Capturing the Essence of Tranquility: Round Lake, NY

Discovering Serenity Through the Lens of High-Contrast Monochrome

Introduction

Nestled amidst the picturesque Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York lies a hidden gem: Round Lake.

This pristine body of water has long inspired photographers like me, beckoning us to capture its enchanting beauty. In this essay, I will talk about Round Lake's location, history, and significance while also recounting my experience of capturing its ghostly charm on an early morning shrouded in fog.

A Natural Oasis

Round Lake is strategically located within Saratoga County, just 12 miles south of Saratoga Springs. Near the Adirondack Park Preserve, this location contributes significantly to its allure. The lake covers approximately 356 acres, with an average depth of 7 feet. Its small size provides an intimate and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The lake's shoreline is lined with lush, leafy forests, predominantly composed of northern hardwoods such as maple and beech trees. These trees create a splendid backdrop, especially during autumn when their leaves burst into fiery red, orange, and gold shades.

The lake's diverse flora and fauna create a vibrant ecosystem, making it a hot spot for wildlife photography: its crystal-clear waters abound with aquatic life. From bass to perch, the fishing opportunities are abundant, attracting anglers yearly. Additionally, Round Lake is renowned for its ecologically sensitive practices, ensuring its natural beauty remains unspoiled for future generations.

A Historical Gem

Round Lake's history is as rich as its natural beauty. This glacially formed lake has existed for thousands of years, serving as a vital resource for indigenous people and early settlers.

The lake was initially known as "Ondariquoit," a name derived from the Native American Iroquoian language, which means "round lake." The Iroquois regarded this place as sacred, often visiting it for its abundant fish and pristine waters.

In the 19th century, Round Lake gained fame as a spiritual retreat for the Methodist Church. In 1867, it became the permanent home of the Chautauqua Institution, a center for adult education, religion, and the arts.

Today, Round Lake's history is cherished by those who appreciate its serene ambiance.

The Magic of Early Morning Fog

One of the most enchanting aspects of Round Lake is its propensity for early morning fog. While this natural phenomenon can occur at any time of the year, it is most common during the spring and autumn months, when the temperature fluctuations between night and day are most pronounced. This unique weather pattern creates a magical and ethereal atmosphere that is a photographer's dream.

Fog diffuses the sunlight, softening harsh shadows and creating a gentle, diffused glow that bathes the landscape in a delicate embrace. The mist envelops everything in a mysterious veil, obscuring distant objects and transforming even the most familiar scenes into something otherworldly. This captivating effect draws photographers from far and wide, hoping to capture Round Lake's timeless beauty in a new and gorgeous light.

I had the privilege of experiencing Round Lake's foggy mornings several times. Each visit brought new challenges and opportunities, and I'd like to share some insights into my experiences:

1. Preparation: Early mornings can be chilly, even during the warmer months, so I always dress in layers. Proper clothing ensures comfort during extended shooting sessions. I also check my camera gear the night before, ensuring everything is clean and in working order.

2. Timing: Timing is crucial when photographing in foggy conditions. I typically arrive at the lake before sunrise to scout locations and set up my equipment. The predawn light, often characterized by a deep blue hue, adds an enchanting quality to the fog.

3. Composition: Composition is critical in capturing the essence of Round Lake's fog. The mist can be used to create depth and mood in the photographs. Elements like trees and rocks can serve as foreground elements that emerge from the haze, adding depth and interest to the image.

4. Long Exposures: I sometimes use long exposure techniques to accentuate the dreamy quality of the fog. This blurs any ripples on the water's surface, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility. It also captures movement in the mist, adding a dynamic element to the photographs.

5. Patience: Fog is a dynamic phenomenon whose density can change rapidly. Patience is essential when waiting for the perfect moments to capture the desired mood and atmosphere.

One of my most memorable experiences at Round Lake was during an exceptionally dense, foggy morning in early October.

My initial objective was to capture the moment when the sun would start clearing up the fog, creating that incredible golden shine I had seen here before under similar circumstances. However, As it happened, the fog was very dense, and the sun didn't show all day. I, therefore, changed my intent and used the whiteness of the mist to create the contrasty black-and-white images I am sharing here.

