Lens-Artists Challenge: Old and New

Lens-Artists Challenge #99: Old and New

We look forwarding to seeing your “Old and New” interpretation. It can be the contrast of architecture, fashion, collections, treasures…in one photo or multiple photos.

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My first “old and new” image is a “view from beach towel on sand” photo taken during a solo 7 day vacation in Coronado, California. I was feeling most grateful for the chance to enjoy precious peaceful time away. As I often do, I captured the moment on “film” and one photo highlighted the odd contrast between two very different buildings from very different times.

On the left: the old upscale for-the-tourists (and movie stars and all around famous people) Hotel Del Coronado with its signature red roof. Built in 1887, it has since been designated as a National Historic Landmark. I didn’t stay at the “Del” but enjoyed a meal and a drink at its restaurant. And, of course, I had to check out the gift shop.

To the right – and actually farther off in the distance than it looks – the more modern day high rise apartment buildings. Home to residents and, I imagine, not-so-famous people.

Worlds apart in more ways than one.

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Coronado Beach, California 2006

My second “old and new” photo originates much closer to home. Once spring appears, my trusty path in the woods…which I have gotten to know well…always reveals a combination of the old and new. But only when I remember to pause and look down.

During a walk last month…I stopped next to these fallen leaves, now old and brown, which had covered the ground with thick layers of crunch. However…they were obviously no match for a glimmer of new growth forcing its way up towards the sun.

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Spring in New Hampshire 2020

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Special Spot Shots

Inspired by Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #78: Special Spot Shots

Now we are looking forward to seeing Your very special spot shots – maybe a room in your home, a garden, a mountain, a city, an exhibition, a lovely café…a place that is special to you!

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While taking on this photo challenge, I came to the realization that my “Special Spot” had changed.

At first, I thought…Coronado Beach! I have such warm and wonderful – and yes, special, memories from the half dozen times I vacationed there.

I have posted about this slice of heaven on the US west coast several times.

Coronado Beach, California

However, I have not been back to Coronado since 2006 and it is unlikely I will be able to make a cross country trip again.

Time for a new special place…

I live on the US east coast…relatively close to a beautiful beach. I will admit, it’s not as beautiful as Coronado…but it still ranks up there.

From October through December of 2016 we lived in a rental across the street from the sands of Hampton Beach. A temporary stint of “living at the beach” while we waited to close on our new condo under construction a few towns away.

It was off season, so we practically had the beach to ourselves.

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Hampton Beach, NH – 2016

Peaceful.
Perfect for afternoon walks.

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Hampton Beach, NH – 2016

A seat on the sand for contemplation.

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Hampton Beach, NH – 2016

Mesmerized by the waves while my imagination ran wild with plans for the future.

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Yesterday afternoon I decided to take a ride back to Hampton Beach…

Dressed in layers for a cold, windy, winter walk.

It happened to be low tide. The lowest tide I’d ever seen.

I was not disappointed.

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Hampton Beach, NH – 2020
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Hampton Beach, NH – 2020

It seems I still have a Special Spot.

Now…close to home.

Paradise Found

Inspired by Lens-Artists Challenge #65: Pick a Place

We’d like you to capture the spirit of a place that is vivid in your memory. What was it that drew you in and why did it capture YOUR heart?

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You have to go to Coronado!
Stop at the Del for dessert since it’s cheaper than getting a meal!

My friend Barbara was adamant. My husband and I were planning a week’s vacation in San Diego (this was 1996…before the internet…back when you talked to friends and read travel books to prepare for a trip). I had always wanted to explore southern California – specifically San Diego – and Barbara insisted we include a trip to nearby Coronado.

She grew up in California, so I figured her advice was solid.

We dutifully signed up for one of those trolley tours you can take when visiting a popular tourist destination. Coronado (often referred to as an island, but as we were informed many times – it’s a peninsula – NOT an island) is just across the bridge from San Diego. Lucky for us…it was a stop on the route.

