Mersey Bluff Lighthouse - Tasmania

Well, since we're still on the subject of lighthouses, I thought we'd take a trip to Australia and the island state of Tasmania.

Tasmania is located 150 miles south of continental Australia across the Bass Strait and is known as the "island of inspiration" due to its large and relatively unspoiled natural environment. The Great Australian Bight borders it in the west, The Tasman Sea in the east, and The Southern Ocean in the south. Hobart, the largest city and state capital is the south; we rented a sailing yacht there to cruise in The Southern Ocean. The most well-known resident is the Tasmanian Devil. After an 11-hour night crossing of the Bass Strait aboard the MS Abel Tasman, we arrived in Port Devonport on the north side of the island. Just outside of the port, we came upon the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse on the western side of the mouth of the Mersey River. It was constructed in 1889, replacing a succession of previous beacons. This lighthouse is considered unusual in Australia because of its distinctive verticle red striped daymark. Tasmania will be featured in future posts, we spent a month here.

Portsmouth Harbor Light - Portsmouth, NH

At the mouth of the Piscataqua River, you will find New Hampshire's only deep water port, Portsmouth Harbor. A series of lighthouses were constructed in the area as early as 1771, originally from wood. The current cast-iron lighthouse was constructed in 1877 on the grounds of Fort Constitution (originally called Fort William & Mary by the Brits). In December 1774, Paul Revere rode to Portsmouth from Boston to warn the locals of British plans to reinforce Fort William & Mary. They immediately raided the fort and made off with the supplies. Many consider this to be one of the first battles of the American Revolution. It is said that the ammunition taken was used against the British during the Battle of Bunker Hill. You can see the remains of the fort just to the right of the lighthouse.

This image was also shot from Fort McClary. Although I would have preferred light from the west, I'm happy with this shot.

Whaleback Light - Kittery, Maine

This is the most southerly lighthouse in Maine, located just northeast of Portsmouth Harbor at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. Apparently both Maine and New Hampshire have squabbled over the lighthouse for years. The Coast Guard finally settled the dispute by declaring it to be in Maine. Ideally, I should have shot this image from Fort Foster but I couldn't find it and was pressed for time. I ended up in Fort McClary to get the shot. It's not that good because of it's distance from Fort McClary and again I was shooting into the morning sun. I'm planning a major Maine Lighthouse shoot at some point during the next 2 months to provide you with a proper image.

Boon Island Light, Maine

Wow, this was a Ghost Lighthouse for me. I was reading about the background of Maine's Lighthouses and came across some information on this one. It is about 9 miles offshore from York Beach and can be seen from Cape Neddick. Well imagine my surprise and glee when I went back to the raw images of the Cape Neddick Light and found that I had captured this shot. Mind you, it's not very good but at least I have it. I'm thinking about buying a longer lens so I can get more detail on the next trip.

According to my research, this island is a just a strip of jagged rocks waiting to destroy a passing ship. The most notorious wreck was that of the Nottingham Galley in 1710 where the survivors resorted to cannibalism.

Cape Neddick Light - York Beach, Maine

On Monday morning, after a delightful meal hosted by our hero Marine Corporal Dan Buscemi at Amore Breakfast in Ogunquit, I began my drive South back to Connecticut along Shore Road which eventually turns into Route 1A. Soon, I arrived in York Beach and headed out to Sohier Park to shoot the Cape Neddick Light. This lighthouse is also called The Nubble Light referring to the barren rocky island (a nubble) where it sits. It is said that when NASA launched the Voyager Spacecraft, they picked photos to identify Earth in case the craft fell into extraterrestial hands - these included an image of the Nubble. I knew this shot would be challenging because I had to aim East into the morning sun. It would be preferable to create this image with the late afternoon light from the West - I'll try that on my next visit. All things considered, I'm happy with it.

Goat Island Light - Cape Porpoise Harbor, Maine

During the next few days, we shall visit the images of 5 lighthouses that I was able to shoot during Summerfest 2010 in Maine. For some background, the coastline of Maine was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago forming a series of bays, inlets, ledges, and shoals. For mariners, these waters were complicated and extremely dangerous. There was no such thing as GPS so commencing around 1794, a series of lighthouses were constructed to provide a fixed point of guiding light. Well over 60 of these structures still dot the coast. Just outside of Kennebunkport, at the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor, you will find the Goat Island Light. It is said that the Secret Service agents guarding George H. W. Bush use the island to keep an eye on the Bush Compound at Walker's Point. This image was created at dusk, shot from some lobster company docks.

Lobster Boat at Cape Porpoise Maine

Well folks, tonight was the finale of Summerfest 2010 in Maine. It is said that true friends can go years without seeing each other, yet they will always be friends. When they meet again, they just take-up where they left off. Such was the case this weekend. Tonight we celebrated our joy at being together again with a nice shore dinner. That is the inspiration for today's shot, a small lobster boat in the harbor at Cape Porpoise.

Drakes Island Beach - Polar Bear Party

Today we spent the day here at Drakes Island Beach in Wells, Maine. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze blowing to keep us cool. I caught up on sleep and must needed relaxation. More images to come from Maine tomorrow. As our commenter points out, these waters are cold, so I have revised the title.

Off To Maine

Off to Maine for some fun and photos. Will post make-up days and new shots when I return. Have a great weekend!

Black Rock Harbor

Greetings from Wells, Maine. Here is an image created Thursday night at The Fayerweather Yacht Club during their delicious Thursday night dinner served by Along Came Carol. In the background you can see the Fayerweather Light and the new fishing pier at Seaside Park. Hope you like this.

Return to Black Rock Harbor

After enjoying a wonderful dinner at the Fayerweather Yacht Club, I had some time to shoot some beautiful images around sunset. I really liked this one of a sailboat heading north on Black Rock Creek flying a brightly colored spinnaker. The reflection in the water adds a nice balance.

South Eastern Australian Coast

Well since we are on the subject of coastal areas, I thought we'd pop around the world to Australia for a shot of the south eastern coastline below Sydney. A picture is worth a thousand words and I believe this image says it all for the beauty of the area.

Sunset Over Long Island Sound

Today I am pleased to introduce a local photographer, Mr. Carlos M. Carmo, Jr. - well known man-about-town. This image caught my eye and really drew me into it. Shot from the deck of the Port Jefferson Ferry on its inbound trip, it reminds me of the excitement of returning home to Bridgeport. Thank you Mr. Carmo!

The Virgin Mary of Bridgeport

Statuary can be found in many places, sometimes elegant tributes to those past as found in Mountain Grove Cemetery or Seaside Park. Other times, a simple yet beloved tribute to a religious icon. Some friends and I discovered this statue on the way home from the Port Jefferson Ferry. We had made a wrong turn and were driving along a street in an area known as The Hollow. God had sent us there to preserve this tribute digitally. The Virgin has moved on but she shall live forever due to the wonders of digital photography. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Christ and Holy Trinity Cemetery

An interesting way to shoot an outdoor statue in a cemetery for example is to create the image in a low light condition while using a flash. The flash reflects well off the stone highlighting the statue while the unlit background virtually disappears. This image was created in the Christ and Holy Trinity Cemetery in Westport, Connecticut.

New York Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art

I really enjoy visiting this museum. There is just so much to see and do both inside and out. I've found that the statues look best in black & white, at least to my eye. Enjoy!

Phone Booth at Ye Old Yacht Yard

As you may have noticed from previous posts, I enjoy going to Ye Old Yacht Yard. It seems there is always something new to post. This old phone booth caught my eye, especially the reflection in the glass. I thought that a black & white would better emphasize the reflection and the detail in the wood.

Queen Schmeen

During the Barnum Festival Street Parade, I was able shoot this image of some Continental Soldiers marching down North Avenue. It's too bad that they weren't rounding up some Brits (BP) and sending them back to the UK like they did during the revolutionary war. I heard the Queen was in New York City today. They should have flown her bony-ass down to the Gulf so she could help with the clean-up.

Vines and Vignette's Flower

Here is another image created Saturday June 5 at Vines and Vignettes. Who can tell me what kind of flower this is?

Walking the Beach After a Storm

You haven't really experienced some good shopping until you've walked the beach after a storm. It's amazing the things you will find. I've gotten some sunglasses, flatware, and a bondage Barbie - all for just the taking. You might even find a nice shoe which is the inspiration for this image.

Lightning Over Sydney Harbour

The past couple of days have been brutally hot which has inspired me to post this image. It was taken during a heat induced lightning storm over Sydney Harbour, Australia. While I'm sure you are all ready to sing my praises as the greatest photographer that ever lived, I must admit that I did not shoot this. It was taken by an Aussie Cousin so I've kept it in the family. I hope you enjoy it.

Happy Fourth of July

Today we celebrate our independence from the British Empire, unfortunately they have struck back in the form of BP. On a happier note, we attended a fireworks display a couple of blocks away on Arcadia Avenue. Those folks know how to throw a block party, the fireworks were fabulous accompanied by Ozzy himself (well at least a recording). Mark is already working on stepping ours up for next year. As I looked around, it occurred to me why Bridgeport is such a wonderful place. It is full of neighborhoods with real people, down to earth people, who care for each other. The smiles on the faces of children as they enjoyed the event, the adults who all accept each other for who we are, that is what Bridgeport is all about.

I used to live in one of those towns to the West(port) of us that got overrun by the nouveau-riche Long Gislanders (attracted in part by Martha Stewart) who think that money buys them class . Thanks Martha - you screwed up the town, then moved to Bedford Hills. Perhaps in your next book you can include a "Screw-Us Over Souffle". Ann Landers once said: "Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It's the sure footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life". No offense to my friends from Westport, but Bridgeport has you beat in every way. Bridgeport has CLASS!

Well now, enough of my pontificating. This image was created on July 3rd at the Pierce Avenue Block Party. Hope you enjoy it. God bless Bridgeport and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Pierce Avenue Block Party

Tonight we had our annual July 4th block party coordinated by Mark Vollenweider, the mayor of our neighborhood. I moved here in April and I can tell you that this is a wonderful place to live. The neighbors are great and they're all real people. Bridgeport is a wonderful city, it has so much to offer. All you need to do is open your mind and you'll love it too.

Insects Can Be Fun or Makin' Honey

Today I thought we'd examine the world of insects. Once again, the importance of always having a camera ready should be a priority.

The image of the bees having fun was created on my back patio in 1987 at the spur of the moment when someone shouted "OMG, look what's happening on your table!"

In the same vein, the dragonfly was also shot at the spur of the moment on another friends patio.

Both images would have been much better if I had used macro lens, but that's the breaks.

Barnum Museum After the Tornado

It was a lovely afternoon with great fluffy clouds in the sky. I was traveling through downtown Bridgeport which had been hit by a tornado last week. Today's image is of the Barnum Museum. Note the damaged windows on the lower level. The plywood covering them is painted with the famous words of P.T himself, "The show must go on". Please visit the Barnum Museum web site to make a donation for their repair efforts.