bfrom%2BBoston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1029" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUAV_Gka2-M/XxD2OW1S6fI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/uwh_e0HXAj8tLGiQBLHBgftxIvm-j_YVACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h486/Fan%2Ban%2BPier%2Bfrom%2BBoston.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A better view of the Fan of Fan pier.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The boxcar next to the barge is the track that is half of our diamond</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Internet photo)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the fan tracks, another siding followed the water's edge around Fan Pier. I can only assume this track was used to load/unload freight directly from ships into freight cars.
I have not read any history about that area, but in the image above we can not only see a freight car right next to a barge, but the tracks themselves are on piers. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first track of our diamond is this track, as it went between the dock area to the yards, passing right in front of the Northern Avenue Bridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below is a map snapshot showing our waterfront trackage crossing the bridge trackage (circled in red) For the full map, please follow the link to my friends at WardMaps. <a href="https://wardmapsgifts.com/collections/south-boston-massachusetts-1919/products/south-boston-massachusetts-1919-plate-002" target="_blank">Complete map if the Fan Pier area, from 1919</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNaMCUKWjgI/Xw_VO2GLbSI/AAAAAAAAEXs/8z1nkRinURAsq64SID0sLiIN6TdCp1mNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1272/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-16%2Bat%2B12.17.34%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1272" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNaMCUKWjgI/Xw_VO2GLbSI/AAAAAAAAEXs/8z1nkRinURAsq64SID0sLiIN6TdCp1mNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h460/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-16%2Bat%2B12.17.34%2BAM.png" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<i>Fan Pier and Northern Ave diamond (upper left)</i>
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<div>The second track of the diamond sent freight from the yards, down the center of Northern Avenue itself, across the Northern Ave Bridge, and directly into
downtown Boston. </div>
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<div>Built in 1908, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Avenue_Bridge" target="_blank">Northern Avenue Bridge</a> is a "Pratt-type through-truss bridge with a rim-bearing center span that swung open to allow for water traffic". It is one of three bridges crossing Boston's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Point_Channel" target="_blank">Fort Point Channel</a>.
(Once an active shipping channel, each of the three bridges used a different
method to open.) The Northern Avenue Bridge was built to have three
'lanes' - one each for North and South automobile traffic, and a center lane containing a railroad track. </div>
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Once over the bridge, this track ran down the center of Atlantic Avenue -
servicing all of the warehouses and businesses on Boston's waterfront.
The railroad continued around Atlantic to Commercial street, finally
crossing the Charles River to connect to B&M Railroad in the North
Station area. This operation is detailed in the book
<a href="https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/crs-rcon#:~:text=%24%2012.95&text=Author%20and%20photographer%20Frank%20Kyper,railroading%20between%201957%20and%201977.&text=While%20%22The%20Railroad%20That%20Came,wide%20sampling%20of%20railroading%20subjects." target="_blank">The Railroad That Came Out At Night</a>
- a great read if you are interested in inner-city railroading.
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<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0708/5387/products/crs-rcon.jpeg?v=1542951359" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="419" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0708/5387/products/crs-rcon.jpeg?v=1542951359" width="419" /></a>
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A sample of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Freight_Railroad" target="_blank">Union Freight Railroad</a> on Atlantic Avenue, and the docks it served, can be seen in
<a href="https://wardmapsgifts.com/collections/atlas-of-boston-massachusetts-1928/products/boston-massachusetts-1928-plate-007" target="_blank">this WardMaps map from 1928</a>.
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<div><br /></div><div>But time moves on, leaving the heyday of railroading behind. Freight moved to trucks, and the New Haven Railroad was soon no more. The old railyards turned into parking lots, which, in the last 5 years, have given way to office buildings, expensive condos, and a
rebranding of the area as The Seaport District. </div>
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The Northern Avenue Bridge itself has succumbed to time as well. It was closed to cars in 1997 due to structural deficiencies, and in 2014 was closed to Pedestrians for the same reason. (1 block away, the
fixed-span Moakley Bridge now carries vehicle traffic over the
Channel.) In 2015 the coast guard ordered the Northern Avenue Bridge to be locked in the open position, never to carry traffic again, Railroad or otherwise. (There was fear the bridge would literally collapse, falling into and blocking navigation of the Channel.)</div>
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The diamond that started this blog post, and a short pavement-covered track area, are all that is left of this hub of railroad activity. And even those remnants are living on borrowed time. In 2020 a final design of a
<a href="https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2020/05/06/new-northern-avenue-bridge" target="_blank">new Northern Avenue bridge </a>(mostly pedestrian-only) bridge was presented, with construction not too far in the future.
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<div>Below are some images of what remains of this once busy junction.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/50106914296/in/photostream" title="Last Train to Boston"><img alt="Last Train to Boston" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50106914296_b8d64d3d97_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>View looking north over the old bridge</i>
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Above is your best view. The pavement is old enough you can see
the impressions of the old rails, apparently just paved over rather than
removed. Going from left to right are the tracks that
went from the yard to Fan Pier itself. The tracks going away
from you go over the bridge into Boston.
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<div>Some additional views</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKMYIVzuafE/Xw_DS3JGk4I/AAAAAAAAEVg/8GGEtEJUksMF-KdEFwyJryImq_XlAxP7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200711-DSC_3411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1368" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKMYIVzuafE/Xw_DS3JGk4I/AAAAAAAAEVg/8GGEtEJUksMF-KdEFwyJryImq_XlAxP7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w419-h625/20200711-DSC_3411.jpg" width="419" /></a>
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<i>The bridge is to our left</i>
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<i>These tracks would continue on and follow the curve of Fan Pier</i>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvaHYJqiMNM/Xw_Fy6P4Y7I/AAAAAAAAEWM/WSvRnejknmUoDUJ5Hy7YIZd9tvcUO26UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200711-DSC_3418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="781" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvaHYJqiMNM/Xw_Fy6P4Y7I/AAAAAAAAEWM/WSvRnejknmUoDUJ5Hy7YIZd9tvcUO26UgCLcBGAsYHQ/w524-h781/20200711-DSC_3418.jpg" width="524" /></a>
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<i>Close-up of tracks to fan pier.</i>
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<i>The rails have become exposed as the asphalt wears away</i>
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<i>This is the diamond joint in my original image</i>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzZGNngJfZ8/Xw_GPYpLrWI/AAAAAAAAEWU/Vfquv-pWWIg5oZRlMCC2E-WzIMNC-kbMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200711-DSC_3421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="781" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzZGNngJfZ8/Xw_GPYpLrWI/AAAAAAAAEWU/Vfquv-pWWIg5oZRlMCC2E-WzIMNC-kbMACLcBGAsYHQ/w524-h781/20200711-DSC_3421.jpg" width="524" /></a>
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<i>A close up of the rails</i>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPv7q2gORjM/Xw_EfmFfaHI/AAAAAAAAEVw/-WqqwLBsAYodRT_Ewo58vUF0XVDZAIBAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200711-DSC_3417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="419" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPv7q2gORjM/Xw_EfmFfaHI/AAAAAAAAEVw/-WqqwLBsAYodRT_Ewo58vUF0XVDZAIBAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h419/20200711-DSC_3417.jpg" width="625" /></a>
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<i>The bridge is to our right</i>
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<i>No yard anymore - now a seafood restaurant
<a href="http://barkingcrab.com/" target="_blank">The Barking Crab</a></i>
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<i>Grab some lunch if you are railfanning!</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1c0hqbWVyc/XxEUrAn1jlI/AAAAAAAAEYs/AWRhT6_HwY8MZKosKdjz7OAdbCQzJPb4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200711-DSC_3416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="781" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1c0hqbWVyc/XxEUrAn1jlI/AAAAAAAAEYs/AWRhT6_HwY8MZKosKdjz7OAdbCQzJPb4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w524-h781/20200711-DSC_3416.jpg" width="524" /></a>\</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>With the bridge at our back, tracks cross the diamond and would have continued down Northern Avenue. As we can see modern development has taken over the old railyards</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGAcU0_hdf4/Xw_GqvhM9jI/AAAAAAAAEW0/AaWqMXzKuz0XJl7D0cEFUG98SkA3ucNswCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200711-DSC_3413.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="781" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGAcU0_hdf4/Xw_GqvhM9jI/AAAAAAAAEW0/AaWqMXzKuz0XJl7D0cEFUG98SkA3ucNswCLcBGAsYHQ/w524-h781/20200711-DSC_3413.jpg" width="524" /></a>
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<i>Looking over the bridge<br />Pavement tracks give way to
grass-tracks beyond the fence</i>
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Thanks for visiting. Hopefully you've found this interesting,
and learned a bit of Boston history.
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If you'd like to 'railfan', you can stop by
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/vH2bavr6TRUw6mn77" target="_blank">Northern Ave and Sleeper Street</a>. Close to South Station (Red Line) and Courthouse Station
(Silver Line bus), as well as plenty of parking in the area.
Restaurants and the harbor walk give you plenty of stuff to do.
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If you like to railfan and don't mind walking, these aren't too far
away. (Perhaps future blog posts?)
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/bqYfArzE4Dzo4raY8" target="_blank">West Second street</a>
- you can see the other rail line, currently re-purposed to test new
subway cars
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<li>
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/AytTA92EbqBckhwt5" target="_blank">Rolling Bridge Park</a>
- a view of the tracks out of South Station and the Red Line yards
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<li>
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/qNKAKd1bJr5JuxkU9" target="_blank">Broadway Bridge</a>
- Overhead view of Cabor yards and MBTA's South Side traffic
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<li>
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/oFU2LTWmsEcZw3PS6" target="_blank">Ink Under park </a>- view of the channel and MBTA/Amtrak southbound traffic.
Under the highway, so shady and plenty of seating.
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</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/50118170422/in/photostream" title="Stately Past"></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/50118170422/in/photostream" title="Stately Past"><i><img alt="Stately Past" height="369" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50118170422_67fe41216f_z.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Northern Avenue Bridge, with old tracks, and city skyscrapers in the background</i></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2422/2937/files/WardMaps_Logo_Simple_978b6ea1-e78f-4e66-842c-58996cee5f6b_200x@2x.jpg?v=1553178103" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="400" height="74" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2422/2937/files/WardMaps_Logo_Simple_978b6ea1-e78f-4e66-842c-58996cee5f6b_200x@2x.jpg?v=1553178103" width="320" /></a>
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This blog entry wouldn't be complete without giving credit to WardMaps
(at <a href="https://wardmapsgifts.com/">wardmapsgifts.com</a>).
They have scanned in old maps of Boston, and offer them as prints at a
reasonable price. If you live in the Boston area, they have a
physical store just outside of Porter Square. (Boston used to
publish large books of city maps by Ward (Election/representative area),
hence Ward Maps). Over time they have expanded and carry maps of cities all over the world. Please consider visiting and get a railroad or neighborhood print for your home!