When the trolley let us off on Coronado’s Orange Avenue….we fell in love with what we saw. Palm tree lined streets, friendly locals, an amazing ice cream shop, a restaurant advertising the world’s best margarita, thriving community theater…and the best part: the Beach. Sparkly sand like I’d never seen before. Or since.

Yes, we also drank tea and enjoyed a snack at the “Del” (aka: The Hotel Del Coronado…the iconic location of the classic film Some Like It Hot). Thank you Barbara.

We discovered that Coronado Beach goes on for what seems like forever. Dotted with people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Tourists and townspeople alike. Kids building sand castles. Teenagers tossing beachballs. Runners pounding footprints into the sand. Even a section for dogs and their humans to play.

It’s also a perfect beach for walking, even at high tide. An ideal spot for stretching out on a rented chair or towel. Reading. Writing. Listening to music. Staring at the horizon. Quenching one’s thirst. Unwinding.

We returned to my favorite place a half dozen times and found something new to do every visit.

My last visit was a solo trip in 2006 for a week’s R&R.

No need to rent a car. Walking or riding a bicycle was enough.

From a walk by the pier…to the shops…to the beach.

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Coronado Beach

 

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Dog Beach

 

After dinner…perhaps a concert at the bandstand.

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And back to the beach for a sunset goodnight.

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Just perfect.

 

 

 

Dream Vacation

Inspired by Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #55: Dreamy

 

Living in the northeastern United States, I have endured many snowstorms, blizzards and variations on the theme of freezing rain and sleet. Along with gloomy cloudy skies for days on end – with matching sub freezing temperatures.

I know there are people who enjoy the sitting-by-a-roaring-fire aspect of that time of year…known as late fall, winter and early spring where I live. They enjoy wearing multiple layers of cozy flannel shirts, wool socks and thick sweaters. Before venturing outdoors. To navigate the front steps. Which are icy.

Not me.

I dream of warm…and sunny…and relaxing.

Destination?

San Diego – more specifically Coronado, California.

I was lucky enough to vacation there 6 or 7 times. Just my husband and me. Our two children came along twice. They loved it too.

In 2006 – my last visit there – it was me, myself and I.  Back when I could travel easily. Hustling through an airport with several suitcases…not a problem. Eating whatever and wherever I wanted to. Enjoying local cuisine…with no worries or restrictions.

And most importantly: the energy to walk and explore for hours.

I’m so glad I didn’t wait.

 

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Coronado Beach 2006
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Sunset Cliffs, San Diego 1999
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Coronado Beach 2006

 

 

 

Photo a Week – Shimmer

Nancy Merrill is hosting a photo challenge. The theme this week – Shimmer

IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO OR TWO (OR MORE) THAT SHIMMER.

 

Once again I am able to share a photo from my favorite beach. Taken during a solo vacation many years ago. Where I enjoyed warm weather, sunshine and long walks along the water’s edge. No schedule except for one of my choosing…including photo opportunities I couldn’t resist.
Sparkly sand. Sun. Water. Waves.

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Coronado Beach, CA

 

A more recent walk…not so warm. Early Spring in New England.
A local pond still holding a partial sheet of ice.
The late afternoon sun still doing its amazing thing…

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New England pond

 

 

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Reflection

Here is my entry for this week’s challenge hosted by “Dutch goes the Photo.”

The theme this week is “Reflection”

Many years ago, on a solo visit to Coronado, California, I captured this close-up moment of reflection…as the waves rolled out over the sand…
On my favorite beach.
On a beautiful sunny day in June.
Where the uniquely colored sand just sparkles.

If I didn’t know better, I would have guessed I had struck gold.

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Coronado Beach 

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Treat

Here is my entry for this week’s challenge hosted by “Dutch goes the Photo.”

https://dutchgoesthephoto.net/2018/07/10/tuesday-photo-challenge-treat/

The theme this week is “Treat” and my first thought was…

Coronado, California. Specifically the public beach near the Hotel Del.  If I could transport myself back there – even for just an afternoon – now that would truly be a Treat.

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Coronado Beach 2006

Sun…Sand…Solitude