12-29-12 Modern Ruin

About a mile down the coast from the resort we stayed at recently in Mexico was a ruined resort once known as the Robinson Club. The story is that it was hit with two hurricanes. Apparently, it also had ecological issues and the resort was ultimately closed.To our family, the Robinson Club isn't just a ruined resort - it was the first resort we stayed at 15 years ago. And all of us have fond memories of the place. The resort was beautiful, the beach was perfect and the mostly German and generally zany staff made people feel like old friends.Scott, my brother-in-law, my nephew Matt and I ventured on to the property one afternoon and explored and reminisced. Our explorations were cut short by two young men wielding machetes. Though they didn't speak English, they made it clear that we weren't welcome and so we made a quick exit. (Though I did go back early a couple mornings later.)Here are all of the photos I took of this sad, ruined place.The last several photos are of the sauna area, which also turned out to be the "clothing optional" compound. The Germans staying at the resort the week we were there liked their freedom!

12-27-12 Mexican Stand-Off

I have nothing to say about this photo, though I can tell you that no animals were harmed in the making of this photo

12-26-12 Taking Flight

I should know what kind of bird this is. But I don't. I'm not really equipped for bird photography but this guy was pretty close to me when he/she took flight.Added 2-2-12: Jim Klinger tells me this bird is a Great Blue Heron. Since he took the time to identify my bird, you should take some time and check out Jim's excellent photo blog.Canon 5DIII 1/640s f/10.0 ISO200 102mm

12-25-12 Ocean View

It occurs to me that I should be posting something a little more seasonal, given that is is Christmas Day. But instead I give you young love, as seen from the inside of an abandoned building.It also occurs to me that the photographer can be a bit of a voyeur at times and that the camera is a willing accomplice.

12-24-12 He Runs; I Don't (II)

I suppose I shouldn't bask in the glory of a relatively sedentary existence here on the sun-drenched beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, should I? But I've done it before.Merry Christmas!

12-23-12 From Mighty Acorns (Reprise)

I am taking a bit of a break from my blog and so I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.

12-22-12 Engaged (Reprise)

12-22-I am taking a bit of a break from my blog and so I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.

12-21-12 Betty (Reprise)

I am taking a bit of a break from my blog and so I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.

12-20-12 Inside the Blue Mosque (Reprise)

I am taking a bit of a break from my blog and so I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.

12-18-12 This Is Old; I'm Not

The Pantheon, my favorite building in all of Rome, is 1,886 years old. Today, I turn 59. In Europe, the Pantheon is considered an antique. In America, I am. Ponder that on this 18th day of December, 2012 (AD).

12-17-12 Winterscape

I went wading through snow that was calf deep to get this shot. Twice. Was it worth it? I'd say so, but only because the drive north of town in mysterious winter fog, the trek through snow and the framing of the frost lined trees was a small adventure and it got me out of the house on a gray winter day.Whether I was successful in my adventure or not wasn't the most important thing. Sometimes it's the concept and the process that matter most; it's the journey, not the destination. Or, in the words of Harry Chapin in his song Greyhound, "It's got to be the going not the getting there that's good."

12-16-12 Country Road

I spend a couple hours driving out in the country looking for something suitable to photograph. It had snowed last weekend and today was foggy so I figured I'd find something interesting involving fog and frost. This photo is one of several I took.Once I had the images, the next challenge was taking what turned out to be very low contrast scenes into something worth sharing. Thanks to Aperture and a couple of software plug-ins, I got was I had imagined I might. I should say, incidentally, that this is an HDR photo - there are two exposures layered here to help me get a good overall exposure.