</div>
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<div><font size="5">See more of my photography on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/" target="_blank">my Flickr pages</a></font></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-47794864270117816272020-04-10T17:49:00.000-07:002020-04-10T20:12:04.693-07:00Early Season Birding in Franklin ParkI went birding in mid-march, hoping to catch the warblers coming through. Unfortunately, I was too early for the warblers, but there were plenty of other birds filling the air.<br />
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First off, the location. I've become very fond of Franklin Park. The park is a short walk from the subway. has an open field, some 'wild' forest. And a pond. Scarboro pond is where many of the birds like hanging out - close to ware and meadow, a walk around the pond will find you many birds.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlhDkj920YU/XpEKixZVZjI/AAAAAAAAEIg/qK6Z7KQ6cCQt9Eq5bwFTD4QVQlvHWkQ6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200321-DSC_2698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlhDkj920YU/XpEKixZVZjI/AAAAAAAAEIg/qK6Z7KQ6cCQt9Eq5bwFTD4QVQlvHWkQ6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200321-DSC_2698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Bridge over Scarboro pond</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijc26jPy6es/XpEKiPFoiXI/AAAAAAAAEIY/_zg_b91G18Q8nBk3gJKg1bH3WgZoW2CBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200321-DSC_2662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijc26jPy6es/XpEKiPFoiXI/AAAAAAAAEIY/_zg_b91G18Q8nBk3gJKg1bH3WgZoW2CBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200321-DSC_2662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>New growth coming from the shallow end of the pond</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6gY9o5q3ts/XpEKiIwuKyI/AAAAAAAAEIc/Rk0cOoqeEh0QVObaIJLULk6paKI5IOpSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200321-DSC_2663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1210" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6gY9o5q3ts/XpEKiIwuKyI/AAAAAAAAEIc/Rk0cOoqeEh0QVObaIJLULk6paKI5IOpSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200321-DSC_2663.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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<i>New pine tree brings green to the leaf-less forest</i></div>
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Trees aren't the only place to find birds - many forage not he ground, or hang out in brush near the pond and meadow.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkRK2rGRCgI/XpEKiIN8m8I/AAAAAAAAEI8/g7Ep2F0EICo7hWIPJkAt3nRAJ9HGc8K1ACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoAcvFaCXx6OAmEYK2PDKkPfOI7negydUlKKyDSAT8qznnlAmJYXzpjjKHw8KXUJbqeyz2S4xsgZ9C-ke5XvgvobpW3h69I-ZhLIqKKKbO5e43uF0rhwGzW80ZPM_B3BrktjFYFSJXgedJi-X363p4cTKZC9gjdJZC6L2d03iiT-R3XIbYSoQpoENMugUqsy_b4cwt_NeunqJbkkdQUXCd2IS0ihi08LO1s-iyClSFMMcnYSb4v_mbZxcdWTOYuKeD0NjoqXvbseBabcH5X7drNCaQzWFvvbi-PmOKXRh2xdtFt34Hx1ZnKJVvrx2B4I5nzeKrQ3AFxsAMC9wTYYY_Psy-gs60-5mgzosKT-UGyzhTLu2XfSmTiwLRHVw79khv_Cay5Qkf3ycF4galqtt24iOEVuab0sBXVw2db3J18LVkWVobf0MIgNUsDteaA-nH0Crx2e7JxjmLVF8Fz6zSI9aHKRDAAxfpwGdc755frXyCu4hErrTHFoY1bYpfaYbAulJPKrycDyWTxFUngLAMZcedf8nSBL6BWMTCcCjFBBxAPDEHND_TL7Y83hTj21vNFtVt3Xj1a9IAmUfIL8tY88h4Fm_WSEhYQwhJ7E9AU/s1600/20200321-DSC_2655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="725" height="594" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkRK2rGRCgI/XpEKiIN8m8I/AAAAAAAAEI8/g7Ep2F0EICo7hWIPJkAt3nRAJ9HGc8K1ACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoAcvFaCXx6OAmEYK2PDKkPfOI7negydUlKKyDSAT8qznnlAmJYXzpjjKHw8KXUJbqeyz2S4xsgZ9C-ke5XvgvobpW3h69I-ZhLIqKKKbO5e43uF0rhwGzW80ZPM_B3BrktjFYFSJXgedJi-X363p4cTKZC9gjdJZC6L2d03iiT-R3XIbYSoQpoENMugUqsy_b4cwt_NeunqJbkkdQUXCd2IS0ihi08LO1s-iyClSFMMcnYSb4v_mbZxcdWTOYuKeD0NjoqXvbseBabcH5X7drNCaQzWFvvbi-PmOKXRh2xdtFt34Hx1ZnKJVvrx2B4I5nzeKrQ3AFxsAMC9wTYYY_Psy-gs60-5mgzosKT-UGyzhTLu2XfSmTiwLRHVw79khv_Cay5Qkf3ycF4galqtt24iOEVuab0sBXVw2db3J18LVkWVobf0MIgNUsDteaA-nH0Crx2e7JxjmLVF8Fz6zSI9aHKRDAAxfpwGdc755frXyCu4hErrTHFoY1bYpfaYbAulJPKrycDyWTxFUngLAMZcedf8nSBL6BWMTCcCjFBBxAPDEHND_TL7Y83hTj21vNFtVt3Xj1a9IAmUfIL8tY88h4Fm_WSEhYQwhJ7E9AU/s640/20200321-DSC_2655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Dark-Eyed Junko scavenging in the ground</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/49758208428/in/photostream" title="20200321-DSC_2680.jpg"><img alt="20200321-DSC_2680.jpg" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49758208428_a323524616_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Song Sparrow among the brush</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-516_2WP7Law/XpEKjIX5cgI/AAAAAAAAEIk/JqIY633aapIRb_Q11BBnWmkw8wO4dY_SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200321-DSC_2706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1061" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-516_2WP7Law/XpEKjIX5cgI/AAAAAAAAEIk/JqIY633aapIRb_Q11BBnWmkw8wO4dY_SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200321-DSC_2706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Red-Bellied Woordpecker</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZgmByMpdTY/XpEKjHmqwyI/AAAAAAAAEIo/dVFaW9l4I9oBzqunYm__4j07HF80G_YGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200321-DSC_2717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1416" height="526" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZgmByMpdTY/XpEKjHmqwyI/AAAAAAAAEIo/dVFaW9l4I9oBzqunYm__4j07HF80G_YGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200321-DSC_2717.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Tifted Titmouse</i></div>
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Nuthatches were everywhere - they're usually rare to see, but they were on half the trees in the forst.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/49758208583/in/photostream" title="20200321-DSC_2751.jpg"><img alt="20200321-DSC_2751.jpg" height="415" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49758208583_6b976542c5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>White-Breasted Nuthatch</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/49759066352/in/photostream" title="4 and 20"><img alt="4 and 20" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49759066352_bb98b380a5_z.jpg" width="562" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Red-Winged Blackbird, singing a morning song</i></div>
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Black-capped chickadees were always everywhere as well. The state bird of Massachusetts, these are fun little birds - never resting on a branch (or a feeder) for more than a moment before flying off again. They have a nice little color scheme, and a nice <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=LfMsUuU9KtQ" target="_blank">variety of calls</a>. </div>
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This Chickadee was apparently hollowing out a nest area. It would scrape out a mouthful then fly off somewhere else to deposit the debris, then come back for more.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXhsC5LvKf0/XpEKjRwF6BI/AAAAAAAAEIs/uHI7U45mTlYu_FPjO855C7uDXbV6zhPWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200321-DSC_2722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1011" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXhsC5LvKf0/XpEKjRwF6BI/AAAAAAAAEIs/uHI7U45mTlYu_FPjO855C7uDXbV6zhPWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200321-DSC_2722.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLhF4gcZJpE/XpEKjYgWgAI/AAAAAAAAEIw/hVxL95WML3UY8bwr79uzlUCGffSzcn8jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200321-DSC_2728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1089" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLhF4gcZJpE/XpEKjYgWgAI/AAAAAAAAEIw/hVxL95WML3UY8bwr79uzlUCGffSzcn8jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200321-DSC_2728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The park also had its share of Red-Tailed hawks. Unfortunately, I was often in the first when they were overhead, and the camera focused on tree branches more than the birds. Frustrating, as some were great sights - one was circling quite low, while another seemed to be a pair flying off to their nesting area.<br />
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When I was in the open I did catch yet another one circling about. I just raised the camera up and snapped away, not thinking I had caught anything well. Once I got home and was able to crop and process the photos, turns out I had gotten some amazing shots!<br />
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I'll finish up with the bridge again, done in Black & White<br />
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Enjoy all my other photos on my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/" target="_blank">Flickr page</a>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Franklin Park, 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121, USA42.3030738 -71.086815216.7810393 -112.3954092 67.8251083 -29.778221200000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-61615306605585552392020-01-05T16:32:00.003-08:002020-01-05T16:32:51.777-08:00Neighborhood Predator IIA neighborhood predator has finally made his way to my neck of the woods.<br />
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Starting in Fall, we've been spotting a <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/overview" target="_blank">Coopers Hawk</a> near the community garden. We hope he's taking care of the local rabbit problem, but it seems squirrels are also high on the menu.<br />
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<i>Hawk in a community garden tree</i></div>
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<i>photo courtesy Sarah Hutt via cell phone camera</i></div>
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All Fall we've been watching in various trees and parks in the area. I myself witnessed a dinner attempt: As I walked to through the park I saw a white streak out of the corner of my eye. The hawk had swooped down to catch a squirrel on the ground - but to no avail. The squirrel scampered up the tree too quick for the hawk, who then flew across the park to lament his next move.<br />
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A few weeks late I was on my back porch and noticed something out of place on a building the next block over. The binoculars showed it to be the hawk hanging out...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XdKq1fADK0/XhJ6FZ6EzgI/AAAAAAAAD-k/x4CLDtLkMcgBPyk_TfXozUzNo6Rp_Sm9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191213-DSC_2105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="1423" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XdKq1fADK0/XhJ6FZ6EzgI/AAAAAAAAD-k/x4CLDtLkMcgBPyk_TfXozUzNo6Rp_Sm9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20191213-DSC_2105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A block away - thanks to the birding lens</i></div>
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Having this better photo I finally identified it as a Coopers Hawk. Birding friends also told me that the lump in the upper chest is apparently 'lunch' being digested. :)<br />
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These occasional sightings were apparently it until early January. I was surprised there were no birds at the feeder, but as I went to go out I saw on the tree in front of me!!<br />
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I snapped a bunch of photos through the door. When I went out with the camera he flew off to an adjacent tree. Got a bunch of photos that day, then a few the next when he came back. Haven't seen him since those two days, but here's hoping he stays in the neighborhood!!!<br />
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Enjoy the photos!<br />
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See all my photos in my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/" target="_blank">Flickr Photo Stream</a>. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-6586005406311429422019-02-15T17:42:00.000-08:002019-02-18T15:13:21.678-08:00Neighborhood PredatorI finally got a great view, and plenty of shots of, our neighborhood hawk.<br />
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Hawks are nothing new to the neighborhood. Boston has seen a resurgence of our hawk population over the years. Two years ago a hawk did a nice job of getting rid of the rabbits in the community garden. <br />
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Lately I've seen a young one flying around the neighborhood (the South End of Boston), including opening my shades in the morning to find him perched on my porch (only to fly away upon seeing the shade go up.<br />
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So today on my day off I'm looking out the back door watching the bird feeder. Usual crowd today; House and White Throated sparrows and House Finches. Lots of action. Then - all at once, they all up and fly to the left. I'm thinking maybe a Jay or Starling was coming in fast and scaring them off.<br />
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To my surprise there it is - the hawk swooping in, coming close to the porch, then sweeping upwards. Thinking he had to be going to the tree I dashed to the living room, grabbed the SLR, then back onto the porch in my slippers.<br />
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There he (she?) was - perched on the tree close to the deck. He hung out long enough to get a great series of shots... Seems to be a juvenile Coopers Hawk, based on the chest spotting and rounded tail feathers.<br />
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<i>Quite stately. Always looking like he's about to attack....</i></div>
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Some strange behavior spotted - he kept raising his right leg, fully withdrawing it into his folds. The web says birds often do this to conserve heat. Even though it wasn't that cold out perhaps he was taking a moment to warm up.<br />
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<i>Hawk, or flamingo?</i></div>
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More first time behavior for me - a few times he would rub his beak on either side of the branch. Not sure if he was cleaning it. or, as a juvenile, this is a way of scraping off old skin or sharpening his beak. <a href="http://jakesnatureblog.com/2016/12/06/birds-rub-beak-branch/" target="_blank">Found a blog post that tells a little more about bird beaks</a>... And I've since learned this is called <a href="https://thenatureniche.com/2013/01/16/feaking/" target="_blank">Feaking</a>.<br />
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<i>Tree as napkin?</i></div>
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While snapping, two Blue Jays returned, and expressed their displeasure about our hawk - squawking bloody murder - either trying to drive him off or warning others of his presence.<br />
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J<i>ay unhappy the hawk is in the next tree.</i></div>
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<i>Close-up of the watchful</i></div>
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<i>I've been spotted!! The rounded tail feathers identify Coopers hawk (vs red-tailed)</i></div>
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He ended up being there for about an hour, then was gone. it looked as if he went to the adjacent park, but I couldn't find him again. Perhaps to return another day???<br />
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Thanks for visiting - see more of my birding photos on flickr <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskB2o7Nw" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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And check out <a href="https://blog.nature.org/science/2018/12/31/why-youre-seeing-more-hawks-at-your-birdfeeder/" target="_blank">this blog entry </a>as to why we may be seeing more hawks in the city....<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-62795015764469906062019-01-28T16:29:00.001-08:002019-10-31T13:10:26.490-07:00Bird Feeder, Chapter 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Messy eaters, those House Finches</i></div>
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Well, I've had the bird feeder up for about a month, and have had some interesting observations...<br />
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• Birds are pigs. These things eat like you would not believe. In the first month I've gone through 9 lbs of birdseed. But it is winter and they need the help.<br />
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• Birds must have eating schedules. The feeder will be mobbed for a while, then completely empty. I haven't quite figured that out yet.<br />
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<i>House Finch waiting for an open spot on the feeder</i></div>
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• Sparrows are bullies. House and White Throated sparrows have found the feeder. They will usually try to push out any other birds who want to grab a bite.<br />
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• House Finches are the next bullies. These are new birds to the area, and I've spotted at least 3 couples in the area now. Once a pair of House Finches are perched eating, they will scar away all the other finches.<br />
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<i>House Finch giving me attitude</i></div>
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• That being said, some birds are getting wicked fat. I worry I'll come home one day and find a few birds that just cannot fly away. Part of the problem is someone in the parks who also feeds the birds. A secondary problem is the park feeders leave too much food, so the rats are now having a banquet at night with the extra birdseed / bread crumbs from this unfortunate do-gooder.<br />
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<i>White-Throated Sparrow - putting on weight? or fluffing up to stay warm?</i></div>
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• A Black-Capped Chickadee is also visiting. but he is very timid and will fly in, peck for a few seconds then fly off. <br />
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<i>Black-Capped Chickadee on a tree, waiting to hit the feeder again</i></div>
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• Big birds are hungry too. The bird feeder can only accommodate smaller birds but they are messy eaters. So eating the dropped seed on the ground are Blue Jays, Cardinals and Mourning Doves.<br />
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• I wanted to see some more birds, so I bought a suet feeder. The Blue Jay does pick from it form time to time, as well as the Chickadee. No woodpeckers there yet, although I've seen one in the tree across from me. (Woodpeckers are supposed to like suet).<br />
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<i>Downy Woodpecker in the tree. Haven't seen him at the suet yet.</i></div>
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<i>Video of the Chickadee feasting. </i> </div>
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<i>A gang of house finches on the tree across the way</i></div>
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We'll see what the next month brings. I only plan on keeping the feeder up until Spring time, when birds can find natural food again. Trying different seed blends as well to see if one blend attracts fewer sparrows...<br />
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Thanks for visiting And see more birding photos on my <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskB2o7Nw" target="_blank">Flickr album</a>!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-55918943912862741382018-12-30T19:58:00.002-08:002018-12-30T19:58:26.599-08:00the BirdfeederSo I got a bird feeder as a gift for Christmas. Which, as everything tends to be, is a long story.<br />
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The first part is, I have cool friends. getting gifts for adults is always a challenge. But a long time friend noticed, by my Facebook feed, that I had gotten into birding over the last year. She put 2 and 2 together, and Santa wrapped up a bird feeder for me.<br />
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The second part is a poor experience in the past. Many years ago I had gotten a small generic bird feeder, and filled it with generic seeds. To make a long story short, House Sparrows took over, emptied the feeder daily, and covered my porch with bird poop. That ended that bird feeder. <br />
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I'm hoping to do better this time. The first results have been good so far.<br />
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My friend got me 'song bird' mix, so I'm starting with that to see what the results are so far. Since birds only really need feeders in the winter, I mounted it where i keep a hanging plant during the summer.<br />
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I filled the feeder and waited.<br />
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And so far, so good.<br />
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I saw a couple of house sparrows, but they didn't stay long. Who did stay long was a house finch that I've been seeing in the crabapple tree. Actually, they must have been hungry, as Mr and Mrs hour finch were there for about an hour munching away.<br />
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but apparently they are messy eaters. The bird feeder holes are small, as are the perches - so I don't think the larger birds can feed here . But since the finches are such messy eaters, they are leaving extra seeds below the feeder - which my local cardinals and blue jays are taking advantage of. (As well as a white throated sparrow...)<br />
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The last guest of the day was a little clumsy. A Black-Capped Chickadee also found the feeder, but seemed to have some difficulty. he saw the seeds, but it took some time to realize he had to go to an access port.<br />
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So a pretty good first day at the feeder. Best pics I could get shooting through the window with bad lighting. Will keep an eye on the feeder to see if I get some different visitors soon!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-53396795160726139332018-12-29T19:54:00.001-08:002018-12-29T19:55:16.639-08:00Here comes Santa ClauseEarly December brings us the 2018 <a href="https://ssrun.securesweet.com/about.asp" target="_blank">Santa Speedo run in Boston</a>.<br />
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<i><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44436837850/in/photostream" title="SSR 2018 - 09"><img alt="SSR 2018 - 09" height="800" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4813/44436837850_7190774e5c_c.jpg" width="541" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Insert sitting on lap joke</i></div>
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the Santa Speedo run has been going on for 18 years. partakers go on a short run in Boston donning nothing but swimwear, all in the name of raising money for charity. And for 18 years, through warm and cold weather, revelers have dashed through the back bay for a good cause. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/45341040165/in/album-72157703010893581/" title="SSR 2018 - 21"><img alt="SSR 2018 - 21" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1915/45341040165_6b84be321f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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It's always been a fun event to photograph - although lately the event is well advertised and there are almost more watchers than runners. But the runner have essentially spend all morning in the bar, so everyone has a bit of fun.<br />
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See all my photos form this years' run <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/sets/72157703010893581" target="_blank">here in my Flickr album</a>.<br />
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Don't forget to follow me, and here's to a happy 2019!!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/32381871678/in/album-72157703010893581/" title="SSR 2018 - 35"><img alt="SSR 2018 - 35" height="504" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4861/32381871678_59181c6509_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-58431433795090583492018-09-19T19:52:00.001-07:002018-09-19T19:52:12.511-07:00Plum IslandAnother summer day trip this year was to Plum Island - a larger barrier island north of Boston. A nice beach, some nice homes. But I went mostly for the birds.<br />
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A friend had taken some great photos of birds on the island. Given the challenge of birding in the trees during the summer, I thought a nice open area would provide more opportunities.<br />
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This area is special as there is a lot of preserved marshland. Plum Island, while a barrier island, is also home to the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Parker_River/" target="_blank">Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.</a> Plum Island sound is also surrounded by several other preserved wetlands, making the entire area a great habitat for a variety of water foul.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/30900565288/in/photostream" title="20180831-IMG_0054.jpg"><img alt="20180831-IMG_0054.jpg" height="366" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1857/30900565288_757150b582_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>The Marsh on Plum Island - looking west towards the sound</i></div>
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The island itself was a variety of habitats. I expected mostly marsh and beach, but found the island had a large number of trees, which surprised me. Driving down the island it wasn't long before I heard Jays, Catbirds and mockingbirds in the trees along the road. The trees included several Pine groves, which provided eats for Black Capped Chickadees, who spent the day coming through the cones looking for seeds.<br />
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<i>Boardwalk connecting the beach (behind me), grassland, small forest, then the road</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/42961213390/in/photostream" title="Black Capped Chickadee"><img alt="Black Capped Chickadee" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1900/42961213390_43f06dfbb0_z.jpg" width="614" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Chickadee picking seeds out of a pine cone</i></div>
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My first stop showed some of the challenges I would face in birding. While I didn't have trees in the way, the challenge today was distance. So many of our feathered friends were far away - my 300mm just wasn't enough. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI9l4V6bVrQ/W6L_OyoJpNI/AAAAAAAADXw/EJ8BVpswcOAOmzj8RUkHx9hk-EPfDrTCwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180831-DSC_7600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1080" height="401" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI9l4V6bVrQ/W6L_OyoJpNI/AAAAAAAADXw/EJ8BVpswcOAOmzj8RUkHx9hk-EPfDrTCwCLcBGAs/s640/20180831-DSC_7600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Most likely Yellowlegs, zoomed and cropped to the max</i></div>
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However, on occasion a bird would be close enough for a great photo and ID<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44052529224/in/photostream" title="Greater Yellowlegs"><img alt="Greater Yellowlegs" height="402" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/44052529224_11fb53f3c0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Greater Yellowlegs, feeding close to shore</i></div>
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For me it was fascinating to see 'true birders' in this area. I was interesting in getting great shots (Yellowlegs, above), whereas the birders were there with spotting scopes and chairs, staring at the cluster above. Apparently they were waiting to see markings as there was rumored to be a rare bird amongst the birds. Right now I'm more interested in getting a great photo than checking birds off a 'seen' list. (Although I do enjoy seeing a new bird for the first time.<br />
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However, the 300mm did work well when birds took off and flew close by. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/42961221180/in/photostream" title="Herring Gull"><img alt="Herring Gull" height="336" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1864/42961221180_7a7959b50c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Juvenile Herring Gull. Looks awful hawk-like from this angle</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44771915781/in/photostream" title="Great Egret"><img alt="Great Egret" height="363" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1863/44771915781_3ec5d02569_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Great Egret (Snowy Egrets have yellow feet)</i></div>
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Of course, you don't always need the zoom for an amazing photo<br />
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<i>Great Egret, foraging in the middle of the marsh</i></div>
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Plum Island itself is one long road form the entrance to the tip of the island, with several parking areas to leave your car and explore. Some areas are just walks into the marsh. One has a few boardwalks that go throughout the trees and dunes. And, of course, several are for people going to the beach. After spending most of the day exploring, it was definitely time to hit the beach.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44052535264/in/photostream" title="Please keep off the Sand"><img alt="Please keep off the Sand" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1890/44052535264_7b3d945db3_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>One of several boardwalks connecting the road to the beach</i></div>
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Beaches are connected to the road via boardwalks. Not only easy on the feet, the boardwalks are there to preserve the dune habitat. They're worth a slow stroll to check out the plant and wildlife living in the scrub habitat.<br />
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If you drive far enough down the island, the beaches are not very populated. There were maybe a half dozen people on the beach on this Friday. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/30900592098/in/photostream" title="20180831-IMG_0064.jpg"><img alt="20180831-IMG_0064.jpg" height="321" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/30900592098_7f6db01b28_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<i>Plum Island meets the Atlantic</i></div>
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Perhaps because I grew up not far form the ocean (sound), but there is nothing like the ocean to bring me to a calm place. (Yes, I'm one of those strange people that love the smell of 'low tide'.) After just watching the waves roll in for a while, I couldn't resist and had to take my shoes off and walk in the surf for a while.<br />
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And my walk was rewarded. Not only did the camera not get wet, there were several gulls and Sanderlings on the shore who didn't mind getting their photo taken. Sanderlings are the birds that feed right where the ware meets the ocean, and 'run away' when a wave comes in, then run back out was the water recedes to find bites to eat right under the wet sand.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44722070492/in/photostream" title="Lunchtime"><img alt="Lunchtime" height="333" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1850/44722070492_d89f4f9553_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Sanderlings, rushing in as the waves go out</i></div>
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Hanging out on the beach was a perfect way for me to end my day.<br />
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I will definitely visit Plum Island another day. I found they do open at 5am, so potential for sunrise photos one day (you never know). A longer lens would be nice, but I've also found several web sites that list what kind of birds are seen where, so maybe do a little research to see what can be seen on the island. And if I visit in August again, maybe leave the camera in the car and bring swim trunks - the water was super warm.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9twGmR0y3A/W6MKXPCbg4I/AAAAAAAADYg/jr8v-lMuAKAM3bPcRdlqBLjdUaFIbrX8ACLcBGAs/s1600/20180831-IMG_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9twGmR0y3A/W6MKXPCbg4I/AAAAAAAADYg/jr8v-lMuAKAM3bPcRdlqBLjdUaFIbrX8ACLcBGAs/s640/20180831-IMG_0052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please visit my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/albums/72157673608689758" target="_blank">Flickr Plum Island album</a> to see some more photos.<br />
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Thanks for visiting, and maybe see you on the Island one day....<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-63827456430486290542018-09-03T17:09:00.003-07:002018-09-03T17:45:44.448-07:00Sunshiny Day"Sunflower Parking"<br />
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The sign struck me as odd. I was driving to Plum Island for the day, and had started seeing "No roadside parking" temporary signs for about a half mile. Also odd, since there was nothing around and no reason to park. As I rounded a turn I saw the "Sunflower Parking" sign at a little farm stand. But as I rounded the corner I saw a small field of sunflowers. <br />
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I made note of the field and continued on with my trip<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-OYMwiV85Y/W424dVv1ZpI/AAAAAAAADVs/7ia12LBAPvojwTYSTBlTgRnPJw9H3fphQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180831-DSC_7974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1504" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-OYMwiV85Y/W424dVv1ZpI/AAAAAAAADVs/7ia12LBAPvojwTYSTBlTgRnPJw9H3fphQCLcBGAs/s640/20180831-DSC_7974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Overview of the field</i></div>
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On my way back I kept my eyes peeled.<br />
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I saw the field again (above) and decided 'why not'. After I pulled in I was directed to this rutted gravel path to 'go around back'. I didn't hear the banjos playing, but it was close. :) The road just lead back to a fallow field used for parking, where I paid $10 for the privilege. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/29518080717/in/photostream" title="20180831-DSC_7941.jpg"><img alt="20180831-DSC_7941.jpg" height="331" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/29518080717_1e9c08b550_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Path next to the sunflower field</i></div>
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I was not visiting Colby Farm. Doing some searching when I got home, apparently this is one of the top places to photograph a sunflower field in New England. The sunflowers were actually past their peak - many dropping or giving up their seeds, but the field was colorful enough it made for some nice shots. But that did tell me that the field was gown for the photography - if they were selling sunflowers they would have been harvested already.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/29518073777/in/photostream" title="Sadness"><img alt="Sadness" height="428" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1852/29518073777_649609da24_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>View from the 'back' of the field</i></div>
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I had an enjoyable time there. I walked around the whole field to see what there was to see. Obviously the side the flowers were facing was most interesting, but on the back side you had a chance to walk into the field a bit and get some close-up shots. For the field overall, I was able to hold my camera over my head to get some field shots - there really weren't any high points to get a nice overhead shot (no rolling hills)<br />
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Some highlights<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/42647133390/in/photostream" title="High Contrast Blooms"><img alt="High Contrast Blooms" height="428" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1851/42647133390_5ccfe5d740_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Close-up, high contrast</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44456215661/in/photostream" title="Hi There"><img alt="Hi There" height="307" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1890/44456215661_4759dac5ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A little fun with B&W</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44406733372/in/photostream" title="Peace-ful field"><img alt="Peace-ful field" height="253" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1854/44406733372_16ed69c05c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>A stranger posing for her own photo made a great subject for mine</i></div>
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And, of course, I had to get the obligatory selfie (What did we do before social media?)<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44456221521/in/photostream" title="Roadside Attraction"><img alt="Roadside Attraction" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1853/44456221521_d6d51deacd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Your blogger</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.colbyfarms.com/" target="_blank">Colby Farm </a>also has a small animal collection near by (a few ducks and chickens, a goat or two - no petting) and a farm stand with fresh veg and local meat - Colby farms 20 acres. They also had burgers and dogs on a grill - if you're there with the kids. Right off I-95, it's a nice visit, and would recommend it to fellow photographers, or anyone who is a fan of sunflowers. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y6Ob1rmfjk/W43VrOLHpCI/AAAAAAAADWI/alJ0Rey9Rw82XDboAtc_Nu9TmJ30_5rswCLcBGAs/s1600/20180831-DSC_7997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y6Ob1rmfjk/W43VrOLHpCI/AAAAAAAADWI/alJ0Rey9Rw82XDboAtc_Nu9TmJ30_5rswCLcBGAs/s640/20180831-DSC_7997.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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Thanks for visiting! Please check out more of my photography on my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/" target="_blank">Flickr page</a>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-70086623623000437962018-09-01T20:49:00.000-07:002018-09-03T07:50:42.244-07:00Fascinating FungiI love mushrooms.<br />
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Well, I've loved eating them for years now. But it wasn't until I joined in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/UrbanNatureWalk" target="_blank">Urban Nature Walks</a> that I got really interested in the in the wild. Now I enjoy seeing them in the wild, and am learning to identify them based on their looks and location.<br />
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Been a dry summer in Boston though, so not a lot of fungi on our <a href="https://www.boston.gov/parks/franklin-park" target="_blank">Franklin Park</a> walks. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5FDQcK_lRo/W4s7juNitrI/AAAAAAAADVQ/SZczCM4YmmEwqD4u44cdhh7pMRsci2J5QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180824-DSC_7213-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5FDQcK_lRo/W4s7juNitrI/AAAAAAAADVQ/SZczCM4YmmEwqD4u44cdhh7pMRsci2J5QCLcBGAs/s400/20180824-DSC_7213-Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On a recent Friday I took a field trip to <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/moose-hill" target="_blank">Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary</a>, southwest of Boston in Sharon. I had hoped to do some birding - but to no avail. Aside from a few regular birds, there wasn't much to see. (Although I heard a pileated woodpecker, he was not to be found).<br />
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Instead, I found a plethora of fungi!! The forest was damp enough and diverse enough there were mushrooms everywhere. Even more interesting, different parts of the forest held different species. Some parts of the forest were drier than others. Some got more sunlight. each had different medium for a mushroom to grow in.<br />
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Whatever the case, it made for some nice viewing and interesting photography. Some highlights of my walk are below....<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/42606801090/in/photostream" title="The Forest Floor"><img alt="The Forest Floor" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1893/42606801090_79bc2eb4d2_z.jpg" width="491" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44416375871/in/photostream" title="20180824-DSC_7262.jpg"><img alt="20180824-DSC_7262.jpg" height="409" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1874/44416375871_4aac0e4764_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/43698241264/in/photostream" title="20180824-DSC_7212.jpg"><img alt="20180824-DSC_7212.jpg" height="451" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1860/43698241264_619d422528_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/43507449065/in/photostream" title="20180824-DSC_7237.jpg"><img alt="20180824-DSC_7237.jpg" height="436" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1844/43507449065_baf85e64d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/43507479295/in/photostream" title="20180824-DSC_7305.jpg"><img alt="20180824-DSC_7305.jpg" height="472" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/43507479295_67515c1605_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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As for birds - that didn't work out as well. Apparently they now have a meadow, which I didn't find until mid afternoon - and the birds hang out there in the mornings. Most birds were your regular cast of characters - Blue Jays, Robins, Downy woodpecker, Catbirds, Hummingbirds, and a cluster of Black Capped Chickadees (They seem to love pine trees). <br />
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I didn't find out until later that I had heard a Pileated Woodpecker while walking. (middle age frumpy guy with binoculars tuns into another middle age frumpy guy with camera and binoculars...) I ran into another birder and he told me that "That's too loud to have been a woodpecker" was the pileated. Had I known at the time, I might have gone seeking him out. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/43698308964/in/photostream" title="Punk bird"><img alt="Punk bird" height="520" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1861/43698308964_bdff6a532b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Black Capped Chickadee with punk haircut</i></div>
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Plenty if other wildlife as well. A few frogs, lots of dragonflies (huge ones, that wouldn't land anywhere for a good photo), and a ton of pollinators.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/44366335882/in/photostream" title="Fuzzy Bee"><img alt="Fuzzy Bee" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1850/44366335882_3a8030a98a_z.jpg" width="621" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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For more photos of my walk, see some of the highlights in <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsmmSypJm" target="_blank">this Flickr album</a>.<br />
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If you're interested in identifying mushrooms yourself, I've found the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fascinating-Fungi-England-Lawrence-Millman/dp/1936571013/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535859571&sr=8-1&keywords=Fascinating+Fungi+of+New+England" target="_blank">Fascinating Fungi of New England</a> to be a great resource!<br />
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Thanks for visiting, and see <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/" target="_blank">my Flickr page</a> for even more photos.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-50643985389025907732018-02-10T20:31:00.000-08:002018-02-10T20:31:31.728-08:00In your own back yardSometimes great shots are as close as your own back yard...<br />
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Over Christmas I brought my DSLR with me on my travels. Then it ended being cold enough that hading out with the camera wasn't very appealing... But one quiet afternoon I looked out the window to see leaves on the dec. The leaves were arranged just so, on the faded wooden deck, that it was crying out to be photographed.<br />
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One loop around the house was all I got in until my fingers got cold.. Not very adventurous, but my photo eye was in high gear. I got photos of my leaves. A lot of shots didn't work out. Many did. But it was a nice reminder that if you look different, you can find inspiration wherever you go.<br />
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Things started off well with the front door<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWUvYZZ4MSQ/Wn-9rGmSI3I/AAAAAAAADEw/DFUjmfKM8YwsdNdIgDfNjroqOhRlAj3AwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171222-DSC_5359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWUvYZZ4MSQ/Wn-9rGmSI3I/AAAAAAAADEw/DFUjmfKM8YwsdNdIgDfNjroqOhRlAj3AwCLcBGAs/s640/20171222-DSC_5359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The front yard had a nice pine tree. Tried several different shots in order to get something interesting. I ended up getting in close. Play with exposure. Convert to Black & White, and got something interesting<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/25659205238/in/photostream" title="Nevergreen"><img alt="Nevergreen" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4636/25659205238_2ed6734524_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>"Nevergreen"</i></div>
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Around the corner to the shed. Nice and weatherbeaten. Get the right angle, include some background, then some B&W treatment for some extra mood...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/39545933121/in/photostream" title="Hard at Work"><img alt="Hard at Work" height="361" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4633/39545933121_53ab12fbc0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>"Hard at Work"</i></div>
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A shot of the wooded back hard. Nice, but didn't do it for me. It's a nice enough photograph. but there's no reason for you to look at it. No real subject. Nothing for the viewer to focus on. Doesn't bring the viewer any mood or emotion. (I also didn't have the big zoom lens, so you can't see the fox way in the background)<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gWiJJL1CVIQ/Wn-0XiDYpVI/AAAAAAAADD8/aNsznvEs9-YoA3msirlhCa6eJK01hFGLwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171222-DSC_5318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gWiJJL1CVIQ/Wn-0XiDYpVI/AAAAAAAADD8/aNsznvEs9-YoA3msirlhCa6eJK01hFGLwCLcBGAs/s640/20171222-DSC_5318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The back woods. </i></div>
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However there were some hydrangea with the petals in tact. I got down close, focused on a set of petals and set the F aperture for a shallow depth of field. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/25659210138/in/photostream" title="Hydrangea, Past"><img alt="Hydrangea, Past" height="389" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4594/25659210138_97fb8c3bbb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Hydrangea, Past</i></div>
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And then my leaves. They were on a nice grey well worn porch, but the leaves had retained their nice brown colors, and happened to be scattered in some interesting patterns. Then selected the more interesting ones to share.<br />
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<i><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/38649857215/in/photostream" title="Leaf study #3"><img alt="Leaf study #3" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4682/38649857215_c7a5010ab0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Leaf study #4</i></div>
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There was enough texture to convert some to B&W as well. I love the texture and the play of light that B&W brings out.<br />
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<i><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/39545945111/in/photostream" title="Leaf study #2"><img alt="Leaf study #2" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4588/39545945111_37ccb248ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Leaf study #3</i></div>
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Not sure if this one worked. What do you think? Always a challenge when the wind picks up.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nS7WSKEgG2g/Wn-9IdM6y1I/AAAAAAAADEo/bbbvP93iKkkWbv3tXERfEwqDYN5ZQ6yPgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171222-DSC_5350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1504" height="465" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nS7WSKEgG2g/Wn-9IdM6y1I/AAAAAAAADEo/bbbvP93iKkkWbv3tXERfEwqDYN5ZQ6yPgCLcBGAs/s640/20171222-DSC_5350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ended my walk around the house, of course, lying on the ground. A small almost unnoticable statuette seems to come to life when looked at form ground level.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/39545960801/in/photostream" title="Playtime"><img alt="Playtime" height="400" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4588/39545960801_9ae22aeb6a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>"Playtime"</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for touring the yard with me. I hope you've enjoyed the image, and that I've inspired you get out and shoot, no matter where you might be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Visit <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/" target="_blank">my Flickr page</a> for more images.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-22443299066483261622017-10-08T14:17:00.000-07:002017-10-08T14:18:03.304-07:00ISS<br />
Can you see it?<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBVnkfGo5Ss/WdqG0a5lqPI/AAAAAAAAC8g/plHhxjI9hN4BIdGex7FcADsLwzmhF3_zQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171006-DSC_4817-ISS.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="530" height="620" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBVnkfGo5Ss/WdqG0a5lqPI/AAAAAAAAC8g/plHhxjI9hN4BIdGex7FcADsLwzmhF3_zQCLcBGAs/s640/20171006-DSC_4817-ISS.tif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>ISS transit over the moon?</i></div>
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Here in New England, we're at a low enough altitude that, on occasion, the International Space Station (ISS) will be visible in the night sky. Usually in the hour or two before or after sunset, when the station can still reflect enough sunlight to be seen from the ground. It looks like a satellite traveling fast across the sky. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i35VbnWaA5U/WdqKVsucsqI/AAAAAAAAC8w/4_SrH8-fh7grA2etsXnbLyuj2ZTLYQM2QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1278" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i35VbnWaA5U/WdqKVsucsqI/AAAAAAAAC8w/4_SrH8-fh7grA2etsXnbLyuj2ZTLYQM2QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_4916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>ISS in transit over the Boston night sky</i></div>
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Now, a friend at work let me know that ISS would transit the moon. That is, the ISS would pass in front of the moon. That would make a neat photograph.</div>
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First challenge - I only have a 300mm lens - would I see anything?</div>
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Second challenge - it was too far after sunset to see the ISS as a streak in the sky - would I be able to capture the ISS based on time alone?</div>
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I head out at the appointed time, set up the tripod, set exposure to get a decent moon shot. Then wait. </div>
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A few seconds before the appointed time, I get heartbroken. Light clouds have arrived and occasionally obscure the moon. I snap away for a few seconds before and a minute or so after, blindly hoping to get something. Visually, I see nothing cross the moon.</div>
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The only way to tell if this was worth it is to get the photos into Lightroom and zoom away. Once I all of the images resized and aligned I started scrolling through the images, and I saw it. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IjebNblaY8/WdqGz8IdiUI/AAAAAAAAC8c/Ycsxl3AI1y8gOKi2_aS0h5I0HSM2uQufQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171006-DSC_4816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="530" height="620" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IjebNblaY8/WdqGz8IdiUI/AAAAAAAAC8c/Ycsxl3AI1y8gOKi2_aS0h5I0HSM2uQufQCLcBGAs/s640/20171006-DSC_4816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Regular moon photo</i> </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3P_h-HjCE_w/WdqGzq_m-tI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/AYI6bS1yEc0qP89aSjVe4W_jbIC9PIPuACLcBGAs/s1600/20171006-DSC_4817-ISS-highlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="530" height="620" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3P_h-HjCE_w/WdqGzq_m-tI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/AYI6bS1yEc0qP89aSjVe4W_jbIC9PIPuACLcBGAs/s640/20171006-DSC_4817-ISS-highlight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Something special on this shot. The ISS??</i> </div>
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Close enough for me!! I think I did catch the station. Your verdict?<br />
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Now, to contemplate buying a teleconverter for next time...<br />
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When will the ISS fly over you? Visit the <a href="https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/" target="_blank">Spot the Station web site</a> and sign up for alerts from NASA.<br />
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My friend used the <a href="https://www.calsky.com/cs.cgi/Satellites/4?obs=30155867764642" target="_blank">CalSky site</a> to find the moon transit.<br />
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Thanks for visiting!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-24202787402453117082017-09-04T20:01:00.001-07:002017-09-04T20:01:26.050-07:00Railfanning: Lancaster StationHeading north from Strasburg I made a quick stop at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancaster_station_(Pennsylvania)" target="_blank">Lancaster train station</a> in Lancaster, PA. Built by the Pennsvlania railroad in 1929, back in the days when even the most remote stations wee built to be impressive.<br />
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The station underwent a major restoration, completed in 2013. The inside of the station looks amazing, while the platforms are a mix of nostalgia and needing a bit of TLC.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aB2_kdIGhwQ/Wa4AE_F0nxI/AAAAAAAAC4g/5zepA9PjW54dHmc5xht1sU33QuJ6UvHqwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170804-DSC_3857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aB2_kdIGhwQ/Wa4AE_F0nxI/AAAAAAAAC4g/5zepA9PjW54dHmc5xht1sU33QuJ6UvHqwCLcBGAs/s640/20170804-DSC_3857.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Building exterior. </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jz1xxui2T_Q/Wa4AE5FvlQI/AAAAAAAAC4k/34gr6PgUlfAcWMPEqzdt87iWp2VOgUnCACLcBGAs/s1600/20170804-DSC_3755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jz1xxui2T_Q/Wa4AE5FvlQI/AAAAAAAAC4k/34gr6PgUlfAcWMPEqzdt87iWp2VOgUnCACLcBGAs/s640/20170804-DSC_3755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Renovated lobby</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Past the doors is an over-track waiting room</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36873182451/in/photostream" title="The way up"><img alt="The way up" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4430/36873182451_10d92eec6d_z.jpg" width="536" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Stairs from the waiting room to the platform</i></span></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36825577966/in/photostream" title="Waiting Area"><img alt="Waiting Area" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4401/36825577966_305fc7be33_z.jpg" width="436" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Older style platform shelter</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvixfe4jujk/Wa4IaLv5msI/AAAAAAAAC5A/OOz67K9vjnkYvI5tmmfUcXSBqInCfHb2QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170804-DSC_3756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvixfe4jujk/Wa4IaLv5msI/AAAAAAAAC5A/OOz67K9vjnkYvI5tmmfUcXSBqInCfHb2QCLcBGAs/s640/20170804-DSC_3756.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Rivets and lattice steel. Definitely the original shelter</span></i></div>
