The historic Thunderbird Lodge was built on the east shore of Lake Tahoe in 1936 by George Whittell, Jr. The “Captain” as he was known acquired 40,000 acres along 20-miles of shoreline from Stateline to Zephyr Cove. Architect Frederic DeLongchamps designed the Thunderbird Lodge to blend harmoniously with its surroundings and used native stone and pine as the primary construction materials. Worth a visit to anyone visiting Lake Tahoe who would like a glimpse into the eccentric past of the wealthy individuals attracted to the Tahoe basin. The Thunderbird Lodge is a great example of fortress-like seclusion combined with unrivaled lake and mountain views.
Susan and I went to Las Vegas for a week at the beginning of June to get away from the cold and snow of a long winter. We made reservations to visit the Neon Museum, a two-acre outdoor space featuring more than 250 rescued signs and architectural landmarks from the city’s most celebrated properties dating from the 1930’s to the present day. Of all the things to do in Las Vegas, this is one of my favorites. It is worth a visit to see this living historical artifact of Las Vegas located at 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North.
It’s been a long winter here at Lake Tahoe with over 426-inches of snow so far. Our home is 6,460-feet above sea level in a meadow with a creek and abundant wildlife including black bears, bobcats, red foxes, coyotes and many species of birds. While not “birders” we do enjoy watching them out the windows with our morning coffee. We have learned the names of the different species and reach for the field guide when someone new shows up. Fortunately, there are a lot of different birds in the forested area where we live so the variety keeps it interesting. Of course, I’ve taken the opportunity to take pictures of some of the different birds we see daily, and those birds are in this gallery.
Originally built as the TWA Flight Center at Idlewild Airport in New York this historic mid-century structure built of concrete, steel and glass was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1955 as a monument to TWA and aviation itself. Opened in 1962, the fluidity of the exterior was carried through into the interior with the vaulted roof allowing for spacious and free-flowing layout without spatial boundaries. Placed on the US National Register of Historic Places in 2005 it has recently undergone a rebirth as the TWA Hotel. A stunning example of mid-century design by one of the world’s foremost architects, TWA Hotel accessible from Terminal 5 is worth visiting the next time you lay-over at JFK.
New York City is one of my favorite cities in the world. London, Paris and Tokyo all have their attractions, but NYC has that combination of culture, cuisine and commerce combined in a uniquely American pastiche celebrating past history combined with the promise of the new and exciting. Walking through Midtown I enjoy seeing the varied architectural styles on display. These pictures were taken on Park Avenue, Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street except for one from the West Village and one from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station.
The Moana Surfrider built in 1901 and known as the “First Lady of Waikiki” marked the beginning of tourism on Waikiki. Built to welcome guests that would arrive for the season on passenger steamships from the US and Europe the Moana offered never before amenities such as in-suite baths and telephones. During WWII it housed soldiers and sailors providing a place for rest and recreation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the Moana has been remodeled over the years and most recently restored to its original splendor. It is truly a wonderful place to stay on Oahu and one of our favorite hotels in the islands.
When last visiting Berlin, we took the train out of the city to Sans Souci Park in Potsdam, former residence of Prussian kings and their royal families until World War I. Germany’s largest World Heritage Site, the Park embodies a balance of architecture and landscape, intended as a picturesque, pastoral dream emphasizing one’s relationship with nature and reason. Completed in 1747 as King Frederick’s summer palace. Sans Souci allowed the imperial family to get away from Berlin during the summer months to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. We spent the entire day here and feel like we could easily go back again and again.
Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle Center showcases the studio glass of Dale Chihuly and traces his artistic evolution from the inspired to the avantgarde. Installations in a museum setting and, in the outdoors, show his range of work. The Glasshouse, situated to take in natural light and offer outstanding views of his work and the surrounding architecture is a pleasant surprise and alone worth the visit. Having been admirers of his work for many years, it is a must see for anyone interested in glass art or Dale Chihuly.
Susan and I took the Acela to Washington DC earlier this year after visiting family in NYC. Having been there many times before we knew how beautiful the National Mall was at night and picked one evening to again self-tour the monuments after dark. Spending time in this setting personifies the sacrifices made by generations before to ensure the freedoms and liberties we all share as Americans. These pictures were taken within a two-hour period at the west end of the National Mall.
Susan and I were in Singapore summer of 2019 as the gateway city to and from our Eastern Malaysia, Borneo and Thailand adventures. Singapore is one of the more interesting sovereign city-states in the world since gaining their independence from Malaysia in 1965. Modern, diverse with residents from around the world, Singapore’s history is evident through architecture, varied cuisines, religious temples, and diversity of markets. Obviously beautiful at night, we are looking forward to another visit to Singapore soon.
During our recent visit to Yosemite Susan and I had the pleasure of staying in the Ahwahnee Hotel. Built in 1927 from granite, wood and steel it is a masterpiece of what is called “parkitecture”, National Park structures designed to blend in and compliment their surroundings. If you have the good fortune to visit Yosemite we definitely recommend staying at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Combining a luxurious visual esthetic with comfortable surroundings there is no better place to stay in the Yosemite National Park.
Spring is a perfect time to see Yosemite, the summer crowds are yet to arrive and most everything except higher altitude trails and roads are available for hiking and exploring. We were fortunate during our stay to have a variety of weather conditions allowing us to experience the visual transformation of Yosemite from a sunny spring day to stormy Sierra winter conditions. Beautiful in all seasons Yosemite National Park is always a great place to visit.
These pictures are from the Aria’s exterior which as these pictures demonstrate is stunning from every perspective. A modern and efficient hotel it combines world class design with visual elements both pleasing and functional. Comfortable, beautiful and inviting the Aria is my favorite place to stay when visiting Las Vegas.
Hoover Dam is a major US Bureau of Reclamation civil engineering project that was conceived to control the Colorado River from flooding farms and towns downstream. Started in 1931 the project was completed in 1935 under-budget and two-years ahead of schedule. A beautiful, significant structure it pays testament to man’s ingenuity, will and ability to overcome natures challenges and political obstacles. Located about 1-hour outside of Las Vegas over a million people a year visit Hoover Dam, the largest concrete arch-gravity dam in the United States.
This architecturally interesting Frank Gehry project was completed in 2009 for the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, Nevada specializing in research and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. While visually interesting and conveying many of Gehry’s signature themes in the daytime it is absolutely captivating at night. . The white interior of the performance space is illuminated with colored lighting depending on the season. These pictures were taken during the Christmas holidays so red is the color on display. This little gem is an interesting addition to the contemporary Las Vegas art scene and is worth visiting if one follows Gehry or is merely interested in modern architecture.
Over a couple of trips this summer finally got the opportunity to walk the Brooklyn Bridge over the East River, spend an afternoon in Central Park to enjoy the beautiful gardens, ponds and paths, lunch in Chelsea Market and stroll the High Line linear park that was once an elevated railway. We were also treated to a special tour of the World Trade Center and the 9-11 Memorial by Susan’s cousin who is the head of security. The more time we spend there really, whats not to love?
Seeing Chihuly glass in daytime light is beautiful, but seeing it illuminated at night in a garden setting was sublime. Some pieces were suspended, others were floating. All were next to or in-between plants in a natural setting. Additional pieces became an arrangement unto themselves. Not sure what to expect, this Chihuly exhibit at the New York Botanical Gardens turned out to be the most interesting and beautiful thing we did in NYC this year.
A restored example of Usonian architecture, Still Bend was built in the late 1930’s for Two Rivers, Wisconsin businessman Bernard Schwartz and his family. The “Dream House” plans featured in Life Magazine were changed to utilize red brick with tidewater cypress board and batten. The design was also expanded to 4-bedrooms and 2-1/2-baths with a 65-foot long “recreation room” featuring 1-outoor and 2-indoor fireplaces. Visiting Still Bend gives one a sense of the passion, genius and imagination Wright could articulate in his architectural creations.
Something is architecturally afoot in Las Vegas. From the quirky Container Village downtown to the Frank Gehry designed Cleveland Clinic, to the ultra-modern LEED Gold City Center a new modern and contemporary form is taking place. In reaction to various societal changes and the increased availability of wagering opportunities closer to home Las Vegas continues its evolution from a gambling mecca into a business convention destination and world class entertainment venue. Progression of Las Vegas architecture from the derivative to a more original modern and contemporary expression is a reflection of this change.
Neon Boneyard is an outdoor museum dedicated to the collection and restoration of neon signs from Las Vegas’ storied past. The tour informs each sign’s unique story, the personalities who created it, what inspired it, where and when it was made, and the role it played in Las Vegas’ distinctive history. The collection chronicles changes and trends in sign design and technology through pieces ranging from the 1930\\\'s to the present day.
Susan and I had the opportunity to spend the night in Napier in the Hawke’s Bay wine growing region located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Napier is a small coastal port city that was devastated by a severe earthquake in 1931. Much of the town was destroyed and rebuilt in the then-current Art Deco architectural style. Today the Art Deco Trust watches over the authenticity and renovation of over 140 building originating from the 1930s reconstruction.
With over 270-inches of new snow in the month of January, Lake Tahoe’s ski season is off to an exceptional start. What initially seems like an inconvenience becomes an opportunity to get out and try something different. Everyone takes to snow shoes and cross country skis to get around the neighborhood, catch some exercise and say hello to friends. Snow also magnifies the splendor of living in a winter wonderland as some of these pictures convey.
Washington Memorial Chapel is a beautiful example of a Gothic Revival place of worship and is dedicated to the memory of General George Washington and our alliance with France during the Revolutionary War. It was built by immigrant trades people using locally sourced materials and financed by charitable donations. It is to me reminiscent of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in it’s jewel box size and ornate display of Gothic architecture.
Susan and I spent a couple of days in Chicago earlier this year. Typical for the Midwest it rained every day but the last. With filtered sunlight and wet pavement most cities are actually more beautiful in the rain. Chicago is no exception. Here are my favorite images from the trip.
The Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California was built to replace the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales destroyed in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 it is the only Catholic Cathedral built in the US in the 21st century. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill it is modern in appearance and is a radical design departure from more traditional religious structures around the world.
I had two trips to the Midwest in September/October of this year and had a chance to see once again how beautiful this part of the country is when the seasons are changing.
A couple of months ago I was at SFO to meet Susan returning from a trip. I got there early and she ended up being delayed so I rode the SFO Air Train around SFO and took some pictures. Knowing that airports and cameras are not always simpatico and that I was carrying a SLR with big lenses I was curious to see what would happen. Nothing happened. I even chatted up the TSA outside their offices, stood on a mezzanine overlooking a security check point taking pictures and wondered around empty areas looking very suspicious behavior, guess I just looked harmless.
The on-trail scenery was dramatic, the weather was cool and inviting and once you are a hundred yards from the trailhead you were away from the crowds. Above 8700-ft elevation we watched a summer storm move in with thunder and lightning.
Winter is sunset time in Northern California. Here are a few within walking distance of our home taken from December 2014 - January 2015.
Susan and I both found ourselves in New Orleans on business and ended up spending a long weekend in one of our favorite cities in America.
The Nation’s Capital is one of our favorite places to visit because of its diversity, vibrancy and beauty. There is always something to do, something to see, a great public transportation system that makes it easy to get around and at this time of year plenty of great little local restaurants serving up delicious crab cakes and oysters.
I was in South Florida a few weeks ago to attend the Palm Beach Boat Show and spent some time in Fort Lauderdale visiting clients and friends. Going over the Third Avenue bridge I noticed interesting and beautiful reflections in the glass office towers ahead.
Susan and I finally made it to Barcelona over the last Thanksgiving holiday. I’d never been there before and I wish I could have gone there sooner. Beautiful people, great food, inspiring architecture. We spent our days walking through El Barri Gotic, El Born and Eixample, eating tapas, drinking the local beers and in general just enjoying being there. Barcelona was decorated for the holidays unlike any city we’ve ever seen. Every street had its own unique decorative lights. It was fantastic.
La Sagrada Familia is an astonishing church started in 1882 and is still under construction. Located in the center of Barcelona it is a shining example of Gaudi’s genius and vision while also recalling the works of other Catalan artists Miro and Picasso. Susan and I enjoy seeing cathedrals, basilicas, temples, monasteries and other fantastic places of worship and have visited many in the US, the UK and Europe. La Sagrada Familia however is unique among the world’s cathedrals as these pictures pay testament.
With the highest population density of any European city Amsterdam is buzzing with pedestrians, bicycles, trains, trams, boats, buses and cabs. It’s amazing to see everyone travel about so easily and efficiently without getting in each other’s way. Amsterdam is also a lovely city to take photographs, with bustling city streets and canals framing every shot it’s hard not to find it picturesque.
All images were taken with Fuji X100s 35mm, f2.0 in Velvia film mode except for the East India “Amsterdam” which was taken with a Samsung S4 smart phone.
All images were taken with Fuji X100s 35mm, f2.0 in Velvia film mode except for the East India “Amsterdam” which was taken with a Samsung S4 smart phone.
Susan and I spent a wonderful weekend in St. Helena attending a friend’s wedding. Springtime is a great time to visit wine country as the temperatures are still moderate, the countryside is a vivid green from the winter’s rain and the crowds have not yet arrived in full force. These pictures were taken on a Sunday afternoon as we roamed the Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Yountville, except for Bunny Foo Foo, which was taken at 10:30 on a Saturday night.
Bunny Foo Foo is a 35-foot tall stainless steel sculpture installed last month at the Hall Winery in St. Helena. It’s mesh like design was inspired by the vineyards and its name from the nursery rhyme. With the winery guards permission I was able to set up a small tripod on the hood of my Jeep and snap off a few shots of the un-illuminated sculpture with the X100s. Traffic on the nearby highway reflects in the polished finish and gives a multi-colored beauty to BFF which I have yet to capture. This shot was a 9-second time exposure with the sculpture painted in LED light from a flashlight I had in the truck resulting in a cool effect. Bunny Foo Foo and I will meet again someday and I will be more prepared with different equipment and a plan.
All images taken with Fuji X100s 35mm f/2.0 fixed lens; except for “springtime succulent” which was taken with Nikon D7000 and AF Nikkor 28-105, 1:3.5-4.5D in manual mode – only crop no post processing of images performed.
Bunny Foo Foo is a 35-foot tall stainless steel sculpture installed last month at the Hall Winery in St. Helena. It’s mesh like design was inspired by the vineyards and its name from the nursery rhyme. With the winery guards permission I was able to set up a small tripod on the hood of my Jeep and snap off a few shots of the un-illuminated sculpture with the X100s. Traffic on the nearby highway reflects in the polished finish and gives a multi-colored beauty to BFF which I have yet to capture. This shot was a 9-second time exposure with the sculpture painted in LED light from a flashlight I had in the truck resulting in a cool effect. Bunny Foo Foo and I will meet again someday and I will be more prepared with different equipment and a plan.
All images taken with Fuji X100s 35mm f/2.0 fixed lens; except for “springtime succulent” which was taken with Nikon D7000 and AF Nikkor 28-105, 1:3.5-4.5D in manual mode – only crop no post processing of images performed.
So far this has been the driest winter in Northern California since the 1800’s. A large stationary high is situated just off the coast sending the winds and rain to Oregon and Washington states. What we end up with is moderate, dry calm weather. Instead of rain and wind we have sunny skies and fair temperatures.
To make the best of it I’m taking a lot of images reflected in the still water. While we normally have a few calm days in the winter, this year has been spectacular from a photographic point of view. The San Mateo Bridge photo is remarkable not for the image, but for the conditions that existed for it to happen. It’s never 1-mph wind at 5PM on San Francisco Bay. This was before the Google Ferry started running so there were no wakes either, it turned out to be a pretty picture. The Metro Center shot at midnight in 38-degree temperatures was like shooting in a mirror. It the time exposure had been a second or less instead of 5-seconds it would have been hard to tell which direction was up.
All shot with Nikon D7000 with Nikkor-24mm f/2.8 Ai-s manual prime lens; AF-S DX VR Zoom 55-200 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED or AF Zoom 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D IF-ED in aperture mode.
To make the best of it I’m taking a lot of images reflected in the still water. While we normally have a few calm days in the winter, this year has been spectacular from a photographic point of view. The San Mateo Bridge photo is remarkable not for the image, but for the conditions that existed for it to happen. It’s never 1-mph wind at 5PM on San Francisco Bay. This was before the Google Ferry started running so there were no wakes either, it turned out to be a pretty picture. The Metro Center shot at midnight in 38-degree temperatures was like shooting in a mirror. It the time exposure had been a second or less instead of 5-seconds it would have been hard to tell which direction was up.
All shot with Nikon D7000 with Nikkor-24mm f/2.8 Ai-s manual prime lens; AF-S DX VR Zoom 55-200 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED or AF Zoom 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D IF-ED in aperture mode.
A family day from Half Moon Bay to Sausalito and back. Great time and some nice pictures. I grabbed a camera at the last minute, almost as an afterthought. One lens, (Nikkor AF 28-105, 3.5-4.5D), no tripod, no filters, no planning or preparation, just some beautiful places at just the right time…