I edited the raw images in ON1 with some basic adjustments:

• basic image enhancements

• converting to black and white

• increasing the 'whites'

• increasing contrast

While I could not create the images I originally had in mind, I am pleased with the final result.

Conclusion

Round Lake, NY, is a hidden gem that has captivated photographers and nature enthusiasts for generations. Its rich history, natural beauty, and the magic of early morning fog make it a truly remarkable destination. As a landscape photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing its essence during this foggy morning, which left me with a deeper appreciation for the timeless charm of this serene oasis.

Round Lake's history, from its indigenous roots to its role as a spiritual retreat and educational center, is a testament to its enduring significance. Its location near the Adirondack Park Preserve ensures the preservation of its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy. And the fog that envelops it during the early hours of the day transforms it into a realm of enchantment, where every photograph becomes a work of art.

As I continue to explore Round Lake and document its ever-changing beauty, I am reminded of the importance of preserving such natural treasures. Through photography, we capture the essence of these places and inspire others to appreciate and protect them. With its rich history and captivating fog, Round Lake will remain a source of inspiration and wonder for those seeking the natural world's magic.

---

Beyond the Cars: Photography as a Window into the People and Communities that Surround Car Shows

How Photography Can Tell the Story of Car Shows As A Social Phenomenon

Finally, finally, finally! I have finished my essay on car shows and the people who attend them!

It seems to me that an increasing number of car shows are happening in our country. During summer, there is at least one every weekend in every city and town, and often additional events during weeknights. And this appears to be the same in South Carolina (where I used to live), New York (which I now call home), or any other State, according to the announcements I see on social media.

Initially, I was made aware of these events by my daughter, who, for her final project, "The Soul of the Classic Car," for her BFA in photography from Winthrop University, focused on details of vintage cars.

I also may be particularly aware of them because I owned a Mazda Miata for some time, and looking at other small sports cars on display was fun.

As a result, while I am not a gearhead (I couldn't point out an alternator if my life depended on it), I have visited several car shows over the last three years. In the first instance, I did this partially because I owned that Miata, but the main reason for continuing to go to these shows was because I am intrigued by their social aspect.

A Photographer's Paradise

Car shows provide excellent opportunities for photographers to capture stunning images.

They may focus on photographing individual vehicles and capturing each car's unique design and details (as my daughter did), or they may catch the event's overall atmosphere, including the crowds, vendors, and other attractions.

These events are also excellent for trying various photography techniques, such as close-up shots of car details, panoramic views of the entire event, or capturing the vehicles in motion on the road or track. In post-production, photographers may give their photos a nostalgic feel or use other editing techniques that show the beauty and style of the cars they photographed.

Some photographers, like me, may even specialize in capturing the human element of car shows, focusing on the interactions between enthusiasts, collectors, and other car fans.

The latter group of photogs, and even more specifically, photographers interested in social-documentary, can capture various images that tell the story of the event and its attendees: they may focus on documenting the people who attend the event, including the collectors, enthusiasts, families, and vendors—for example, capturing portraits of attendees and candid shots of them interacting with the vintage cars on display.

In addition to documenting the people directly, a social-documentary photographer may also focus on images of the cars while telling the personal stories behind each vehicle. Or they can record the different activities at the show, such as competitions, demonstrations, or presentations.

Whatever the photographic genre they specialize in, photographers at car shows have a unique opportunity to capture the essence of automotive history and design, share that beauty with the world through their images, and highlight the significance of cars in American culture and history.

I am passionate about capturing stories and experiences of people and events through my camera lens. Therefore as a documentary-style photographer at car shows, I aim to capture the event and its attendees in a way that gives the viewer a sense of the atmosphere and the unique culture and community surrounding the cars.

And while I am often struck by the beauty of the cars on display, I am even more interested in the people who attend the show. So often, I approach attendees, introducing myself and asking about their stories and experiences with classic cars. Everyone has a unique story: about their first car, a restoration project, or the history behind the vintage vehicles on display.

I can spend an entire day taking pictures and talking with attendees, documenting their experiences and stories. I love to capture images of families enjoying the event, collectors admiring classic cars, and enthusiasts discussing the intricacies of vintage car design. Since I am there, I also take close-up shots of the cars, focusing on their unique features and design elements.

The essay AutoFocus with more images can be viewed here!

Some thoughts about the future of this social phenomenon

Visiting these events, I always wonder whether these car shows are part of a dying culture - specifically, those focused on vintage cars.

Not immediately, but how about 10 or 20 years from now? Most cars from the 1970s onwards, which by then will be 'vintage,' don't have the exciting designs that the vehicles from the 1940s through 1960s have. And even further in the future, will people get excited to see a 'vintage' Tesla?

Car enthusiasts will likely find ways to keep the current oldtimers running. I have seen vehicles from the 20s at car shows; keeping a 1950s car running for a few more decades might be doable.

And because the newer models and electric vehicles are less exciting, there will likely be more demand and enthusiasm to keep the oldies on the road and for enthusiasts to come together to enjoy them.

Is the current abundance of car shows a flare-up of a dying phenomenon, or will they survive despite, or maybe because, of the boring contemporary models and current EV developments? The future will tell.

For now, I hope my photos will help conserve some of the history and culture of the car-enthusiast community.

---

A New Essay: Unaccompanied

I Just Finished A New Essay

After months of selecting images, culling, sequencing, and editing I was ready to write the text for my latest essay: Unaccompanied.

It is a reflection on my experience with going on an international assignment for work while my family stayed at home.

Read the full essay and view all images in the Essays section of this site.

The images below are only a small selection.

Have you ever been away from home on your own for a longer period? What was your experience?

At The Market

A Morning At The Market

Last weekend I went to Bryanston Organic and Natural Market. Besides getting some bread, veggies, and locally made Gouda cheese with cumin, I enjoyed wandering around and observing people. A market is a place where people gather to buy things. And also to meet each other, catch up on things, share stories, share meals. And sometimes there are moments of solitude, reflection, and maybe even loneliness while being within a crowd.

A day at the market can be long. People walk by; some buy, some don’t. And sometimes nobody walks by at all. How to kill the time between moments of chitchat with possible buyers? Selling is important, but when nothing goes there’s always the escape into another world.

So what do you do when you want to shop at leisure, have a coffee, and some time for just the two of you? Make sure the kids are entertained by a great storyteller. Kids love a good story. Especially when some adventure is involved. Although little Nils Holgersson is not impressed yet.

Socializing, catching up, entertaining prospective buyers, at the end of a long day at the market there’s only one thing that really matters: did we make enough money to carry on?

Not everyone who comes to South Africa goes on a safari. Not everyone who goes on a safari has a camera with big lenses. I met this photographer who has, and he provides great images of wildlife to those who don’t. Books, prints, framed, and unframed. The unframed ones are easy to take with you. But it’s hard to make money selling photos. People use their phones and don’t care for good close-ups. A day at the market can be long; so they go together: love makes for great company.

Whether it is catching up with old friends, making new friends, or just chatting with your family. There is always something to share, to show, to explain. The latest family gossip, new found items, maybe a recipe. And of course, we posted it on Instagram too!

Isn't it great when you just can sit down and relax with some good friends?! Nothing to worry about. Maybe just for an hour. But that is time enough to refresh the mind, reload the batteries, and re-energize to live through another week.

Some things are a hard sell on a twice-weekly market. Pictures, baskets, handpainted porcelain, earrings, clothes, vegetables, bread, even cheese are readily bought by tourists and locals alike. But carpets and rugs? They don't really meet the average cabin luggage regulations, and anyhow, how many carpets can one have at home? It's hard to stay optimistic about selling this merchandise. But there's always a sunny spot to discover. If he only would turn around to see it.

Sitting down for a good cup of coffee and some straight talk. Some people just need to get told how the world turns. Yeah, you can scratch your head. But wait until you're older, then you'll understand (and you should not be eavesdropping).

Waiting, waiting, waiting. Sometimes a whole day can go by and no customer is interested. Hm, there seems to be a good interest at number 85. Why is it that earrings attract more customers than pens? Are people more interested in looking good than being practical? And you can be practical and good looking at the same time with a nice crafted pen. Hm, let's see if they walk over here.