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It looks like the station used to have at least 8 tracks through it - almost hard to imagine a smaller city having this large a station. The station is now down to 4 tracks - two for passenger service and 2 for freight service.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMtE-HboZLI/Wa4JtQ6gCQI/AAAAAAAAC5M/KsPPCBFsT_s0hxCHcoE3iGKzi7q-stu4wCLcBGAs/s1600/20170804-DSC_3779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMtE-HboZLI/Wa4JtQ6gCQI/AAAAAAAAC5M/KsPPCBFsT_s0hxCHcoE3iGKzi7q-stu4wCLcBGAs/s640/20170804-DSC_3779.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Tracks heading West. You can see the empty space where additional tracks once were. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">Also notice fencing has reduced the length of the platforms - smaller trains stopping here these days. While the right (Passenger side) is open, the left side (off camera) has a fence keeping passengers away from the freight bypass (can see more in photos below)</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVTthYSqnSg/Wa4J_ZqHhlI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/qqRBkw0A5Mso53iSDUXU8QnJoKjryau6gCLcBGAs/s1600/20170804-DSC_3843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVTthYSqnSg/Wa4J_ZqHhlI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/qqRBkw0A5Mso53iSDUXU8QnJoKjryau6gCLcBGAs/s640/20170804-DSC_3843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Shot of the above track waiting room and stairs to the platforms.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Elevators have been added opposite the stairs (brick work behind the cab car)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Oh, and the Philadelphia bound train arrives. </i></span></div>
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I was there on a Saturday morning, and there wasn't much freight action. Just saw two freight trains in my hour there.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9b7uRFsKSdc/Wa4KxzxWRaI/AAAAAAAAC5o/tzdww7z7QVQQ1v_9ls7BI_Y_HNoAYWVswCLcBGAs/s1600/20170804-DSC_3759-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1321" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9b7uRFsKSdc/Wa4KxzxWRaI/AAAAAAAAC5o/tzdww7z7QVQQ1v_9ls7BI_Y_HNoAYWVswCLcBGAs/s640/20170804-DSC_3759-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This train never came through the station - just backed to the switch and went back East</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcrK5C4JAko/Wa4LjvzyvvI/AAAAAAAAC50/OGx_8uRlXZUHiOsWe65o9ITXCl1UZUI2QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170804-DSC_3769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcrK5C4JAko/Wa4LjvzyvvI/AAAAAAAAC50/OGx_8uRlXZUHiOsWe65o9ITXCl1UZUI2QCLcBGAs/s640/20170804-DSC_3769.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This train did come through on the bypass track</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36205583953/in/photostream" title="Train!"><img alt="Train!" height="314" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4339/36205583953_ae98a207aa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This young lady didn't appreciate the noise</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36842643452/in/photostream" title="Train? What train?"><img alt="Train? What train?" height="319" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/36842643452_8325c826a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This woman barely noticed</span></i></div>
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The only predictable traffic are the Philadelphia-Harrisburg trains - <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=am/AM_Snippet_C/IBRoutes&Route=Keystone%20Service" target="_blank">Amtrak's keystone service</a>. If you have the Amtrak smartphone app you can tell when the next train in either direction will arrive.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v76BPDD6Etw/Wa4NTO8hgeI/AAAAAAAAC6M/q85cpzsTu6ACvvFx6BPR0qAeDDXnjJffACLcBGAs/s1600/20170804-DSC_3821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v76BPDD6Etw/Wa4NTO8hgeI/AAAAAAAAC6M/q85cpzsTu6ACvvFx6BPR0qAeDDXnjJffACLcBGAs/s640/20170804-DSC_3821.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Westbound Keystone train departs Lancaster station</span></i></div>
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I had no problem taking photographs in the station, and was able to get to the platform without needing a ticket. So as long as you are responsible, you should have no problem taking photographs at the station.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xIEjnIUcaTA" width="560"></iframe>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Video of the freight passing through the station</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy railfanning!! Please add a comment if you get to or have been to Lancaster station</span><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36205566553/in/photostream" title="9:40"><img alt="9:40" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/36205566553_0709852e68_z.jpg" width="579" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See more photographs on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/" target="_blank">my Flickr pages</a>. </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-75645968768107757192017-09-04T17:40:00.000-07:002017-09-04T17:40:05.374-07:00Lancaster, PAI recently took a short trip to Lancaster, PA. The area is beautiful rolling farmland, worthy of a much longer visit than I gave it. But in the day I was there, I managed to take some great photographs.<br />
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This is the heart of Amish country, with farms growing corn, tobacco and soy, with plenty of grasslands (not sure if they are unfarmed or just fallow fields). <br />
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But even just being there for a day, I took some great photos. And a lightly clouded sky made for some outstanding black and white images. I still would love to head back for a longer trip one day and do some more exploring. <br />
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Many of the photos below were taken from a trip on the <a href="http://snappingboston.blogspot.com/2017/09/rail-destination-strasburg-pa.html" target="_blank">Strasburg railroad</a>, which gives some great vantage points as you travel through the country side.<br />
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Clicking on most images will make them larger.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhfGi1veR8g/Wa3qQMKx89I/AAAAAAAAC3g/CjQt-mJDkagNPgSA-Xr_sXf_nVt7AQtfgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170803-DSC_3697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhfGi1veR8g/Wa3qQMKx89I/AAAAAAAAC3g/CjQt-mJDkagNPgSA-Xr_sXf_nVt7AQtfgCLcBGAs/s640/20170803-DSC_3697.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Typical farm scene</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHXS6o3jt6M/Wa3qQdbM_VI/AAAAAAAAC3k/RR96KtjjuFgXxbr4JquGGYaxp7aQgFXzwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170803-DSC_3698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHXS6o3jt6M/Wa3qQdbM_VI/AAAAAAAAC3k/RR96KtjjuFgXxbr4JquGGYaxp7aQgFXzwCLcBGAs/s640/20170803-DSC_3698.jpg" width="640" /></a><i><span style="font-size: large;">Rolling hills of grass and crops</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36822687336/in/album-72157688594926245/" title="Farmland"><img alt="Farmland" height="284" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4405/36822687336_7a0f9f6e4c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Clouds make the scene - farmlands extending all the way to the hills.</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36175266494/in/album-72157688594926245/" title="Concentric Corn"><img alt="Concentric Corn" height="256" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/36175266494_7a0f5e872b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Corn lined up in rows.</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36870239131/in/album-72157688594926245/" title="Happy Cows"><img alt="Happy Cows" height="388" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4391/36870239131_3d84ba9d65_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Some happy cows</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUugYn1Pg9I/Wa3tOMP2kvI/AAAAAAAAC38/nsa28dHtJFABUPvrY29ZqRFiBq5qCN_wQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170803-DSC_3669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUugYn1Pg9I/Wa3tOMP2kvI/AAAAAAAAC38/nsa28dHtJFABUPvrY29ZqRFiBq5qCN_wQCLcBGAs/s640/20170803-DSC_3669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Some cows not happy to see our train at all.</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36870247021/in/album-72157688594926245/" title="'round the bend"><img alt="'round the bend" height="278" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4347/36870247021_9d8e8d9b59_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Our train rolling through farmland<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36822683636/in/album-72157688594926245/" title="Corn Maze"><img alt="Corn Maze" height="332" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/36822683636_6b6ec45342_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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A corn maze<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItoPzrB5WdI/Wa3tOHMZwWI/AAAAAAAAC4A/mZHNBHJ-Mn8uB9FJSq6KowzHcwHfNK8xQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170803-DSC_3727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItoPzrB5WdI/Wa3tOHMZwWI/AAAAAAAAC4A/mZHNBHJ-Mn8uB9FJSq6KowzHcwHfNK8xQCLcBGAs/s640/20170803-DSC_3727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Fields of Soy</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/37011232565/in/album-72157688594926245/" title="High and Low Tech"><img alt="High and Low Tech" height="277" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4353/37011232565_4a6e343612_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Amish farmer with horse drawn equipment</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36870243521/in/photostream" title="Fallow"><img alt="Fallow" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4391/36870243521_d689d5d9de_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">A final B&W image. Those amazing clouds...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some more photos from this trip <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/albums/72157688594926245" target="_blank">can be found on my Flickr album</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-43128167434419430152017-09-04T16:32:00.003-07:002017-09-08T18:15:02.369-07:00Rail Destination: Strasburg, PAThis year I decided to extend my PA trip to Allentown for <a href="http://www.dci.org/" target="_blank">DCI</a> East to include a side trip to the <a href="https://www.strasburgrailroad.com/" target="_blank">Strasburg Railroad</a>. <br />
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The Strasburg railroad is the <a href="https://www.strasburgrailroad.com/dig-deeper/history/" target="_blank">oldest continuously operated railroad charter</a> in the US. Today' it's a tourist railroad running several steam trains per day on a short 45 minute excursion trip (an out and back ride - 4.5 miles). The locomotives and various passenger cars are all historic equipment, restored to running condition. Trains run hourly, and there are plenty of things to do on site for the kids. There are occasional special trains, like a Wine and Cheese special, or a Day Out with Thomas. (They also do <a href="https://www.strasburgrailroad.com/freight/" target="_blank">limited freight service</a>....) The rail cars range from an open air coach (great for photos!) to an air conditioned parlor car.<br />
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Across the street is the <a href="http://rrmuseumpa.org/" target="_blank">Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania</a>, a large collection of restored equipment, cars and locomotives, preserved in an indoor climate controlled environment. It's easy to take in both attractions on the same day (at a discounted price). <br />
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The trip is through the beautiful Lancaster county countryside, making the train ride a great way to see the area. <a href="http://snappingboston.blogspot.com/2017/09/lancaster-pa.html" target="_blank">You can see some of my on-train photos here</a>.<br />
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If you're ever in the Lancaster area, a trip to Strasburg RR needs to make it on your agenda!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36805223855/in/photostream" title="Down the tracks"><img alt="Down the tracks" height="318" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/36805223855_acd9aa5158_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">The previous excursion train approaches the station</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36665419051/in/photostream" title="#90"><img alt="#90" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4348/36665419051_015dd20835_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Train arriving at the station. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Steam always look great in Black & White - the clouds were an added bonus</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36175261974/in/photostream" title="Runaround"><img alt="Runaround" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4412/36175261974_4ee7118a7c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Locomotive #90 runs around our train to pull us back to the station</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Ironically, the Steam excursion turns around at the Amtrak electrified Harrisburg line.</span></i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/36870247021/in/photostream" title="'round the bend"><img alt="'round the bend" height="278" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4347/36870247021_9d8e8d9b59_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Our train as we go around a bend. Farmland runs on either side of us.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">An open coach. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Not the most luxurious, but no windows makes better photograph opportunities</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RWNpqmxveE/Wa3btqGiCPI/AAAAAAAAC28/QW1XcDqX-bsV6hHNPNJMWAgyvnSz_bBeQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170803-DSC_3746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1168" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RWNpqmxveE/Wa3btqGiCPI/AAAAAAAAC28/QW1XcDqX-bsV6hHNPNJMWAgyvnSz_bBeQCLcBGAs/s640/20170803-DSC_3746.jpg" width="465" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">One last Steam photograph</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EaLMQAYRhV4/Wa3btvS1rfI/AAAAAAAAC3A/ah7zG0lBJNwhqqlDrVP-scGVwLGFxOS2ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170803-DSC_3540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EaLMQAYRhV4/Wa3btvS1rfI/AAAAAAAAC3A/ah7zG0lBJNwhqqlDrVP-scGVwLGFxOS2ACLcBGAs/s640/20170803-DSC_3540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> The RR museum of PA - half the collection, as seen from a catwalk.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can find more photos from my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/albums/72157688594926245" target="_blank">Lancaster trip on my Flickr pages</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-75640603544002056442017-08-13T16:02:00.001-07:002017-08-17T20:44:18.170-07:00Railfanning: Macungie, PennsylvaniaWhen I travel for any reason I always do a little research to see if there are any good railfanning spots in the area. You never know if you're near a hotspot of how much rail traffic might be in the area.<br />
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So I'm planning on our annual trip to Allentown for the DCI East Coast finals. Having driven around Allentown for Drum Corps, I did notice lots of tracks in the area, but had no clue what traffic went where, or where some good spots are. Plus, not everyone on the trip is a railroad fan. (OK, none of them are). But I didn't want them to stop me.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The park</b></span><br />
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Searching the internet I found a place in <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Flower+Park,+W+Main+St,+Macungie,+PA+18062/@40.5168077,-75.5584946,18z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c42fc4724d974b:0xb473be3dea80ce58!8m2!3d40.5168715!4d-75.557237" target="_blank">Macungie, PA</a> - a park dedicated for railfanning! I found an article that details the planting of the <a href="http://www.mcall.com/news/local/eastpenn/mc-macungie-flower-park-20150605-story.html" target="_blank">Flower Park</a> adjacent to the tracks, but only <a href="http://railfanlocations.weebly.com/macungie-pa.html" target="_blank">this fellow railfan's article</a> on the construction of the station-like pavilion that sits next to the flower park and the tracks. <br />
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The only remnant of the original train station is a crumbling curb which was the station platform back in the day... However, the flower park is quite nice, and worth walking through while waiting for trains. Even during my August visit the park was in full bloom - the park is certainly well cared for.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35708929464/in/photostream" title="Railfan Park"><img alt="Railfan Park" height="383" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4333/35708929464_21fd774d3a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Entrance to the flower park off of the main street. </i></div>
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<i>Tracks are behind the white fence, and the pavilion is off photo to the right.</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35734496193/in/photostream" title="Macungie Station"><img alt="Macungie Station" height="406" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4349/35734496193_aa39f029e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Macungie station/pavilion. </i></div>
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<i>Flower park on the left. Tracks on the right. Grade crossing near the van in o the left.</i></div>
