America the Beautiful from Sea to Shiny Sea
Five trips across America has yielded thousand of images meant to show case this great land
Some of the places recently visited
The Dalles east of Portland Oregon
East of Portland, along The Colombian River, is The Dalles. There are many beautiful sights which include waterfalls, mountains and rivers.
Bullhead City Airzona
Bullhead city is across the river from Laughlin NV; you get the best of both worlds. On one side of the river there are nice beaches and a no helmet law; on the other side of the river there is gambling and recreational marijuana.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Samples of mountain products
Framed print
Cell phone case
Canvas prints
The Million Dollar Cowboy
The Million Dollar Cowboy
Located in the middle of town, with a cowboy, riding a bronco, on the roof. The inside has saddles for bar stools and murals, of the old west, on the walls. The people were friendly and seemed happy. I was just getting into my second beer when three gentlemen came in. They walked over to me and said hello; the tall one gave me a quick hug.
I asked how long they had been on the road. “All our lives,” said Six Pack. I thought to myself that was a good answer; I would have said three weeks. I asked how they came by their names. Dewy, was in law enforcement; he had more D.U.I. arrests than anyone else. Rooster’s close friend passed away a few years prior; he was a truck driver whose C.B. handle was Rooster. Six Pack was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. When he reported to his senior officer the first thing said was, “you’re no bigger than a six pack; the name stuck.
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is a great place to visit; friendly people and much to see. Old shops; saloons, restaurants, ski resorts and museums. Beautiful scenery and wildlife surround the city; horse drawn carriages give the streets a small town feel.
THE RIDE 2011
Planning for the ride
In 2006 I began planning a trip; I wanted to ride a Harley for days and see the country. I bought a 2007, black Harley, Road King; it is bigger and would be more comfortable on long rides. I added a faring for music and an extra saddle bag for storage. Over the next five years I conditioned myself by exercising and taking longer and longer rides, in all kinds of weather. I accumulated everything I would need for the trip. The bike is equipped with all the latest technical equipment including navigation.
The departure
On June 1, 2011, I rode out of Sacramento, California, with a friend. There were thunder storms all around us; we rode through a few. The first leg took us North, to Arcata California; about three hundred miles. It was cold and wet; I was dressed for it, Dave wasn’t. I had electric gloves and vest; the bad news is, I left the extension wire behind. With no power to the gloves my hands almost froze. No power to the vest caused me to shiver most of the last fifty miles; we arrive in Arcata about six o’clock.
The urge to travel.
The Gypsy lifestyle is not for everyone but if it is in your blood there is little you can do about it. It is as though you are a small kid needing to play but are unable to get fulfillment from average play time; it seems you always crave more. The more I see of this country the more I want to see; I have always enjoyed getting out on the road and exploring new places. It wasn’t until I retired that I realized how I felt about spending all my time on the road. For now, I will see as much of this country as I can; ride along.
A DOG'S' LIFE
I’ll never forget my first love, I was eleven. We called him Pepper, he looked like a Cocker Spaniel, but was probably mixed with another breed. His long curly, black hair, waived to you, as he approached. I do not remember a childhood without him.
Although a family pet, I was his favorite human. I bailed him out, more than anyone else; before leaving home at age eighteen. I will never forget the look, in his eyes, the last time I had to pick him up. His chin was on the ground, being flattened by the weight of his head. His nose pushed up against the bars, as though reaching for air. After I posted bail, I was escorted into his cell block. He must have heard me coming, his chin did not move until our eyes met. He slowly lifted his head, in an attempt to show dignity, in an undignified situation. Looking into his eyes, told me that, he was sorry I had to come to get him, AGAIN! And that he is glad to see me. I loved that dog, and didn’t even know it.
I’ve had many animals since, and some I have loved more than others. Some I was closer to, physically and emotionally, than others. Brody is special in many ways including an ability to use his eyes to communicate. When he walks down to a rivers edge, before entering the water, he will turn to look at me; his eyes used to ask permission to go in. Lately when he looks back its as if to say, are you coming in? He is going in either way.
In the past we’ve been able to communicate as well as any man-dog relationship. Most of the time, verbal communication is more effective, but sometimes we express desire through the eyes. In the photo, Brody is in the back seat, of my Bay Liner. He is waiting for me to launch, I am in the cockpit getting ready, for a day on the water. Brady’s’ look seems to say, one of two things; one is, “get with it we are burning day light.” or asking, “do you know what are doing?
"Are you coming?"
"I got him !"
share the experience
America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful
During production, I expanded my, geographical, perimeters to include the entire country; at least that which I am able to visit. I have logged thousands of miles with, my faithful companion, Brody. There are several collections regarding images taken from across the states. The scenic collection includes photos of mountains, rivers, lakes, deserts and whatever else I can find to shoot. All states have their own, photographic, personalities, it is my job to bring them out.
Road Shots
America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful
The Road Shots, collection includes images taken through the windshield or over the handlebars of the vehicle being driven; they are an attempt to capture the experience. Only by doing it, do you get the full effect, of riding through the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a Harley. Driving across the beautiful deserts of New Mexico, is an experience everyone should enjoy. I am not a fan of city living but America has beautiful skylines that are worth noting.
places we've been
Isleton California
Isleton California
Isleton California
Arizona desert
Isleton California
Isleton California
Auburn California
Isleton California
Auburn California
Moab Utah
Sacramento River, Ca.
Auburn California
Sacramento River, Ca.
Sacramento River, Ca.
Sacramento River, Ca.
Sacramento California
Sacramento River, Ca.
Sacramento River, Ca.
Photo Gallery
.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
Seeing the forest through the trees
The laws of the land and the laws of life, must coexist
Human nature is the bases of existences, intelligence drives ambition; we owe to those who follow, a clear path to the future