This is the pool at the resort we stayed at recently. And this is yet another HDR photo (3 in 1) that has also been adjusted a bit with Nik Color Efex Pro 4 and OnOne Photo Suite 7.
12-30-12 Friend or Foe
The coati is a relative of the raccoon, an animal we are familiar with in South Dakota. These coati were part of a band of 15 or so and they were pretty good at working the residents of the resort we stayed at recently. They look cute and innocent but they could be aggressive, as my brother-in-law found out. One of them climbed right up his leg looking for a handout and leaving bleeding claw marks. All of the signs on the resort said "Don't feed the animals." That was probably good advice.
12-29-12 Modern Ruin
in Architecture, Blog, Travel
About a mile down the coast from the resort we stayed at recently in Mexico was a ruined resort once known as the Robinson Club. The story is that it was hit with two hurricanes. Apparently, it also had ecological issues and the resort was ultimately closed.To our family, the Robinson Club isn't just a ruined resort - it was the first resort we stayed at 15 years ago. And all of us have fond memories of the place. The resort was beautiful, the beach was perfect and the mostly German and generally zany staff made people feel like old friends.Scott, my brother-in-law, my nephew Matt and I ventured on to the property one afternoon and explored and reminisced. Our explorations were cut short by two young men wielding machetes. Though they didn't speak English, they made it clear that we weren't welcome and so we made a quick exit. (Though I did go back early a couple mornings later.)Here are all of the photos I took of this sad, ruined place.The last several photos are of the sauna area, which also turned out to be the "clothing optional" compound. The Germans staying at the resort the week we were there liked their freedom!
12-27-12 Mexican Stand-Off
I have nothing to say about this photo, though I can tell you that no animals were harmed in the making of this photo
12-26-12 Taking Flight
I should know what kind of bird this is. But I don't. I'm not really equipped for bird photography but this guy was pretty close to me when he/she took flight.Added 2-2-12: Jim Klinger tells me this bird is a Great Blue Heron. Since he took the time to identify my bird, you should take some time and check out Jim's excellent photo blog.Canon 5DIII 1/640s f/10.0 ISO200 102mm
12-25-12 Ocean View
It occurs to me that I should be posting something a little more seasonal, given that is is Christmas Day. But instead I give you young love, as seen from the inside of an abandoned building.It also occurs to me that the photographer can be a bit of a voyeur at times and that the camera is a willing accomplice.
12-24-12 He Runs; I Don't (II)
I suppose I shouldn't bask in the glory of a relatively sedentary existence here on the sun-drenched beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, should I? But I've done it before.Merry Christmas!
12-23-12 From Mighty Acorns (Reprise)
I am taking a bit of a break from my blog and so I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.
12-22-12 Engaged (Reprise)
12-22-I am taking a bit of a break from my blog and so I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.
12-21-12 Betty (Reprise)
I am taking a bit of a break from my blog and so I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.
12-20-12 Inside the Blue Mosque (Reprise)
in Architecture, Blog, Travel
I am taking a bit of a break from my blog and so I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.
12-18-12 This Is Old; I'm Not
in Architecture, Blog, Europe
The Pantheon, my favorite building in all of Rome, is 1,886 years old. Today, I turn 59. In Europe, the Pantheon is considered an antique. In America, I am. Ponder that on this 18th day of December, 2012 (AD).