Rare Photograph of a Flying Reptile

"Pterodactyl", Boardwalk, Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Today (or maybe it was yesterday or last week), an intrepid photographer made this image of what he asserts is a rarely seen prehistoric animal. In fact it is so rare that some experts speculate it is the first and only sighting of a pterodactyl in, well, 150 million years.

Others (foolhardy skeptics mostly) believe the said photographer displays a delusional imagination, and that the reputed flying reptile is nothing more than the ubiquitous brown pelican.

Believe whatever you wish...
 it's the internet after all
and truth is elusive.

After a Storm

Tips of Palmetto Trees, Mt. Pleasant, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film. Click on image for larger view)



After an evening storm sunlight paints the tips of Palmetto fronds.

Old Windowpane

Window Shadow, Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, SC
 © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Morning light streaming through a high window casts a shadow on a stucco wall inside Dock Street Theatre. The wavy patterns of distorted light are due to the old glass and all its imperfections.

Edge Lands

Sunset, Salt Marsh, Mt. Pleasant, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



The edge of ecological zones, where divergent types of plant and animal species converge, are interesting places, not only for biologists, but for photographers too. Wherever land meets water there are sure to be attractive subjects to find. In this case, a salt water marsh merges with coastal lowlands where large live oaks are mirrored in a creek at high tide.

Morning Walk

Walkers, Longitude Lane, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



One of Charleston's narrow stone-paved lanes
 offers a unique setting for a morning walk.

Mary Garden

Mary Garden, Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Today the new Mary Garden at 
the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is being dedicated.

My Motto

Wig and Bikes, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
 (Click on image for larger view)



Where ever you go, what ever you do,
 always bring your hair with you.
You never know when you might need it!

Climbing Vines

Green Railing, Market Hall, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



The "climbing vines" of this green railing lend a stylized, 
organic feel to Market Hall.

Chained

Cruise ship, Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Like it or not, Charleston's success as top tourist destination in effect "chains" the city to both the good and bad of the cruise ship industry.

Colonial Reflections

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



A row of single houses along the edge of Colonial Lake reflect sunset colors.

Winter Landscaping

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



Up the river a bit from Charleston is the old Navy Base,
 where Riverfront Park has been pruned into its winter landscaping mode.

Misty Monday - Old Cemetery

Old Cemetery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved 
(Velvia slide film converted to black and white)



Bethany Cemetery provides a misty mood for this Monday's post.

Still Blooming

Cassia and Garden Gate, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Despite it being December,
flowers still bloom in Charleston gardens,
 brightening the feel of the day.

White Point Gardens

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



Evening light graces a park with a
thick grove of live oaks near the Battery.

Adding New Meaning...

Man and His Dog, Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



... to the phrase,
 " Taking the dog for a walk."

Patterns in Counterpoint

Autumn Color and Spiraling Stairs, College of Charleston Campus, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Patterns formed by nature and man counterpoint
 in this image of late fall color in Charleston.



(Sorry for falling behind on my visits with you. I've been away, but will work on catching-up with everyone soon!)

Directions to the Future

Arrows on Road Pavement, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved




Deciding which direction to take in life
 is a guessing game... 
and there are no arrows pointing the way
as there are on a highway.

But suppose you have a time machine, 
like the one in the H.G. Wells story,
 that can spin you into your future... 
so you can see where you have been
and all the turns you have made.

Would you take a different turn along the way
if you had a second chance?

Just an Ordinary Way...

Sunrise, Isle of Palms, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film. Click on image for larger view)



... to start the day
on the beach.

Care for a stroll?

Holding it Together

Earthquake Bolt, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



In 1886 Charleston experienced a major earthquake which leveled numerous old brick and stucco buildings. Afterward, earthquake bolts were inserted through many structures and tightened to give greater support for the next "big one".

Luckily the bolts have not been tested since!

A Guide for the Tough Times

Harbor Pilot Boat, Charleston Harbor, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)



Everyone needs a guide in their life at some point, to help them through the tough times. The Charleston Harbor Pilot is just that sort of guide, helping large container ships maneuver through narrow channels, safely into port.