Travel Photo Diary

[AntZ]

I hope its OK to post this here, but I am going to treat this a bit like an assignment....and, so that I set it out in order and don't just dump all the good shots in the first day :)

So over a year ago my family decided we were going to have a white Christmas and originally planned to make it to Canada. However for a number of reasons we settled on a USA driving holiday with another family. Firstly we had to get flights and I had enough freq flyer points to get the seats I needed as long as we booked early enough, which pretty much meant booking a year out. The year seemed to pass quickly and before we knew it we were in the States sitting in a vehicle with its steering wheel on the wrong side of the car :)

Feel free to critique as you deem necessary.

Day 1 consisted of driving from LA to San Diego, and very few photos.

Day 2 - San Diego Sea World
This was my favourite shot of the day. It is looking up at the observation tower.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6806501499_626fe9777e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6806501499/)

Side view of observation tower
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w82qESAB4Kg/Tyu-kKAH_qI/AAAAAAAAHj4/3akyyQ6UaL4/s720/IMG_0573.jpg

Some of my favourites shots of the day(I won't bore you with the family ones)
One of the many massive USA flags we say on out trip(many more than we'd typically see in Aus)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3GgdCNplrL8/TyqTDwO8L8I/AAAAAAAAHiw/gGbcS737Jis/s720/IMG_0203.jpg

Seal CSI show - actually pretty funny
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rH7Tfb_h_K8/TyqTHbhIKPI/AAAAAAAAHi4/dti1Yr2QQBY/s1152/IMG_0286.jpg

This was a rather fortuitous capture with the trainers reflection in the glass.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rJ-5XXKH32s/TyqTKciM5hI/AAAAAAAAHjA/TTTh_mWAF0o/s720/IMG_0441.jpg

Amazing whale show
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ryzsgyDRqjA/TyqTQmEzIdI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/zvFV_TPZWRY/s1152/IMG_0458.jpg

[AntZ]

and something more artistic
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-10K780S4x-E/TyqTV6KT6yI/AAAAAAAAHjg/nR00Gp5h_TM/s720/IMG_0495.jpg

[Iguanasan]

A very nice set... love the shot of the "tree" from underneath and the timing of the seal jump is awesome.

[AntZ]

Thanks Iggy.

[AntZ]

On day 3 we went to the San Diego Safari Park. We had a great day, and many of the staff/volunteers were quite surprised, but happy that we chose the Safari Park over the Zoo.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6815078151_75fdebc83f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6815078151/)
Safari Park Panoarama (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6815078151/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr
Check out the full sized one here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6815078151/sizes/o/in/photostream/)



This is one of my favourite shots of our trip. The baby was 7months old. We stood and talked to one of the park volunteers and taking shots for a good 1/2 hour, waiting for a good one of the baby. The lighting was tough with the black gorillas in the shade the bright dirt in the foreground.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6493509079_5bf9cfc12b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6493509079/in/photostream)

The Baby(not the greatest image, but super cute)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pmEw93t5dlo/TyzA7vHGYUI/AAAAAAAAHkU/o1KxVSLrm-E/s512/IMG_0637.jpg (https://picasaweb.google.com/ImagesByAntZ/PhtographyCa#5705146960462635330)

The Cheetah Run -This was super impressive. They had a setup with a toy on a rope that the Cheetah chased. The speed and energy of the gorgeous animals was truly awe inspiring.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sxFTG6EgEC4/TyzBBQdD_mI/AAAAAAAAHkk/qkdsmg3KpuQ/s512/IMG_0782.jpg (https://picasaweb.google.com/ImagesByAntZ/PhtographyCa#5705147055312469602)

Giraffe

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-suihNYgpJqI/TyzA9i2OiwI/AAAAAAAAHkc/ekLd7aATwGk/s512/IMG_0749.jpg (https://picasaweb.google.com/ImagesByAntZ/PhtographyCa#5705146991530380034)

Flamingo - Not colour enhanced

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rg63Pa-5V4M/TyzA5EBlEYI/AAAAAAAAHkM/7TZDpGA-i38/s512/IMG_0593.jpg (https://picasaweb.google.com/ImagesByAntZ/PhtographyCa#5705146914537017730)

Not sure what this bird is...anyone (looks like a peacock, but don't think it is)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hkuu4PLTNhc/TyzA2ZLw8iI/AAAAAAAAHkE/AaQ_GY2a6Gk/s512/IMG_0591.jpg (https://picasaweb.google.com/ImagesByAntZ/PhtographyCa#5705146868677276194)

[Runmonty]

Nice series - I like the shot looking up at the observation tower and the first shot of the gorilla. Looking forward to seeing the trip unfold.

[JAS_Photo]

Cool set, Antz! I am wondering if the bird is some sort of exotic turkey?

[AntZ]

Cool set, Antz! I am wondering if the bird is some sort of exotic turkey?

Ding Ding Ding we have a winner. It seems to be an Ocellated Turkey. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction :)

[jude01]

I believe the one you have labeled as a flamingo, is a scarlet ibis

[AntZ]

I believe the one you have labeled as a flamingo, is a scarlet ibis

Another winner :) I was just checking to see if everyone was paying attention :)

[AntZ]

Day 4 was our last day in San Diego and was pretty much a free day before we had to drive to LA in the afternoon.

A little bit of Internet research lead us to the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier. We ended up spending 4-5 hours climbing all over it. There was a myriad of air crafts from helicopters to fighter jets(my wife a a few Top Gun moments :) )

There were no absolute stand out shots for the day, but a lot of good ones. I did some selective colour on this one and is probably my fave.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6820509715_2f6f1f4a6e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820509715/)
USS Midway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820509715/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

From a different angle

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6820516491_2d6b73610a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820516491/)
Flags on Aft - USS Midway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820516491/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The deck

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6820514145_64fa00a935.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820514145/)
USS Miday Deck (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820514145/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This huge statue was next to the Midway. I tried some shot to capture both, but this was the best angle of the statue.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6820520087_d47c063a67.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820520087/)
Sailor and His Girl - USS Midway - San Diego (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820520087/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The Midway was huge (event though its modern counterparts are even larger)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6820588435_5faaba387c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820588435/)
USS Midway-San Diego (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820588435/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr
I also did a photosynth here. (http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=2a82b053-eb08-4ab9-91d3-c61e7cd76387&m=false&i=0:0:27&c=-0.292816:0.257872:0.0732904&z=636.68079084322&d=0.665926992033912:-2.35927121392713:-2.5589887965137&p=0:0&t=False) I'm still working how to best shoot for photosynths, but I have some cool ones to post later.

[AntZ]

Day 5 and 6 were photographically pretty dull(so I will combine). Partly because we had our only day of rain on the whole trip on the day we went to Universal Studios, and partly because we really were doing the tourist thing.

Driving in LA.
The freeways in San Diego and LA took us a while to get worked out. San Diego only has a population about the same and where we live, but the traffic volumes were 5 times as much. With this I was trying to convey the enormity of LA Freeways.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6840881751_137fe3eab9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840881751/)
Three Way Freeway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840881751/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Back lot tour at Universal

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6840888199_788ebb6bf5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840888199/)
IMG_1126.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840888199/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr


The Simpson's Ride at Universal was a real surprise.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6840895593_75588f3ee1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840895593/)
IMG_1169.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840895593/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Cool Sign

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6840898633_4672ab5d26_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840898633/)
IMG_1191.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840898633/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Kodak Theatre(where they hold the Oscars)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6840902659_3b89863c25_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840902659/)
IMG_1206.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840902659/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The iconic Hollywood sign. This one I set up on my little gorilla tripod, which is why it appears a little low and lacking a little headroom. I am in the 2nd row on the right.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6840951601_a615e5301e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840951601/)
IMG_1310.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6840951601/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[kat]

what a wonderful set and family vacation!!

[AntZ]

what a wonderful set and family vacation!!
Thanks Kat.

[AntZ]

So the next 3 days of our trip were spent at Disneyland, and I have to admit it was bigger and more fun than I was expecting. I think we were there at a pretty good time so that the crowds weren't huge. "The Happiest Place on Earth" certainly was joyous the week before Christmas, with carols playing everywhere.

A number of these shots were taken with my Canon s100 which I had finally managed to get my hands on the night before, after a week of struggling to find a store that had not sold out. At some point I'll do a full review, but it was handy to be able to have such a capable camera in such a small package.

The Toy Soldiers in the daily parade.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6880739935_34cb4d7fbd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880739935/)
Toy Soldiers (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880739935/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Our kids managed to get a call up to fight Darth Vader :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6880745211_6a8084b4c9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880745211/)
IMG_0530.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880745211/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

These guys bailed up a friend of ours and the kids all jumped to her rescue.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6880748197_df4335dd69_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880748197/)
Storm Troopers (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880748197/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The iconic castle all lit up.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6880743949_0e862eef4c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880743949/)
O, Sparkly Castle on Yonder Hill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880743949/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The "Its a Small World" ride

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6856025697_05d7f9b4f2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6856025697/)
Disney - Its a Small World (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6856025697/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr
I also did a photosynth of this one here (http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=ef4a7c0c-4a3b-4b91-8da9-b6c982c76031)

The Mickey Wheel at night

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6880742177_07021e8679_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880742177/)
California Adventure Park at Night (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6880742177/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[Marko]

TOTALLY enjoying looking at these Antz! thx for sharing them!

[Iguanasan]

Way cool additions, Antz... nice stuff.

[Runmonty]

Great new additions. I am enjoying this series.

[AntZ]

So I almost missed today because photographically it was pretty dull and because Rodeo Drive is more my wife's scene than mine. But one highlight was this Bugatti Veyron. Anyone with a passing interest in cars will know about this car.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6774101308_545b117534_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6774101308/)
Bugatti Veyron (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6774101308/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

My only regret is that I didn't touch it out of respect. I'm not a big fan of leaning all over someone else's stuff. But on reflection a guy like this doesn't park a car like this in front of his store in a tourist area and not expect people to be all over it.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6920218181_030081112e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6920218181/)
Bugatti Veyron Front (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6920218181/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This was family photo that I liked.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6774105150_7f8f7b84ff_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6774105150/)
Beverly Hills Fountain (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6774105150/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Day 11 is Grand Canyon day...and the end of 2 of my cameras :wall-an: but not before I shoot a lot of beautiful images.

[AntZ]

We really only spent an afternoon and a morning at the Grand Canyon, but I shot about 1000 images. HDRs, panoramas and photosynths tend to require a lot of images. This was also the place where I managed to kill 2 cameras within a 12hr period. I dropped my 4 day old Canon s100 in a tangle of frozen fingers, gloves and wrist straps, then our 40D took a roll on to the floor of the bus :wall-an: Both cameras partially worked for the remainder of the trip.

I never thought of the Grand Canyon as somewhere it would snow, but I am glad it does as it add a little something.

I'm going to lead with my favourite shots

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6920231155_3cfa368598_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6920231155/)
Grand Canyon Sunset (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6920231155/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Another

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6917790429_946e773cff_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6917790429/)
There's a river down there somewhere. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6917790429/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The weather was quite changeable, and every time I looked over the canyon it looked different.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6774112552_d4346a2613_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6774112552/)
Grand Canyons (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6774112552/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6920225697_ddefc8d1c1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6920225697/)
A break in the clouds (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6920225697/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

My daughter contemplating life

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6774107074_c6ef5ca85e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6774107074/)
Thinking... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6774107074/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

My lovely wife

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6917758899_3b21a19a10_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6917758899/)
Its a long way to the other side (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6917758899/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[AntZ]

Day 12 - Grand Canyon Watch Tower
I suppose I should keep going with this(we're only about half way :))
These images are from the next morning. Until this time I did not realise my DSLR had been damaged the night before. It was reporting what I thought was battery error(error 99) and eventually got worse. It turns out is was a shutter error, and error 99 it just the largest error the camera can show. Anyway, between the camera playing up and our youngest playing up, my morning was not as photographically productive or enjoyable as it might have been. We did a tour to the watch tower (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_View_Watchtower) which was quite interesting.


The watch tower.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6820486376_67c266f3b6_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820486376/)
Desert View Watch Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6820486376/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The view from inside. The paintings on the wall were cool.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6966611421_5b0e3ec32f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6966611421/)
Paintings Inside the Watch Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6966611421/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

and

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6966609335_2a616b8f9b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6966609335/)
Inside the Watch Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6966609335/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

A slightly over done HDR.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6966601715_024104ecea_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6966601715/)
HDR Grand Canyon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6966601715/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr


Gnarly Tree - I saw much more for this when I shot it.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6966604011_85114dc6a9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6966604011/)
IMG_1108-2_HDR.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6966604011/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

We finished the day in Williams, where we rode the Polar Express like on the movie.

Next stop, Vegas Baby ;)

[Marko]

enjoying this thread Antz - Nice new additions

[Bambi]

I am enjoying this trip as well!

[Mad Aussie]

Me too ... just found the thread.

[Iguanasan]

Keep going! Great stuff.

[AntZ]

OK time to catch up on a few more pics from my holiday.

After we left the Grand Canyon, we stay at Williams where the do a Polar Express Train ride where kids ride a train to the North Pole wearing pyjamas (Those of you with kids will understand :) )
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6976083667_ee5ac35d85.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6976083667/)
Polar Express (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6976083667/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Some how this guy got on board.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/7008309047_4b668565e7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7008309047/)
Santa on the Polar Express (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7008309047/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The next day was a short drive to the Hoover Dam

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/6862194506_fdbdddf105.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6862194506/)
P1080003.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6862194506/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/6862228748_cbddd94114.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6862228748/)
Hoover Wall (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6862228748/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This is where the power is generated.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/6924437240_5827b92dc3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6924437240/)
Turbines of The Hoover Dam (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6924437240/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

...and I just had to post this one. This is my youngest and its very hard to get a non posed pic of him, but then again some of his poses are classic.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6976098699_a42363b7c9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6976098699/)
I'm a Charmer, Just Like My Dad :) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6976098699/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[Runmonty]

I haven't commented for a while, but have been following this thread with each update. I have been enjoying your trip, so thanks for sharing

[AntZ]

I haven't commented for a while, but have been following this thread with each update. I have been enjoying your trip, so thanks for sharing

Thanks Runmonty.

[AntZ]

Our next stop was Las Vegas. We had a great time in Vegas, but I think we could have had more fun with out the kids. The architecture there was amazing. Like many things in the US, everything was huge.

This is the Bellagio, it is famous for its spectacular light and fountain show, but I thought it looked more interesting in B&W.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/7076458311_98e4171d8f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7076458311/)
P1080098.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7076458311/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Everything has a theme and this is a copy of the Eiffel Tower.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/6930385034_bdd161b369.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6930385034/)
IMG_0210-2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6930385034/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This one is New York, New York, with a real working roller coaster.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/6864250252_9f361a6395.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864250252/)
New York New York..jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864250252/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr


The famous Vegas sign
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/7076462847_ee663dd43b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7076462847/)
IMG_0412-3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7076462847/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Trumpeter Statues at Caesar's Palace
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7076456291_1bef819668.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7076456291/)
Caesar's Palace Trumpeters (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7076456291/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

One of the many interesting buildings
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/6996309643_963232405c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6996309643/)
Aria, Las Vegas (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6996309643/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[AntZ]

So after Vegas was a big drive to Wolf Creek, Utah near Salt Lake City. The snow was the worst since 1940. The locals were so apologetic, but compare to what we were used to snow was great and we were able to ski just fine.

This is the view of the village, somewhat less white than it should be.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/7010331733_a198bc9c2c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7010331733/)
Powder Mountain Village (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7010331733/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This one of my daughter and I just highlights why I love my Canon s100.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6992793741_883caa96a5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6992793741/)
Me and My Girl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6992793741/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This one too was shot on the move with my s100
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6846673474_82ab6235cc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6846673474/)
My Ski Bunnies (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6846673474/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr
Stay tuned for more from Wolf Creek...

[Mad Aussie]

Man those kids must have had an absolute ball. Love those ski shots.

[AntZ]

Man those kids must have had an absolute ball. Love those ski shots.

Thanks MA. They sure did.

[AntZ]

So we spent Christmas day in Wolf Creek with a pickup American Christmas Lunch. Keeping in mind that in Australia we are sweating our tails off and usually have cold meats, seafood and salads for for lunch it was a big change. Our Lunch fed 2 families for 3 meals.
This was one I took when I went out for a drive with my youngest to take some pics and get a coffee. There is something about it I quite like.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/6944329502_520b996db1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6944329502/)
Little Spikes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6944329502/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

A view from the top of the learner ski slops looking back towards Ogden. Yes it is HDR in case anyone is wondering.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7090395363_ba5bbc7a71.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7090395363/)
IMG_0517-2_HDR.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7090395363/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Panorama from the highest part that was accessible when we were there. View the full size
here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7093212467/sizes/o/in/photostream/).
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/7093212467_aa35d27b8d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7093212467/sizes/o/in/photostream/)
PowMow_Top.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7093212467/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Another example of why its great to have a ultra portable like the s100.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/6944319910_49124fdcdd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6944319910/)
Going Up? (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6944319910/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[AntZ]

One more from wolf Creek. View large (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7098058723/sizes/o/in/photostream/). WARNING may be slow to load

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/7098058723_0dc7717876_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7098058723/)
Wolf Creek Reflection (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7098058723/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[Mad Aussie]

Beautiful AntZ! That pano is super pretty.

[Bambi]

fabulous photos!!

[AntZ]

Thanks Bambi, MA.

[AntZ]

OK, we're nearly there :)
This was another day of driving. We headed to San Francisco, with a stop off in Reno. Not too much to see other than the Bonneville Salt Flats which were quite impressive.
There is some slight banding, which is beyond me(or my monitor) to fix. The full panorama on this is 39000 pixels wide. You can see a 4000 pixel version here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6995498602/sizes/o/in/photostream/).

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/6995498602_60aa7d312d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6995498602/)
Bonneville Salt Flats Panorama (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6995498602/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Here is another couple of fun shots at Bonneville.
This was one of those shot, that I knew I had to take

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6604559187_e17ea22533_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6604559187/)
Anyone else see and album cover here? (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6604559187/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This one to some extent typified out holiday with a 5 year old who was often quite "difficult"

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6976144653_fbdc09fd12_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6976144653/)
The Wanderer (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6976144653/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Being a transit day, there were lots of shots out of the car window as things whizzed by.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6114/6999749509_023d5ec7bd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6999749509/)
Bonneville Sign (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6999749509/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Again this was one that I had seen at various times and knew I had to shoot it, so I waited until next time I saw some power lines on the horizon and made sure I was ready.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/6999750815_3a90ba90bd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6999750815/)
Power Lines (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6999750815/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This one represented another aspect of our holiday...driving.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/6862138466_000f447f18_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6862138466/)
The Highway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6862138466/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Next Stop, San Francisco!

[Marko]

really dig the rich blues in some of these new additions especially IMG_0517-2_HDR.

[Mad Aussie]

Very cool AntZ. Like the 'Album cover' title for that shot. It's cool how the mts rim the flats. I guess that normal as it was a lake I suppose. How many degrees does that pano represent do you think?

[AntZ]

Thanks Marko, MA.

Very cool AntZ. Like the 'Album cover' title for that shot. It's cool how the mts rim the flats. I guess that normal as it was a lake I suppose. How many degrees does that pano represent do you think?
Probably about 140. Definitely somewhat less than 180.

[AntZ]

I realised later this was why it reminded me of an Album cover. This apparently somewhere in Wales.
http://991.com/newGallery/Manic-Street-Preachers-This-Is-My-Truth-546409.jpg

[Mad Aussie]

Thanks Marko, MA.

Probably about 140. Definitely somewhat less than 180.
Cool, so its close to what we'd actually see.

[AntZ]

Day 24 was New Year's Eve, and after a long drive from Salt Lake city the day before this was a relatively short drive from Reno to San Francisco. We had to be on the road early though as we were booked on the Midday Cruise to Alcatraz. It was to be the highlight for our travelling companion Andrew who has a fascination with "The Rock" due to his love of the Sean Connery movie. San Francisco itself was to be one of my highlights.

This one was capture on the drive over the Bay Bridge on the way in.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7152358849_fbf51a9e1a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7152358849/)
Bay Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7152358849/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

"The Rock" with some heavy processing for a bit of fun.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7152363387_1a5a97724b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7152363387/)
Alcatraz with some heavy processing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7152363387/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

I managed to take a picture of each of the kids behind bars. I found the perfect settings, as this shot really disguise the real lighting conditions.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6976153499_cbf5660b7a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6976153499/)
I didn't do it I tell ya. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6976153499/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

My lovely wife listening to the excellent audio tour in the only bit of the outside inmates had access to.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6846680498_0a5f6ab2a2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6846680498/)
The Yard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6846680498/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

I'm not even sure what I like about this image, but it is one of my faves from the whole trip.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/7006280898_153e1f385e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7006280898/)
Alcatraz Hospital (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7006280898/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

I occasionally see these windows on the TV series "Alcatraz". I like the show just for the scenes of Alcatraz and San Francisco.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5239/7152376387_a99c0e6d3d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7152376387/)
Alcatraz Windows (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7152376387/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This is a little window that allowed the inmates to see civilisation "oh so close yet so far".

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/7152383051_1cfd093e08.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7152383051/)
Room with a View (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7152383051/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

I also did a photosynth of Alcatraz. Alcatraz - Photosynth (http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=0e51c3ad-05c0-4575-8352-4bcbdde17b5e&m=false&i=0:0:16&c=-0.150787:-0.0365119:0.0236189&z=491.158951267711&d=2.89428912410433:-2.17540033270236:-2.61184311960675&p=0:0&t=False)

Just a few more days in SF left of our holiday. Some of them are my favourites.

[Mad Aussie]

Very interesting. Those windows sure look imposing.

[Runmonty]

I have been following this thread and your Flickr with great interest. Some of the more recent posts have had some real "keepers" among them. I especailly like power lines, alcatraz hospital, the highway, little spikes, bay brdige & the panos.

[Marko]

back to the album cover shot - YOUR version Antz is more interesting to my eye.

[AntZ]

back to the album cover shot - YOUR version Antz is more interesting to my eye.

Thanks Marko.

[AntZ]

I have been following this thread and your Flickr with great interest. Some of the more recent posts have had some real "keepers" among them. I especailly like power lines, alcatraz hospital, the highway, little spikes, bay brdige & the panos.

Thanks Runmonty. You name a number of my favourites too. Hopefully I have a few more left.

All of these more recent images were taken with my Canon s100.

[AntZ]

New Years Day started with some fireworks. Compared to the east coast of Australia, the San Francisco fireworks were quite small. I guess this is partly because the rest of the world has already celebrated NYE.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5072/7170433826_e9ee6b2e63.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170433826/)
San Francisco New Years Fire Works (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170433826/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Coit Tower(which we visited a few days later)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7170429482_2e2da13e33.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170429482/)
Eerie Coit Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170429482/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

I got up early to go for a jog and take some photos. There was a really nice light.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7170488338_e2168fa91e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170488338/)
San Francisco Harbour with Alcatraz in the Background (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170488338/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Alcatraz in morning light

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6864241290_1c73364629_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864241290/)
Alcatraz Sunrise..jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864241290/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The Golden Gate Bridge in the morning light

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7170492200_b8cb8a6c4a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170492200/)
Golden Gate Sunrise (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170492200/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The Harbour

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7170455366_ffe9e9ee60.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170455366/)
Harbour Reflections (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170455366/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[Mad Aussie]

I like the fireworks and it's always cool to see Alcatraz. I'd look at larger version but you have some of marked private on flickr

[AntZ]

I like the fireworks and it's always cool to see Alcatraz. I'd look at larger version but you have some of marked private on flickr
Thanks MA.
Fixing that now. The default on my Lightroom export is private and I need to remember to fix.

[Bambi]

great shots Antz. I love love love the Alcatraz ones!

[AntZ]

great shots Antz. I love love love the Alcatraz ones!

Thanks for your kind words.

Stand by for a few more days worth of images :)

[AntZ]

Still on my morning jog, I saw parts of SF that I wouldn't have gone to later in the day.
Like around the back of Fisherman's Wharf

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/7170446494_65bcfe9513.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170446494/)
Colourful Buoys(23633) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170446494/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

or this

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5111/7182303052_99de7ba6e9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7182303052/)
Crab Pots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7182303052/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

I just like the colour in this. Its actually 2 pictures stitched together.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6864233624_a005809ae3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864233624/)
New Years Day - Tiled Mural (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864233624/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Later in the day we did a bus tour, where the first stop was the Golden Gate Bridge.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6830050620_c6b38fecd7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6830050620/)
At the Golden Gate Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6830050620/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This is one of my faves from the trip. It was shot looking up one of the cables.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7170464612_d023646dc5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170464612/)
Golden Gate Cables (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170464612/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

We found this cute bench in China Town

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6838162278_85b25e3d67.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6838162278/)
Read me a Story (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6838162278/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

And I just thought this statue looked cool.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7170470022_79da234f17.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170470022/)
Statue (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7170470022/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[Marko]

Really like the looking up the cables image!!

[Runmonty]

Cool new additions AntZ. Golden Gate Cables and Read me a story are my faves of the latest batch

[AntZ]

Yosemite was only on our itinerary because our travelling friends wanted to go there. Ironically they were unable to go due to the hospitalisation of their son (all ended up fine). So we had to get up about 5am to be picked up at our hotel in darkness.

We had an amazing sunrise, and I managed to catch this one. It could be a bit sharper, but it was out the window of a moving bus.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6626015953_467b088c3b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6626015953/)
Trees in Golden Clouds (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6626015953/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

We followed this van up the range, and I eventually managed a reasonable shot.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7220822616_b7ebc381bb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7220822616/)
Department of Corrections (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7220822616/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Our first stop was the Sequoia Grove. This one has seen better days.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6795269117_9ec4854ae7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6795269117/)
Still Standing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6795269117/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This is a famous tourist attraction. Some more information here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wawona_Tree)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6838167236_0eef610f70.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6838167236/)
Wawona Tunnel Tree (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6838167236/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The view as we entered the valley was awesome.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5236/7226367594_231c02b70f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7226367594/)
Yosemite Valley (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7226367594/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

and a great place for some family photos.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6838174350_9b8d404905.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6838174350/)
El Capitan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6838174350/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This is looking at Half Dome from down in the valley

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7220847266_aaa0b06e8e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7220847266/)
Half Dome Reflection (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7220847266/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

We finished the day with a chance to look back at San Francisco from across the bay. This is actually a panorama which can be viewed somewhat larger here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7010358173/sizes/k/in/datetaken/). There is an even larger version(11532 x 3746) but you can start seeing some flaws in it as I did not have a tripod.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7010358173_fbaba6f893_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7010358173/)
San Francisco Panorama from Treasure Island (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7010358173/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

So what started off as a somewhat incidental visit, ended up being a long but great day.

[AntZ]

Really getting to the end of the trip now.
This day was a real pea-souper in the morning and we abandoned our planned harbour boat tour. We started at the Musee Mechanique which was full of coin operated games and toys etc it was pretty cool, but not photographically fantastic. We then went to Madame Tussauds and then Ripleys Believe It or Not! where I got some fun images.

This life sized Kaleidoscope

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6984334619_5fa07061b1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6984334619/)
Kaleidoscope (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6984334619/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

This cool rotating room shot on a long shutter.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7267045672_a91ffa7896.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7267045672/)
Spinnin' around (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7267045672/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The fog finally cleared(mostly) in the bay, and we got to do our cruise. I shot so many images, but I don't think any of them really captured how cool it really was with the bridge in the fog.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7267050822_412c6030ec_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7267050822/)
Foggy Golden Gate. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7267050822/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7278046198_a75b97bc6a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7278046198/)
Out of the Fog (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7278046198/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7278039892_aa6c24870a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7278039892/)
Under the Golden Gate (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7278039892/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7267056964_f1170e2d06_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7267056964/)
Golden Gate Flag (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7267056964/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7267060162_80990f1ce0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7267060162/)
The Birds (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7267060162/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

After out cruise we went for a ride on one of the famous San Francisco Cable cars, but didn't really get any shots worth showing. I did get some video, but on the walk back down the hill we saw this beautiful sunset.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7286062634_d507b3b691_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7286062634/)
Coit Tower Sunset (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7286062634/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[Marko]

Nice new additions Antz! Really like the suspended bird image, but all the others in this set also well taken.

[Runmonty]

I do like the bridge & fog shots.

[AntZ]

Nice new additions Antz! Really like the suspended bird image, but all the others in this set also well taken.


I do like the bridge & fog shots.

Thanks Marko, Runmonty.

[AcadieLibre]

Really nice set, just went through them all seems like it was a good trip also.

[AntZ]

Thanks AL. The trip was awesome. Can't wait to get to the States again...and next time I will make to Canada. I just need to squirrel away some $$ :)

I have a couple more days to post. (Maybe tonight or tomorrow.)

[AntZ]

This is the inside of Saints Peter & Paul church. There is a bit of a story that goes with this one if you care to read in the comment in Flickr along with some links to a couple of photosynths.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/6864248466_e75d0b1fff_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864248466/)
Saints Peter and Paul Church (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864248466/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

From the outside

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6862215168_8a98e4b6be_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6862215168/)
Saints Peter and Paul Church (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6862215168/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

Coit Tower is visible from much of San Francisco. The interior is painted with many beautiful murals.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6984340351_75a5fa9f2f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6984340351/)
Coit Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6984340351/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

There is an elevator which goes to these cool stairs and a viewing platform

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7168783251_94ef928cdc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7168783251/)
Spiral Stairs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7168783251/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

The Transamerica Pyramid looms large over San Francisco. This was the best view we had of it.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7353991746_235917229c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7353991746/)
Transamerica Pyramid (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7353991746/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

I just liked the way this looked through the triple window.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7168785553_ef2a3accde_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7168785553/)
Transamerica Pyramid Through the Windows of Coit Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/7168785553/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

In the afternoon we went to the Presido which is a former military precinct. The kids had some fun with the cannons.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6838221242_b074be43d7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6838221242/)
Ready, Aim, Fire (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6838221242/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

As soon as I saw this one, it reminded me of an image MichaelAW post a few years ago, so thanks for the inspiration.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/6864318372_40fd388f66_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864318372/)
Wall of Windows (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtb_antz/6864318372/) by ~AntZ~ (http://www.flickr.com/people/mtb_antz/), on Flickr

[Marko]

Love the expression in Ready aim fire !