Location Report – C Chin Photo

Bay Bridge @ Night

Dec 302013

As the year draws to a close, it was time to capture a in-transition period for the Bay Bridge. The western span of the Bay Bridge, has a light show, “The Bay Lights”, that started on March 5, 2013 and runs through March, 2015. The Bay Lights was created by artist Leo Villareal. It is the worlds largest LED light sculpture consisting of 25,000 white LED lights. Programmed by the artist, it creates a never-repeating, animated display across the western span of the Bay Bridge.

On the eastern side, the new Eastern Span of the Bay Bridge was completed and opened on September 2 of this year. The primary purpose of this new bridge was to replace the old one with a bridge that is seismically more fit for the region.

For more Information:

The Bay Lights – Website for the organization, www.thebaylights.org

SF Oakland Bay Bridge – Website for the project, www.baybridgeinfo.org

More SF @ Night Photos

Oct 6, 2013 – Sierras Fall Foliage Report

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Oct 072013

With Carol Leigh’s board ending, fall foliage reports for California are sparse and scattered. Having read various reports, some had indicated that fall was early this year. Taking a chance, I decided to take a drive to the Hope Valley area and then return to the bay area via route 49, not quite entering Plumas County. For the most part, peak in some areas is past with leaves already having come off the tress and in other areas, a mix, maybe about 60 – 90%. The effects of chilly evenings, wind and some warmer days is having an interesting effect this year. Bottom line – Go Now! Below are the observed conditions;

Hope Valley – The area around Sorensen’s resort is about 90% with the rest of Hope Valley varying from 60-80%. The effects of the weather patterns causing the “lemon-lime” effect in tree leaves. Most of the colors in this area are aspen yellows with some hits of orange in the area.

Rt 89 to Rt 49 Junction – Driving along the river one can observe that most of the trees there are around 75 – 95%. Other areas away from the water, the trees may be 50 – 80%. For the most part, this area is pretty much at peak for about another week. Most colors are yellow aspens.

Rt 49 – Sierraville – Downieville – Grass Valley – As you drive along the river, color is abundant. The river areas is at peak or will be at peak in the next week. Areas away from the river seem to be around 50%. As you travel west from Sierraville, colors progressively get more brilliant and closer to peak. Most aspen yellows with a sprinkling of oranges and reds.

More Photos: My Gallery

Resources:

California Fall Colors – Contender for Carol Leigh replacement site.

Fall Leaves Interactive Map – Link to a visual map of fall colors as reported by the Sacramento Bee.

Fall Leaves – More direct link to map – updated every Thursday

Plumas County Fall Colors – Fall colors site from Plumas County Tourism department.

Natural History Wanderings – Sandy Steinman’s site with nationwide reports.

Parcher’s Resort – Decent site for Bishops Creek area reports.

Yosemite Horsetail Falls – Location Update

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Feb 192013

February 16-17, 2013

Wanting to get out and field test some equipment, I went up to Yosemite for the weekend hoping to re-capture and experience the “fire falls” effect @ Horsetail Falls in Yosemite Valley. As described in my post back in February, 2010, this effect only happens once a year (though rumor is it also happens in the fall based on another blog post). The park rangers seem to have caught on to this phenomenon as evidenced by the cordoning off of a lane on both the north and south drives for “Special Event” parking. This is undoubtedly due to the popularity of this event.

Andrew Kee’s blog calulated that the optimal time this year would be from February 12 – 27, with the optimal time being mid-week, February 20-21. Viewing this phenomenon relies on several key factors with water flow and direct sunlight being the most important. During this past weekend, Saturday was the better of the two days, though not as good as back in 2010 when the water flow was more abundant. Water flow this year has been characterized as “below normal”. This however, may change as Yosemite probably got some snow today and perhaps again this saturday. Should the weather remain cold the optimal time could be pushed out several days.

Resources:
C Chin Photo 2010 Blog Post
Andrew Kee’s Blog
Fred Miranda
The Photographer’s Ephemeris

Ashland Oregon

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Sep 072012

During a brief excursion up to Oregon, we stayed in a charming small town named Ashland, full of culture, restaurants, shopping and outdoors activities. Ashland is the home of several points of interest, most notably the year-round Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, founded in 1935, is the nation’s oldest and largest professional non-profit companies with very high production values and strong artistic values. During its eight-and-a-half-month season, they put on eleven plays annually with an attendance of approximately 400,000.

