Buddies

Oshawa Creek - October 2005

When I first saw this cluster of mushrooms, they looked to me like a group friends. The little shy guy is in the rear peeking around his bigger friends.

Stairway

Oshawa Creek - May 2006
Google Earth Coordinates:
43^o 51' 57.91"N
78^o 51' 36.84"W

Some of these are the size of dinner plates. Only days before they were just buds growing on this leaning dead tree. I had set my camera on auto for a previous shot and forgot to return the setting to manual when I took the photographs of this fungae, hence the soft focus. When I returned the next day to re-shoot, vandals had discovered this beautiful stairway of fungal growth and destroyed the whole lot. I can't understand the mindset of people who get their jollies by destroying everything that is beautiful. What is so sad is that the destruction is usually perpetrated by adults who should know better.

Mushrooms & Moss

Oshawa Creek - October 2005
Google Earth Coordinates:
43^o 51' 57.91"N
78^o 51' 36.84"W

I have no idea what these mushrooms are called, although I think they are a common species. They are everywhere, growing on rotten deadfall. They are always accompanied by dark green moss. I'm not a mycologist, and my only interest in fungae is its diversity and beauty.

Puff Balls

Southmead Park, Oshawa - September 2005
Google Earth Coordinates:
43^o 52' 04.91"N
78^o 50' 13.08"W

I had passed this spot the previous day and spotted these puff balls They were only about 1/10^th the size they are here. I had forgotten my camera so I was unable to get picture. The next day, I returned to the park and couldn't believe my eyes. They had grown ten times their size in only 24 hours. They were larger than a softball. I returned the next day, figuring at their rate of growth they could possibly be the size of a soccer ball. As luck would have it, the town decided to mow the grass and they were scattered all over the park in little pieces.

In The Dark

White Fungus - Oshawa Creek - October 2005
Google Earth Coordinates:
43^o 51' 57.91"N
78^o 51' 36.84"W

I'm not a mycologist by any stretch of the imagination, but I appreciate the diversity of the species. The shapes and colours of this form of life that thrives on death and decay and for the most part hides in the shadows fascinate me. Most of the time we walk right past fungae without taking much notice of it. To appreciate how much of it is around us, you need to venture off the beaten path and get down on your hands and knees. Once you have taken the time to discover this secret world hidden beneath the light inhibiting canopy, you will discover that some species of fungus can be just as visually beautiful as any horticultural specimen found in any perfectly manicured garden.

Shelf Fungus

Shelf Fungus - Oshawa Creek - September 2005
Google Earth Coordinates:
43^o 51' 57.91"N
78^o 51' 36.84"W

This shot was taken mid-morning on one of those perfect bright blue cloudless autumn days. The sun was high in the sky and not too harsh. The canopy only allowed a single shaft of light through to illuminate the fungus.

Shrooms

Fungus, Oshawa Creek - August 2005
Google Earth Coordinates:
43^o 51' 57.91"N
78^o 51' 36.84"W

This image is from my project last Autumn to photograph all of the fungae growing in the ravine along Oshawa Creek, south of the Thomas Street bridge. Over a period of four months, I photographed over 200 different and unique fungae and mushrooms. There was a distinct difference in the types inhabiting each side of the river. There were many more varieties growing on the west side than what grew on the east side of the river. The specimens that grew on the west side were more diverse in shape and form, and in most cases, were more vibrant in colour.

Upper Hudson River

Near North Creek, NY - October 2005

Just an nice Autumn shot of the Hudson River taken from the flatcar of a North Creek RR train.

Rock Cut

Rock Cut, Adirondacks, Rte 30 - October 2005

I like the virtical lines of the bore holes and the contrast of the fall colours against the light granite. There is virtually no topsoil on this outcrop, yet the trees and vegitation thrive.

Autumn Lake

Adirondacks, Near Tupper Lake, NY - October 2005

This shot of an unknown mountain was taken from Rte 30 south of Tupper Lake, NY, in the Adirondack Mountains. Autumn arrived very late in the year and the colour change was just starting to happen and was not expected to be as spectacular as it usually is. This is one of the few shots I was able to capture that showed any significant colour change.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Click Me

Winter, Spring, Summer, & Fall

Winter, Oshawa Trails - November 2005

I listened to the weather reports in anticipation of the first major snowfall of the season. When I heard that there was to be a significant fall overnight, I arose very early the next morning hoping to capture a shot of the trail covered in a pristine blanket of snow. Much to my dismay, an interloper and dog had already disturbed the path. Rather than wait for another snowfall, I shot a few images anyway. Upon uploading the pictures, I discovered that the footprints added life to what could have been a very flat scene.


