Drove 2-1/2 days so far
Tonight I am in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. That is about midway between Amarillo and Albuquerque. Tomorrow I plan to drive to about Page, Arizona (near the Antelope Canyons) and spend the evening. The next day I will take the winding road through the Mt. Carmel tunnel and cross Zion via the southern route. This requires daylight and fresh concentration, so I will save it for Monday morning. So far the towing is slow, steady, and expensive. I am averaging about 11 mpg in the winds; keeping the speed at 55-60. The trailer handles well. I am getting used to backing it. It’s big, but completely filled. This will serve me well during show season. Much better than the Chevy Venture van.
I have no pictures to share yet; but the pace slows tomorrow and the scenery improves so maybe I will grab a few.
Fred is having a ball; but he’s not eating much.
Don’t get me started about Oklahoma. People are still rude; roads are despicable, the food sucks everywhere, and they have the nerve to charge $15 to cross the state on the Will Rogers Turnpike. To top it off, Oklahoma is ugly. They actually have a sign on the Turnpike: DON’T BADMOUTH OKLAHOMA. Seriously.
Boku’s Travels and Trevails
By January 30th I will be on the road to my new home in St. George, Utah. The cross-country movers have already departed. The 6 days of moving sales are over. My buddy Craig and his family have helped me muscle the heavy personal items. My buddy Jerry is on the other end to make the move-in easier. Countless of you have communicated well-wishing sentiments. The “money” (AKA ca$h) is already in escrow. I am pumped, excited, confused, cautious, and ache from head to toe.
The only thing missing, in my view, is a dog/buddy. So I invented one, imaginary. Fred, a beautiful, happy 5-month old chocolate Lab and I will make the 2300-mile journey this week. Remember “Smokey and the Bandit”? “Hold on yer ass Fred, we’re pushin on through.”
Fred - my imaginary chocolate Lab
I’ll be towing a trailer, taking the Southern-most route to avoid mountains and weather. My plans are to spread the journey over 4 days with stops in Nashville, Oklahoma City, and Albuquerque. I hope to do some updates to this blog in the evenings. I will be offline for a few days since Time Warner is pulling the service out on 1/28, but I can monitor email on my Blackberry.
See ya, Bob
Pathways to Distinctive Photographic Accomplishment
“After spending considerable time with many enthusiast photographers in our burgeoning community, it crosses my mind that many folks are becoming quite serious about making their mark in the field, either professionally or as a serious amateur. It seems that the allure of the Digital SLR camera and the creative options presented by Photoshop and other photo productivity computer solutions has captivated the masses. The promise is undeniable. Artistic expression is well within the grasp of everyone.”
I invite you to download and ponder this white paper that I made available to the general community in 2007: pathways_v01
Reverie #2 – More memorable images from NE Ohio
Locomotives in McDonald. Ohio
Hale Farm Morning Scene
2007 Cleveland Air Show
100% Shawshank
Pure Premium
First Try
No one else noticed
Take Care
Drive By
In the back of my mind
I am moving to St. George, Utah – that is hardly news. The reason, put simply, involves opportunity, climate, quality of life, spiritual growth, a natural beauty.
I wanted to mention a few ideas I have that may be of interest to my NE Ohio friends. No promises, but here’s what my sketchy plans are…
- Workshops – I will be organizing popular destination Photo Tours commencing this Fall. Conceptually, these will involve the obvious (Zion, Bryce, etc.) as well as the hundreds of insider secret locations that have equally glorious scenery and easier access. The durations and timings will be a bit varied. Weekends, mid-week, all-week. There will be much assistance in the field, but no classroom component itself. Note: for Zion workshops, we must wait until November for automotive access, prior to that park tour buses must be used. I plan an October photo tour with golden aspens; December or January tour for special winter vantages.
- One-On-One – this will become a very large part of what I do. For people wanting the personal insight into advanced methods, discovery of those little out of the way treasures, and specific interests. I will book myself by the day. Here’s the deal. You fly into Vegas on your dime; I’ll pick you up and cart you around in my SUV; I’ll put you up in my guest bedroom/bath in the Heart of St.George; I’ll pay for gas; you pay for all your own meals. Price? $495/day or portion thereof. Subject to availability.
- Fine Art Fairs – I am not giving up on this. The market out West is much healthier and I am doing some long range planning. Obviously, my catalog will change dramatically to suit the market. I will be doing Western Landscapes, floral macros, stone abstracts, graphic derivatives, black and white. My urban abstract work and garden work will probably be reserved for my own pleasure and enjoyment. I am phasing out note cards except for smaller fill-in shows. I intend to open a real online store to avail you of my new Western work in finished editions.
- Instruction – I intend to become an operative instructor rather than an entrepreneur. I will be seeking teaching gigs with colleges, tourist spas, and community organizations. DSLR Boot Camp will take a back seat for a while – great concept, but I’m the new kid in town. I need to establish credibility.
It's all in my backyard!
