Dave Skinner Photography: Featured Galleries and Collections

Natural Bridges State Park

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:33:12 GMT

This park is just north of Santa Cruz, easily accessible and loaded with people. One of the 'bridges' has collapsed, but one remains to give a measure of special uniqueness for tourists and locals as well.

Sunset is a great time to visit.

Santa Cruz Pier

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:27:08 GMT

Scouting for lunch can be a daunting experience, but there are plenty of places to eat in Santa Cruz. The easiest parking-wise is just to drive out on the pier and choose one of a number of restaurants eager to take your hard earned cash.

Plenty of color and colorful folks for the photographer here. Sea lions perch under the pier and cavort pier side, entertaining the Animal Planet lovers crowd. A tagged pelican is the local mascot and a couple of guitars twanged for capital.

San Jose History Park

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:53:57 GMT

The San Jose History Park is located just a mile west of Hwy 101 between Tully Road and Story Road in Kelly Park, next to San Jose State University. It is a collection of vintage buildings and homes that have been transplanted and restored. Some buildings are replicas. The grounds are situated on a few roads with a working restored trolley that takes visitors for rides around 'town.'

We visited the trolley barn to see if they had any info or photos from the late 1890's when my great-grandfather, W.W. Skinner was Superintendent for the S.J. and Santa Clara Railroad before he moved to Templeton, CA. We met Bob, who directed us to the Park website and suggested we contact someone there who might have access to some historical documents. It was fun looking at all of the machinery and restored trolleys, a steam engine and an old gas truck.

Delta College Koi and Color

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:02:28 GMT

We only saw a limited degree of fall color seen on the Delta College campus. Most of it is in the koi pond.

Miyako's Party 2009

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:52:48 GMT

Who can refuse an afternoon of visiting with your favorite friends and enjoying mountains of Japanese food? Throw in getting bombed by falling Ginko fruit in the backyard, and what do you have? A grand gathering at Miyako's.

Magnificent Japanese paintings, embroidery, sculpture, china and refrigerator magnets added to the cultural cuisine.

This was a party that celebrated all the successful knee and hip surgeries received by a number of us. Hence, Mr. Bones reminded everyone of God's mercy while wearing an aluminum diaper and knee pads.

New Stockton Marina

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:03:07 GMT

The newly constructed Stockton Marina and boat slips and promenade are finally opened for the local taxpayers to enjoy. The landscaping isn't completely finished, but the walkway now extends from El Dorado Street downtown to Morelli Park, about 1 mile west.

We visited just before sunset as people were taking advantage of fishing, running their dogs, jogging and walking along the waterfront. Unfortunately, the view across the channel isn't very appealing unless you're a rust lover like me.

Nikon D70 with 55-200mm VR and 18-70. Polarizers added to both.

Mission Statement - San Juan Bautista

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:53:45 GMT

This California mission 11 miles east of Hollister is a frequent watering hole for bladder-filled tourists, although finding the nearest 'el cuarto de baño' requires an eagle-eyed navigator.

Overlooking the San Benito River Valley, this photo friendly stage stop offers a relaxing break from a stressful drive.

Mission Statement - San Miguel

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:04:55 GMT

Ginnie, Barb and I headed for the San Miguel Mission, camera gear in tow. The old church had been finally retrofitted and reopened after the 2003 earthquake that crippled its use.

There are numerous opportunities to photograph on the grounds. I've used odd angles, distorted perspective and selective color in order to give the building and grounds an unconventional look.

Heaping Beauty

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:33:09 GMT

A drought-plagued California hasn't eliminated all attempts at colorful flower gardens yet. While the sunflowers wind down, the cosmos keep truckin' in Sept-Oct until the first good freezes.

All pictures taken with a Nikon D70 and 55mm Micro-Nikkor.

To Moonstone Beach in Cambria

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:31:47 GMT

The old road to Cambria from Hwy 46 proves to be fourteen miles of tortuous pavement. Santa Rosa Creek Road winds northeast along the creek on the east side of the Santa Lucia Range. They call it a creek for good reason: before the rains start, it's a piddly five foot wide and moves slothlike over small boulders and rocks down the valley to Cambria. Probably rages in the winter, though.

Moonstone Beach in Cambria is a must-see expanse of pebbled shoreline that showcases colored gravel, including lots of California jade. It was all the more exciting on the day we visited: a lone surfer hoping for surf didn't mind me taking pictures of him, and a lone beached and very dead sea lion provided a scrumptuous meal for more than a dozen vultures.

The west side of Morro Rock in the afternoon is a dull and lifeless mass of weathered volcanic dacite, sitting in deep shadows, but there are all sorts of lifeforms around it - cormorants, pelicans and other seabirds, non-native squirrels and homo-sapiens by the droves.

Pioneer Day 2009 Part 1

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:12:11 GMT

Here we go again - Pioneer Day in Paso Robles, CA. Old and new faces are seen on the floats, tractors and horses in this year's parade.

Started in 1931 as a way to show just how friendly area farmers and ranchers were and how equally friendly the city folk were, a mutual agreement was made to do just that --- and ever since, the county, and even some people in San Luis Obispo, agreed that Paso Robles was a great place to live, work, go to school, worship and have fun.

If that last paragraph has offends some folks in the south county, please email me and I'll remove the SLO reference. Remember, these were the old days.

Pioneer Day 2009 Part 2

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:25:02 GMT

After the parade, a long line forms for a bean and bread lunch. A number of families add beans to a big picnic lunch they'll enjoy in the park.

Then, it's off to the Pioneer Museum just south of the Event Center to peruse the historic displays. Many are new. All are charming.

Lil' Cowpoke Contest 2009

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:31:42 GMT

This annual contest brings out the best efforts to turn our kids into miniature cowboys and cowgirls, even if it means wearing dad's belt buckle.

I always got a thrill wearing spurs on Pioneer Day, especially if I had a pair of boots!

I've purposely left the names of these kids off the Internet.

Old Timers BBQ 2009

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:13:22 GMT

This year's Paso Robles Rotary Club feast honored the hundreds of men who have lived in the Paso area over 50 years and are willing to admit it, enjoy it and be proud of it.

The food was great as usual, but the chance to see and talk to old friends (and new ones) is the real reason these seasoned citizens come back year after year.

This year's format included welcoming the Miss Rodeo of California contestants. Will it become a tradition? Used to be "men only," but something or someone unnamed changed that.

The Happy Squirrel

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:18:37 GMT

Another scouting adventure along the Mokolumne River uncovered an assortment of willing and unwilling subjects for my camera. Mr. Happy Squirrel stars in this medley of mustered customers.

Plein-Air Artists Day 2009

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:11:23 GMT

This year's Plein-Air Artists' Day was hosted at the Stockton Haggin Museum October 3. Each painting will be sold after a drawing.

I've never seen so many 'beautiful' people, mainly women with lots of money.

Our friend, Gil Dellinger, chose a nondescript view looking southwest from the rose garden. Most others chose a strong focal point like the museum, new watercourses or rose garden.

Now this is the way to make real cash doing something foo foo.

Haggin Museum Deja Vu

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:22:55 GMT

After watching over a dozen plein-air artists painting on the museum grounds, Barb and I took a look-see inside the museum.

There have been a number of changes since I was last there --- either that or my memory is fading faster than I had thought.

TN Trip 2009 - Arrival

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:49:44 GMT

Time to visit the beautiful Cumberland Plateau again in TN. Here are the folks at our grand reunion in Fairfield Glade, with a few shots of flights in and back.

Sequatchie Valley, TN

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:46:13 GMT

Heading south from Crossville on Hwy 127 leads past the Cumberland Mountain State Park to the Sequatchie Valley with Wallings Ridge bordering the east and the Plateau rising to the east.

The old town of Pikeville was closed on Labor Day. I was the only person in town when I got there, I think.
Piggly-Wiggly was open, though.

Toward Crab Orchard, TN

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:35:53 GMT

Old Hwy 70 east of Crossville leads to Crab Orchard. There are a lot of interesting things to see before you get there.

Note the examples of depressed living quarters and disregard for highway hygiene.

Ozone Falls, TN

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:15:36 GMT

Located literally across the street from the two-horse town of Ozone on Hwy 70 in Tennessee, Ozone Falls surprises the visitor by its natural beauty, height and danger. Get too close to the edge of its unfenced brink, and you'll experience a 100' drop to your demise.

There are two ways to get to the pool below: Either take the overgrown jungle trail to the east, or descend on the sandstone 'steps' on the west side. A bit strenuous and slippery in spots, only the energetic and well-balanced need apply. Small children will do best on leashes.

In September, the falls empty into a pool, while the water flows underground before surfacing in the creek further south. There are large-mouth bass and plenty of pictures for the taking.

Miracle Mile Classics

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:06:49 GMT

A little Saturday afternoon action on the Miracle Mile in Stockton brought out the old fogeys who remember cruising this part of town in the 50's and 60's. It was blistering hot with overcast, so we didn't stay long.

Talked quite awhile with George who owns the '67 Mustang. He's a contracter here in town, feeling the pinch of the recession and thinking about selling this beautiful piece of metal. Anybody got 50 or 60 grand?

Dawn Redwoods and Dragons

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:25:39 GMT

WARNING! All of the flower pictures were taken at sunrise in the front yard, not at the lake! Seems this set needed some more color.

These pictures were taken from the Woodbridge side of Lodi Lake. There is a wide concrete walkway that parallels the Woodbridge Cemetery as you meander over to the northwest side of the lake. Four tall Dawn Redwoods (Japanese) were planted here, which display soft 3/8" long needles. Very petite and wispy and droopy, if I may be so bold in the description.

A few ducks and geese were on the water and lots of dragonflies of different colors cruised the shoreline. The blackberries were getting ripe, so I picked a few.

The spillway is at the extreme north end of the lake. The graffiti is under the bridge that I was standing on while shooting.

Another Birthday Party

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:08:09 GMT

It's 9 and counting for the Wonder Whiz Kid as we belatedly celebrated her birthday a few days ago.

It's Bakugan mania this year. That means exploding sphere in Japanese, if you're interested.

Stockton Waterfront Walk

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:53:17 GMT

It would rain a bit later in the day. A weak tropical depression was inviting an array of mind-of-their-own clouds which put on a new mask every few minutes.

This is a great place to have some peace and quiet. But, hey, it was only 6:30 in the morning!

Lorikeets Galore!

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:39:01 GMT

The Micke Grove Zoo has been transformed into a respectable place to visit after years of underfunding and scraping by. New exhibits, including the Lorikeet aviary are real treats.

Classic Car Show 2009

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:11:46 GMT

Today's show included about one hundred of the best classics on display at Micke Grove Park's Historical Museum. Lots of color in a perfectly nostalgic setting.

Sunrise Serenade

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:13:58 GMT

Hoping to capture some more sunrise egret photos, I ventured back to Morelli Park, only to be disappointed. No egrets on 'the point' feeding. I spotted a pair at the end of the southern slough, though, and drove closer, parked, and entered an open gate to be able to access the fenced off waterfront (construction).

Had to sneak up on the big bird (only one left at this spot), but I was still too far away to get sharp pictures. I finally spooked him and off he flew to find his mate.

Stopped by Delta College on the way home to see more color.

University Glory

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:04:40 GMT

The University of the Pacific's Robert E. Burns Tower has been restored to its original glory after years of weathering. It is beautifully painted now.

I walked all the way around it, taking advantage of the best framing, then stood in its shadow, looking up. A beautiful sun ring (aka Sun Dog) gave it the appearance of having a halo.

Old Glory waved at the school's entrance - another subject that could be seen with a surrounding halo.

Walking On Water

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:54:51 GMT

Morelli Boat Ramp Park on Stockton's Deep Water Channel is on the south side of the channel on Weber Street. You can launch a boat or fish or kick back and watch people. I wanted to get a long shot of the new marina being built towards downtown. I was surprised by other photo opportunities and being able to talk to an older gentleman who told me the history of fishing on the channel while lure fishing for stripers and bass.

The fellow in the red shirt was catching a few shad to use as bait for the larger fish, but wasn't having much success. The reason: All of the construction going on had killed off most of the shad. Last year at this time, thousands of them were jumping and being gobbled up by hundreds of birds, while this year there are hardly any. I only saw two egrets and two herons fishing while I was there.

Knight's Ferry Covered Bridge

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:07:16 GMT

Saturday's visit to Sonora was punctuated with a short stop at Copperopolis, where Don and I took camera advantage of a few acres of goldfields wildflowers and some horses.

On the way home we stopped at Knight's Ferry to take pictures of the restored old covered bridge and park grounds.

Locomotive No. 844

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:32:05 GMT

Union Pacific's No. 844 steam locomotive and entourage rolled into town this morning. This is a monster of a machine, a fire-breathing beast that runs the Western rails for enthusiasts and regular folks to enjoy.

Sunny Delight

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:07:48 GMT

Taken in the front yard during the afternoon. Just one shot, handheld. MicroNikkor 55mm.

More Wildflower Country

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:08:09 GMT

Couldn't stay home again today and headed for new vistas, including Valley Springs and Mokelumne Hill. We included another drive down Electra Road - this time all the way to the power station.

It was another beautiful day, although the poppies are waning. My apologies for the out-of-focus shots.

D70 Nikon with 55mm MicroNikkor used for closeups. Nikkor 18-70 for wide angles and Nikkor 55-200 VR for telephoto shots.

Electra Road Poppies

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:00:53 GMT

Highway 49 just south of Jackson is resplendent in poppies this year after the late rains. One local artist from Sonora said he'd never seen so many.

After a great lunch at Webster's Country Burgers in Clement, we headed to the spot and found a glorious display of red-orange wonders. Hope you like poppies.

All of the closeups were shot on Electra Road, a 3-mile, sometimes one lane road to the east, along the Mokelumne River to the power station. We met two dozen cars. Thankfully, there were plenty of places to pull over and park.

Enjoy.

Rancho Seco Wildflowers

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:20:45 GMT

Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail is located in southeast Sacramento County. The landscape includes vernal pools, seasonal wetlands, riparian and marsh habitat, wildflowers and great views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east.

Vernal pools are the home of fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and the California Tiger Salamander, although we didn't see any on this trip in late March. When the pools evaporate, they are ringed with wildflowers. We were a little too early to see the best displays, but were able to enjoy their beginning.

This is a 7-mile trail and not for made for the weary of body. It is fairly level, but doesn't offer the greatest views of the pools from the north side. We were too pooped to make it all the way around and (our photographer - me) had to leave the trail to take pictures of a few.

The day was beautiful. Low 70's with a slight breeze. We certainly got our $4 gate fee worth as we walked 4-5 miles with a number of rests. The binoculars were handy for bird watching and the close-up lens for flowers.

The poppy photos at the end were taken in the backyard.

1969 Paso Robles Flood - 5 Photos Added

wordydave@sbcglobal.net (Dave Skinner Photography) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:34:11 GMT

This is a reminder to everyone camped within spitting distance from the Salinas River that flooding is inevitable. This was one of the more exciting news stories I covered that year --- the only one, in fact.

The Paso Robles Press had ample coverage of the event and David Ranns published a little booklet with stories and pictures of the county-wide disaster.