Spring, Oshawa Trails - May 2006


Summer, Oshawa Trails - June 2006


Autumn, Oshawa Trails - October 2005

History!

Port Oshawa - August 2005


I have no idea for what purpose this facility was used for. When I took this photograph, I was unaware that it had already been slated for demolition. When I visited the ports a couple of weeks later, it had vanished without a trace. The ports lands will be redeveloped for recreation and residential use and all of the industrial facilities will be gone forever. It will be a shame if the town doesn't keep something to remind us of Oshawa's past.

East

Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006


This gazebo has some interesting angles, but because of background noise, it was impossible to get the shot I wanted. I'd given up when my companion pointed out the patterns in the lattice work above our heads. Sometimes it takes someone removed from the subject to point out what you a looking for.

Green Parsons Bench

Henry House, Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006

There are a number of parson's benches around the elm trees at this location, but due to access and cluttered backgrounds I was unable to capture what I saw in my mind's eye. Every time I passed by them I stopped to see if I could find a different perspective. On this day, the Tiger Lilly had grown above the picket fence. The spider web was what I was shooting for, but when I saw the results I knew I had found the perspective I was looking for, by accident.

Rust

Port Oshawa - August 2006

I'd taken a number of shots of this abandoned, steel clad storage shed, but none of them was anything that I liked. The shed is surrounded by a tall chain link fence, barb wire, and heavy overgrowth. I had never noticed this boarded up window until I peered through a hole in the fence and discovered the shot I wanted.

Sanctuary

Henry House, Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006

These parson's benches are everywhere at this location. These two are in an alcove created by the shape of the building and create a very peaceful and private space. I had to hang upside down over a picket fence to get this shot.

Green Door

Henry House, Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2005

This building is clad in gray limestone and all of the trim and the woodwork scattered around the yard is painted this beautiful shade of green. The black screen door is the only trim on the building that is not green. I wasn't pleased with any of the shots of the door when it was in focus. I moved back, focussed on the lilac bush and got the shot I was looking for.

Fading Past

Port Oshawa - August 2006

I've seen this faded billboard for years and never thought to photograph it. While looking for subjects to shoot, I looked up and saw it from a whole new perspective. It will be gone within a year due to redevelopment of the waterfront and a bit of town history will be lost. I think they should preserve it.

Shadows

Henry House, Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006

This old drive shed is hidden behind a building and a new sterile concrete storage shed. I'd never taken notice of it before until I was looking for a good angle for another shot I was trying to capture. The porch was littered with all sorts of stuff which I considered to be clutter and not worthy of a shot. The morning sun had not yet risen very high in the sky and it filtered between the two sheds and cast these interesting shadows. I really like the peeling paint, the brass doorknob, and the orange padlock.

Secret in a Secret Garden

Henry House, Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006

Other than a black screen door, this is the only other object on this property that isn't painted green. Even though it is hidden among some lilac bushes it stood out like a sore thumb and invited attention.

Potentiality

Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006

I liked how these two differently styled swing sets stand out against Lake Ontario in the background and are waiting patiently to be played with. I didn't have my tripod with me on this occasion and wasn't able to align the angles up perfectly. After seeing the results, I'm very happy how it turned out and wouldn't change a thing. I think the chainlink fence in the background compliments the angles of the swings.

Need a Lift?

Port Oshawa - August 2006

I originally was taken by the clouds. When tilted the camera up to omit the storage tanks, this is what I saw in the viewfinder. The crane and tanks make for a much more interesting shot. The abandoned fuel storage facility in the ports area of town is slated for demolition to make way for recreational and residential development.

Heavy Metal

Port Oshawa - August 2006

The cranes are a reminder of the redevelopment that will be taking place on the ports lands of our town. Soon all the abandoned industries will be gone and the waterfront will experience gentrification, which is the way it should be. Oshawa is the only major city on Lake Ontario that hasn't redeveloped its waterfront area for the use of its citizens. There isn't even a public marina.

