Stairway to the Sea

Steps and Surf, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Inviting steps lead down to the surf
and the unknown wonders of the vast open sea.

May your New Year be as full of wonders!

Misty Monday - A Pier Appears

Folly Beach Fishing Pier, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Sea fog and clouds dissipate as the morning sun rises,
revealing the Folly Beach Fishing Pier.

Makeover

Air Hose, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



It has been awhile since air was 25 cents. This abandoned air hose could have been an eyesore, but it was revived by an eye-popping makeover.

Fence Pattern

Sand Fences, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Groupings of sand fences form a rhythmic pattern as they fade into the distance on Folly Beach. Storm erosion has dramatically altered the coast line on this portion of the sea island, so the fences are intended to help stabilized what remains of the dunes.

Liquid Hues

Reflections, Pineapple Fountain, Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


Blue and gold hues reflect
in the pool
 beneath the Pineapple Fountain
in Charleston's Waterfront Park.

Winter Dawn

Shrimp Boats, James Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



As twilight fades into the light of dawn, shrimp boats on a tidal creek are revealed this misty winter morning.

A Home for the Holidays

Courtyard Garden, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



The courtyard garden of a Charleston home
 is decorated simply and elegantly for the holidays.

Merry Christmas from Charleston!

December Garden

Garden Statue, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A garden statue is crowned with a red wreath made of berries from the
Chinese Tallow Tree, otherwise known as the Popcorn Tree. It is an introduced species that appears profusely in the coastal plain of South Carolina.

Acadia Morning

Rocky Shores, Acadia National Park, Maine  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Warm colored stone contrasts with cool colored waters
 and skies on a sunny morning in Acadia.

Lowcountry Morning

Tidal Creek, Edisto Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



Rising mist softens a view of a tidal creek
 on a Lowcountry morning.

Pony Ride

Mini Pony Ride, Woodstock, Georgia  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A cold December evening finds a lonely group of mini ponies
waiting patiently to give children a ride for the holidays.

Desert Developement

Flower Walls, and Crane Miracle Garden, Dubai, UAE  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A crane at a construction site near Dubai is framed by two flower walls. Cranes are no uncommon sight in the UAE. In spite of the country's small size, it had the largest percentage of construction cranes in use in the world. The cranes are indicative of the Arabian Gulf State's rapid growth and vigorous economy.

But the Miracle Garden, where these flowers grow, is an improbable sight.
Thriving in the desert outside of Dubai, plenty of water is piped in
to keep the plants alive in the searing heat.

Foothills Hike

Pinyon Pine, Foothills of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Bordering the Great Sand Dunes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are foothills covered with Pinyon pine and Rocky Mountain juniper. Becky and I hiked a trail here one morning doing one of our favorite outdoor activities... birdwatching.

 A twitter here, a twitter there, a little brown bird flitting in the brush... well, the morning was tranquil and beautiful, but the birds were elusive.

Still it was great to be outdoors.

Colossal

Caesar Augustus, Belvedere Courtyard, Vatican Museum, Vatican City, Italy
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved (Velvia slide film.)



An ancient sculptured head of Caesar Augustus is not only massive in size,
 but also suggests the ruler's colossal impact on the course of
 western civilization as the founder of the Roman Empire.

Carolina Days

Sunset, White Point Gardens, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
 (Click on image for larger view.)



Another clear winter day in the Carolinas comes to a close
 with a sunset at Charleston's White Point Gardens.

Ridge and Valley

Sunlight on Mountain Ridges, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved (Velvia slide film.)



A setting sun warmly illuminates ridgeline trees
while valleys are blanketed with cool autumn shadows
in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Masonry Frame

Arches and Cross, Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved 
(Velvia slide film.)



An open archway at Mission San Jose provides
 a natural frame for its humble cross.

Seaward Winds

Coastal Live Oaks, Kiawah Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



A copse of coastal live oaks is shaped by the constant force of seaward winds, much like the hair on my head is shaped by the force of the hairstylist's blow dryer.

The Magnetism of Donuts

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain and wishing for a return visit to Rome actually works. We've been back to Rome several times. And I think I know why.

There is a scientific cause and effect explanation for everything that occurs. So I surmise that these Baroque sculptures contain incredibly powerful magnets which pull humans back to them, even from distant corners of the planet.

 This would also explain why hoards of people swarm around the fountain, like ants swarm around donuts at a picnic. Wait, that would mean the fountain is made of donuts. Ok, let me rethink my supposition.

Waiting

Great Blue Heron, West Ashley Park, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A quiet mist envelopes a statuesque heron waiting for the decisive moment
to strike its prey. Camouflage, calm and patience are the way of life for such
a ninja hunter as this one.

Festive Lights

Holiday Lights, Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, Georgia
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A dazzling arrangement of tree limbs and holiday lights
adds a festive touch to Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta.

Staying Respectable

Fence Line, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film.)



While hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, on a trail bordered by an old fence, light from the setting sun made everything golden.

This rustic fence line caught my eye. I thought a low point of view would simplify the scene, separating it from the background of mountains.

So as the light began to fade, I stooped low and grabbed the shot. Luckily, for the sake of my respectable reputation, I did not stoop too low.

Pink Flamingo

Pink Flamingo, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



The strangest sights are seen on Folly Beach. I stumbled upon this pink flamingo, which alighted in a planter and stood perfectly still against a turquoise wall.
 I could not help but trip the shutter.

Gingerbread House?

Steps and Door, Old Salem, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film)



Though this house is clearly not made of gingerbread, there is a bakery near by. Perhaps the delicious aromas wafting through the air enticed me to photograph this visual treat.

Old Mine

Abandoned Mine, near Red Mountain Pass, San Juan Mountains, Colorado
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



The mountains in Colorado are rich in mineral deposits. Mining is a prevalent part of the state's economy, but many old mines sit abandoned, symbols of the industry's boom and bust tendency.

Shapes and Shadows

Shapes and Shadows, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel, Abu Dhabi, UAE
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



An interesting play of shapes and shadows creates
 a visual attraction at the Fairmont Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Throwback Thursday - Coast Patrol

Morris Island Lighthouse and Helicopter, James Island, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Kodachrome film)



I pulled this old Kodachrome slide from my files and, to my surprise,
it scanned well enough in spite of how dark the film had become over the years.
It shows Morris Island Lighthouse in morning light, and a Coast Guard chopper whooshing past, patrolling the shoreline.

Glowing Lantern

Dry Dock Boat, Charleston Harbor Marina, Mt. Pleasant, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Held aloft at the marina, this pleasure boat
catches the light of the setting sun,
causing its pilot house to illuminate like a glowing lantern.

Real and Symbolic

Fleurs-de-Lis Fence and Camellias, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



The hard metallic sheen of wrought iron fleurs-de-lis provide a keen contrast
 to the soft organic blooms of red camellias. Charleston displays flowers, both literally and figuratively, at any time of year.

Misty Monday - Breakfast of Egrets

Marshland and Great Egret, West Ashley Park, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



Not far from where I live there is a small suburban park that I visit regularly. I enjoy watching the wildlife in the wetlands, and on this misty morning,
 I spotted a Great Egret hunting for a fishy breakfast.

Lanterns of Venice

Row of Lanterns, Piazzetta di San Marco, Venice, Italy
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



In and around St Mark's Square there are many sights that grab one's attention. In this instance, I found delight in a row of decorative lanterns that complement the Gothic facade of the Doge's Palace, where the rulers of Venice once lived.

Roper Mansion

Antebellum Mansion, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film.)



The Roper mansion occupies a prominent spot on The Battery overlooking Charleston harbor. The wealthy cotton planter, Robert William Roper, 
built his edifice in 1838 with the intension of it being the first house seen by ships sailing into Charleston from the sea. It is difficult to miss, even today.

Powered by the Flower

Old Mercedes Flower Bed, Miracle Garden, Dubai, UAE
 © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



Flower power seems to drive this retired Mercedes Benz
 on display at Dubai's Miracle Garden.

A Little Slice For You

Ornate Door, Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest, Hungary
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film.)



Given the nature of the holiday, you might be a little hungry while waiting for your turkey. So I posted a little slice of Hungary for you, from the Fisherman's Bastion.
Ouch, that was bad.


Happy Thanksgiving!

Wader

Waves and Wader, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



A man wades into the early morning surf at Folly Beach.
The scale of this view only hints at the enormity of the Atlantic Ocean.

Looking Glass Rock

Looking Glass Rock, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved (Velvia slide film)



A view from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway affords this portrait of Looking Glass Rock, located in Transylvania county, North Carolina. The monolith is named for the way it glistens like a mirror, especially when the evening sun shines following an afternoon rain. Sorry, no Draculas here, but rock climbers love it no matter what the weather is like.

Golden Scrolls

Gate Scrolls, The Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Evening light paints gate scrolls with golden hues
 on a South Battery mansion entry.

Bear Lake Forest

Lake Side Forest, Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Offering cool shade in the high mountains, a grove of conifers
 shelters the edge of Bear Lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Political Symbolism

Hercules and Cacus, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



This prominent statue of Hercules and Cacus is in the Piazza della Signoria, the main square in Florence. According to Roman mythology, the Greek hero Hercules killed the fire-breathing giant Cacus for terrorizing the people of the Palatine Hill in Rome.

This politically charged sculpture was commissioned by the Medici family after their return from exile. Hercules was used as the perfect symbol of their power and subjugation of the Republic of Florence.

Blue Windows

Detail of Portico and Windows, The Ascent, Covington, Kentucky
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A triangular roof over the entry to The Ascent, a high rise luxury condominium, points to a maze of blue tinted windows.

Throwback Thursday - Moon and Palmetto

Moon and Palmetto, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Kodachrome film)



A Kodachrome shot of the moon rising above a lamp-lit palmetto slightly resembles South Carolina's state flag emblem. I made this image years ago when we first moved to the Palmetto state from Ohio.

Lingering Mists of Acadia

Misty Coastline, Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



The curious nature of coastal fog is that it sometimes lingers along the immediate coastline, while a mere several steps inland, the air is perfectly clear.
Shifting winds soon completely dissipated the morning mists in this scene,
revealing a rocky headland and the blue sea beyond.

Fountain in Autumn

Fountain Waterfall, Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, Georgia
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A pool reflects the blues and golds of a clear autumn day
 in a park in Atlanta.

Misty Monday - Kiawah Palmettos

Palmettos and Pond, Kiawah Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



A misty stillness envelopes a row of palmettos on
the resort island of Kiawah, creating a painterly, picturesque scene.

Trinity Medallion

Ceiling Medallion, Trinity United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC
 © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



Ornate architectural detailing embellishes the portico
of one of Charleston's many historic churches.

Appalachian Vignette

Autumn Colors, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



An autumn breeze rustles the vibrant undergrowth along the Blue Ridge Parkway, adding a painterly touch to this Appalachian vignette.

Visual Delight

Garden Tree, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A finely feathered tree presents a delightful visual contrast
 with the solid stone shapes of Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque.

Throwback Thursday - Headless in the Courtyard

Headless Sculpture, Belvedere Courtyard, Vatican Museum, Vatican City, Italy
(Kodachrome film)



A headless classical statue finds its niche
 in the Vatican Museum's Belvedere Courtyard.


Three years ago this week, I found my niche in the blogosphere when I started Doug's Photo Blog. Over 1100 consecutive daily posts later, I am still at it and determined to continue as long as possible.

I wish to thank all visitors, especially the one's who have been regulars over
the years. And I offer a special thanks to my wife, Becky, who has been my
 blog/life editor since the earliest days.

Haven for Nature Lovers

Footbridge, Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A footbridge beneath moss draped live oaks leads to trails that explore wilder parts of Magnolia Gardens, including an observation deck that overlooks ancient rice fields. These marshes are a haven for water birds and reptiles.

Reflecting Canal

Reflection in a Canal, Rio di San Barnaba, Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



Venetian waters mirror a row of warm hued buildings
bordering a canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere.