Another Perspective

Perspective

Always good to try viewing things

from another perspective.

That's were the unexpected hides.

These images of the two old barns were taken at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge.

Keeping Company with the Garden Hose

I hope this fourth of July finds you enjoying the holiday with family, friends, a good bite to eat and fond memories of celebrations past. By tradition, Rick and I will be home keeping company with the garden hose. 

There are many towns/cities in the region who have, smartly to my way of thinking, established laws against private fireworks. Ultimately it means the unincorporated areas of the counties, where we live, have become fireworks destinations. We have always had a pretty large contingent of folks who enjoy setting them off around the lake, but things have stepped up this year and they have been blasting away for almost two weeks now, late into the night. Gratefully it has not been overly dry here, as in other states. However, bottle rockets, M80's and all manner of other flying debris has found it's way to our property and roof in the past, so we try to be patient and watchful. And trees like to burn. Ask Smokey.

What I do love are the large shows (read controlled and safe) that fill the skies with bursts of raining beauty. Both Seattle and Tacoma hold such events which are televised. I'll be watching.

In the mean time, we send you wishes for a lovely Fourth of July. And the hope for safe and sane practices, especially in those areas so very fire prone this year. 

The Little Things

Sending you wishes for a weekend with ample time 

to focus on the little things
along with the vistas.

Reflecting

Reflecting on peaceful moments 

as the work week begins anew.

Have a good one.

Carmel Mission, CA a few years ago.

Summer Wishes

“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.” L.M. Montgomery

Sending you wishes for a wonderful 
never-to-be-forgotten summer!

China Alley

In the little California town where I grew up, there is a small area referred to as "China Town". Not a unique title, especially throughout the towns of the San Joaquin Valley and beyond, where many Asian communities settled at the turn of the last century, while working hard to survive and adapt to a new land. 

Many of the buildings they constructed; temples, businesses and homes remain, spanning a few blocks. In some areas, only bits of the buildings bear any outward resemblance to their origins. However, along "China Alley", much has been protected and strengthened where needed. California is, after all, the land of earthquakes.

"China Alley's" board and brick structures have interesting tales to tell. Especially just before sunrise. It is no longer a bustling place in the full light of day. But, in those cloaked predawn moments, it seems almost possible her doors will swing wide at day break and another work day will begin.

"China Alley" holds on, with the help and commitment of people who believe her history, and theirs, is worth saving. Even when the determined earth attempts to have it's way.

Manchester State Park

As folks who have stopped by this blog in the past may already know, one of the places I enjoy walking and making images is Manchester State Park on the Kitsap Peninsula in WA resting beside Rich Passage. The grounds cover 111 mostly forested acres and 3,400 feet of saltwater shoreline. And while we are talking numbers, 1.9 miles of walking trails as well. To clarify, for those who might make the trip to the park for a long flat stroll, it is steep in a few places.

The historical structures in the park can be compelling to shoot in changing light and seasons. If I remember correctly, the instillation (fort) was built by the US Coast Artillery for defense of Bremerton, WA at the turn of the century to protect the Bremerton Naval Ship Yard. It was then converted to a Navy fuel supply depot. As you can see by the photos at the bottom of the group, the ship yard still functions today. I think they now disassemble ships more often than building them. When I am taking pictures of the boats and marinas in Port Orchard, the ship yard is what sits directly across the bay. And beyond that, in the distance, the Olympic mountains. 

Back to the Fort; the building you see with the arched windows initially served as a torpedo warehouse in 1901. Since that time is has also been an officers club, barracks, mess hall, fire station and now, a quite place to sit. It wears it's history in interesting ways. Each visit I find something new. The layers and layers of peeling paint may take me decades to fully inspect. Through it's windows you can see the shore and off to the side another building is firmly anchored on a small hill. It isn't as welcoming, but interesting to photograph. It was built as a mining casement and later used for coal storage. There is also a gun battery on the grounds. Based on the Forts position, passing ships would have been sitting ducks.

It is a wonderful thing to have this land in State Park status and open to the public. With the funding reduction challenges we continue to face in WA, many of our State Parks have been cut from the rolls. I keep my fingers crossed for Manchester State Park. (And others.) It is worth giving Manchester a look if you are in the area. The flat portion of the walk will lead you to a great viewing spot for the Seattle/Bremerton ferries using the passage. And, from that spot you can see Seattle and Vashon Island. 

Be sure and click on the photos to see a larger versions.