Men waiting seems to be a recurring theme at a market. Whether for customers or for the missus being done shopping. I wonder what he is thinking. Maybe about all the nice things he could have done with the old stuff in his shed at home, instead of going to the market to look at things he doesn't need.

I saw this lady sitting quietly at a coffee bar. She was looking into the distance. Contemplating. I wondered what she was thinking. She didn't look happy, maybe a bit disturbed. I also sat down and ordered coffee and a plum cake. She looked and ordered the same. I hope the cake made her happy again.

A day at the market is fun, exciting, invigorating, and also tiring. And in the end, when all shopping is done, when all catching up is completed, when we met all our old friends when all stories have been shared... we just all want to go home...

Where To Find Reedy River's Secret Worlds

Maps Of A Mysterious World Under Reedy River

I love maps.

Already when I was a kid I loved looking at maps. Tracking all the roads and other lines with my fingers, wondering where these would go and how the places on the maps would look in real life.

A map to me always holds a promise of adventure and discovery.

A couple of weeks ago, I was walking downtown Greenville (South Carolina). It was a rather hot day, and I enjoyed getting some cooler air near Reedy River in Falls Park. Although still not recommended for swimming and wading, the river is much more cleaner now than it must have been during the heydays of textile industry in Greenville. Families were picnicking on the meadow at the bottom of the falls, and some elderly folks were enjoying the sight from a bench.

Walking back, I had to cross the river over the South Main Street bridge and looking down I noticed the flat rocky bottom of the river. Because there was not much water in the river, the bottom was partially dry. And I thought how much the rock and some of the still wet patches on it reminded me of maps. There in front of me, on the rocky river floor, the geography of an undiscovered world was visible.

Usually hidden by the flowing water, the dark and light patches on the rock looked like rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges on abstract maps.

A mysterious new world, waiting to be explored.

After The Soul Is Gone

Grainy Fragments Of Fading Memories

Early 2016, after my mother suffered a couple of consecutive strokes that triggered accelerated loss of memory (dementia? Alzheimer's?), she needed to move into an assisted living facility.

My sister and I had the difficult task to empty the apartment where she had lived for almost 50 years since July 1968.

Although mom already cleared out quite some stuff after my dad passed away in 2010, there were still furniture, some clothes, books, pots and pans, ornaments, and other loose ends of her daily life.

We had to sort through these remains of a full life and decide what to keep, what could be donated or should be trashed.

It was a strange experience: going through cabinets and boxes, finding photographs, mementos, and other memories, among more mundane artifacts. An intimate peek into the last days of my mother's life as an independently living person.

Most striking, however, was that everything except the most personal items was reduced to just ‘objects’. The personal connection was almost totally non-existent: the soul of everything was gone.

Before I left, I took several pictures to create some final memories from the place where my mom and dad, my sister, and I lived for so many years. Looking back at these, however, I see only an empty shell. I still have my memories to cherish, of course, but the pictures of the apartment are just what they are: pictures of an empty apartment, devoid of the personality that made it a home.

I wanted to create memories but instead documented loss, like collecting grainy fragments of my mother's fading memory...

Veterans Day 2017

A Day To Honor All Veterans: Especially Those Who Liberated My Home Town During World War II

Next Saturday (11 November 2017) will be Veterans Day in the USA and Remembrance Day in the UK. A day to remember all those alive and deceased who served in the armed forces, many of which made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedom of others.

Living in the Western world it sometimes is easy to take our freedom and freedoms for granted and to forget that they not always come free. On Veterans Day in the USA, and May 4 in the Netherlands (Dodenherdenking), I always specifically have to think about the men from the 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, 119th Regiment, of the 30th Infantry Division "Old Hickory", who were the first allied troops to enter my hometown of Eygelshoven, the Netherlands on 20 September 1944: John M. Nolan, Edward Knocke, Ernie King, Cletus Herrig, David Hedland, Bill Cline, Frank O'Leary, Vic Kwaitkowsky, and Lt. Gail Kuhn. 