Conspiracy

Port Oshawa - August 2006

These valves at the abandoned fuel storage facility in the ports lands always fascinated me. I was only able to shoot them through a chain link fence and could never get in the right position. On my last outing, I discovered that someone had cut a hole in the fence so I crawled through and was able to get head on. With my warped sense of perspective on things I saw four machines engrossed in a conspiritorial converstation. Beware your toaster!

Green Bench at Sunrise

Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006

The boardwalk at Lakeview Park doesn't lack for conversational seating. Every fifty paces or so there are a pair of hunter green park benches facing each other at an angle. I shot a number of pictures of the west facing bench because the morning sun was at its backside making for interesting shadows through the slats. The east facing bench was very washed out in sunlight and I ignored it. When I was finished I snapped a quick shot of the bench and thought no more of it. It turned out to be the keeper.

Your Point!?

Darlington Nuclear Facility from Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006

I've always wanted a keeper picture of the Darlington Nuclear facility across the bay from Lakeview Park. Every time I tried, I've had the misfortune to be at the waterfront when the point was washed out in haze. On this morning, even though it was extremely hot and humid there was very little haze. The shot was taken at about 6:00 in the morning. The caption is a double entendre. I'm not telling.

Morning Ralph! Morning George!

Port Oshawa - August 2006

Remember the Foghorn Leghorn cartoons on Saturday mornings? Remember George P. Dog, the henhouse watchdog? That's what crossed my warped mind when I saw the two cranes peeking over the trees at 6:30 in the morning.

Blue Shade

Guy House - Lakeview Park,Oshawa - August 2005

The one blue window shade stopped me dead in my tracks, not to mention the early morning sun playing on the warm orange/yellow siding. To get the shot I lay down on the grassy knoll; right in a long green cigar of goose shit.

Audacious

Lakeside Park, Oshawa - August 2006

I have no idea how this tree survives with its feet constantly in the water. It certainly isn't one of the crowd. It's my kind of person.

King of the World

Lakeview Park, Oshawa - August 2006

All the other gulls were harassing the squirrels, the geese, and the few visitors who happened to be at Lakeview Park early on this particular morning. This gull appeared to be above it all, surveying its domain. It stayed there until I had finished photographing it and then flew away when I walked away.

Portal into the Past

Robinson House - Lakeview Park, Oshawa - January 2006

This door situated at the rear of this building is like a door to nowhere. It sits about one meter above grade level with no stairs leading up to it. The reddish brown colour of the door contrasts beautifully with the muted yellow brick. The strong shadows cast by the late afternoon January sun makes the door stand out. When the sun is high in the sky or when it is overcast the door fades into the brickwork and it is easy to not notice it.

If Walls Could Talk

Dry Goods Store - North Creek, NY - October 2005

I liked how the rusted corrugated tin roof contrasted with the weather beaten, water stained siding and the green vegetation. The faded lettering on the side of the building tells a story of the the once vital past of this Addirondak community. North Creek holds an important part in the history of the United States. It is where, on September 14, 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt received a telegram announcing that President McKinley had succummed to wounds he received eight days earlier when he was shot by an annarchist at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. The new President boarded a special train to take him from here to Buffalo, NY where he was officially sworn in.

Upper Hudson River

Near North Creek, NY - October 2005

This is a shot of Gore Mountain in the Adironcacks and the upper Hudson River which I took while riding a flatcar on the North Creek RR line. The bridge is Hwy 8 at Riverside (Riparius), NY crossing the Hudson River. Riparius is the name the US Postal Service gave to the town. Since there was already a post office in NY State named Riverside, the service chose Riparius, apparently meaning in latin: "by the river" or "near the river". A riparius is also a soldier belonging to a Byzantine frontier unit.

Franklin's General Store

Olde Mystik Village, Mystic, Connecticut - August 2005

Latent Spars & Masts

Mystic Seaport, Connecticut - August 2005

Winch Gears

Mystic Seaport, Connecticut - August 2005

Sentinel

Port Oshawa - April 2006

Winch Gears

Mystic Seaport, Connecticut - August 2005