Heart and Soul

Bike Ride, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Taking it slow and easy while exercising the heart,
at the same time sampling the soul of a charming Southern city...
these are both good reasons to ride a bike in Charleston.

Battery Pyrotechnics

Azaleas in the Springtime, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A burst of fiery color enlivens the Battery in springtime.
The park here, called White Point Gardens,
is a wonderful green space
and is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Have a Heart

Red Heart, Blue Door, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



This door wears its heart for all to see.

Hopscotch Light

Garden Path, Middleton Place, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A garden path at Middleton Place is dappled with afternoon light...
Impressionist painters' light, some might say.
But the spots of light and shadow make me want to
try a game of hopscotch.

Sparkling Water

A Live Oak along the Ashley River, Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Morning sunlight makes ripples on the Ashley River
 effervescent behind a live oak tree at Magnolia Gardens.

Sunrise Shadow

Lantern Shadow, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Peeking through an entry gate near the Battery, 
a lantern shadow makes a vivid impression at sunrise.

Warmth

Open Gate, College of Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Warm light pervades a quiet morning
 on the College of Charleston campus.

Tip of the Tree Line

Alpine Tree Line, Mt. Sneffels Wilderness, Colorado
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Above the tree line, the alpine forest can not survive
 the harsh conditions of high altitudes in the Rocky Mountains.

Hear Me Roar

Lion Statue, Florence, Italy  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved 
(Film photography)



This lion sculpture strikes a regal pose
 in the main square of Florence, Italy.

Leaves on Grass

White Point Gardens, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Leaves from live oak trees carpet the grass
 at White Point Gardens in the springtime.

Taking Shape

Spring Garden, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Topiary shapes make this South of Broad garden
 a springtime favorite for photographers, including me.

Japan in the South?

Little Arched Bridge, Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Giving a Southern cypress swamp the hint of a Japanese Garden
 is a matter of adding a few azaleas, some bamboo, a stone shrine,
 and a decorative arched bridge.

City Lights

Lantern, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Ornate lanterns are unique architectural features
in Charleston's Historic District.
They come in many styles, shapes and sizes,
 and provide light for entry into houses.
When accompanied by colorful spring blooms,
they are an extra treat for the eyes.

Sail Away

Schoolyard Canopies, Al Ain, UAE  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



When living in the Arabian Desert, finding creative ways
 to make shade can be a challenge. But it is doubly
 satisfying when that method is both functional
 and reflects the local culture. These canvas canopies
 stretch over a schoolyard to keep children cool.
They also resemble the sails of a dhow,
the traditional boat used to traverse the Arabian Gulf.

Light at the End of the Path

Stoll's Alley, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



When wandering along the streets of Charleston,
 try going off the beaten path by exploring one of its old alleyways.
Stolls Alley leads to the Battery by the harbor,
where a sunrise illuminates the pathway's end.

Far From the Madding Crowd

Courtyard Gate, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Beyond this ornate gate, a walkway leads to a hidden garden,
 likely a small sanctuary for the home owner
 in this bustling part of the Historic District.

Blooming Window

Door Window, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Springtime in Charleston brings out the blooms across the city.
 Apparently, flowers can even be seen to flourish on windows,
as this glass etching on a door at the College of Charleston demonstrates.

Imitation

Fence Scroll, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Art often imitates nature...
this fence scroll, so wonderfully proportioned,
 reminds me of the curl of a fern fiddlehead,
 or the spiral of a nautilus shell,
or even the swirl of a distant galaxy.

Let It Rain

Umbrella Canopy, Miracle Garden, Dubai, UAE
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Rain is rare in the Arabian Desert,
 but the Miracle Garden of Dubai is prepared...
or at the very least ready to provide shade
 from the blazing sun.

Two Million!

Azaleas at White Point Gardens, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Spring blooms abound at White Point Gardens near The Battery.
I am fortunate to have Charleston as a subject to photograph.
 Colorful scenes like this one draw visitors not only to the city
 but also to my photo blog. I passed 2 million page views
 yesterday. So this is a wonderful opportunity to thank all of you
 for your visits and comments! And I hope you continue enjoying the scenery.