View allAll Photos Tagged prioritize
Taurus is an earth sign represented by the bull. Like their celestial spirit animal, Taureans enjoy relaxing in serene, bucolic environments, surrounded by soft sounds, soothing aromas, and succulent flavors. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the enchanting planet that governs love, beauty, and money. Taurus’s Venusian influence make this earth sign the most sensual of the zodiac: These cosmic oxen are enchanted by any physical manifestation of comfort and luxury. Pleasure is a necessity for epicurean Taureans and they feel most content when pampered. (Taurus governs the neck, so neck caresses are especially irresistible to these bulls.)
It's true that in their perfect world, Taureans would spend all day bathing in a tub overflowing with essential oils. At the same time, these earth signs know the value of a dollar. Taureans aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and work hard to earn big rewards. They're ambitious, focused, and resilient and they feel most secure when steadily putting money into a savings account.
Cosmic oxen are all about return on investment (the bull is also the symbol of Wall Street), and Taureans know how to play the long game in both professional and romantic pursuits. Security is paramount for Taureans and any threat to their stability will be sure to have a celestial bull seeing red.
As a sign, Taurus is fixed, an astrological quality that reflects Taurus’s steadfast, loyal nature. Fixed signs are excellent at maintaining systems and Taureans prioritize consistency and reliability in all areas of their lives. It must be noted, however, that Taurus does have a bit of a reputation: What a Taurus perceives as dedication is often regarded by others as stubbornness. Accordingly, these bulls may end up lingering in unhealthy situations — whether relationships, jobs, or homes — longer than necessary just to prove a point. Despite their occasional obstinance, however, Taureans are dependable partners, soothing their friends and lovers with their trustworthiness and devotion.
Because of the need to prioritize, there are a few groups of birds, such as small and medium shorebirds, that I do not follow, so I am not that familiar with them. However, i seldom turn down a great chance opportunity for a photo.
I did not have the opportunity to see this bird walk or fly. It does not fit a Solitary Sandpiper in my guides perfectly but i concluded from the overall look and especially the tail that it is one.
Dense fog distorts my senses in a way that is simultaneously disconcerting yet thrilling. The liminal quality of spaces such as this scene is overwhelmingly immersive. I feel so much more than indifferent observer. Images such as this exist only because I involve myself in the space, become a part of it, and quite literally allow it envelop me.
One of my many fascinations with fog is the sense that clarity exists only within arm's reach. It's the same way my mind perceives life when I'm dreaming. The entire world surrounds me, but it becomes progressively murky as it recedes in distance. I behold only what my mind prioritizes even while I have peripheral awareness of my surroundings. Likewise, fog has the effect of cordoning me into a small space even when I am outdoors in the middle of a large expanse such as stubble field. I desperately want to enter that nebulous threshold where the trees vanish into the fog, but it's an unapproachable boundary. It exists visually, but its not a physical space. I live for visual contradictions such as this.
If you or anybody you know is struggling with mental health, there's hotlines out there. Talk to somebody, consider therapy, just never give up on yourself because YOU ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR! 💙
Skaftafell glacier, also known as Svínafellsjökull, is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Skaftafell National Park in Iceland. It is a part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest ice cap in Europe. Skaftafell glacier is known for its stunning blue ice formations, crevasses, and ice caves, making it a popular destination for glacier hiking and ice climbing.
The beauty of Skaftafell glacier is truly awe-inspiring, with its shimmering blue ice contrasting against the surrounding black volcanic sand and mountains. It offers a surreal and otherworldly experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Just remember to always prioritize safety and respect the fragile nature of the glacier while exploring this incredible natural wonder.
The best viewpoints in Skaftafell National Park are through the Sjónarnípa trail. This moderate hiking trail takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the vast glacial landscape and surrounding mountains.
As you hike along the trail, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Skaftafell area, including the Skaftafellsjökull glacier and the nearby mountains. The trail winds its way up to the top of Sjónarnípa, which translates to "Viewpoint Peak" in Icelandic. Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Canon EOS R5, RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
ISO100, 24mm, f/16, 1/6s
I never posted a landscape photo on my Photostream before, a part those few occasions where I used them as background for Lego or other collectibles photos.
I usually focus on storytelling using my collectibles and it always requires so much effort I don’t have a lot of time for other hobby activities and so I prioritize.
Over the years I took a very large amount of landscape photos. It is was the genre that saw me start photography years ago.
Browsing all the photos I took over the years would require a lot of time and “prioritization” strikes back.
However few days ago I managed to take this photo as I was trying to set up an outdoor scene for my Lego and action figures photos (it’s getting quite hot here and sometimes it’s not easy to set up the scenes for those photos) and I decided to share it with you :)
I won’t bother you with geographic details but if you are curious the location of this photo is near the Cinque Terre, a rather famous location in Liguria, Italy.
I hope you like this photo :)
[polski opis poniżej]
I come back to the flood in Gdańsk in 2001 and the effects it had on railway in the area. From numerous pictures here (to which I don't link again today) you know, that the mainline from Gdańsk to Tczew was cut off by flood and the train were diverted from Gdynia to old Coal Trunk Line via Kościerzyna. The secondary line that suffered from downgrading several stations to usual passenger stops and capacity dropdown served then as the mainline.
The number of diverted train was so great, that usual regional passenger services had to be prioritized differently. They ran irregularly, some of them were even cancelled. The picture shows the example of balancing the rolling stock. Two regional trains were joint together and served as the one, 90147 from Kościerzyna to Gdynia Główna. The delays were so ennormous, I can't even be sure whether it was 90147 or any other one. This one just the closer in relation to the time. SU42-524 and SU42-523 haul four passenger wagons while departing from Rębiechowo passenger stop. July 10, 2001.
Photo by Jarek / Chester
Powracam do tematu powodzi w Gdańsku w 2001 roku i jej konsekwencji dla kolei w okolicy. Z wielu zdjęć tu zamieszczonych (jeśli nie widzieliście, to poszukajcie) wynika, że odcięcie powodzią linii z Gdańska do Tczewa spowodowało przerzucenie całego ruchu kolejowego na drugorzędną wówczas starą Magistralę Węglową. Linię, która w poprzednich latach została dotknięta likwidacją wielu stacji i której przepustowość spadła drastycznie do ok. jednego pociągu na 20 minut.
Pociągów przekierowanych na Magistralę Węglową było multum - praktycznie cały ruch pasażerski dalekobieżny, oprócz pociągów do Szczecina, które pojechały szerszym objazdem z Tczewa przez Chojnice do Szczecinka. W konsekwencji ucierpiał ruch regionalny - pociągi były koszmarnie poopóźniane, a wiele z nich poodwoływanych. Aby zachować obiegi składów, niektóre pociągi były łączone dla oszczędzenia przepustowości. I tak jest na fotografii: duet SU42-524 oraz SU42-523 z czterema wagonami (dwa składy regionalne) odjeżdża z Rębiechowa jako pociąg osobowy 90147 z Kościerzyny do Gdyni (ten numer był najbliżej rozkładem, ale nie mam pewności, czy to jechało jako ten). 10 lipca 2001 roku.
Fot. Jarek / Chester
Spring has cast its spell, covering our newest residential region in a tapestry of lush greens and vibrant wildflowers. As the season unfolds, horses graze peacefully across expansive pastures, creating a picturesque scene straight from a horse lover's dream. 🐴
In our unique community, we prioritize the well-being of our equine companions and love of nature above all else. Residents enjoy ample space to nurture all their four-legged friends in the embrace of nature. 🌷
Landmark: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Evergarden%20Oaks/143/251/41
Discord: discord.gg/evergarden
Rivulets of distant Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) gather and flow into a greater current as they descend the northeast slopes of East Beckwith Mountain (12,441 ft; 3,792 m), Gunnison National Forest, Colorado. The wave of colour builds and crests into a tumbling wall as it overtakes the foreground copse.
Looking at this image, I feel that it is a pity that apples are ripe at the same time of year that leaves shed their pedestrian, functional garb and don their festive outer-wear. I have been fermenting and making cider for several years now, and the apple crop along the Front Range this year is like nothing I've ever seen. The quantity of fruit is profound, and I have discovered numerous varieties with extraordinary and intriguing colors and flavors. Unfortunately, collecting and processing all this fruit (600 lbs so far) is time consuming, and I have therefore not prioritized traveling to take in the seasonal show in the mountains.
Fortunately, it is easy to flick back in time via the computer and remember that last year brought so many beautiful moments, despite the fear and isolation brought on by the ongoing pandemic. One benefit that accrues when one absorbs time in the out-of-doors is that it becomes harder and harder to focus on internal travails, whatever they may be.
I hope the first days of autumn have treated everyone well!
Amsterdam is famous for its canals and cycling culture. It’s amazing how they prioritize biking, and there are so many bikes everywhere! The canals, a UNESCO Heritage site, reflect the city’s commercial history and are second only to Venice in number. The Anne Frank House reminds us of WWII’s horrors and why history must never repeat itself. Fun fact: there are more bikes than people in the city!
“Roadiripophobia (r)
The fear of not having any road trips planned” -unknown.
Although we have been home for a month now, I do find myself getting itchy feet lately. . I shall have to be content with day trips for the winter. This is a scene from the Fundy Trail Parkway. While covering long distances on our road trips, there are times we just cannot not stop to take pictures. We need to prioritize. Consequently, I got better at taking pictures through our car windshield as the car is moving. I started an album to keep track of some the roads we have travelled over time. With a higher ISO to get the sharpness I needed and then some AI magic in editing, I got some decent results. This road was newly paved with lots of twists and turns. It was a dream to drive on.
I took a week of winter vacation this year, due to a new baby in the family (not mine), along with a wedding last weekend. I prioritized time with family the first several days of arrival, but knew I wanted to get the potentially “last” Pan Am documented as much as I could too. Sunday afternoon, my little guy and I headed out for a couple hours and returned to Wilton with nothing. Yesterday was more/less a dud of a few hours spent by myself, but third time's the charm they say...right? Well this afternoon started with my little guy along for the ride once again, and after a couple hours, we managed to shoot a pair of light GEs (blister leading) returning from taking a loaded limestone train to Bow last night. I felt defeated to say the least, but thanks to the birdies (you know who you are), everything came together for a backup plan. The second of two takes of these guys really made the day worthwhile, most of all since Austin smiled as big as he possibly could when he saw the GEs round the corner. POAY consisting of 7585, and two blisters approaches CPF-BY where a medium clear signal beckons them into the town of Lowell, following the copying of a Rule 241 to pass CPF-297.
Soft focus shot using a Soft filter.
I strive for a soft, dreamlike aesthetic in my photography. It's a style I know isn't for everyone, and I respect that. I was taught to prioritize sharp, clear images, and that's usually my approach. But sometimes, a subject seems to whisper for a gentler, more diffused look.
As scientists and crew with NASA’s Operation IceBridge mission prepared for a research flight on Nov. 5, 2016, the weather in Punta Arenas, Chile, was cold, wet, and windy. But when they reached their survey site in West Antarctica, skies were clear and winds were calm—a perfect day for scientists to collect data over the Getz Ice Shelf.
IceBridge, now in its eighth year, continues to build a record of how ice is responding to changes in the polar environment. The Getz Ice Shelf in West Antarctica is one area that scientists try to examine each year. “Getz is an ice shelf that has been experiencing some of the highest basal melt rates of the Antarctic ice shelves,” said Nathan Kurtz, IceBridge project scientist and a sea ice researcher at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
The image above shows a views of Getz as photographed on Nov. 5 from a NASA research airplane by Jeremy Harbeck, a sea ice scientist at NASA Goddard. The image shows ice in the process of calving from the front of the shelf, soon to become an iceberg.
Kurtz notes that the team has flown over the Getz Ice Shelf many times before. Flight paths are often exact repeats of those flown in previous years, which helps scientists understand how the height of the ice surface changes over time. This year, new flights over Getz were added to the existing observations. Scientists mapped the bathymetry (shape and depth of the seafloor) below the ice shelf, and they mapped the ice surface and bedrock upstream of the grounding line.
The flight over Getz is just one of a number of key areas flown during the IceBridge campaign. Each flight plan is prioritized in order of importance: baseline (the highest priority), high, medium, and low. The flight on Nov. 5 over Getz, for example, was categorized as “high” priority. Since the start of 2016 science flights on Oct.14, the team has flown six out of eight baseline missions, eight out of 15 high priority lines, and one medium and low priority mission each. Research flights for the season continue through Nov. 18.
“We are in pretty good shape so far, having flown so many missions due to a combination of favorable weather, no major airplane issues, and all instruments operating well,” Kurtz said. “We’re about four weeks into the campaign, and it’s possible we could tie the record of most flights flown with Operation IceBridge if things continue to go well.”
Image Credit: NASA/Jeremy Harbeck
This morning I wanted to concentrate on smaller birds and test Sony's Eye AF changes. It works great! With the correct settings, it will prioritize the eye to be in focus instead of the closest point to the camera within the focus area.
I have missed the whole week of epic sunsets due to work, ran to the Shoreline Boathouse nearby once I see the beautiful cloud pattern without hesitation and what I experienced was a beautiful meditative evening of color show. The foreground is blurry since I was in a huge hurry to prioritize the calm water, but sometimes we win and sometimes we learn...
📷 IG:travelwgraceh
For decades, like a ghost, she's been waiting for better times by watching from the window. But only little changes happen...
Despite all the progress in all sectors, the human being continues to disappoint and prioritize personal desires and follies, and for that, he inflicts suffering on others using violence, disrespect for life and personal freedom. Prioritizing the desire to have what he wants simply goes on eliminating supposed adversaries.
After two years of this terrible pandemic, all we want most is peace to assimilate the pain of so much loss and so much despair. Never, even in the worst of nightmares, would we be able to imagine an unjustifiable war that can reach unimaginable proportions.
Sorry friends, but I've been feeling a little depressed lately, a little disillusioned with where life is going. But I left in this photo small colored dots symbolizing the hope that something will change over the days...
This photo is a "fantasy" and was made (through simple Photoshop features) by combining a photo taken in Italy and a postcard from the early 20th century romantic series.
The lady in the photo just observes but keeps a certain sadness in her eyes.
Better seen when you zoom the photo. ;)
On Explore: April 18, 2022
CSX K445 heads south towards Atlanta through Kingston on the W&A Sub. In the not-too-distance past, & I mean about only, say, earlier this year, it was very common to see Canadian power on the ethanol trains that ran through Atlanta on either the W&A or the Etowah subs, with CN SD75's being one of, if not the most common visitors. Due to a combination of factors, like CSX prioritizing the route through Birmingham for traffic to/from Florida & trying to reduce horsepower-hours owed to other railroads just to name two, these Canuck visitors, especially the older motors like these, have become quite rare. When I took this photo, this was only the second time since January that these engines have made a visit to North Georgia, and as of posting this in early December, 2021, the last time (to my knowledge). Combine that along with the fact these are older engines & not being favored by crews, who knows how many more times these fairly rare motors will appear in my neck of the woods, at least before CN follows through with their intent to rebuild them with AC traction (if they're still planning to). 9-2-21
Do something good for yourself or others today. Take a relaxing walk in nature, reach out to a friend to check in on them, volunteer your time at a local organization, cook a healthy meal for yourself, practice mindfulness exercises, or simply perform a small act of kindness for someone you meet during your day; essentially, prioritize an activity that brings you or someone else joy, relaxation, or support.
I promise you the cacophony and discord of humanity will not go anywhere while you are away enjoying the sanctuary of meaningful things.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTPPmyiWNU&pp=ygUcbW9vZHkgYm...
Created With Deep Dream AI Generator
- Salvador Dali.
| facebook | 500px | ferpectshotz |
Today's photo is one of the most iconic scenes of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. This is the famous Crystal Mill which also goes by the name Old Mill and is an abandoned wooden power mill built in 1892. The mill is located on an outcrop over a waterfall on the Crystal River. As fall peaks, this mill provides visiting photographers with one of the most iconic scenes of America’s western mountains.
While this is a famous location and we visited during the popular fall season, due to the remoteness of the location we were actually the only people here for about 2 hours and on our way back we met another couple who were hiking to the mill. So, its safe to say that it's not a tourist haunt like the Maroon Bells. By the time we reached the mills, the sun was out in full force but thanks to the location being in a Canyon and this being Colorado, there was no shortage of clouds that came in to block out the sun so that I could make my long exposure shot of the waterfall.
Technically this was a challenging location to shoot as being an iconic location finding unique compositions I almost an impossible task. Another difficulty is caused by the fact that the owner of the property has installed fences to discourage people from taking shots by the edge of the cliffs making limiting many compositions. Then comes the need to prioritize the various aspects in the scene regarding lighting, generally fall colors look better under diffused lighting while waterfall look better in the shade and dark wooden structures don’t look good in shade. So, I had to wait for the correct lighting and manage the rest with my filters. As you can see even after my best efforts, the mill is still in its own shadows which were something that I could not avoid due to the time of the day. But I paid special attention not to overblow the waterfall and still get good light on the fall colors.
Au Moyen Âge, il suffisait de se promener dans les rues de Trèves pour découvrir le bon vieux temps. En effet, les gens de cette époque traitaient leur héritage historique de manière très pragmatique : les bâtiments qui ne pouvaient plus être utilisés devaient servir de carrières pour de nouvelles constructions. Et c'est ainsi que nombre des tours résidentielles en forme de forteresse qui ont vu le jour dans le centre-ville aux XIe et XIIe siècles ont souvent été construites avec des antiques matériaux de pierre romains que l'on trouvait encore partout. Seules quelques-unes de ces tours ont survécu jusqu'à aujourd'hui, - la tour des Francs du XIVe siècle, dont l'un de ses habitants se nommait Franco von Senheim, est l'une d'entre elles et aussi la mieux conservée. Dans ses murs aussi, des pierres antiques ont survécu aux âges.
La façade sans ornement et la couronne murale crénelée indiquent déjà que les constructeurs de la tour ont mis en priorité le facteur de sécurité. En fait, alors que la muraille d’enceinte antique de la ville avait été en grande partie détruite, la construction du mur d’enceinte médiéval n'était pas encore terminée. Une raison suffisante, donc, pour prouver leurs propres capacités défensives avec de petites fenêtres et des murs défiants. De plus, la porte d'entrée se trouvait au premier étage du côté est et ne pouvait être atteinte que par un escalier en bois rabattable. En cas d'attaque, les invités non invités se tenaient donc devant un mur solide et ne pouvaient pas entrer. Une porte au rez-de-chaussée n'a été ajoutée qu'au XIXe siècle.
In the Middle Ages, it was enough to walk through the streets of Trier to discover the good old days. Indeed, people of that time treated their historical heritage in a very pragmatic way: buildings that could no longer be used had to be used as quarries for new constructions. And so it is that many of the fortress-like residential towers that sprung up in the city center in the 11th and 12th centuries were often built with ancient Roman stone materials that were still found everywhere. Only a few of these towers have survived to this day - the 14th century Frankish Tower, one of whose inhabitants was named Franco von Senheim, is one of them and also the best preserved. In its walls too, ancient stones have survived the ages.
The unadorned facade and crenellated wall crown already indicate that the builders of the tower prioritized the safety factor. In fact, while the ancient city wall had been largely destroyed, the construction of the medieval city wall was not yet complete. Reason enough, then, to prove their own defensive abilities with small windows and defiant walls. Also, the front door was on the first floor on the east side and could only be reached by a folding wooden staircase. In the event of an attack, uninvited guests therefore stood in front of a solid wall and could not enter. A door on the ground floor was not added until the 19th century.
(Epthianura albifrons)
Western Treatment Plant - Werribee - VIC
Austrália
With this photo, I conclude my extensive series of one photo per species from our 30-day trip to Australia. We recorded 207 species, a disappointing number for a dedicated birdwatcher, but we are not birdwatchers and we didn’t photograph everything we saw. We prioritized good photographic opportunities, often spending a lot of time with a single species, rather than focusing on the number of sightings, which we didn’t even keep track of.
Even so, out of eagerness and caution—since we might not see the species again—we often photographed under much less-than-ideal conditions, resulting in a significant number of species recorded with low quality. Sorry fot that!
I also photographed a handful of additional species, but I don’t dare to show them, as the quality is so poor.
Additionally, I still have a folder with photos labeled as "Unknown," but even if I manage to identify them, the quality is once again disappointing, so they will most likely remain in that state.
I once again have to give a big thanks to our new Australian friends—Karen and Kevin in Werribee (Melbourne), John and Leoni in Mount Barker (Adelaide), and Stu and Colin in Brisbane—who helped us tremendously in obtaining these photos.
Without their help, we wouldn't have even seen many of these species, let alone photographed them. I hope to one day return the favor, but I think that's unlikely due to the distance. I will be eternally grateful and will try to help others who visit us.
We're already eager to return, but for now, I'll pick some of my favorite photos to complete the collection!
Sustainable elephant practices in Northern Laos prioritize ethical tourism, conservation, and community engagement. Sanctuaries and camps provide elephants with natural habitats, promote positive human-elephant interactions, and offer educational programs to raise awareness about conservation. Responsible tourism practices ensure elephants' well-being and dignity, prohibiting harmful activities like riding or performing tricks. Local communities are involved in conservation efforts, supporting sustainable tourism and protecting elephant habitats.
Came across this figurine a couple days ahead of the lockdown order. The writing was on the wall in terms of the coming edict on restrictioted movement. I made a point of getting out with the camera that weekend. The impetus was partly my desire to do something normal. But it was also colored with the uncertainty over when that opportunity would next arise. Looking back, that latter thought was quite prescient. Photography has since become a rather furtive affair (a subject for another post). But right now, mid-March feels like months ago. The freedom to pickup and go anywhere and do anything seems distant. There's a palpable heaviness to life now. Left unchecked, it's quite capable of blotting out most everything in its path. I think the real challenge going forward is to not succumb to depression (assuming you don't succumb to the virus first). Life and death concerns certainly have a way of prioritizing one's life. Last year at this time I was focused on cleaning up my yard in the aftermath of winter and tackling some DIY projects. This year I'm grappling with grocery store anxiety and not getting infected with a killer virus. A definite shift of thought process. The torrent of emotion that was about to be unleashed on the world seemed to be embodied in the downcast face of this statue standing silent vigil on the edge of a cemetery.
Thank you low angle sunlight for illuminating the Great Northern herald on this veteran bridge. I have been wanting this photo for years, but I neither prioritized it or studied if the sun gets low enough to shine on the entirety of the GN logo. One day heading over to Saint Paul, I was driving on 15th Avenue and saw it was lit up perfectly. I fortunately had my camera and grabbed several angles.
I have seen this GN herald and thought a lot about if any other bridges in the Great Northern system had GN text or advertising. None that I am aware of besides this one. If you know of a bridge with Great Northern text, please let me know in the comments.
I first shot this scene two years ago during my first visit to the bayou but ever since then I wanted another visit and a chance to shoot the scene as a pano and with the early fall colors. I felt the late fall colors ghost trees of this scene had a little too much exposed branches and that early or peak colors would be better.
This time around, I prioritized shooting this scene and to make conditions ideal, we had heavy mist with the below-freezing temperatures. Compared to my previous visit, the water level was higher this time around. Less of the tree trunk bases were exposed but despite that the tree grouping and scene still rendered beautifully. As expected, the color change was in full swing, with an assortment of colored leaves ranging from greens to yellows to oranges and a few splashes of red.
Gabriel Voisin was a mechanical genius who marched to his own drums, and started his Aero buisiness, Avions Voisin in 1905 and produced prominent WW I planes for France.
In 1919 he started producing cars using Knight-type sleeve valve engines at Issy-les-Moulineaux, an industrial suburb to the southwest of Paris. Former student of the Fine Arts School of Lyon and enthusiast for all things mechanical since his childhood, Voisin's uncompromisingly individual designs made extensive use of light alloys, especially aluminum. The characteristic Voisin style of 'rational' coachwork he developed in conjunction with his collaborator André Noel. Noel prioritized lightness, central weight distribution, capacious luggage boxes and distinctively angular lines. The 1930s models with underslung chassis were strikingly low. Always producing limited quantity unusual cars for the well to do, like so many companies whose income required 'the wealthy' in the worsening world wide Depression, he went officially bust in 1945, after spending the early war producing war machinery.
In the early 1930s, Gabriel Voisin could not pay all of his draftsmen any more and a young creative engineer named André Lefèbvre quit, recommended by Gabriel to Louis Renault. Lefèbvre finally entered Citroën where he led three particularly significant car projects: the Traction Avant, the 2CV and the DS, using a lot of Gabriel's lessons. Old Gabriel left a big footprint of unique ideas, though few actual cars.
Double click on the image to enlarge for details.
AS ALWAYS....COMMENTS & INVITATIONS with AWARD BANNERS will be respectfully DELETED!
The Selomangleng Cave site, is an ancient site during the era of King Erlangga, where in the past the Kahuripan kingdom was used as a hermitage of Dewi Kilisuci, because she did not want to prioritize worldly affairs, the location of Kediri, East Java, Indonesia.
This morning I wanted to concentrate on smaller birds and test Sony's Eye AF changes. It works great! With the correct settings, it will prioritize the eye to be in focus instead of the closest point to the camera within the focus area.
An eddy formed by a downed log collects a treasure trove of bright, yellow Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) leaves along the Saint Vrain River, Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado.
My wife and I came up here on a beautiful Sunday morning sans boys. The oldest is deep into his teenage years, and he prioritizes sleeping late over tramping about in the forest with his parents. The youngest son is almost a teenager, and he occasionally manifests a stubborn streak that is somewhat profound. On this morning, he did NOT want to go for a hike with his parents either. We therefore left the two doofuses to their own (probably electronic) devices, and we abandoned collecting apples around Boulder in favor of cooler, higher, much more colorful country to the west. It was, perhaps, a brief prelude to what life might transform into 10 years from now. Assuming my knees still work in 10 years' time.
500px.com/photo/104535909/celestica-by-timothy-poulton?fr...
in the end, everyone can understand themselves only. You are the only one to which you never have to explain what you mean. Everything else is misunderstanding.
Laguna Torre - Patagonia
With so much commanding our attention these days, it’s easy to feel like were drowning in a tidal wave of messages that arrive daily through our phones, computers and personal devices.
At some point, it seems the only way to catch a break is to simply walk out into the wilderness, and away from the constant technological distractions.
I have just completed my second OOAK Photography Adventure for 2015, we went on a backcountry trip in Patagonia both in Chile and Argentina and enjoyed many nights camping in the wilderness. This trip was particularly wonderful because it was my first to this part of the world and a break from the endless notifications that inundate my daily life.
I was reminded of the importance of temporarily disconnecting from the “real” world. Of course, it doesn’t take a photography trip to do this. A walk in the park, run by the river or snowshoe in the mountains will provide ample opportunity to go social media free for a few hours.
In order to truly disconnect I believe we need to either spend some time alone or surround ourselves with people who can also turn the power off. Unfortunately we have become so dependent on this form of communication we found it hard to disconnect..
Just a few hours or days spent away from our devices gives us the perspective and discernment we need when we choose to connect again. By fully engaging in our time spent in nature - breathing in the fresh air, watching the sun set and rise or the way the snow blows off the mountains - we’ll stay in the present moment and away from the perpetual ”To Do List.” In fact, when we let go of all the things that command our attention, we are better able to prioritize and discern what is important. The time we take to refresh our spirits will make us much more creative when it’s time to enter the game again.
What I really missed the most was my beautiful wife and children, I feel recharged by my time in the wilderness and believe I can better handle what happens in the “real" world.
With a Paducah Rebuild GP10 in tow, BNSF Train J ABIAUM1 30A rolls by on Main Track 2 of the BNSF Ft. Scott Sub. with Engineer Wil Burke at the throttle past the Lenexa Switcher's power and caboose.
Though the "high-wide" symbol might be somewhat misleading, railroads commonly use this prefix type on expedited or high value moves to differentiate from other less prioritized trains, or ones that require less special handling. The hopper car is along for the ride to satisfy minimum axle requirements for properly shunting signal systems.
The GP10 was built for Illinois Central as GP9 IC 9120 in 12-1955 with a builder number of 20758 frame number 5409-3. In March 1973 it emerged from shop as a graduate of the ICG's Paducah Rebuild program as ICG 8329 as a GP10. It was later sold to the US Army, and renumbered USAX 1873. Later retired and sold to S&S Leasing and renumbered SSRX 1873, it soon found a new home on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and renumbered MRSR 9120, regaining its original number, while owned by American Heritage Railways in 2016.
It was painted in the Milwaukee Road-inspired livery as seen here and pulled trains in Washington until COVID-19 shut the railroad down, and eventually forced AHR to seek a new owner.
The locomotive was then moved into storage on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad in Abilene, KS; the ASVR being a fairly recently affiliated partner with AHR. The Branson Scenic Railway was purchased by AHR in 2024, and the movement of the locomotive was expedited to that property in this special move in order to restore service for their busy Independence Day holiday week of excursions due to their GP30, BSRX 99 experiencing a sudden prime mover failure.
The engine was interchanged to the MNA Railroad at Aurora, MO, quickly wyed, and raced to Branson to be placed in service. By July 3rd it had been turned, serviced, tested, and re-lettered to pull the train out of Branson, facing south.
Locomotives: BNSF 6578, HRMX 9120
6-30-25
Lenexa, KS
“Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Our resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing. We are becoming the ones we’ve been waiting for.” thelovelandfoundation.org/about/
UP 1439 and 1361 pass the depot along the UP Mankato Subdivision bound for a meet at the West St. James siding at the start of the UP Worthington Subdivision. The goal today was to see what the happenings were on the former Omaha Route. The day graced me several things moving around, but I prioritized this local heading west. At this point I did not know if this was going towards Windom or turning at Butterfield.
With street photography, I have always prioritized daytime hours, trying to find the twilight hours or midday hours to have more contrasting shadows, but I have discovered that the night has a special charm. It is possible that inside of me lives a being of darkness that is yet to show itself completely. I'm going to let myself go to see where ends this obsession with darkness and the night that I just discovered and that has completely captivated me.
The Chinese bridge in the gardens of Eutin Castle in the district town of Eutin, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Some background information:
The origins of the gardens of Eutin Castle date back to around the year 1500. By 1716, in line with the spirit of the time, luxurious French Baroque gardens were created. They were redesigned in the French style, becoming one of the largest Baroque gardens in the region alongside the gardens of Gottorf Castle. It was in this park in 1739 that Sophie Auguste Friederike of Anhalt-Zerbst, the niece of Friedrich August I and the future Russian czarina Catherine the Great, first met her unloved husband Karl Peter Ulrich of Holstein-Gottorf, the later Russian short-term czar Peter III.
However, just 60 years later, a major transformation and expansion began, turning it into an English landscape garden, which was becoming fashionable at the time – with numerous special trees from all over the world, winding paths, small temples, a waterfall, a Chinese bridge, and romantic vistas of the lake. The gardens have remained almost unchanged to this day, with the trees now having grown into magnificent giants. In a separate area, there is also a kitchen garden with an orangery. Today, the garden is a protected monument, recognized as one of the most significant garden art works in northern Germany.
Eutin Castle is a palace in the town of Eutin in the north German district of Eastern Holstein. It is both Eutin‘s cultural centre and nucleus. Taken together, this castle, Gottorf Castle and Glücksburg Castle form the most important group of courtly secular buildings in the Northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein.