Although I never met these guys (I was born about 17 years after the fact), and although this is just a small group of the millions who fought on the Allied side during WWII, they are for me representative of the men (and women!) who took up the burden and fight for other people's freedom. It is worth while to check out the history and some  interesting facts about the Old Hickory Division, and it's successor The NC National Guard 30th Armor Brigade Combat Team "Old Hickory".

Let us remember these men and women with the lyrics of a WWII song that many of the soldiers knew, and those still alive will remember; whether they were in the Allied or in the Axis armies, in the European Theater of Operations, or in the Pacific Theater of Operations...

Outside the barracks, by the corner light
I'll always stand and wait for you at night
We will create a world for two
I'll wait for you the whole night through
For you, Lili Marlene
For you, Lili Marlene

Bugler tonight don't play the call to arms
I want another evening with her charms
Then we will say goodbye and part
I'll always keep you in my heart
With me, Lili Marlene
With me, Lili Marlene

Give me a rose to show how much you care
Tie to the stem a lock of golden hair
Surely tomorrow, you'll feel blue
But then will come a love that's new
For you, Lili Marlene
For you, Lili Marlene

When we are marching in the mud and cold
And when my pack seems more than I can hold
My love for you renews my might
I'm warm again, my pack is light
It's you, Lili Marlene
It's you, Lili Marlene

My love for you renews my might
I'm warm again, my pack is light
It's you, Lili Marlene
It's you, Lili Marlene

Text (Marlene Dietrich English version) from Google Play Music

Written by Hans Leip, Norbert Schultze

Copyright © EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

Harbingers

Clouds are Harbingers: For Better or Worse

Who hasn't looked up to the sky to watch clouds floating by. Sometimes they announce an approaching thunderstorm; sometimes they announce much needed rain after a drought. Even when lying on the grass in summer and looking up at the small, puffy clouds in and otherwise blue sky, I can not escape the thought that they want to tell me something.

Clouds are harbingers: for better or worse...

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Greenville Welcomes CAF

June 2017 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Visit to Greenville, SC

A couple of months ago the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) visited Greenville, SC with three of their military aircraft:

• SBD-5 Dauntless;

• B25 Mitchell;

• P51 Mustang.

Three aircraft that made history in the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation during World War II.

It was a nice early-summer day, and I brought the Mamiya RZ67 Pro-II, and some Kodak 400TX (black and white) and Kodak Portra 400 (color) film to the Runway Cafe at the Greenville Downtown Airport.

For more information on these aircraft and the CAF, please have a look at the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing and Minnesota Wing web sites

Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless

B25 Mitchell

P51 Mustang

New York, New York

Impressions from the Big Apple

My wife and daughters just returned from a week-long trip to New York City. For my wife and youngest daughter it was their third visit during the six years we now have been living in the US.

We love living in a rural area in South Carolina, and although our family is divided on the question of whether we could live in a place like New York its diversity of architecture, cultural mix, and entertainment opportunities pulls all of us like a magnet.

Not only because of the great landmarks: the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, and so much more. Also, and far more entertaining, because of the people. Locals and tourists provide an ever-changing palette of colors and behaviors against the Big Apple's backdrop of high rises, neon signs, yellow cabs and the never-ceasing sounds of a big city.

I, unfortunately, have been to this bustling melting pot only once, and I definitely want to go back. The images below are some impressions from that visit, published in a magazine-size photo book.

All pictures taken with a Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and the Fujinon 18mm and 35mm lenses.

Black and White Impressions

Street, architectural, and city-scape images usually appeal to me most when created in black and white. Not having any color accents distracting from the main image subjects helps me focusing on forms, lines, and the situation at hand.

Color Impressions

Sometimes, however, color is a must have! This might seem contradictory to what I just stated above, but whereas in general black and white is my preferred setting for street and cityscape photography color can help focusing on accents, juxtapositions, providing additional layers of texture, or just capturing the vibrancy of a city like New York.

Compare the picture below with the first black and white picture above. Actually the same image rendered in black and white, and in color. I would be hard-pressed if asked which one I actually like more; both have their own appeal. Which one do you like most?

Hatari Safari

Shooting Wildlife in South Africa's Parks

I love to go on a safari and shoot some animals...with my camera.

