Misty Monday - In a Fog

Man in the Fog, Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC  ©  Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)


Seemingly lost and looking for direction, a solitary man peers into a thick coastal fog in Charleston Harbor.
Luckily his wife was nearby pointing him the right way.

Rambling Time

Hiking Trail, Graveyard Fields, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)


It is that time of year when the urge to travel is strong. The urge to vacate work. The urge to start a long road trip, to visit family and friends, to hike a trail, to savor the beauty of mountains, to hear the warble of bird song.
Yes, it is rambling time.

Chaos

Shrimp Boat Reflections, Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


The word of the day is chaos. It is a noun that means disorder or lack of organization. The word derives form the Greek meaning of chasm or abyss, but was extended to mean utter confusion by the 1600's.

In Greek mythology, the personification of the word, Chaos, refers to the void preceding the creation of the universe. Ovid described it as "a rude and undeveloped mass."

Chaos is also the genus name of a giant Amoeba.

In science and math, chaos can refer to randomness, or the lack of intelligible pattern.

Chaos Theory applies to many fields of science and mathematics. It attempts to explain how the most subtle influences can have significant impacts on system dynamics. In general it shows the difficulty of long term predictions, say for example in weather patterns or baseball scores.

So my picture today perhaps incapsulates some of these ideas.

Oh, and chaos often refers to the state of my hair when I first wake-up in the morning.

Methuselah Tree

Angel Oak, John's Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)


A short drive from Charleston is, I think, the most underrated park in our area. It contains the venerable Angel Oak tree, which is estimated to be the oldest living organism East of the Mississippi River (at 1400 years old!). Walking beneath the undulating branches of this impressive tree gives you an indelible impression of just how large and ancient it is.

Speaking of impressions, here are a few photography links for your weekend viewing...

Enjoy these amazing aerial abstracts...

and these satellite images...

and finally, from above the earth to beneath the seas, check out these watery images from a master of the genre.

Colonial Lake

Tall Walker, Colonial Lake, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)


To continue park week, the narrow greenspace and walkway around Colonial Park offers a perfect setting for walkers and runners who seek the pleasant evening air at sundown. Large oak trees and palmettos frame Charleston single houses which line the lake.

Old Navy Base

Pavilion Canopy, Riverfront Park, Old Navy Base, North Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


Located on the Cooper River, the pavilion at the Riverfront Park offers an ideal setting for outdoor concerts. A huge canopy overhangs an open space creating a striking venue for music performances. The park was developed after the navy yard closed in the 90's so that the property would not fall into disuse. In addition to the concert pavilion, a playground, a military memorial, art installations, fishing piers, boardwalks, and plenty of wide greenspaces are included in the park.

 

Washington Slept Here!

President Washington Statue, Washington Park, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)


Yes, it is true! President George Washington traveled to Charleston for a visit during his second term (one of our original tourists?). In May of 1791 Washington spent a week in town, and made quite an impression on the citizens of Charleston. They held a big party for him, because galas and festive events are a tradition here.

Years later, a park was dedicated to Washington in the heart of the city, and a statue erected in honor of our first president.

Waterfront Park Morning

Ornate Bench, Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


This week I wish to feature several of the parks and greenspaces in and around Charleston. I do this as a dedication and thanks to the folks at the Parks Commission, whose vision, development and maintenance of our beautiful parks grace
 and accent our surroundings.


Charleston's Waterfront Park faces the harbor and offers splendid views of sunrises. It has two fountains, one of them being the Pineapple Fountain,
 shown here in the background.


This ornate bench is a variation on the Charleston Battery Bench, a style of outdoor seating unique to Charleston. The design dates from the 1800's, and features a cast iron motif of Lowcountry flora and fauna. At that time, the Carolina Parakeet, shown here upside down, was a common sight in the coastal plains, and was famous for appearing in large colorful flocks. The Seminole indians called it pot pot chee, "head of yellow."

Early Morning

Saint Michael's Church and Broad Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)


An early Sunday morning view down Broad Street shows how quiet a busy tourist town like Charleston can be.
 This peaceful time of day is my favorite time of day for photography.

Titus

Arch of Titus, Roman Forum, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film. Click on image for larger view)


1,930 years ago, the military exploits of Roman Emperor Titus were recounted in stone on this handsome arch, which spans the Via Sacra in the Roman Forum. In spite of the many centuries since then, it still stands strong. It was perhaps the most attractive of all triumphal arches, and served as a model for many that followed including the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

It was during the rein of Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus that the Colosseum was finally completed, and Mount Vesuvius famously erupted, burying the city of Pompeii.

When I was a kid, I had a pet frog named Titus Andronicus.
 He croaked quotes from Shakespeare.
 Oh, he was a piece of work!

Arabian Nights?

Arcade Arches, Fox Theater, Atlanta, Georgia  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


This image may conjure visions from The Arabian Nights, perhaps as a setting for an Ali Baba or Aladdin story. But it is actually a detail of Moorish architecture from historic Fox Theater, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Completed in 1929, The Fox was designed as a Shriner's Temple but later converted into an opulent movie theater. These days it provides a popular venue for performing artists. This year it will feature stars such as Il Volo, Norah Jones, The B-52s, Ringo Starr, and Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion.

For a little weekend entertainment, I have included below three photography links that I hope you will enjoy.

This girl seems to levitate like a magic carpet.

Try this for self-assignment photography.

Finally, a collection of masterworks by Marc.

My Light

Alleyway, East Bay Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


Today marks the 26th wedding anniversary for me and Becky,
my spouse, friend and blog editor.
 In walking our path together these last 26 years,
she has been the light of my life,
and the joy of my soul.
 Simply put,
 I loved her then
I love her now
and I'll love her for eternity.

(I, Becky, don't think this needs to be edited at all!)

Kicking Trends

Detail of Outdoor Mural, Auburn, Alabama  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



If you step
to the beat of a different drummer,
or walk
the path less traveled,
you are the individual
who sees the trends
and rethinks them,
making your own impression.

Quest

Early Spring Mountainside, Tanawha Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


I have searched high and low,
East and West,
North and South,
in my unending quest for the perfect yodeling spot.
This outcrop of lichen covered rock
overlooking early spring blooms of Serviceberry
high above the Blue Ridge Parkway
certainly seemed a good candidate.

Yodeling works best at an open spot like this
where all the mountains and valleys can hear your echo,
and where all the birds and bees can flee for cover.

Yet this day was too windy and cold
 for a good old fashion yodel.
So my quest continues ever onward
for the perfect yodeling spot.

Mother Nature...

The Needles, Cannon Beach, Oregon  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film)


Without the use of apps
She packs
Sea stacks
Down by the sea shore.

River City

Mural Triptych, Union Terminal, Cincinnati, Ohio  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on images for larger view)


Union Terminal is a classic art deco train station featuring large colorful murals in the rotunda. The mosaic murals depict the history of Cincinnati particularly as it relates to the importance of the city's ties to the Ohio River, and the development of its commerce and industry.

Cincinnati has a strong German influence, going back to the beginning of its settlement, so it is not surprising that the murals were created by a German-American artist, Winold Reiss. The main mural, seen in part here, and other murals in the station took him two years to complete, the project being finalized in 1933.

I wanted to try something different with today's post so I cropped a single vertical photograph into three images, each capable of standing alone as an individual composition.

Bad Car Day

Old Truck, Danny's Classic Cars, Elko, South Carolina  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)


Have you ever had one of those days
 when you are driving along the highway
in your shiny new sports car,
 and for no apparent reason
you have a strange urge
 to swerve off the road into an abandoned field,
where your car suddenly ages 80 years
into a rusty old jalopy with a flat tire?

Hey, me too!

Wonsqueak Weekends

Lobster Shack, Wonsqueak Harbor, Schoodic Peninsula, Maine
  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


For hardy Maine lobstermen,
the favorite indoor thing to do,
on dark and dreary weekends,
is to bake chocolate chip cookies,
and sip sleepytime tea...
 at least that's what I heard.

After you bake your own cookies this weekend,
take a moment to check out this superstar of street photography.
or
this fun collection of classic road trip pics.

Tumbler

Stairwell, Parking Garage, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


Oops... bumble, stumble, tumble,
Down the stairs I go,
Head over heels.
Hello 3rd floor.
Hello 2nd floor.
Hello Ground floor.
Whump!

Head spinning...
Stars swirling...
Seeing my world
Purple and bruised.
Ouch!

Less is More

Outdoor Art Installation, Waterfront Park, North Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok



Unless you prefer more...

Leap of Faith?

Shop Window Reflection, King Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved

Have you ever made a life changing decision based not on reason or logic, but on intuition or gut feeling... one where you threw caution to the wind, disregarded all your fears and reservations, and leapt into the unknown?

Was one of those life altering events ever one where you imagined yourself transparent and leaping into the side of a building while sporting fasionable swim wear?

Hey, me too!

Mysterious Monday - Seance

Dusk, Antebellum Mansion, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved

A few years ago, I attended a seance with the purpose of trying to contact a long deceased relative of mine... my great, great, great, great uncle Wild Bill Hickok. Many legends surrounded this supposed lawman of the Wild West, including the wrestling of bears. So I wanted to ask him if it was really true he wrestled grizzly bears.

While calling upon his spirit, the seance table began to lift off the ground and slowly turn. The lights in the room dimmed, and mist began swirling around me. When I heard strange thumping sounds, my eyes grew wide with astonishment 
and my hair stood on end.

Suddenly the spirit of Wild Bill manifested itself. In a bone chilling voice, he neither confirmed nor denied the bear wrestling stories. He did however advise me against playing poker, especially sitting at a table with my back facing the door... especially in a saloon... and especially while holding a hand of aces and eights, 
the dreaded dead man's hand.

Since that night, I gave up saloons, hard liquor and gambling. Now I only drink sarsaparilla and play an occasional game of tiddlywinks. But I decided to continue the family tradition of wrestling grizzly bears, which by the way, is much more dangerous than I thought it would be.

Red Azaleas

Red Azaleas, South Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film)


The cover shot for this year's Festival of Houses and Gardens was made at White Point Gardens on a sunny Spring morning. The light was just right... the flowers and mansion were in shade (soft light), while the live oak branches were illuminated (backlight) by the early morning sun.

The tours began the third week of March and ended this weekend. We had a very early Spring this year (as did many parts of the US), so the usual time of full blooming was several weeks ahead of schedule.

Historic Charleston Foundation
 Ticket Brochure

Spring Evenings

Garden Gate, Two Meeting Street Inn, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


One charming aspect of Charleston is evenings in Spring. They are an ideal time to stroll the historic district and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of sweet smelling gardens.

Tomorrow I will conclude my series of Springtime in Charleston with this year's cover shot for the Historic Charleston Foundation's Festival of Houses and Gardens.

Rustic Relief

Rustic Bench, Nathaniel Russell House Garden, Charleston, SC
(Click on image for larger view)


This old iron bench may look uncomfortable to sit in, but after walking around the historic district on a warm Spring day,
you would be amazed at the relief it offers... Ahhhhh!

And now, for your weekend enjoyment,
 take a quick look at these photography links...

See an eclectic collection of images from here and there.

These photographs look like Chinese ink wash paintings.

Finally, Noel has a highly unusual approach to landscape photography.

Long Limbed Oak

Live Oak, White Point Gardens, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


White Point Gardens is home to rows of long limbed live oaks and blooming azaleas. It also frames picturesque antebellum mansions which overlook the peaceful greenspace. The gardens are one of the best spots in town to enjoy a sunny Spring afternoon.

China Rose

Yellow Lady Banksia Rose, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Spilling between balusters and over a garden wall, a Lady Banksia Rose graces this view of an antebellum mansion in historic Charleston. Considered a favorite of Southern gardens, especially the yellow variety, the ornamental vine is actually native to China. The rose was named after the wife of the English botanist
 Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820).

Colors of the Rainbow

Rainbow Row, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


Rainbow Row in Spring is an iconic setting in Charleston. 
Many of these row houses date to the 1700s and have witnessed many ups and downs in the city's fascinating history...
 from bustling colonial port to
 the devastation of the Civil War to
 a present day world class tourist destination.

Explore Charleston

Red Crabapple Tree, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Vertical, horizontal & radial repetition of lines...
Complementary colors...
This shot of Charleston in the spring has much to keep your eyes exploring!

Nascence

Wisteria and First Scots Church, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


The nascent blossoms of a wisteria vine dangle in front of First Scots Church, one of numerous historic places of worship in Charleston.

Lights Out

Light Switch, Doug's House, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


After six weeks of exploring the hues of the spectrum, we are ready to turn the lights out on this colorful series and move on. Starting tomorrow I will spend a week showing you Springtime in Charleston.

Cradled

Saint Philip's Church at Sunset, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


The setting sun appears to be cradled by the Charleston skyline as it dips below the horizon.

Boneyard

Boneyard Beach at Sunrise, Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve,
 Edisto Island, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film)


Sunrise silhouettes submerged trees, remnants of an ancient coastal forest, at Botany Bay's boneyard beach.


I am proud to announce that this weblog has recently been accepted as a
 Cool Photoblog. Yippee! 


Here is my profile page. 
I would like to thank everyone who voted me in!!!

Cascading Color

Wisteria and Lantern, Edmondston-Alston House, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film.)


A waterfall of wisteria adorns a Spring day in Charleston.

Crafty

Detail of a Craft Booth, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


Even in the early morning, when the craft booths are empty,
there is evidence of the crafty.

Invitation at Twilight

Carriage Courtyard, Battery Carriage House Inn, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


The way the owners have landscaped and lighted the entry to their inn sure makes it look inviting, especially in the romantic, evening atmosphere.

Easter Colors

Entry Garden, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Happy Easter from Charleston!

Blue Moods

Egyptian Door Knocker and Blue Door, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film)


Today is the last bluesy post of the series. After two weeks of feeling the blues, I am moving on to the final hue in the color spectrum, violet. In the mean time, say hello to the Egyptian keeper of the gate...
Do you know the pass word?

Blue Shadows

Palm Frond Shadows, Freshfields, John's Island, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


On a bright sunny day, these indigo fingers of palm shadows reflect the blue sky onto pavement made of seashells.

For your weekend entertainment I have selected a few photography links for you to enjoy...

See a collection of fantastic street photography by a man in New York studying for his Ph.D in psychology.

Check-out this ironic take on some of the most famous photographers of our time.

Lastly, what do people do when they are bored? They invent wacky sports.

Room for Copy

Blue Shutter and Shadow, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Often times, a good stock image allows plenty of room for copywriting. For example, in this photo I left enough space in the upper right third of the frame for whatever a copywriter might want to say about Charleston and its unique charms.

But, I would probably write something silly and random,
 in the mode of a Shakespearian quote, such as...
"There is either liquor in his pate
or money in his purse when he looks so merrily."

Indigo Bench

Detail of a Blue Wood Bench, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok


Sometimes when I look at something for a long time, I begin to imagine things. When I look at the patterns in this weathered bench, I see towels hanging on a towel rack, a clown, an astronaut floating in space, and the UCLA marching band.
What do you see?

The Inn at Night

Rounded Windows, Two Meeting Street Inn, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Staying in one of Charleston's old inns is a wonderful way to lodge in the historic district. Two Meeting Street Inn is one of the most sought after Bed and Breakfasts in town. Located in a prime spot overlooking White Point Gardens on the High Battery, it offers all the charm and romance one would expect to find in our enchanting city. Anyone in the mood for some tea and pastries... or a cocktail while reposing on the porch?

Curving Stairway

Curving Stairway, City Hall, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


This inviting stairway leads up to the entry of Charleston's City Hall. In 1801 the architect Gabriel Manigault introduced the Adamesque style to the city with this handsomely designed building on the corner of Meeting and Broad.

The inauguration of the Spoleto Festival USA is held in front of these steps each year in late May.

True Blue

Blue Steps, Society Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


This could be a scene from the Mediterranean...
 Spain, Greece or Morocco...
but it is, in fact, Charleston.
The wear and tear of tropical heat & humidity
add texture and character to this true blue view.

Patchy

Weathered Truck, Danny's Classic Cars, Elko, South Carolina  © Doug Hickok


What used to be a new brightly polished truck
 has evolved into a dulled geography of
patchy old blues.

And now for something completely different...
check out this photography link
to the work of an
invisible man.

Have a terrific weekend!

Imbued with Blue

Boat Dock, Allatoona Lake, near Lebanon, Georgia  © Doug Hickok


When evening approaches and the sun dips below shadowy hills, 
almost everything is imbued with the hue of blue...
boat ramp, rocks and water,
even the recalcitrant red of rusting metal.

Ascending Patios

Glass Patios, The Ascent, Covington, Kentucky  © Doug Hickok


This close-up of glass patios ascending up the frame gives an indication of the quirkiness of this luxury condominium's cutting edge architectural design. Views from the patios overlook Cincinnati and the rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley.