Bodega Bay and Beyond

Over the weekend Jen and I participated in a photography class/workshop in and around Bodega Bay. On Friday afternoon we drove up to Bodega Bay and set-up our campsite. We then headed into town and had dinner at the Sandpiper Restaurant. I highly recommend the restaurant to anyone... reasonable prices, large portions, a campground for the next night so Satund great taste! We got back to the campsite and after sitting around the campfire for a little while, headed to bed. Almost as soon as we got in the tent it started to pour... and continued to do so for the rest of the night. We had to move to anotherrday morning we had to pack-up the tent, soaking wet. It rained a little on Saturday morning but the afternoon and the next day were beautiful. We drove through Occidental and stopped at Duncan's Mills for lunch. Then we headed to Salt Point State Park to photograph the landscape, sunset, and camp for the night. I got some beautiful shots of the area. The sunset, unfortunately, didn't turn-out to be very impressive but not everything can be perfect. Sunday morning we met-up at Fort Ross. Had the cloud cover been a little more interesting, there could have been some drop-dead gorgeous landscape shots as the wildflowers were in bloom. Instead, I focused on shooting the interiors of the buildings... the natural lighting was beautiful and the placement of historic pieces led to some interesting pictures.

On My Way Home...

As quick as the trip began it ends... I'm getting set to make the drive back to Taipei in order to catch my flight. Here are a couple more shots I took over the last couple days. Scooters are everywhere so it is hard not to take some pictures. I love the dog though... dogs are so well-trained here... the owners just get on the scooter and the dog climbs-up and knows not to move. It's really amazing. The dog in this picture was the best model! The owner had just climbed-on and was attempting to pull-out into traffic... say cheese!

Oh... and before I go I have to pass this along... while I was here I stumbled-upon this page... it is hilarious! It isn't too hard to find poorly-executed English translations... but I've never seen anything like this! Can I get one order of Cowboy Leg Beautiful Pole? Thanks...

Back in Taiwan

Well, I'm back in Taiwan for the week. After an uneventful, 14.5 hour flight and 3 hour drive I'm at the hotel. This sign at the entrance makes me laugh every time.

I always forget just how much I love the coffee here... nothing like what we get back in the states... coffee here is savored and discussed like wine in Napa. No drip here. When you order, they start heating the water. Once it's to the exact temperature (using a thermometer) they pour it slowly, in circles, over the coffee and filter straight into the cup. It takes a while from the time you order... but it's worth it! It's so smooth... never bitter. Almost sweet. Needless to say... my Taiwan trips are fueled with lots of caffeine!

Anyway... I'll try to post a few more pictures later.... it's time to eat!

Event Code

Somehow last night I forgot to post the event code needed to view the pictures from the other day.

So... follow this link and enter the event code: Sonoma

Be sure to check-out all three categories listed on the left-hand side of the page.

Pictures Posted! Academy Awards Dinner @ Sonoma Chicken Coop

As promised, the pictures from the other night are posted and ready for viewing! Be sure to check-out all three categories listed on the left-hand side of the page.

Without further ado... click here to see the pictures!

Academy Awards at Sonoma Chicken Coop Restaurant

This evening I had the opportunity to photograph a charity Academy Awards dinner at the Sonoma Chicken Coop in Campbell. It seemed like everyone had a fun time walking up the red carpet, enjoying great food, and spending time with friends.

Here are a couple pictures to whet your appetite... check back on Wednesday for the rest!

Happy 1st Birthday Little Buddy!

Today our dog, Indy, turns the ripe old age of one year! It's been an awesome year... Actually... we haven't had him for a full year yet since the breeder had him for a while... but nonetheless... it's been really cool to see him grow.

I've never been much of an animal person. My entire family has terrible allergies and that meant nothing more than a fish in the house while growing up. Jen discovered that there are a couple breeds of dogs that are hypo-allergenic and started looking-into getting one. I was pretty reluctant at first since, as I said before, I'm not much of an animal person (I've always been just fine with my aquarium DVD). When Jen found a breeder and convinced me to take a trip down to Fresno to check-out the puppies I couldn't believe how cute they were. Jen had names like "Max" ready to go... but once I saw our little guy exploring everything I was like, "How about Indiana Jones? We can call him Indy for short!"

Anyway, the picture of Indy in the grass was taken about a month after we had him.

The two images below were taken last week when Jen and I both stayed home from work with the flu. He was so cute... all snug under the covers on the couch. I think he had sympathy pains! :-)

He's been a (suprisingly) great addition to my life. ...and before anyone says anything... yes... we know... we need kids! :-) Just another year after our Europe trip...