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As a railfan, it was nice to see a place for us. Railfanning is often pulling your car to the side of the road or some other out of the way place near tracks where you can see trains and not trespass on railroad or private property. Here the pavilion is adjacent to parking, provides shelter from the sun and rain, and has plenty of seating! When I was there Saturday I also ran into some locals there to train spot as well - everyone was very friendly!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But to the trains...</b></span><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35708935644/in/photostream" title="9162"><img alt="9162" height="453" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/35708935644_35498973c1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>An Eastbound autorack train at the crossing</i></div>
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The action was pretty good at the location. I was there on a Friday afternoon and Saturday late morning, and saw many trains bother times. Flow isn't consistent - 4 trains in one hour, then nothing the next hour sometimes. There were a lot of trains Saturday morning as (we assumed) they were clearing the yard and sending all the trains out...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35708954764/in/photostream" title="7506 returns"><img alt="7506 returns" height="249" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4426/35708954764_e56028fb06_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>A Westbound mixed freight. I'll see this same locomotive again the next day.</i></div>
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If you don't have a scanner, it's still easy to spot when trains are approaching. Eastbound trains go over 2 other grade crossings before reaching Macungie, so if you keep your ears open you can hear the whistle for those crossings and be ready.<br />
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Westbound trains have no grade crossings, but looking west there is an approach-list signal, so when that turns green something is most likely on it's way. There's also a good sight line both east west, so you can just keep your eyes open. but trains come through at a good clip, so once you can see a train, it'll be on you within 30-odd seconds.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35734509993/in/photostream" title="Macungie East"><img alt="Macungie East" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4417/35734509993_23ef5e78be_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35734504943/in/photostream" title="Macungie West"><img alt="Macungie West" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/35734504943_e8870e8c2d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Looking East (left) and West (right) from Macungie station</i></div>
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If you're ever in the area, I encourage you to visit Macungie. The railfan park is a great resource. There's a convenience store across the street. If you're there on the weekend there may be other events going on in the town (there was a giant flea market and antique car show the weekend I was there). And, if you're lucky, you'll run into some other railfans there!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35708945454/in/photostream" title="Hi"><img alt="Hi" height="367" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4442/35708945454_c81eea1997_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Some young kids (with Mom) showed up to railfan, and were rewarded with a wave by the engineer.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Video</span></b><br />
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While snapping photos with the SLR, I propped up the iPhone for some video. A compendium is below. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zH6V-WdE6tg" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy railroading!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>More of my photos from <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/albums/72157684838668911" target="_blank">Macungie can be found here</a>.</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://railfanlocations.weebly.com/macungie-pa.html" target="_blank">Railfan information about Macungie.</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-79721612952681875312017-07-12T18:37:00.002-07:002017-07-12T18:37:26.515-07:002017 Garden TourThis past June was the 2017 South End Garden Tour - an event to raise money for the Community Gardens in greater Boston. I was asked to take some photos at Watson Park, and also took photos at Berkeley Community Garden, where the tour started.<br />
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While I took some good photos for the tour, I also snapped a number of flower photos along the way. Not only did my 'snaps' come out quite good, but the Clematis are amazing in Black and White!! I definitely want to share these.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35559600135/in/photostream" title="Sweet and Sour"><img alt="Sweet and Sour" height="353" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4253/35559600135_bb6f6966a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Watson Park prepares for guests with Lemonade/Limeade and a basket of fresh cookies</i></div>
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There was plenty of whimsy to be found in the gardens, as each gardener personalizes their space, giving each garden plot its own style..<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35150986990/in/photostream" title="Window into the garden"><img alt="Window into the garden" height="215" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4218/35150986990_90cee80284_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35498757246/in/photostream" title="Themes"><img alt="Themes" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4231/35498757246_4dbb98efb9_n.jpg" width="277" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35498735276/in/photostream" title="Guard your Underpants"><img alt="Guard your Underpants" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4259/35498735276_0be2a83517_n.jpg" width="236" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35498775846/in/photostream" title="Welcome"><img alt="Welcome" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4230/35498775846_c4d1fcc5d3_n.jpg" width="304" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Being June, there were an abundance of flowers in bloom in the garden. While all were wonderful, many of the purple blooms had great color - beautiful hues of purple along side the greenest of greens. <br />
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It had rained the night before, leaving droplets on all the flowers, and making the colors a bit brighter. There was also a heavy fog over the city, giving me nice even light with few shadows.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35150976490/in/photostream" title="All wet"><img alt="All wet" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4280/35150976490_4764cc23f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34728507703/in/photostream" title="Shy blooms"><img alt="Shy blooms" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4208/34728507703_30e4dde926_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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The clematis proved to be even more exciting in Black & White. The many purple hues look like veins coursing through the petals. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35429551181/in/photostream" title="Exposed"><img alt="Exposed" height="374" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4285/35429551181_7416ffec18_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34750807753/in/photostream" title="Veins"><img alt="Veins" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4257/34750807753_28a20de248_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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And the great thing about Black & White - sometimes even your mistakes end up looking great...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/35429546911/in/photostream" title="Onyx brick road"><img alt="Onyx brick road" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4208/35429546911_ec964fd6f0_z.jpg" width="582" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting!</span><br />
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A gallery of all artistic Photos from the garden tour can be found in <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/albums/72157686098355346" target="_blank">this Flickr album</a>. <br />
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You can see more photos of the tour itself on these <a href="https://www.facebook.com/berkeleygardens/posts/1438843562840182" target="_blank">Berkeley</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/friendsofwatson/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1714454575251143" target="_blank">Watson Park</a> facebook albums.<br />
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All involved in this tour are non-profits - if you are interested in visiting, joining or donating any of the organizations shown here, please visit their respective web pages:<br />
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<a href="http://www.berkeleygardens.org/" target="_blank">Berkeley Community Gardens</a>, South End, Boston<br />
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<a href="http://friendsofwatsonpark.org/" target="_blank">Friends of Watson Park</a>, South End, Boston<br />
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tour organize, <a href="http://www.thetrustees.org/about-us/boston-natural-areas-network" target="_blank">the Trustees</a>, Boston region.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-47392025697966424162017-06-04T19:51:00.001-07:002017-06-04T20:13:43.220-07:00617 in East Boston, revisited<a href="http://www.617images.com/" target="_blank">617 Images</a> and <a href="https://www.thebostonattitude.com/" target="_blank">Boston Attitude</a> held another Boston Photo Meet (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/bosphotomeet/" target="_blank">#bosphotomeet)</a> in East Boston - this time on the other side of Maverick at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piers+Park/@42.3649297,-71.0362458,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xcde5d81a5769160a!8m2!3d42.3649297!4d-71.0362458" target="_blank">Piers Park</a> in the Jeffries Point neighborhood.<br />
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Was great to meet everyone - some faces from last meet, and some new folks. Even people who were not with us - we just assumed anyone with a tripod was with our event. :)<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1rzcuD1eoE/WTS2hNA1PII/AAAAAAAACwc/vefMEELj5Bo-2D0DKcyXE1UxLAo_ui2JQCLcB/s1600/20170520-DSC_1654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="979" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1rzcuD1eoE/WTS2hNA1PII/AAAAAAAACwc/vefMEELj5Bo-2D0DKcyXE1UxLAo_ui2JQCLcB/s400/20170520-DSC_1654.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>
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<i>Rick was taking some model shots</i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4tnNHH2M_M/WTS2hGYBZHI/AAAAAAAACwk/KQzT86sbUVonGFd7578Aj_pPRJloN8NwACLcB/s1600/20170520-DSC_1656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1426" height="324" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4tnNHH2M_M/WTS2hGYBZHI/AAAAAAAACwk/KQzT86sbUVonGFd7578Aj_pPRJloN8NwACLcB/s640/20170520-DSC_1656.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Folks staking their spots for the sunset.</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9sqA79gHek/WTS2hOAowRI/AAAAAAAACwg/HK37bM4RrQ8N_ns41TFvH52B9NIAvoMfwCLcB/s1600/20170520-DSC_1835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="989" height="357" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9sqA79gHek/WTS2hOAowRI/AAAAAAAACwg/HK37bM4RrQ8N_ns41TFvH52B9NIAvoMfwCLcB/s400/20170520-DSC_1835.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ambient light, ISO 8K. Love my Nikon 750. :)</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Axzjvf7hB8c/WTTE3ghpX1I/AAAAAAAACww/-XfvThmGswwxkTFRLwwUZyQ0jxBm26LjwCLcB/s1600/20170520-DSC_1705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="921" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Axzjvf7hB8c/WTTE3ghpX1I/AAAAAAAACww/-XfvThmGswwxkTFRLwwUZyQ0jxBm26LjwCLcB/s400/20170520-DSC_1705.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<i>We even had a few brides at the pier for their wedding photographs</i></div>
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We had an amazing sunset, and some great shots were taken by all. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34859680282/in/photostream" title="Bridging the sunset"><img alt="Bridging the sunset" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4199/34859680282_e890114f7e.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Sun setting over the North End/Charlestown. Zakim bridge on the left.</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34859686392/in/photostream" title="Final rays"><img alt="Final rays" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4199/34859686392_48f1ea5b54.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Sunset from the pier, with a non-photographer enjoying the view.</i></div>
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But there are only so many Boston sunset photos you can take. I spent some additional time taking other photos of the area.<br />
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Local art<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34891541861/in/photostream" title="Fish tale"><img alt="Fish tale" height="345" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4247/34891541861_d54dccee39.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Something fishy on top of a local marina</i></div>
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A container ship docked in South Boston<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34891545161/in/photostream" title="Work n Play"><img alt="Work n Play" height="228" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4196/34891545161_6b2138e463.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Containers being unloaded at Conley terminal</i></div>
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Various sailing craft out on the harbour<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34212896103/in/photostream" title="Out of time"><img alt="Out of time" height="377" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4267/34212896103_05bf628c14.jpg" width="640" /></a><i>Red sails make this schooner look more like a junk out of place</i><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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And some really big ships, as vehicle carrier Liberty made it's way through the harbour to Subaru pier in Charlestown on the Mystic. Not sure the sailboat could claim the right of way when you have a ship that can't stop on a dime.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34724312571/in/photostream" title="Right of Way"><img alt="Right of Way" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4271/34724312571_2f88ff49ab.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>A vehicle carrier arrives in Boston, big enough to block half the skyline</i></div>
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Even an abandoned railroad tunnel, one of the two portals from the old Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn railroad. (South portal - I couldn't get to the open north portal on this trip...)<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q79P6wM2lrE/WTS5nhiZpHI/AAAAAAAACwo/uRVbjbyGxC8cUUXU6AMKF_fm98sfMgwIgCLcB/s1600/20170520-DSC_1638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1429" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q79P6wM2lrE/WTS5nhiZpHI/AAAAAAAACwo/uRVbjbyGxC8cUUXU6AMKF_fm98sfMgwIgCLcB/s640/20170520-DSC_1638.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>BRB&L old South portal</i></div>
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Many photos also lended themselves to Black & White conversion. I enjoy using B&W to show the viewer more about a photograph, emphasizing mood and structure and not relying on color alone to carry the image.</div>
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B&W can make buildings stand out</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34191508623/in/photostream" title="Custom Black & White"><img alt="Custom Black & White" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4245/34191508623_b6e2bcb761.jpg" width="416" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Custom house and surrounding buildings</i></div>
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or turn a cityscape into a mood shot. The sunset/twilight sky lighted the buildings up just enough you can tell them apart, but it was dark enough to for the office lights to show up.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34795076246/in/photostream" title="Absent sunset"><img alt="Absent sunset" height="243" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4191/34795076246_e3c46686ed.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Boston Skyline</div>
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Dockside warehouse shut down for the night with a few single lights providing security - and some interesting neon artwork....</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34448586630/in/photostream" title="After Hours"><img alt="After Hours" height="249" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4247/34448586630_f8e1beb720.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>All's quiet after dark</i></div>
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Finally, what was once a lively promenade during the day becomes eerily quiet after the sun went down (and a chilly breeze came up). </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34795051356/in/photostream" title="Harbourwalk revisited"><img alt="Harbourwalk revisited" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4165/34795051356_f322ab05c1.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>An empty promenade</i></div>
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It was a great night, and I look forward to the next 617 event. And a plug to <a href="http://dparmarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">D'parma</a>, where we stopped for a bite after the shoot for some amazing Italian food. for a great dinner afterwards. Perhaps that's why 617 heads to Eastie so often. :-)<br />
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You can keep an eye on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/617images/" target="_blank">617 Image's Facebook page</a> for the next event if you'd like to join us. <br />
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All images from this (and the previous 617 shoot) can be found in my Flickr album.
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/34614679460/in/photostream" title="Fly away"><img alt="Fly away" height="302" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4227/34614679460_a5810cf62d.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-47599777243004869132017-03-29T18:58:00.000-07:002017-03-29T18:58:23.012-07:00A Casket for ChristmasThis Christmas I was able to continue the tradition of giving my young cousin a jewelry box as a Christmas gift. As usual, the requirement was for it to be something unique that you wouldn't find anywhere else. That usually brings me to flea markets...<br />
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It turns out August was a good month. A new dealer showed up at the open market and had something interesting that I just had to have. A beautiful metal box on legs with a rose on it. Of course it needed some TLC, but I'd never seen anything similar before. Sold! Renaissance<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho3EZGX0wF8/WNxX_xBUYjI/AAAAAAAACrE/4OiW6Zs6vo8ZUYtBMg1QVbBsNuj6ipocwCLcB/s1600/20160925-IMG_1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho3EZGX0wF8/WNxX_xBUYjI/AAAAAAAACrE/4OiW6Zs6vo8ZUYtBMg1QVbBsNuj6ipocwCLcB/s320/20160925-IMG_1409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Box in it's original condition</i></div>
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This one would definitely need some elbow grease. <br />
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Some internet searching identified this as a casket style jewelry box. The inside of these boxes - rather than being lined along the edges - is puffy like a pillow (or a casket) on the inside. I was able to use <a href="http://www.jewelboxbook.com/newsletter/?page_id=1204" target="_blank">one web site </a>to date this piece to the 1920's. The inside is a pastel rather than a dark or red color - and the silver exterior was all tarnished off (They didn't learn to electroplate better until the 40's - so if you find a shiny one, it's a newer copy...)<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/33344847890/in/photostream" title="Jewelry Box 2016 - 2"><img alt="Jewelry Box 2016 - 2" height="552" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2928/33344847890_a296a44648_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Box before cleaning - with the good camera and a nice background</i></div>
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Even though this needed some work, the detail was amazing. <br />
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But hard work was ahead of me. I have to again thank Ann of the <a href="http://www.nbss.edu/education/programs/jewelry-making-and-repair/index.aspx" target="_blank">NBSS Jewelry program </a>for helping me out for the second year in a row. For the second year in a row I brought a jewelry box to the NBSS open house to get some advice on how to restore the piece. While <a href="http://snappingboston.blogspot.com/2016/01/jewelry-box.html" target="_blank">last years box</a> was cleaned with Brasso and NevrDull, this year I was introduced to Rouge Cloth for polishing.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/33573073082/in/photostream" title="Jewelry Box 2016 - 3"><img alt="Jewelry Box 2016 - 3" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3927/33573073082_b89682bb2d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Even before cleaning, the detail was still a highlight of the piece</i></div>
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And polish I did. As you can tell this piece had lots of nooks and crannies, so a small section each night. The detail took a lot of time. I did sneak a little NevrDull and tooth pick into some corners I just couldn't get into with the cloth. But not getting every little spot turned out to be nice - there's enough black here and there to bring out the design. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/32886710644/in/photostream" title="Jewelry Box 2016 - 6"><img alt="Jewelry Box 2016 - 6" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3850/32886710644_29dc38df2b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>The finished product, polished, sealed, and ready for delivery</i></div>
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<i>The 'unclean-able' black that remains adds character and helps emphasize the design</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/33600461391/in/photostream" title="Jewelry Box 2016 - 9"><img alt="Jewelry Box 2016 - 9" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3952/33600461391_ea9d9ea956_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The top detail looks quite different after a good cleaning.</i></div>
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The interior needed some work as well. Someone tried to repair the interior lining with regular white glue. ugh. Who would do that. Luckily, it was regular white glue. A little dab of water and began to soften. So another few nights to soften some flue, then gently tweezer it out without damaging the lining....<br />
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I didn't polish the bottom much - I wanted to keep that in something of an original state to see where I started. There was some ID on the bottom - the initial JB and the number 1187. Probably leads back to the manufacturer, but I've found nothing on line to help me...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/33600462621/in/photostream" title="Jewelry Box 2016 - 5"><img alt="Jewelry Box 2016 - 5" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2845/33600462621_1834082c6e.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>The bottom of the piece. Identification marks?</i></div>
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As you can see, the finished product came out amazing. Sealed with some Renaissance wax, I hope it stays in good condition for years to come.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/32886717384/in/photostream" title="Jewelry Box 2016 - 7"><img alt="Jewelry Box 2016 - 7" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2895/32886717384_8a1a6361a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Interior of the box, with the 'casket' like puffy padding.</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/33729297465/in/photostream" title="Jewelry Box 2016 - 11"><img alt="Jewelry Box 2016 - 11" height="395" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2862/33729297465_33ea6d635a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Safely in the hands of the new owner. I think she likes. :)</i></div>
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You can see a few more Jewelry Box photos in my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/albums/72157680015535921" target="_blank">Flickr Album</a>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-88774843801722223782017-01-16T19:40:00.000-08:002017-01-16T19:55:36.675-08:00Stratford Point LightI grew up in Lordship; a small neighborhood at the tip of Stratford, CT. Where the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housatonic_River" target="_blank">Houstaonic</a> river meets <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Island_Sound" target="_blank">Long Island Sound</a>, a small lighthouse sits helping ships navigate. The lighthouse is on private property, so I've never been able to explore it - until now.<br />
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Recently I was in CT for a wedding. That weekend the lighthouse was having an open house - so I convinced Mom to take a side trip to check it out <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratford_Point_Light" target="_blank">Stratford Point Light</a> in detail..<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CecKWxJ2_jU/WH18wt8nB-I/AAAAAAAAClQ/-qtTs7hR2YErCM1n-7V0qcMZBGwb1XZxgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-16%2Bat%2B9.08.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CecKWxJ2_jU/WH18wt8nB-I/AAAAAAAAClQ/-qtTs7hR2YErCM1n-7V0qcMZBGwb1XZxgCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-01-16%2Bat%2B9.08.17%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Google Satellite image of the lighthouse site</i></div>
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The lighthouse itself is small. Just over the height of a 2 story building, it pales in comparison to other lighthouses out there. But the Connecticut coast is rough terrain, and lighthouses dot the coastline. This lighthouse is one of several markers at the mouth of the Housatonic.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtAY1fFGYOU/WH1-IMzPCLI/AAAAAAAAClg/My4FBMXu7vMZLVsakDJgpAdX-piFaxeIQCLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtAY1fFGYOU/WH1-IMzPCLI/AAAAAAAAClg/My4FBMXu7vMZLVsakDJgpAdX-piFaxeIQCLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Stratford light, as seen form the street/driveway</i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGotbN73grM/WH1-IbTYhZI/AAAAAAAAClk/xq7QOkHAXkA6TTYuGbr_Th8Lnx2QAKuDACEw/s1600/20160611-DSC_6290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGotbN73grM/WH1-IbTYhZI/AAAAAAAAClk/xq7QOkHAXkA6TTYuGbr_Th8Lnx2QAKuDACEw/s640/20160611-DSC_6290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Placard on the property</i></div>
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It's interesting to visit as an adult the place that was such a mystery as a child. The light was visible from anywhere in the neighborhood, especially if there was haze in the atmosphere. Two quick flashes of light if you could see the lighthouse. From my bedroom window, two arcs of light would race across the sky on foggy nights. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/32356663655/in/photostream" title="Stratford Light 1"><img alt="Stratford Light 1" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/283/32356663655_847142773d_z.jpg" width="414" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Stratford Point Light</i> </div>
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And the foghorn. Just hearing one today brings back memories of the beach in pea soup fog; the smell of salt water; the gentle lap of waves on the sand.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCoF-60EUu8/WH2B5eeZpgI/AAAAAAAACmY/hrOFmUsNccsJD2Syqo3F6QrTst5-C3NHQCLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCoF-60EUu8/WH2B5eeZpgI/AAAAAAAACmY/hrOFmUsNccsJD2Syqo3F6QrTst5-C3NHQCLcB/s400/20160611-DSC_6221.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>The view while waiting in line to go up</i></div>
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<i>The light could use a little TLC...</i></div>
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Mom decided to sit this one out and explored the grounds while I ventured inside. The grounds had several vendor tables selling souvenirs and giving out various civic and coastguard information brochures. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEQbl1LTeNs/WH2BiiRXnQI/AAAAAAAACmI/wrnyEH-DpB4hYm6-7Fez-KbBSOzPHAYRQCLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEQbl1LTeNs/WH2BiiRXnQI/AAAAAAAACmI/wrnyEH-DpB4hYm6-7Fez-KbBSOzPHAYRQCLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6231.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<i>Placard on the entrance to the lighthouse</i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMTYgU3dM4s/WH2Bit7F8xI/AAAAAAAACmE/2s22rXaaRa8Ym511z-aRB1Mb5rm9pcrGACLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMTYgU3dM4s/WH2Bit7F8xI/AAAAAAAACmE/2s22rXaaRa8Ym511z-aRB1Mb5rm9pcrGACLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>CG personnel giving us a history of the light</i></div>
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Plenty of Coast Guard staff were on hand to ensure our safety and to give us some history. In the image above, those are the lights that were in place when I was a kid growing up. A more modern light source is in place now. Stratford Light <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_characteristic" target="_blank">flashes twice, with 20 seconds between flash sets</a>.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31515060844/in/photostream" title="The Way Up"><img alt="The Way Up" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/723/31515060844_cae056b601_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>The staircase up to the next platform, rendered in Black & White</i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tDOa5kZxuU/WH2Bitp_-TI/AAAAAAAACmM/J8pL4EKEaT8NTp8YAu2YpIohjhE1dLuKgCLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tDOa5kZxuU/WH2Bitp_-TI/AAAAAAAACmM/J8pL4EKEaT8NTp8YAu2YpIohjhE1dLuKgCLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6238.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>More education at the second level. </i></div>
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the second level had a map of all the lighthouses on the CT coast. There are a lot of them, although most are automated now... <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjC_rvSlsjRAhWK4yYKHZjZDUQQFggpMAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.charts.noaa.gov%2FBookletChart%2F12369_BookletChart.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGJtILFYndxNez91vWsk83yujHuoQ&sig2=RjzAnh69HJEcGWFT7HJD_Q" target="_blank">A nice map of the area can be found on this PDF</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YApXVVX1Qyw/WH2BisqG_gI/AAAAAAAACmQ/IKvWQ3UUUpUAvwB1P9sGmpm1d1yTPQXkACLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YApXVVX1Qyw/WH2BisqG_gI/AAAAAAAACmQ/IKvWQ3UUUpUAvwB1P9sGmpm1d1yTPQXkACLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6239.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>Stair from the 2nd level up to the light</i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7QWY0XeKR8/WH2Bi9i_mPI/AAAAAAAACmU/9gtt8q0Rl0EfB7a3ZGlBqGRJUSjvK1sTwCLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7QWY0XeKR8/WH2Bi9i_mPI/AAAAAAAACmU/9gtt8q0Rl0EfB7a3ZGlBqGRJUSjvK1sTwCLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Another visitor and I check out the light itself</i></div>
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While you see circular patterns on the light, it is no longer a fresnel lens. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/32236565861/in/photostream" title="Stratford Light View"><img alt="Stratford Light View" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/672/32236565861_5b9d256413_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>The view South from the light</i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09A1bWCV0s4/WH2KAF0M5EI/AAAAAAAACm0/3xwiVwnuhUwswVgcTKD5ZjBfF17t77ysQCLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09A1bWCV0s4/WH2KAF0M5EI/AAAAAAAACm0/3xwiVwnuhUwswVgcTKD5ZjBfF17t77ysQCLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The view East</i></div>
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Looking East, we can see the mouth of the Housatonic River, with the town of Milford in the background. Below we can see some of the tents set up for the day. Adjacent to the lighthouse is Dupont property, once home of the <a href="http://www.lordshiphistory.com/GUNCLUBwebpage.html" target="_blank">Remington Gun Club</a>. The circular driveway can be seen, but the shooting areas are long gone. The site, while still owned by Dupont, is cared for by the Connecticut Audubon society and operators as a protected migratory area. More information on that area <a href="http://www.ctaudubon.org/conservation-science-our-work/stratford-point/#sthash.qjw3KVIh.dpbs" target="_blank">can be found here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EDF5aKzNW4/WH2KAAw8VvI/AAAAAAAACm4/jWDQuzopEcIqK44bi84ikOgmf_Cj50R2wCLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EDF5aKzNW4/WH2KAAw8VvI/AAAAAAAACm4/jWDQuzopEcIqK44bi84ikOgmf_Cj50R2wCLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The view West</i></div>
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Looking west we see several beaches. the first cove is private. The second cover is a mostly public beach (<a href="http://www.townofstratford.com/content/39842/42452/" target="_blank">Russian Beach</a>), with a few private beaches (the houses in the distance). At the far point is "<a href="http://www.townofstratford.com/content/39842/42086/" target="_blank">The seawall</a>" - a small cluster of restaurants and a small hotel, as well as the seawall where you can park and watch the surf. A perfect spot for ice cream on summer evenings. Definite childhood memories of parking there during storms and watching the waves crash over us. (<a href="http://www.lordshiphistory.com/SEAWALLwebpage.html" target="_blank">History of the seawall</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYqS4GmaxnA/WH2Pm75Z8QI/AAAAAAAACnQ/enfoh6hihYY_gr51vXR_CpDByrYB_PFIwCLcB/s1600/20160611-DSC_6226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYqS4GmaxnA/WH2Pm75Z8QI/AAAAAAAACnQ/enfoh6hihYY_gr51vXR_CpDByrYB_PFIwCLcB/s640/20160611-DSC_6226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mom, checking out the lighthouse</i></div>
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All in all a fun morning out. It was no Boston Light, but I enjoyed visiting a childhood icon. A thanks to the Coast Guard volunteers, without whom the open house would not have happened.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lordshiphistory.com/StratfordPointwebpage.html" target="_blank">Photos of the lighthouse throughout the decades</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=793" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=793" target="_blank">Additional Stratford Light history</a>.<br />
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Look for my next blog post, which will have more artistic impressions of Stratford Point<br />
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Also check out my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/" target="_blank">Flickr photo stream</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-92209825567537451262016-12-04T20:24:00.001-08:002016-12-05T16:19:50.780-08:00UNW: Middlesex FellsThe November 2016 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/UrbanNatureWalk/" target="_blank">Urban Nature Walk </a>was a short hike in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesex_Fells_Reservation" target="_blank">Middlesex Fells</a>; a reservation just north of Boston. It's a massive forested area and several reservoirs and ponds and plenty of paths. Todays walk was in the South East area of the Fells.<br />
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Given this was a November walk, I knew I wasn't going to find any more trees full of autumn color. However, the brown leaves on the forest floor provided a nice canvas, as did all the glacial rocks and their texture. I ended up with many great shots, and several opportunities for black & white images.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31390181556/in/photostream" title="Fells-22"><img alt="Fells-22" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5671/31390181556_80ab534de4_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Rock outcropping</i></div>
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The above photo is a good representation of the Fells - forest with lots of rocks. (Well, that kind of describes New England, doesn't it??). Even with the bare trees, there is plenty of color on the ground and rocks - with a nice blue sky to top it off!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31056639150/in/photostream" title="A Pool of Trees"><img alt="A Pool of Trees" height="366" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5539/31056639150_c1ca78cca7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>A small body of water provides an interesting view of the forest trees against the sky</i></div>
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Of course, it wouldn't be a nature walk without some interesting mushrooms spotted. This was an interesting specimen. It looked huge sticking out on the small trunked tree. Some nice color and texture on top, with lots of gill action underneath. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31056672410/in/photostream" title="Fells-09"><img alt="Fells-09" height="334" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5547/31056672410_8c79b8e3ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/30618806073/in/photostream" title="Fells-08"><img alt="Fells-08" height="384" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5691/30618806073_015ef353ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Mushroom, top and bottom</i></div>
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Unfortunately, the view of Boston from a high point in the Fells wasn't that good that morning - lots of haze over the city. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31312513281/in/photostream" title="Fells-23"><img alt="Fells-23" height="212" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5491/31312513281_88cd923b2c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Boston, as seen from Boojum Rock in the Fells.</i></div>
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However, it was clear in the park, giving a crisp view and bold colors over one of the reservoirs.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31426175815/in/photostream" title="Fells-10"><img alt="Fells-10" height="276" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5347/31426175815_0014bed5a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Fells Reservoir (MWRA)</i></div>
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There were several spots of color to be found on the banks of the reservoir<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/30604832934/in/photostream" title="Fells-07"><img alt="Fells-07" height="381" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5818/30604832934_86107f8ec2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>
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<i>One bush still had delightfully red leaves. </i> </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31281455232/in/photostream" title="Fells-06"><img alt="Fells-06" height="286" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5332/31281455232_814cc34a43_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Sunlit reeds on the shore</i></div>
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While I did fine some brilliant colors on today's walk, you don't need great brilliant colors in order to have a great photograph. I took advantage of the many textures and lighting conditions and converted several images into Black & White, with great success. </div>
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Below, we see a collection of trees that provided an average color photograph. But as a Black and White image, your focus is now focused on the trees and the texture, and the warm tone bring an emotional feel to the image. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31281487802/in/photostream" title="Fells-12"><img alt="Fells-12" height="283" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5592/31281487802_3ed7d91afd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>A small copse of trees</i></div>
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Likewise, Black and white can transform an ordinary forest floor of fallen leaves into artwork. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31281490402/in/photostream" title="Fells-13"><img alt="Fells-13" height="364" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5775/31281490402_50e8637676_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Leaves on the forest floor</i></div>
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The same can apply to the rock outcroppings. Glaciers left some nice granite throughout the park, as well as scouring them as the glaciers receded. While many rocks were grey to begin with, Black & White allowed me to highlight the textures, turning a rock face into a landscape.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31390157036/in/photostream" title="Fells-20"><img alt="Fells-20" height="358" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5561/31390157036_70fac095ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>Rock face; Conversion to Black and White highlighting the striations.</i></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31390124806/in/photostream" title="Fells-16"><img alt="Fells-16" height="428" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5542/31390124806_9673627dd6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>A blue tint makes this look like the surface of another planet...</i></div>
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Visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/UrbanNatureWalk/" target="_blank">Urban Nature Walk </a>facebook page for more information on the group - the monthly walks are open to all!<br />
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All my photos from the walk can be found in <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/albums/72157673465871534" target="_blank">this Flickr album</a>. There you'll find many more color and black and white photos from the Fells walk. This trip made me realize how close the Fells reservation is to the MBTA orange line - I'll definitely be returning and exploring in the Fells next year!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31390029886/in/photostream" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="Fells-01"><img alt="Fells-01" height="214" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5726/31390029886_ba71f87f7a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Evergreen, softened</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1796132147752146237.post-58204234290115334112016-11-23T16:58:00.001-08:002016-11-23T18:13:36.562-08:00Nasturtium: Turning a Flower into a PhotographSometimes, an opportunity just presents itself.<br />
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I opened the shades after sleeping in a bit this morning to find a sliver of sun shining right onto some Nasturtium that seem to be resisting the Boston cold and were still in bloom. The phone camera was near by so I dashed out and snapped a few OK photos. Worthy of facebook perhaps. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF0G6FYbDHk/WDY0_XNYSEI/AAAAAAAACio/9ZmYkBzr6vMXLPNKKxXhnBXCtCDGlFXxQCLcB/s1600/20161123-IMG_1793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF0G6FYbDHk/WDY0_XNYSEI/AAAAAAAACio/9ZmYkBzr6vMXLPNKKxXhnBXCtCDGlFXxQCLcB/s640/20161123-IMG_1793.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>Image from the phone. </i></div>
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After snapping those I went and got the DSLR, and fitted the macro lens on it. Back in time to still catch the sun (but no time to set up the tripod - which was fine, as the breeze kicked in as soon as I got back out there. Captured a few shots, and Lightroom allowed me to be creative enough to make good photographs of them.<br />
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Seeing the sun shine directly on that open flower, I thought that would be a great shot. Of course not. It just looked like I had used the flash - way too harsh. And unfixable in LR. But Silver Efx Pro to the rescue, and I've got a great Black & White image. The macro lens got me the texture I wanted, and there was still enough shadow on the petals to provide some B&W interest. Fading the background and tweaking the flower center and I've got something I really like.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/30382929034/in/photostream" title="Nasturtium Redux"><img alt="Nasturtium Redux" height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5658/30382929034_c69ef8dcce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>B&W image - lots of great textures.</i></div>
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Zooming in however, I got a nice shot of the pistil and the 'hairs' on the lower petals. But an example of why macro outside is difficult - any kind of breeze will kill any hopes of focus stacking. A nice image nonetheless- even though the red is not in clear focus, it provides a nice background to the pistil.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31090308601/in/photostream/" title="Nasturtium pistil"><img alt="Nasturtium pistil" height="550" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5473/31090308601_b232060dd8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Macro lens catches the tendrils on the lower petals, and the pistil. </i></div>
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I went around to the other side to catch the sun back lighting one of the other flowers. A good image, but the out of focus petal coming straight at the camera was a tad distracting. I tried to de emphasize it, and vignetted the entire image to emphasize the sunlight.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31060842412/in/photostream/" title="Nasturtium back lit"><img alt="Nasturtium back lit" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5710/31060842412_9a539e8128_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<i>Back lit flower</i></div>
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On the next image I zoomed in, softened the image, and cropped in to highlight the back lighting. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/30382937624/in/photostream/" title="Nasturtium stripes"><img alt="Nasturtium stripes" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5483/30382937624_164efbcc35_z.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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<i>Back lit, softened and cropped</i></div>
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By the this time the wind was picking up, and no other image came out well. This one came out soft and had some potential I softened it up some more and played with the color, and got something with an impressionist feel. Did it work?<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/31090318251/in/photostream/" title="Nasturtium impressions"><img alt="Nasturtium impressions" height="428" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5507/31090318251_370653eec9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<i>The softer side</i></div>
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Be sure to check out all my images on my Flickr page. And feel free to leave thoughts in the comment section here, or on the images themselves on Flickr.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0