I Want to Ride My Bicycle

Line of Bicycles, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A fun way to see Charleston is on a bicycle. There are several
 places around town to rent them and explore the city's narrow
 streets and alleyways. For some reason, a catchy Queen tune
 keeps running through my brain...

Shaker Minimalism

Bedroom, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film.)



Simple but functional was the ethos of the 19th century Shaker life style.
This guiding principle was demonstrated perfectly in the design and construction
of their furniture, the influence of which is seen today in the minimalist approach to creating modern furniture.

Famous Quotes

Window and Lamp Shadow, near Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



I came,
I saw,
I snapped.

Fountain of Youth

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



Waterfront Park is a great place to watch a sunrise.
And, if you dare to splash and wade in the cool fountain waters,
 you just may remember a forgotten moment from your youth.

Narrow Passage

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



At one end, Stolls Alley is a narrow footpath bordered by
 tall brick walls. But here it opens a little
 to reveal a driveway at the other end, just wide enough for
residents to steer their cars toward colonial era homes.

To the Lighthouse

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Acadia National Park, Maine
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



At Acadia National Park, a short trail leads to this beautiful
 vantage point looking west to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
 and the setting sun.

Before the Bustle

Ravenel Bridge at Dawn, Charleston Harbor, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
 (Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



A quiet moment at dawn reveals the Ravenel Bridge
 and the placid waters of Charleston Harbor.
Later in the day both will bustle with car and boat traffic...
plus a few dolphins for good measure.

Right Light

Painted Brick, Gas Station near Ravenel, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film.)



A painted pattern of color and a bit of blue sky transforms
 an ordinary building into an eye catching image.
I spotted this while driving and felt compelled to turn around 
to grab the shot while the light was right.

Throwback Thursday - Colonial Charleston

Pink House on Chalmers Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



This cobblestoned street from the French Quarter would appear
to belong to Charleston's Colonial era, like a scene you would
 see stepping from the Doctor's Tardis.

Heavy Metal

Door and Wall, Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film)



A heavy metal door opened against a bright yellow wall
 makes a graphic image at Fort Moultrie.

Built in 1809, this fort was one of four that defended Charleston Harbor,
the most famous of which was Fort Sumter...
where the American Civil War began.

Porch Perspective

Curving Porch, Sottile House, College of Charleston, SC
 © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



From the curving Victorian porch of the Sottile House,
 a lovely view can be had of the College of Charleston campus.
 Much of the campus in this area is landscaped like an arboretum,
 featuring both native and introduced garden specimens.




 

Still Providing

Shrimp Boats, Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



A cluster of shrimp boats lines Shem Creek.
 Although fewer boats line the creek
 than in previous years, shrimpers still strive
to provide fresh seafood for our local restaurants.

Backlit

Curving Scroll, Saint Philip's Churchyard Gate, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Backlighting illuminates a walkway behind this ornate gate
 at Saint Philip's churchyard.




 

Amazing!

Young Chelsea Contemplating Life, Folly Beach, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Film Photography)



Life is precious. It passes too fast.
Our children grow up seemingly in an instant.
Then they are gone, pursing life's adventures.
Our daughter has grown into an amazing woman.
Today she is embarking on a new life adventure... marriage...
 not surprisingly, to an amazing man.

Curving Steps

Curving Staircase, Hunting Island Lighthouse, Hunting Island, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)



Inside Hunting Island Lighthouse, a staircase vortex
 offers a curve for abstract photography.

Throwback Thursday - Psychedelic Nature

Little Miami River, John Bryan State Park, Yellow Springs, Ohio
 © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Kodachrome Film.)



Aging film can produce unusual color. This image,
 shot on Kodachrome film back in the 1980's,
 shows purples, blues and aquas that seem to be
straight out of a psychedelic dream.

Jasmine Door

Door and Confederate Jasmine, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Sweet scented Confederate Jasmine blooms profusely
 around this single house entry in Charleston's Historic District.

Picturesque Palladian

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



The ancient live oaks around Drayton Hall provide perfect
 framing for the historic and picturesque colonial mansion.
It is a classic example of Palladian architecture in North America.

Misty Monday - Lone Paddler

Lone Paddler, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



Paddling among the waves near the Folly Beach Fishing Pier,
 a solitary adventurer braves a cold, misty sea.

Bernini Angel

Bernini Angel and Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



An elaborately sculpted angel by the Italian Baroque artist
 Gian Lorenzo Bernini makes a fine counterpoint to the
 simple rounded form of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome.