The beach at Tulum is one of the most visited parts of the site and it’s easy to see why.
Even on an overcast, dreary day the sea was a beautiful aquamarine.
Maybe not crowded, but there were still quite a few people enjoying the water.
Imagine what it would be like on a sunny day!
Like a post card!
On the point a ruin stands alone.
Some research speculates that this was a Mayan “lighthouse” .
It’s certainly in the right place.
Life seems to have slowed down a little. Cooler weather is starting to move in. We had a touch of frost a couple of nights ago but then temps rebounded back to the 70’s. We haven’t had much sun so far this October…no “October’s Bright Blue Weather“. Maybe the poem could be called September’s Bright Blue Skies.
The first half of 2013 looks like it may be quite busy for travel. On the books is a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico; a few days in Florida to visit the Everglades; and an 11 day cruise to Alaska in May. Because of all those fun but expensive plans, I’ve been staying close to home since I got back from the Balloon Festival in September.
Doing a bit of overtime at the real job while I can get it. It all helps with the bills and travel expenses.
Friday I posted some food pictures. I didn’t have time to say much about them then so I’ll update you now. When we went down to meet with the owners of the Sailing Cow Cafe it was on a Tuesday and the Cafe was closed for business because it was on it’s “Off Season” schedule. Since we couldn’t get lunch there we decided to go to the Kreme and Kone in Dennis.
There is also a 2nd restaurant in Chathem. This would be one of the last chances to enjoy a visit there this season as they are closing Oct. 21. until next summer.
Just about everything at the Kreme and Kone is fried, a typical seaside style restaurant, but as long as it doesn’t become a daily habit it can’t be too bad, right. The weather was nice (It was still in September when we went) so we took advantage to sit outside on the deck.
We watched kayakers and water birds in the tributary behnd the “Kone” while we enjoyed lunch. A light breeze made it comfortable in the sun.
Nancy had the Fried Shrimp.
Nancy ordered the shrimp as a “side dish” because we knew from past visits that there was more than enough french fries and onion rings on the “plate” for two or more people. So the picture of the Onion Rings and Fries is my “plate” and all that deep-fried yumminess is hiding the best part of the “plate”….fried scallops.
The hardest part of food photography in my opinion is remembering to take the picture before you dig in!
This made the photo of the week because it’s my first attempt at digital photo manipulation. If you are good the picture will look like it was taken with all of the elements in it. I still have some work to do to get that good but this doesn’t seem too bad for my first try.
A starfish dances by the sea.
I shouldn’t share this one (The rule is: Never share anything less than the best) but even if it’s out of focus because I was busy laughing when I took it, I still think it’s cute. That was one very curious dog!
When I found a real golf course a boring subject I looked around for inspiration.
Parade of Shoes. 🙂
You remember “Dumbo” the Disney elephant that could fly as long as he had his “magic feather”? Well, I think I lost my magic feather. Let me explain.
About 2 weeks ago the chain of camera stores that includes Ritz Camera were put on the auction block. Everyone thought they would be bought out and reorganized but instead the top bidder was a liquidation company. Now they have less than 5 weeks left to sell all and clear out. My first reaction was shock. I think everyone at my favorite Camera Store in Hingham felt the same way.
To make myself feel better I headed off to Nantasket Beach to take some whimsical pictures of Hawaiian bobble head hula dancers. It was a nice day and I really enjoyed myself.
I couldn’t wait to get home and put the results on the big screen of my computer. Everything looks good on the tiny LED screen. When I uploaded to the computer I was confused and horrified. How could I get such grainy shots on a bright sunny day. I grabbed the camera and checked the settings. What a knuckheaded mistake! I had the ISO set way high from shooting interiors the day before. I haven’t made that kind of mistake in over 2 years!
A few days later I was back down to Ritz to see how everyone was doing. I had a few remaining prints to pick up. I’m not sure where I’ll get my photo processing done now. I didn’t stay long because I had arranged a photo shoot with a young lady that would like to do some modeling. So I was off to Nantasket again to get some late summer beach pics with her in them for Stock Photos.
It looked like I got some great shots and I was all excited. Home I went to check them out on the “big screen” monitor. OH NO! They were all blue!
How could that be? What is going on with me? Once again I reached for the camera. ISO correct…check, white balance on Auto…nooooo. I had set the white balance to incandescent the day before and hadn’t reset to auto or even sun!
That was when I thought of Dumbo and his feather. I haven’t been able to take a decent picture since I found out Ritz was closing. These people have been my mentors and friends, not just clerks and salespeople. Over the past 2+ years my photos have made huge improvements just by getting a little hint here or a suggestion there, all done with kindness and gentle support. They have celebrated my successes and laughed with me over my goofs. They have been my photography gurus always ready to answer questions or give me a boost when I was feeling discouraged or insecure. Now they won’t be there anymore.
So it seems Ritz was my feather. As long as I knew they were there I could fly. But now that they are closing I seem to have regressed…or in the Dumbo analogy…lost my feather.
Dumbo’s little mouse friend convinced him he could still fly and with time I’m sure I’ll get my groove back . To my favorite Ritz Camera store in Hingham, I will miss all of you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the help you’ve given me. I hope you all find doors open for you and new paths to achieve everything you want. It isn’t the end (even if it feels like it now) but an opportunity for new and greater things.