One of the perks of living in South Africa is having the opportunity to visit the many wildlife parks and go on a Safari. Something my family and I did a couple of times when we lived there in 2010 and 2011.There is an abundance of choice and type of parks. From the smaller and boutique luxury ones like Madikwe, to the medium size parks as Hluhluwe, Pilanesberg and Sabi Sands. And then of course the Mother-Of-All-Parks: Kruger National Park. Each of these having specific charms for their visitors.

While for visitors life at a wildlife park consists of leisure time, and seeing the big five (African elephant, black rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, African lion, and African leopard) and other animals, we should not forget that there is a lot of work involved maintaining these jewels. Some of this work has been very nicely - although romanticized of course - depicted in the television show Wild At Heart. Unfortunately a major ongoing concern for maintaining these parks is the ongoing fight against poaching.

The images below have been made during several visits to different parks and show the abundance and diversity of (wild) life in South Africa. Hint: the Big Cats are at the end!

Birds

Giraffe

Buck (Bokke)

Zebra

Elephant

Lion

Old World Charm

Old World Charm

What is it about old cities that makes us long to visit?

The narrow streets, sheer impossible to navigate by car?

The castles, reminding us of noble maidens and heroic deeds?

The majestic churches and squares coated with a patina of culture?

Or is it just the old world charm feeling of time made stand still?

Whatever it is I and, as it seems from the crowds I encountered, many other people are attracted by and drawn to the old cities and villages of Europe. While each of the European countries has its own gems (Amsterdam, Maastricht, Paris, London, Prague, Brussels, Bruges, just to name a few), for me the quintessence of this old world charm is embodied in the cities and villages of Italy and Spain.

Having traveled through Italy and lived in Spain, I had the opportunity to visit several of the famous cities and some of the less documented places of these countries. The images below capture the impressions I described above; deliberately reproduced in black in white because that best reflects that intangible old world charm feeling I so much enjoyed.

ITALY

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

SPAIN

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Further Info

• The pictures above can be viewed at larger sizes and purchased on the Portfolio>4:5 B&W only page

• A 38 page magazine size photo book with these pictures can be purchased on the Books page

• Did you enjoy this post? Sign up below and get stories like this delivered to your inbox as soon as they are published

Biltmore Estate In Summer

Enjoying The Gardens and Some Interesting Finds

Whenever my family and I want to enjoy a brief getaway during the weekends, we often make the relatively short drive from Greenville to Biltmore near Asheville, NC.

 

Biltmore House is famously known as America's largest home, built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, and definitely worth a visit. For those of you who have enjoyed the Downtown Abbey series, a visit to the house will make you feel like being one of the Crawley family members. Just imagine how it must have felt living in a mansion like this, as the Crawleys did in fiction and the Vanderbilts did in real life.

For me however the estate itself and the gardens are always the highlights of our visits. Especially in summer when all flowers are in bloom.

The grounds are vast, and offer many nice photo opportunities. And can you image to have your wedding in a setting like this? Biltmore actually offers a full service package to plan and organize your wedding. Full disclosure: I am not at all affiliated with Biltmore and do not gain anything from directing you to their site, I just love the place! 

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

While walking through the gardens, I stumbled upon some interesting finds. That is... from a photographic perspective. If you are a regular visitor to my blog and website you probably will have noticed that I love black and white pictures. Below are two I recently found when visiting Biltmore returning from our brief trip to the Bryson City area.

I hope you enjoyed these brief impressions from Biltmore, and I encourage you to visit this grand home and its gardens and grounds.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Brief Impressions

Current and abandoned equipment of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Two weeks ago my family and I spend a long weekend in Dillsboro, North Carolina. Besides relaxing and enjoying some great family time, we made a couple of short day trips to Cherokee, Sylva, and Bryson City the home town of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR). Since it only was a short break we didn't have the opportunity to actually take a ride on one of the GSMR trains. This however is something we definitely want to do in the future.

I took a couple of pictures of some of the trains, which I later converted into black and white in Lightroom.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

As an additional treat I stumbled upon some old, abandoned railroad cars near our hotel. It is always a bit sad to see these nice cars breaking down. The faded and rusted colors however provided some great picture opportunities.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize