My Little Boy Scout...

Well again today I tried to upload a video and have come to the conclusion that they need to be smaller if it is going to work. Sooooo I had to dig into a previous print order to come up with something for today.

Shane is active in Boy Scouts and is working on his advancements. I hope someday he can achieve the rank of Eagle and become the third person in his family to do so. In the top photo he is participating in Memorial Day ceremonies a couple of years ago. The bottom photo is when he crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.

It's St. Patrick's Day

Okay I will admit what you are looking at was not planned. For two hours I have been trying to upload a video to this site from an Alaska dog sled team to coincide with the ending of the iditarod race. I couldn't find any spec on here as to the size but I can only assume a 12 minute video is too large since two hours later it was still loading. I will keep have to shorten it up and try again.

Thank goodness it is St. Patty's Day because I had nothing ready for the site, that was why I was trying the video. These two photos were in a file of uploaded photos that had already been printed so I just re sized and put them up. I had to work this past Saturday so I did not get to go to the Harrisburg St. Patty's Day parade this year. This photograph was taken last year and for the most part is Harrisburg firefighters, some are from other locals that live in the area and have paraded with us in the past.

The reason for two photos is for you to tell me witch one you like best. The top image was converted to art work to appear more like a painting and the bottom photo is just that a straight photo. Maybe you don't like either one, with faces like that it scares me.

Alaska Humpback Whales

Both of today's photographs come from our July 2007 trip to Alaska. They were both taken on separate days in different parts of the state. The top image was taken while on a cruise out of Valdez and the bottom on was taken while cruising from Seward, Alaska.

This was the third time we have gone whale watching in the past decade. We did trips out of Virginia Beach, Virginia, we had no luck seeing whales that time but with temperatures in the 60's and it was February it was still a great time. We also went whale watching off the coast of Massachusetts, we did see whales and sharks that time.

We did two trips in Alaska because one was to be better for Glaciers and the other for sea life. The sea life (Seward) trip really didn't pan out. We still had fun but would have cut that trip if we had to do over again. It is hard to shoot whales because you never know where they are going to show up at. It could be the other side of the ship, far off or in an area that you can't see because of other people on the ship. Once you see them they give you very little time to compose your shot and get it right.

Maybe in a few days I will post a few more whale photographs and some facts on humpback whales.

A Couple From The Seward Alaska Area...

Hey like yesterday I have some photos prepared and ready to post but not much to say. If I can keep coming up with photos they may have to go up without comments in the future. Who would have guessed me with nothing to say.

These were taken last July on our Alaska trip. While in Seward we took a cruise looking for sea life and glaciers. While on the trip the Captain of the ship gave all the kids the opportunity to steer the ship for awhile if they wanted to. Shane took him up on the offer and spent some time behind the wheel. We only struck a couple of ice bergs and it didn't take the rescue ship long to arrive. Maybe you heard of our experience that day, our ship was called the Titanic.

The second photo was taken by Linda with the D70, we were walking the coast line in the harbour at Seward. Sometimes on vacations like this it is fun just to relax and skip a few stones . I don't know what Shane was asking me but I am sure I made up some kind of answer.

The Eye's Have It...

I thought I took care of the hard part, I got two photographs ready to post and had a title in mind. The hard parts are out of the way now all I have to do is post them and worry about the next day. Well it didn't work like that, I have no idea what to say now that they are up.

The top photograph is Cappy and the bottom one is Alex. They are both named for the Washington Capitals hockey team. I have been wanting to photograph them for some time and they really don't do much except lay around. But let me get the camera and they won't stay still. A couple of days ago they were sleeping in the sun room and thought here is my chance. It was a little to bright with the existing light and I screwed up the dept of field and didn't get the whole image sharp but I am not a pro so big deal. I guess tomorrow I will need to go through this all over again.

Who Is The New Guy?

Okay I bored you long enough with Katmai, but don't think I am not going back to them sometime. As soon as Linda teaches me how to edit and prepare the video from there, they will replace photos for a couple of days.

The top image was taken this past Friday March 7 on 3rd Street in Harrisburg. It was Brian's' first day back after being off for over three months with an injury that I can not go into detail about because he keeps reminding me it falls under HIPPA. We were on the street when county dispatched companies for a motor vehicle accident, being in the area we decided to take it in. Here I believe the Captain is explaining to Brian that we have a new S.O.P. since he has been gone and that anytime we are on the street he is to wear his vest like the rest of the progressive truck crew. Unfortunately I got the camera off the truck and just took a few frames without looking through the viewfinder to give the Capt. a hard time about wearing the vest. It was not until after I downloaded them that I realized "Hey the Capitol is in the background" and that had I only taken a moment to compose a few shots and adjust the settings I could have had something decent.

The second photograph was taken May 13, 2007 on Radnor Street at a general alarm fire. It is really just a space filler for today but something a little different for me. I got brave and played with photoshop applying numerous different layers that I have never worked with before. I liked the final result so I thought I would post it.

A Couple More Katmai...

As I said last week there was plenty at Katmai to photograph that I failed to do. Chuck asked about landscape, unfortunately to top photo is all I got. It was taken from the shore line by the planes. When I was taking the photo of Linda and Shane still shooting away, this is what they were photographing and filming.

The bottom photo is of one of the many salmon trying to go up stream and over Brooks Falls. I was so busy shooting the bears that I only got a few pictures of the salmon. You have to ask yourself why do they do it. Many are caught by the bears and eaten before getting to the spawning grounds, many more die trying to there and those that make it die after spawning and float back down the river to be eaten by the bear. Doesn't make much sense to me but after watching the many stupid things humans do nothing would surprise me.

As I said there was many things I didn't photograph, the cabins, gated bridge, landscape, trail and observation decks. I do believe Linda got allot of it on film including the bears and how they catch the fish and eat them. She is going to show me how to edit that footage and make short videos that can be added here. Hopefully we can have that done for next week. I am ready to go back, who is with me?

Do We Really Have To Go!

Yesterday I posted about our trip to Katmai. Next week I will post about our time there and what we did photograph and what we should have photographed and didn't. Don't worry I only have one or two days worth of these post planned for next week.

The top photo is on the beach at Katmai, the planes fly in and ferry up to the beach. Once there people are waiting to help you get out without getting wet. It was almost time to leave but Linda and Shane still could not filming and photographing the bears. I will post a photo of what they were looking at next Monday. In the bottom photo you can see what the inside of the plane looks like. There is three rows of seating and I was lucky enough to get the front seat next to the pilot for the return trip home. Shane got to be co-pilot for the trip there. As you can see we get packed in pretty tight. I believe Shane is telling the lady how he took so many photos and the camera setting he used.

We Got There Somehow...

I have posted many photographs over the last several months of the Katmai grizzly bears but that only tell part of the story of the trip. There are two more parts to it, one I won't go into and that is the Park itself. There is more than just grizzly bears in Katmai it is also the land of 10,000 smokes and much more. I know Shane and I were taken by this place and can't seem to get enough of it. Just this past weekend we watched two shows on television about it. We would love to go back and I would be willing to travel to Alaska just to go to Katmai and spend three or four days. I know it does not seem like a long time but once you start planning and figure the price out, lets just say it is long enough.

The other part of the trip is the trip itself. After traveling by camper from Seward to Anchorage we had to board a small jet to travel to King Salmon. Now I didn't know it until I got home but a long time friend of mine David Myers spent allot of time stationed in King Salmon and was able to tell me some stories about the place. I almost forgot to mention it was raining in King Salmon and apparently that is the norm. Once in King Salmon we boarded a float plane (the one pictured above) for the trip to Katmai. Upon reaching Katmai you are greeted with bears in the water and along the beach just waiting to eat you, oh I mean take their photograph.

The Katmai sign is on the beach in the area you get off the float planes, and no Chuck the camera with the self timer did not take the photograph I took it off a tripod making the settings and telling it what to do. More tomorrow on the trip and what it takes to do a Katmai trip.

Pennsylvania White Tale Deer...

Today's photographs were taken last Friday on my way home from work. It was a good couple of days to see deer while traveling back and forth to work. These deer were in a place that I had never looked before, right behind our Target store. Of course now that I know they are there I will be looking in that area more often.

There is many places close to me that I should be able to photograph white tail deer, I just need to get of my butt and get at it. These deer were close enough to stand and watch but a little to far away to shoot with the equipment I had with me. They were taken with my Nikon D70 at 105 mm (after converting it with the 1.5 for sensor), ISO 320, 1/125 sec at f5.6. They were also taken through a chain link fence. As you can see from the last photograph the deer were not happy to have me watching them as the one showed the flag of danger and off they went. If I had only had my big lens and tripod.

American Bison...

As usual here is the photograph now I don't know what to type in. This buffalo was photographed at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center I mentioned in the grizzly post two days ago.

Since I already told you about the Conservation Center how about a little history of the American Bison also known as buffalo to most people. Of course I learned to refer to this great creature as Tatonka. Bison can reach up to 6.6 feet tall, 10 feet long and and weigh 900 to 2,000 pounds. Bison have a shaggy, dark brown winter coat, and a lighter weight, lighter brown summer coat. The heads and forequarters are massive, and both sexes have short, curved horns, which they use in fighting for status within the herd and for defense. Bison mate in August and September; a single reddish-brown calf is born the following spring, and it nurses for a year. Bison are mature at three years of age, and have a life expectancy of approximately 15 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity. One very rare condition is the white buffalo, where the calf turns entirely white. It is not to be confused with albino, since white bison still possess pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. White bison are considered sacred by many Native Americans. That is enough about bison at for now, maybe when I finally get out back and shoot some of those Buffalo I will post more information on them.

"B" Shift Extinguishes Rubbish Fire

On Friday February 29, 2008, Wagon 3 and Tower 2, B shift extinguished a rubbish fire in the 400 block of Varn Alley. If you look to the right of the first photo you will see the garage doors burnt, A shift had a fire there a few days earlier. The tour before we had the same thing just up the alley. Captain Dave Eiceman and Wil Turner, tower 2 walk up the alley, John Peskie, wagon 3 has the line.

I can't always tell which way a photograph looks best, the top one is darker and the bottom one lighter, which one do you think looks right? Maybe neither one is right and they should be some where in between.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Today's photograph was taken at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, mile 79, Seward Highway, Portage Alaska. The grizzly may be captive but he is still wild.

The AWCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through public education. The center takes animals that are injured or orphaned year round and provides a spacious enclosure and quality animal care. Animals that can be released into the wild are and those that cannot be are provided a permanent home at the center.

I personally do not like zoos, I do not believe in keeping wild animals in cages or on concrete slabs, but I would recommend this place. It is not a zoo and there intentions are good. Your admission price is going to a good cause and the animals are kept in areas much like there natural habitat.

I forgot about these photos and just recently found them, so expect more in the future.

Canada Geese...

These lonely Canada Geese were at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management area. They were far out numbered by the tundra swans and snow geese, maybe that is why I spotted them on the other side of the road walking away. They eventually honked a few times and flew away.

There is several species of geese in North America but the Canada Goose is the most common. It can be spotted by the large size, black head and neck, and prominent white cheek patch of this bird makes identification easy, along with their distinctive "V" shaped flying pattern and honking calls. At least ten subspecies or races of Canada geese have been identified, with differences primarily noted in size, voice, and plumage.

That's all I have time for today, its off to work I go.

Middle Creek Wildlife Area

The snow geese photographs were taken last March at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Kleinfeltersville, Pa.

In the spring the snow geese migrate north and Middle Creek is one of their stops. At the height of the migration as many as 100,000 to 150,000 snow geese can be found at Middle Creek along with tundra swans, Canada geese and many other birds. The day we were their we even watched two white tail deer feeding in the area. It is really worth the trip to watch these birds. When the whole flock takes off it is an amazing site. I plan on making the short trip again this year.

For additional information on Middle Creek and the snow geese visit; http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?Q=171160&A=11,

Tufted Puffin

This is a tufted puffin, one of the many wildlife species I was excited about seeing when we traveled to Alaska last year. I had seen the many photographs of these beautiful birds and had my expectations set high on viewing and photographing. When will I ever learn, I know I am to old it's to late to learn.

We did see many puffins on our two cruises but they were always far away for there size and are a little scared of boats. Only being able to get so close to them there size and the fact that the ship is swaying as much as twelve feet side to side causing me to shoot with one hand and hold the groceries in with the other this is the best shot I got.

It was still a great time and even though I didn't get the photographs I expected I really enjoyed watching them. Maybe next time I can get better shots. We still need to do the inner passage and that area of Alaska.

For more information on the Tufted Puffin and his relatives visit these sites; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tufted_Puffin, http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/puffin.html, http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/bird/puffins.php, http://www.projectpuffin.org/species.html

Mount McKinley

Mount McKinley or Denali in Denali National Park, Alaska is the highest mountain in North America at a height of approximately 20,320 feet. Denali is so tall it creates its own weather and has recorded temperatures over the years at –100 degrees.

The first recorded attempt to climb Mount McKinley was by Judge James Wickersham in 1903, via the Peters Glacier and the North Face, now known as the Wickersham Wall. This route has tremendous avalanche danger and was not successfully climbed until 1963. The first successful attempt came on June 7, 1913 when four Americans reached the summit. In 1990, Alaskan Norma Jean Saunders became the first woman to officially document a solo ascent of Mount McKinley. She climbed the West Buttress.

Today’s post could go on forever just with all the climbing attempts, successes and deaths to occur on Denali, but if you are that interested just Google it.

This photograph was taken in July 2007 from inside the park. The day before we were as close as you could get to McKinley without needing a special permit. That particular day was beautiful but McKinley created its own storms and was never visible. In over a week we only seen the mountain two times and both times it was here one minute and gone the next.

Danny Byers...

I had planned to put up two photos today but didn't get a second ready in time, so Danny you get the spotlight to yourself. Being my little site don't worry the light is fairly dim.

This photograph was taken at the down town Shippensburg fire in July 2006. Danny spotted the blaze on his way to work and went back to the Viggies to drive the Wagon.

Danny joined the Vigilant's in the early to mid 70's and worked his way up the ranks holding the position of Fire Chief for a number of years. Danny currently serves as President of the company. Byers also worked at the Letterkenny Army Depot Fire Department and served as chief of that organization also before retiring last August.

When I was working up the photograph for the site the idea I had was just more portraits of firefighters but after a comment I made a few days ago on my other site http://shippensburgfiredepartment.blogspot.com/ my description of the image has changed.

Danny is one of the firefighters that helped to mold me into a fireman, he may not remember it but he took me into (or should I say pushed me through) my first interior job. The incident occurred on the Mainsville Road on a Saturday back in July 1979 or 1980, Larry Kerns was driving the 1963 Seagrave and I was riding the seat, no one was getting out and it was a reported entrapment. Larry had me pack up and Danny pushed me through the building, the fire went out. I mentioned Larry he was another along with Gerald Holtry, Rick "Pap" Sanders and my father. I thank these guys and others that I failed to mention for turning me into a fireman, of course they may have messed me up for the modern fire service also.

Because of these men and many others before and after them the Shippensburg Fire Department continues to be one of the best organizations around blessed with lots of manpower and good firefighters. Many have gone on to make the fire service a career and I am sure many more will in the future.

Fire To Art...

Okay I post two photographs now what do I say. It’s not like I am at a loss for words often. Both of these were taken in Shippensburg July 2006 at a multiple alarm fire. I have posted other photos from this fire on the site but do not have time this morning to go back and find the links to them. Both of these have been altered greatly in Photoshop to appear as paintings or artwork. Hopefully I won’t misspell or screw up any of the names but the first photo is of Ed Hoover, Newburg FD using the hose, Jeremy Heckman, WEFR on the ladder, Todd Sherman, WEFR and Waleed Nruriden, WEFR. I know the title of the photo is just a little screwed up by by borough SOP’s WEFR’s assignment is in the rear of the structures and the have been lucky enough over the last few decades to catch plenty of fire their. The second photo was taken in front of the building and shows two unidentified Pleasant Hall firefighters advancing a hose line over a ground ladder.

I Don't Know What To Say...

As I mentioned earlier this week everything after Monday would be fire department related images. Well I have them ready through Friday and they may not be what you were expecting. All have been worked over in Photoshop to change their appearence. And you know I am just rambling on like this because I really have no idea what to say.

Both of these photographs were taken at the Washington DC muster in September 2005. The top image comes from an Ahrens-Fox and the bottom one from the Newburg Hopewell's American LaFrance.

We Don't Need No Engine...

The next few days will be fire department related posts and after that I don’t know how much longer I am going to keep going. Between finding time to keep two sites running and coming up with images and things to say it is getting harder to do. Maybe if the fires would move a little closer to my area I could come up with some more material to cover me for awhile.

Today’s post was shot on 5th Street in Harrisburg, as the truck company was moving in to take another fire from the wagon. As my partner and I approached the fire with our ANSI and OSHA and NFPA and AFU (you figure out the last one) approved reflective vest on (so the fire could see us and the rodents would not run over us) he let me know he had it with his mop and that the wagon could return and if the Hill companies were still looking for the scene send them home also.

Okay really these were shot while we were filming a segment for Engine 21 the fire safety show that airs on CBS TV 21 every Wednesday evening.

Presidents Day

The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22, 1732. According to the old style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11. At least in 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th instead.

By the early 19th century, Washington's Birthday had taken firm root in the American experience as a bona fide national holiday. Its traditions included Birthnight Balls in various regions, speeches and receptions given by prominent public figures, and a lot of revelry in taverns throughout the land. Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered president and fellow February baby (born on the 12th of the month). The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states.

In 1968, legislation (HR 15951) was enacted that affected several federal holidays. One of these was Washington's Birthday, the observation of which was shifted to the third Monday in February each year whether or not it fell on the 22nd. This act, which took effect in 1971, was designed to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays and give federal employees some standard three-day weekends in the process.

Apparently, while the holiday in February is still officially known as Washington's Birthday (at least according to the Office of Personnel Management), it has become popularly (and, perhaps in some cases at the state level, legally) known as "President's Day." This has made the third Monday in February a day for honoring both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as president.

More Harrisburg, Pa...

Today’s two photos will finish up my week of Harrisburg, Pa. photographs. Remember if you click on the image it will get much larger and to make it easier for people not familiar with the city I used red arrows on the uptown shot to help you out. The first photograph is of the Harrisburg Transportation Center located in the downtown district. From here you can pick up a cab, train or bus for your trip in or out of the city. At the far left of the photo is Market Street and at the bottom center is Chestnut Street and the Mulberry Street Bridge.

The second photograph shows the uptown neighborhood that HFD Station #1 is in. I have attached two red arrows to help you out the one points to Station 1 home of Wagon 3, Tower 2 and the Captains, this is the station that holds the city together and keeps the citizens and visitors safe. The second arrow, two blocks back points to the Reily Hose Company #10. The Reily was built in 1899 and has been closed as an active fire station for years. Today it is home to the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum. You will notice the rail cars towards the bottom of the photo, years ago you could board the train in this area also, but those are days long gone.

Happy Valentines Day

Todays post was supposed to be about Valentines Day, but my mood this morning changed that, so the photograph is all you get today. This was taken last fall on Third Street in Harrisburg while peeping the on duty shift extinguishing a tan bark fire.

City Island, Harrisburg, Pa.

Today's post was to have multiple images but blogger does not want to work right this morning and with the streets the way they are I really need to get to work. So you will just have to settle for this one. This is city island, in the middle of the Susquehanna river, Harrisburg, Pa. The island has change allot since I was young, we used to go to concerts on the island to see bands like Krokas, Judas Priest, Def Leopard and many more. Since then the island has been transformed into a family entertainment area with rides, minor league baseball, soccer and football. The island has also been flooded many times, and with any luck will not flood again until after I retire. Can you name the four bridges in the photograph?

Pennsylvania Capitol Building, Harrisburg

Harrisburg has been an important transportation center since the days of riverboat traffic. Its western boundary is formed by the Susquehanna River. This location played an important part in its selection as the capital of Pennsylvania in 1812. Because of its location, Harrisburg played a large part in the early development of the Pennsylvania canal system and the subsequent development of the railroads, highways and airlines. Today, Harrisburg is one of the most important commercial centers and distribution points in the East.

In colonial days, John Harris operated a ferry at Harrisburg. His son, John Jr., laid out the town of Harrisburg in 1785, and gave land to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that was later used for the Capitol grounds. The capitol building is an Italian Renaissance-style statehouse. It is an example of outstanding architecture, with collections of art and sculpture, including large murals. On the floor of the main hallway, tiles show Pennsylvania's history, symbols, insects and animals.

At the dedication of the Capitol building in 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt described this structure as "the handsomest building I ever saw". The capitol dome rises 272 feet. This vaulted dome weighs 52 million pounds, and was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It's beautiful staircase looks like one from the Paris Opera. Over 100,000 people per year enjoy a free tour of Harrisburg's Capitol building.

Play Ball...

The next few days will be photographs taken from the Pa. State Police helicopter over Harrisburg last summer. When I got this one ready I really didn’t know it would be so cold today. Today’s post had to due with spring training being right around the corner and ballplayers soon reporting to camp. Of course since I got the photograph ready my Caps moved back into first place, the Bears moved into second place alone and Dale Jr. won at Daytona. With as poorly as the Orioles and Senators play maybe I should not be in a hurry for the season to begin. This is Comerce Bank Park on City Island and the Harrisburg Senators playing an afternoon game. Lets hope this year they don’t have to many games where the players on the field out number the fans in the stands like it did this day.

After The Fire Life Begins

This photograph was taken in July 2005 between fishing bridge and the east entrance to Yellowstone. In Yellowstone life begins after the fire. Many of the trees in the park are lodgepole pines. The cones of these trees are sealed by resin and only release their seeds after the cones have been exposed to extreme heat. It has also been found in Yellowstone that bears frequent areas recently burnt for better feeding. More on wildfires in Yellowstone can be found at this link http://www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/wildlandfire.htm

The flower in the photo is common in areas damaged by wildfires they are called fireweed. To learn more about fireweed check out this site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireweed

If I Only Knew Her Husband Was Coming Home...

A couple of weeks ago we got to spend the weekend in Binghamton, NY for the AHL All-Star game. We went up with our friends the Holtzmans and had a great time. While there we had some free time and took a walk downtown. The city can be compared to Harrisburg with its population. The downtown is filled with beautiful old buildings, but most are boarded up and vacant.

While strolling down one street we heard a man screaming for help. Looking up we saw him hanging from a window on the 5th floor. It seems he was visiting someone when their husband showed up unannounced forcing him to flee quickly without his clothes. He must have been hanging there for some time as he appeared pale. I was more than happy to take his photograph with Shane's Nikon Coolpix and then get as far away from the area as I could.

Buffalo Bill Cody Night Rodeo

In July 2005 while in Wyoming we attended the Buffalo Bill Cody night rodeo. It was the first real rodeo with real cowboys we had ever seen. From June through August a rodeo is held every night in Cody. Because of this Cody, Wyoming is known as "The Rodeo Capital of the World".

If you have never been to Cody add it to your list of places to visit, besides the rodeo there is the Irma hotel built by Buffalo Bill, plenty of wildlife and other sites. And it is not that far from Yellowstone. If you are there during hockey season stop by and watch the team play, they are coached by Hershey Bear great and AHL hall of famer Tim Tookey.