Nikon D700| Nikkor 18mm Ai-S| f8| 1/40 sec| ISO 200| Manual Mode| Tripod
Tag: California
Croque Monsieur w/Mixed Spring Greens
Croque Monsieur w/Mixed Spring Greens, originally uploaded by dmzajac2004-.
Via Flickr:
Copyright © 2010 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.
A photo from the archives.
T, DD, G, and I went to Brunch at Absinthe Brasserie, and Bar in San Francisco before heading to downtown to photograph Union Square, and then meet-up with our Night group for some Night photography.
I had the Croc Monsieur. It was delicious. Toasted levain bread, with thin sliced Black Forest ham, smothered in melted Gruyère, some Dijon mustard, béchamel, mixed greens.
The restaurant opened at 11:00am we there a few minutes after 11 and there was already a 30-40 minute wait for walk-ins. We ate at the bar.
Nikon D300s|Nikkor 17-35mm @ 20mm| f2.8| 1/13second| ISO 400| Manual Mode| Hand-held
Hawk she/he is calling its mate.
Hawk she/he is calling its mate., originally uploaded by dmzajac2004-.
Via Flickr:
Copyright © 2011 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.
I think this is a Red-Tailed Hawk He or she is part of a pair.
It was really exciting seeing this one and trying to get “in flight’ shots!
Nikon D300s| Nikkor 80-200mm| f4| /2500 sec| ISO 500| Manual Mode| Hand-held
San Francisco, Cypress Tree, Red-Tailed Hawk, Nature, Wildlife
When Seconds Count!
Yesterday afternoon I felt the rumble of a large vehicle, and heard the sirens of several firetrucks pass by my house. Dropping everything to run out the door to see what was going on I smelled smoke and saw the trucks were not too far away as I reached the end of my driveway. I raced back in the house for my camera then dashed back out to run up the block. A house up the street was on fire! A homeowners worst nightmare to be sure. I arrived only seconds after the fire trucks and already the firemen had sprung into action.
This lad was setting up the hose, and firemen were already in the house. He gives the fireman at the hydrant the thumbs up signal. All is ready to go.
Turning on the spigot
The rescue! I heard the fireman say, ” he/she was right near the door and came right to him.” A very uplifting moment in an otherwise very tense, and somber time.
Minutes after this the firemen came off the roof. They were making great headway in knocking this fire down. Thankfully, no one was hurt. I haven’t heard today how much damage was sustained, but it didn’t look as bad as it could have been. I’m grateful for these suburban heroes whose quick action, skill, and professionalism not only saved this dog, but saved the house from total ruin. Thank you San Jose Fire Department Station 14!
Nikon D300s| Nikkor 18-200mm VR| Hand-held
June Hiking Report
Descending Vista Point one morning I rounded a bend in the trail and stopped dead in my tracks. There 25ft away was this little fawn (see photo above). It’s mother was on the other side of the trail in the trees waiting for the fawn to cross the trail. Startled by hikers coming up the trail it had stopped then I happened along. It looked at me and headed in the opposite direction of its mother. Then timidly it crept up to this tree and watched me and its mother. It’s mother was not happy; she pranced and paced back and forth with worry. I wasn’t sure what I should do…wait and hope the mother crossed, or the fawn crossed, or just move on. I took a few quick photos. We hikers looked at each other wondering what would happen next then the Mother bounded up the hill the wrong way! Then the fawn sped down the hill into the bushes the wrong way! I continued down the mountain all the while hoping they’d reunite.
An anxious Doe!
I hiked a lot of miles in June. My elevation gained totals are incredible. The total floored me again when I added it up. I took a lot of neat wildlife and flower photographs while hiking in this park during the month of June, but these two photos are my favorites.
Just seven more weeks until the big hike to Yosemite’s Cloud’s Rest. I still am on track for successfully completing that hike.
JUNE Hiking Report
*6/2/2011- 8.15 miles, 2,170ft, 3h10m PG&E trail out & back
6/7/2011- 10 miles, 2,549 ft, 4h 33m Rhus Ridge to Black Mt Trail out & Back
6/10-12/2011- about 11 miles, at various parks and site around Sonoma Coastal area. Many parks were closed due to budget cuts so we had to drive to other locations to do any hiking.
6/16/2011- 8.15miles, 1,962ft, 3h 5m, PG&E out & back to Vista Point
**6/19/2011- 6.2miles, 2,197 ft, 3h, Mission Peak- Peak Trail the steep route
6/21/2011- 8.15miles, 1,962ft, 3h3m, PG&E trail out & back
6/25/2011-6.45 miles, 2,236 ft, 3h24m, Horse Heaven trail up, Peak Trail down- time to the top 2h4m
6/29/2011- 2.4m, 2,100ft, 1h20 mins. Horse Heaven Trail out & back
June Total Feet Climbed
15,676ft
June total Miles Hiked
60.5
*6/2/2011 total ft is average of 3 measurements
2123ft, 1962ft & 2427ft.
6/16/2011 time to Vista Point 1h34m! Fastest yet, even stopping to take photos!!!
** 6/19/2011 started ascent at 320Ft, Vineyard Drive
6/21/2011- start time 6:37a.m. Time @ Vista Point 8:13a.m. =1h40m
Nikon D300s| Nikkor 18-200mm VR| Induro CT213 Tripod
The Matadors
Copyright © Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.
Portuguese & Azorean Style California Bloodless Bullfights
Matador means “killer” and one who fights bulls on foot.
These are who we’ve come to see. Their ensemble is quite elaborate with both their riding pants, and bolero jackets being covered with sequins that glint, sparkle in the afternoon or evening light. The Matador is sequined in Gold and their costume is called. “Suit of Light”. Matadors have worn suits like this since the 1800’s.
Matadors are professionals. They have training, and have gone through a ceremony to become professional called the “alternativa”.
Bullfighting is considered a Performance Art, not a sport. There is no contest or elements of competition among the bullfighters.
When the Matador first faces the bull he uses the pink cape and tries to tire the angry bull out, and weaken him.
While watching the Matador lead the bull around the ring I kept thinking, “It’s a dance.” The Matador is very graceful, and his steps are small, quick, and purposeful. Notice his shoes? They remind me of ballet slippers. Notice too how he holds his feet. He rarely stands with his feet apart. He stands tall, and I want to say compact…his limbs are held in close so he can move quickly if needed.
When the Matador feels the bull is tired, and weakened he switches to the Red Cape, and his sword. The last of the dance is about to begin.
In some countries the Matador would kill the bull, but the Portuguese and Azorean style the sword is symbolic, and used for traditions sake. The bull is not killed. The Matador uses his “Velcro dart” to symbolically kill the bull. In California it is illegal to kill the bull as well.
The best Matadors kill the bull on the first strike. The fans applaud, and chant Bravo! They toss him single flowers, and bouquets, as he walks around the arena thanking the fans for their support.
Nikon D300s| Nikkor 80-200mm| Induro CT213 tripod
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Marina Blues
Marina Blues, originally uploaded by dmzajac2004-.
Via Flickr:
Copyright © 2011 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.
This looks better Large. Click the photo for a larger view.
Waiting for the Moon to get into a slightly better position I walked over to the Marina.
It was so quiet and peaceful. I didn’t hear any creaking boats, or bells softly ringing. The water was so still!
Nikon D300s| Nikkor 17-35mm@ 25mm| f16| 30 seconds| ISO 200| Manual Mode| Tripod
Treasure Island, California, Bay Bridge, Marina
Circadianreflections Blog 
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