Ashland also has a university, springs, wineries, restaurants and interesting parks. Most notably, Lithia park, where much of the Shakepere festival is held, also hods somthing for everyone.

In addition to the over 80 restaurants, Ashland hosts a variety of culinary events throughout the year including the Oregon Chocolate Festival, Taste of Ashland and the Food & Wine Classic. During our visit, we experienced some yummy cupcakes from Larry’s Cake Shop. With over 50 flavors to choose from, we wish we had more time here to sample.

In addition to the food, wine and cultural activities, Ashland is also the gateway to many of southern Oregon’s outdoor activities. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, there’s a lot out there to be experienced.

Ashland also hosts various outdoor attractions, such as equestrian trail rides through the countryside’s evergreen forests, elevated lakes, and photogenic mountains. Croquet on the Lithia Springs lawn spurs gentle competition during mornings and evenings Thursday–Monday, with lessons and touch-up sessions available. Whitewater rafting (through September 4), golf, and excursions along the Applegate River Valley soothe visitors with the crisp air and untouched beauty of Oregon’s rolling landscapes.

Lithia Fountain, found in Ashland Plaza downtown, gets its water from the Pompadour Chief Spring, four miles east of downtown. This fountain is built with locally quarried Ashland Granite.

For more information:

Ashland Chamber of Commerce – http://www.ashlandchamber.com/index.asp
Larry’s Cake Shop – http://www.larryscakes.com/
Oregon Shakespeare Festival – http://www.osfashland.org/

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

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May 132012

Situated on 50 acres of hillside overlooking the Pacfic ocean are the Carlbad Flower Fields. Planted on the main fields are the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. Just below, towards the highway are the Carlbad Premium Outlets and up and over the hill is Legoland. As odd as the location may be, the Flower Fields have been there since 1965 and has been a popular tourist attraction due to its proximity to the highway. It was started by the Frazee family with seeds brought to the area by Luther Gage. Every year, these fields are open to the public for a limited time, generally during the spring when the flowers are in full bloom.

This year, the pattern of the fields has changed for the first time in 15 years. The new color pattern was designed by a professional colorist.

Surrounding the fields are other flower oriented attractions. One of the most notable is the historic Poinsettia Display where you can find the world famous Ecke poinsettias. Aside from the Poinsettia display, there are the antique tractor rides around the field, the “Artist” gardens, the American Flag of flowers, the Sweet Pea maze, the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse and Santa’s Playground to keep the kids busy.

During this visit, Canon happened to be sponsoring a mini-class on macro-photography. As with a free or low cost events (you need to pay admission to get into the fields, otherwise free), the barn was packed.

If you get hungry after walking the fields, two exits north on I-5 in downtown Carlsbad is an excellent italian restaurant, Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana, where they claim to make everything fresh and to order. True to their word, I had special ordered a dish of pasta that was very well prepared. Highly recommended.

For more information:

For more photos, visit my gallery.

Website Link: http:www.theflowerfields.com

Restaurant: Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana
2943 State Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 434-2500

Crater Lake National Park

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Jul 312011

During an excursion up to Oregon in early July, we stopped by Crater Lake National Park. Though it was July and we had driven up through Redding, where it was over 104 degrees, a good portion of Crater Lake’s rim drive and trails were under 4+ feet of snow. Luckily, the road from the Annie Spring Entrance and the West Rim Drive through the North Entrance Road were open. Since the trails were under snow and we didn’t have our snow shoes, there was no hiking. Boat tours wo wizard island don’t start until July 21, conditions permitting.

Crater Lake is one of the deepest lakes (1,943 feet) in the United States fed only by snow and rain (no rivers or streams). It rests inside a caldera formed approximately 7,700 years ago when a 12,000 foot volcano (Mt. Mazama) collapsed. Later eruptions formed Wizard Island, a cinder cone. Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902.

For more photos, check out my gallery: http://cchinstudios.zenfolio.com/craterlake

For more information:
Crater Lake National Park site – http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

Yosemite National Park – Location Report – July 19, 2011

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Jul 232011

Yosemite National Park, located about 190 miles from San Francisco, is almost doable on a LONG day trip, so long as you don’t want to see everything. Prodded by the fact that the past winter’s snow pack and longer than average spring rains persisted, news of abundant water flow through the park promised a decent show at the park’s water features. In past years when there was a lack of rain or snow, one could visit Yosemite Falls and only see a trickle of water at the namesake falls.

Despite the downturn in the economy, occupancy and visitior rates at Yosemite remain high, attesting to the popularity of the park. Currently, there’s some road construction going on near the intersection of Big Oak Flat Road and El Portal Road which can cause delays. Water flow is high and should continue so into August due to the continuing melting of the snow pack. With such water flow, visitors should excercise caution around the water. Unfortunately, as noted in the news of the day we visited, deaths and injuries can occur if you’re not careful.

At the higher elevations, widflowers can still be found, especuially roadside and in the meadows.

If you’re interested in photography, you should definitely stop by the Ansel Adams Galley in Yosemite Village.

Resources:

Map of Yosemite
CCS Yosemite Photo Gallery
Horsetail Falls

Lava Beds National Monument

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Jul 152011

Surprisingly, even in July, roads are closed due to snow. We attempted to head up to Lava Beds National Monument in Northeastern California last week. Driving in from the south, one would have to pass by Medicine Lake. Unknown to us, the roads by medicine lake were closed due to snow, hence making the trip to Lava Beds National Monument a non-event. Fortunately, not all was lost. On Medicine Lake road, the paved part, we managed to run into an pseudo ice caved off the side of the road. It was nice to cool off in this cave!

It’s Cherry Picking Time!

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Jun 182011

Destination Ideas for the Bay Area: Brentwood, CA.

In the Bay Area, Memorial Day kicks off the annual Cherry Picking Season. Brentwood, one of the most popular Cherry Picking Destinations, has seen a steady increase in traffic over the years in terms of visitors during this specific time of year(estimated to be @150,000 per year). Brentwood, located about 56 miles east of San Francisco, offers a day-trippable destination that has year round u-pick and farm stand choices.

Harvest season for cherries in Brentwood generally runs from Memorial Day Weekend through July 4th weekend. This year, due to the unusual weather and rains, peak season has varied. The rains during the weekend of 6/7 forced closure of many u-pick farms. This past weekend, June 11, 12, was primo for cherry picking. The skies were partially cloudy and sunny, the weather temperate (at least for the Brentwood area in summer) and the fruit plentiful. There are numerous venues for different tastes. In the U-Pick category, our favorite was Bacchini’s Fruit Tree, for Strawberries, you have to go to Chan’s Fruit Stand and in the farm stand category, there’s just too many to choose from.

At Bacchini’s, there was a lot of ripe Bing, Sour and Ranier cherries to choose from as well as white peaches. The plums were almost barren and others such as Pluots were also almost sold out.

For more information, you can find maps, harvest times and other bits of information at: http://www.harvest4you.com/.

For more pictures, check out: http://cchinstudios.zenfolio.com/p825863615.

Plumas County & Area Fall Foliage Location Report – October 17, 2010

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Oct 182010

Mother nature has yet to show her full colors in Plumas County. Warmer weather during the week has slowed down the colors. The peak is still about one to two weeks away. Generally, the best colors can be found off the beaten path at the higher elevations and along the creeks and streams (Note: Due to technical issues, pictures will be posted later this week).

Chester – There are a few good spots for color around town. The most notable are: In front of the bicycle shop, by the pizza parlor and behind the police station.

Indian Falls – Some of the dogwoods and maples have started turing colors. Along the creek the colors have also started turning.

Lake Almanor – Along the South western side of the lake, there are hints of color starting to show. Some of the residential areas have their own “private groves” of aspens which are in full bloom.

Lassen Natonal Park – North of Sumit Lake is showing some colors, primarily yellows. Manzanita Lake also has some yellows.

Oroville – Still mostly green.

Quincy – Most of the colors haven’t shown yet, but if you search around the residential areas, there are a few trees that have turned. Peak should be about another week or two.

Rt. 89 near Clear Creek – Down along the creek areas near Clear Water there is a smattering of colors. Some Aspens have turned about 85%.

Rt. 89 near Burney Falls – Widespread color has started showing itself. The farther you go off 89, the more color.

Rt. 32 between Chico and Rt. 36/89 Intersection – Along the creek, yellows and reds can be found. Notably, the Indian Rhubarb along the creek areas is in full bloom showing gorgeous reds.

For some foliage shots taken during the weekend of October 16, 2010, go to;
http://cchinstudios.zenfolio.com/2010plumascounty