Eutin Castle traces its origins to the bishop's manor of Gerold of Oldenburg. In 1156, he received these lands as a gift from the Adolf II, Count of Schauenburg and Holstein, who was also the founder of the city of Lübeck. The estate was expanded under Bishop Johannes of Tralau between 1260 and 1275, receiving a larger stone structure that now forms the core of the castle’s east wing. In 1293, the first castle chapel was built.
Little is known about the original design of the castle. It was likely a simple fortification of the time, surrounded by walls, with separate buildings that prioritized functionality over appearance. From 1277 to 1283 and again between 1299 and 1317, Bishop Burkhard of Serkem faced renewed disputes with Lübeck. As a result, the castle was expanded into a small fortress and was reinforced with a moat under his successors around 1350. From 1439 to 1486, additional structures were built in phases, including the core of the present gate tower. By the 16th century, the individual buildings had been joined together to form a modest Renaissance castle, giving rise to today’s irregular floor plan, particularly on the city-facing front side.
With the Reformation, the dukes of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf gained control of Eutin in 1586 and provided the Prince-Bishops. During the Thirty Years’ War, the bishopric faced the threat of secularization, but Johann X, at that time prince-bishop of Lübeck, managed to prevent this by securing the prince-bishopric’s connection to the House of Gottorf. This alliance, however, caused ongoing conflicts with the Danish monarchy, culminating in 1705 with a Danish occupation and partial destruction of the castle. However, in 1689, both castle and town had already suffered significant damage due to a fire.
The palace reached its peak in the 18th and 19th centuries. Between the reigns of Christian August and Friedrich August I, it transformed into a Baroque princely court, and Eutin became a social center in the region. During this time, significant extensions were made to the castle, its interiors, and the gardens. Eutin became one of the few grand Baroque residences in Schleswig and Holstein. These works were overseen by the Swedish-Pomeranian court architect Rudolph Matthias Dallin from 1717 to 1727. Plans for an extensive reconstruction of the castle were considered but never realized due to financial constraints.
In 1773, the Lübeck Prince-Bishops gained the rank and title of Duke of Oldenburg due to the unification of their territory with Oldenburg and Delmenhorst under the Treaty of Zarskoje Selo. Friedrich August ruled from Eutin until his death in 1785. Following the secularization of the Bishopric of Lübeck in 1803, his successors moved their residence to Oldenburg Castle. Eutin, now part of an Oldenburg exclave, was used only as a summer residence but retained its prominence. During this time, the outdated Baroque garden was transformed into a modern landscape park.
In the early 19th century, Eutin earned the reputation of being the "Weimar of the North," thanks to the influence of artists like Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, and Franz Anton von Weber, supported by the patronage of Duke Peter I. Around 1820, plans were made to redesign the outer castle courtyard in a Neoclassical style. The old courtyard was demolished, and an open palace square was created in 1828. But also the castle itself was given a Neoclassical interior makeover and an additional floor by 1845.
Until the abdication of Friedrich August II in 1918, Eutin remained a regular summer residence for the ducal family. After the abdication, the castle was no longer inhabited, and a museum was established within its walls. Both the city and the castle survived both World Wars unscathed. Toward the end of World War II, a wave of refugees from the eastern territories of Germany arrived, and the empty castle was repurposed as a refugee camp. At times, hundreds of people lived in the castle under dire conditions, with only four toilets in the entire building.
After extensive restoration, the castle was partially reopened to the public in 1957. It was also used as a filming location for parts of the 1972 movie "Cabaret" starring Liza Minnelli. Further renovations became necessary in the 1980s, with financial support from the state and federal government. In 1992, the ducal family transferred the castle and gardens to the newly established Eutin Castle Foundation. With the mission to preserve, open, and present the castle and its gardens, funded by state grants and self-generated income, the foundation also promotes education, research, and documentation.
Eutin is the capital of the Northern German district of Eastern Holstein in thd German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The town has about 17,300 inhabitants, is located about 40 km (25 miles) north of the city of Lübeck and nestles between three lakes: the Great Eutiner Lake, the Small Eutiner Lake and the Sibbersdorfer Lake. Eutin is the birthplace of the famous composer and pianist Carl Maria von Weber, who was born there in 1786.
In the 7th century, a settlement was founded by the Slavic Obotrites tribe that built a wooden castle on Pheasant Island in the Great Eutiner Lake. The Obotrites named their new village "Utin". In the 12th century, the settlement was populated by Dutch settlers and already in 1156, Eutin became a market town. Eutin’s further history is closely related to the one of its castle.
Every year, Eutin hosts two festivals: the Eutiner Festspiele in summer, where operas are performed in an open-air theatre in the gardens of Eutin Castle, and the Blues Fesitival in spring, which takes place in the town centre. Due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea resorts along the Bay of Lübeck, which have seen increased demand partly due to the trend toward domestic tourism, Eutin has also come into focus for the tourism industry in recent years.
18/366 - Rest
Rest: the sweet sauce of labor.
--Plutarch
Employ thy leisure time well, if thou meanest to gain pleasure. --Benjamin Franklin
I love three day weekends!! I got so much done. At the zoo today, while I saw so many animals napping, I realized that I forgot to rest!! (Luckily, I am a great sleeper. As soon as my head touches the pillow, I am asleep!)
I hope that we all can remember to play hard and then rest. Rest is important for our bodies so that we can live a long and happy life.
Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded. --Goethe
I pray that we can all remember to prioritize rest in our busy lives--even if we must schedule it in.
Travel back to the Roaring Roaring Twenties. The Vintage Car Rally from Barcelona to Sitges is celebrated with great taste and elegance. This legendary race began in 1959. With today's edition there are already 64 editions and the rules have remained unchanged. 52 cars and 15 classic motorcycles participate. All the vehicles are prior to 1928 and the event prioritizes their conservation. It is not a race, it is rewarded to be dressed in period and according to the vehicle and its state of conservation. A total of 40 kilometers that become a real trip to the past
Duke of Avon
Dowager Duchess of Avon (played by AI)
[10:43] Duke of Avon (raik.chevalier): Good morning Mummy
[10:43] Lady Catherine (Dowager Duchess): Good morning, Duke. I trust you slept well. Now, tell me when may I expect to hear the pitter-patter of little feet at Avon? Time waits for no one.
[10:44] Duke of Avon (raik.chevalier): Her grace is a busy woman. I continue to work diligently on behalf of the manor. Those things take time.
[10:44] Lady Catherine (Dowager Duchess): Excuses, Your Grace. The estate survived centuries before you took charge. I require heirs, not further delays. The future of Avon depends on more than diligence. Prioritize accordingly.
[10:46] Duke of Avon (raik.chevalier): I'm just SOOO glad you have come to visit... How long are you staying?
[10:46] Lady Catherine (Dowager Duchess): I shall remain as long as necessary, son. Someone must ensure standards are upheld and perhaps encourage certain... domestic developments. Do not rush me; I know when I am needed.
[10:47] Duke of Avon (raik.chevalier) smiles and kisses you on the cheek
[10:47] Lady Catherine (Dowager Duchess): Flattery will not distract me, Your Grace. Affection is all well and good, but results are preferable. Remember, duty comes before sentiment. Now, what is planned for luncheon?
An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne radar early warning system designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges, as well as performing command and control of the battlespace in aerial engagements by informing and directing friendly fighter and attack aircraft. AEW&C units are also used to carry out aerial surveillance over ground and maritime targets, and frequently perform battle management command and control (BMC2). When used at altitude, the radar system on AEW&C aircraft allows the operators to detect, track and prioritize targets and identify friendly aircraft from hostile ones in real-time and from much farther away than ground-based radars.[1] Like ground-based radars, AEW&C systems can be detected and targeted by opposing forces, but due to aircraft mobility and extended sensor range, they are much less vulnerable to counter-attacks than ground systems.[2]
AEW&C aircraft are used for both defensive and offensive air operations, and serve air forces in the same role as what the combat information center is to naval warships, in addition to being a highly mobile and powerful radar platform. So useful and advantageous is it to have such aircraft operating at a high altitude, that some navies also operate AEW&C aircraft for their warships at sea, either coastal- or carrier-based and on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. In the case of the United States Navy, the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft is assigned to its supercarriers to protect them and augment their onboard command information centers (CICs). The designation "airborne early warning" (AEW) was used for earlier similar aircraft used in the less-demanding radar picket role,[3] such as the Fairey Gannet AEW.3 and Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star, and continues to be used by the RAF for its Sentry AEW1, while AEW&C (airborne early warning and control) emphasizes the command and control capabilities that may not be present on smaller or simpler radar picket aircraft. AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) is the name of the specific system installed in the American Boeing E-3 Sentry and Japanese Boeing E-767 AEW&C airframes, but is often used as a general synonym for AEW&C.[4][5]
General characteristics
Wellington Ic "Air Controlled Interception" showing rotating radar antenna
Modern AEW&C systems can detect aircraft from up to 400 km (220 nmi) away, well out of range of most surface-to-air missiles (SAM). One AEW&C aircraft flying at 9,000 m (30,000 ft) can cover an area of 312,000 km2 (120,000 sq mi). Three such aircraft in overlapping orbits can cover the whole of Central Europe.[6] AEW&C system indicates close and far proximity range on threats and targets, help extend the range of their sensors, and make offensive aircraft harder to track by avoiding the need for them to keep their own radar active, which the enemy can detect. Systems also communicate with friendly aircraft, vectoring fighters towards hostile aircraft or any unidentified flying object (UFO).
A sad announcement came from the RCAF yesterday: there will not be a CF-18 demonstration team for the 2025 airshow season. The RCAF is currently transitioning from its CF-18s to more advanced F-35As. Given the rapidly deteriorating state of global peace and stability, it seems they need to prioritize readiness.
“Life isn't as magical here, and you're not the only one who feels like you don't belong, or that it's better somewhere else. But there ARE things worth living for. And the best part is you never know what's going to happen next.”
― O.R. Melling
So... if you read what I wrote with my most recent clown photo... I did just that. I put on a long sleeved shirt (in 90 degree heat with 90% humidity... and later (when it was already too late) realized it was one of those COLD Gear shirts.... designed to keep you WARM in cold winter weather... it was thin and lightweight... I didn't know.... can you say "heat stroke"? UGH!!) and went out with a machete and pruning shears to bushwack a trail to the abandoned section of the farm where I took the clown photos... and then proceeded to cut away the weeds and trim a tree that was covering another window there. My reward for my misguided prioritization was uncovering TWO new windows to shoot (and sweating off a few pounds... yey!) I won't bother to list all the things that I SHOULD have been doing, that are ... STILL ... undone. So, I can now cross "yard work" off of my "To Do" list ... afterall, I never did specify that the work had to be done in MY yard.
Works for me!
A new brand's first car. Let me try to introduce PoleStones, a mild off-road, hybrid electric vehicle designed for camping and urban transportation. As the first car from a completely new brand, my expectations for PoleStones are somewhat reserved. Over the past few years, China has witnessed the emergence of numerous impressive new car brands, offering both electric and hybrid options. Among them, hybrid electric vehicles have proven to be particularly suitable for long-distance journeys.
However, PoleStones aims to carve out its niche by catering to individuals who seek a vehicle capable of light off-road adventures while prioritizing camping and city commuting. This hybrid model combines the benefits of both traditional combustion engines and electric motors, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
While there may be skepticism surrounding the prospects of this new brand, it is worth noting that consumer preferences can vary greatly. PoleStones may attract a specific segment of customers who value the blend of off-road capabilities, camping functionality, and urban convenience that this hybrid vehicle offers.
As the automotive market continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to observe how PoleStones distinguishes itself and competes against established and emerging brands in China's dynamic automobile industry.
The previous photos frame a reality. But I made them to give a previous climate, to this last photo. It is just an idea. These figures are what some of the countries spend on armaments. These amounts are expressed in USD (Dollars). USA spends 607,000,000,000 per year; China: 84,700,000,000; Russia: 70,600,000,000; England 65,700,000,000. France: 65,300,000,000; Germany: 46,800,000,000; Italy: 40,600,000,000; Brazil: 23,300,000,000; Spain 18,300,000,000.
Now, which of these countries prioritizes the economy over the health of its inhabitants?
You already know the answer. Those countries minimized the covid-19 pandemic, until they could not continue doing so, for one reason only, people are dying.
60 people, have the assets equivalent to 4,000,000,000 inhabitants of our planet.
In my country, Argentina, Paolo Roca, owner of Techint, laid off 1,450 people last week. His personal assets are: USD 9,000,000,000.
Tenaris, its main company, which manufactures seamless pipes for the oil industry, had a net profit, only in the last four months of 2018: 2,105,000,000 million dollars.
The false dichotomy to which some countries subject us is that the economy cannot stop. In the universal language that is called your life is worth nothing. It is time for those who took everything from us to pay an extraordinary tax, to create a common fund to defend ourselves, with what is necessary to combat this pandemic. We are not in 1347 when in 6 years the Black Death, annihilated 1/3 of the European population. I want to believe that we have made progress since then.
Las fotos anteriores, enmarcan una realidad. Pero las hice para darle un clima previo, a esta última foto. Solo es una idea. Estas cifras es lo que algunos de los países gastan en armamentos. Estos importes están expresados en USD (Dólares) . USA gasta por año 607.000.000.000; China: 84.700.000.000; Rusia: 70.600.000.000; Inglaterra 65.700.000.000. Francia: 65.300.000.000; Alemania: 46.800.000.000; Italia: 40.600.000.000; Brasil: 23.300.000.000; España 18.300.000.000.
Ahora, cuál de estos países priorizo la economía sobre la salud de sus habitantes?
Ya saben la respuesta. Esos países, minimizaron la pandemia del covid-19, hasta que no podían seguir haciéndolo, por una sola razón, la gente se muere.
60 personas, tienen el patrimonio equivalente a 4.000.000.000 de habitantes de nuestro Planeta.
En mi País, Argentina, Paolo Roca, dueño de Techint, despidió a 1.450 personas, la semana pasada. Su patrimonio personal es de : USD 9.000.000.000.
Tenaris, su empresa principal, que fabrica Caños sin costura para la industria petrolera, tuvo una utilidad neta, solamente en el último cuatrimestre del 2018: 2.105.000.000 millones de Dólares.
La falsa dicotomía a que algunos países nos someten, es que la economía no puede pararse. En el lenguaje universal eso se llama tu vida no vale nada. Es hora, que a los que nos quitaron todo, paguen un impuesto extraordinario, para crear un fondo común para defendernos, con lo necesario para combatir esta pandemia. No estamos en 1347 cuando en 6 años la Peste negra, aniquilo 1/3 parte de la población Europea. Quiero creer que algo avanzamos desde entonces.
I'm sure most photographer-tourists that make a stop in Kyoto prioritize the mesmerizing vermilion torii gates. Here's one of mine from my 2016 visit.
(Charadrius cucullatus)
Two Tree Point - Bruny Island -Tasmania
Austrália
This was the first species I saw and photographed in Tasmania. I expected to find it, but I was pretty sure it’d be harder to spot.
Our trip from Brisbane to Hobart wasn’t exactly smooth. A few weeks after buying the tickets, I got the lovely message: “Your upcoming flight with Rex has been cancelled as a result of Rex’s Voluntary Administration.”
But hey, at least they offered a free ticket with Virgin Australia. So generous, right?
But, after VA totally "forgot" about me for more than 2 months, I finally managed to get a ticket. The catch? Instead of landing in Hobart around noon, as planned, our new arrival time was 5:10 PM.
Problem: the last ferry to Bruny Island leaves at 7 PM. In theory, we could make it, but only if there were no delays and everything—waiting for luggage, picking up the car—went perfectly smooth.
We thought about changing our Bruny Island dates, but accommodation prices had tripled since I’d booked. So, we decided to take our chances.
Oh, and by the way, when we were at O'Reilly's, someone casually mentioned that 40 minutes was enough to get from the airport to the ferry. Spoiler: it's not.
The flight landed on time, but the luggage took forever. So, I went to pick up the rental car while Nita waited for the bags. Conveniently, when we walked past the rental desk earlier, it was empty. Now? Both employees were busy with customers who seemed in no rush to finish their endless questions and conversations.
With the clock reminding me of my ever-shrinking buffer, I started to stress out. Finally, one employee became available—but, of course, she had to make an urgent phone call. That’s when I stepped in and explained my situation. Thankfully, she was kind enough to prioritize my reservation.
Once we got the car, Google Maps told me the ETA to the ferry was 6:43 PM. Okay, doable—assuming nothing went wrong. Sticking to the speed limit (thanks to cruise control), I resisted the temptation to put the pedal to the metal.
Crossing the Hobart Bridge was... an experience. I was in the center lane, with traffic coming toward me on the other side, separated by absolutely nothing. All I could think about was how one distracted driver in the two lanes on my left could send me flying into oncoming traffic. But hey, all went well.
Honestly, Aussie drivers seem incredibly careful and disciplined—they don’t stray an inch from their lanes. I can only imagine the nightmare it must be for them to drive where I am used to drive!
We got to the ferry exactly at 6:43 PM, as predicted. My wife, who has an intense fear of being stopped at Australian airports for carrying food (fruit is a big no-no), decided this was a great time for me to grab something to eat and drink at the café near the dock. Problem: it closes at 4 PM.
Alright, no worries—we'll just grab something on the island.
When we disembarked, there was a sign that should’ve made us pause: "Next service station: Adventure Bay (40 km)". No big deal, though—that’s exactly where we were headed, and we had plenty of fuel.
The drive was lovely, but not a single café or supermarket was open along the way. We stopped briefly to admire the stunning view at The Neck, then continued on. Once we reached Adventure Bay, we quickly found our accommodation. Feeling optimistic, we decided to head to the service station to grab some food.
But… surprise! No supermarket, no gas station, no café was open. The café/restaurant looked like it might be, but as soon as I tried to open the door, they switched off the lights.
The result? We were going to bed hungry. All we had were two yogurts from the fridge in our accommodation and, thankfully, some coffee. Not exactly the feast we were hoping for!
It was 8 PM, I was starving, and there was still some daylight left. Way too early to head to bed. So, I grabbed my camera and went down to the beach right in front of us. And… to my absolute delight, there it was—a Hooded Plover! The light was fading fast, but who cares? Who knows when I’d spot another one of these again?
Not long after, I saw a second one as well a pair of Pacific Gulls and a Pied Oystercatcher (all lifers for me). Suddenly, hunger? Gone. Completely cured.
Now, full disclosure: I ended up deleting all those photos. But at the time, it felt like an elixir for my empty stomach.
This shot? I took it the next day. Turns out, I’d see these birds every single day. They were super tame and gave us plenty of chances for some great photos.
Taking a moment to breathe, sipping on my coffee, feeling the cold air, and freeing my mind are all essential for my well-being. By doing so, I can clear my thoughts, reduce stress, and improve my focus. As I take a deep breath, I remind myself that it's the small things that can make a big difference in my life. Whether it's taking a few minutes to meditate, going for a walk, or reading a book, I know that investing in myself is always worth it. So, I will continue to prioritize my mental and physical health, one small step at a time.