Deer Valley Airport 2 February 2024

In a break between storms, I decided to go to the local Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix to capture images. 

 

I thought the backdrop of angry clouds might make some interesting photos.

I photographed small trainer aircraft landing and taking off, along with a few small jets and a helicopter.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

Turf Paradise 29 January 2024

A day many horse racing fans in Arizona didn't think would come.   I thought horse racing at Turf Paradise was finished once last years season ended in May of 2023. 

So it was a happy surprise when the ownership decided to have a shortened season starting 29 January 2024.    

Who knows if Turf Paradise will have an operating track next year.  But for now, horse racing will live on at least until May of 2024.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE 

Barrett-Jackson Car Auction 21 January 2024

Arguably the largest and biggest wow factor car auction is the Barrett-Jackson auction held again in Westworld Scottsdale.

Doors opened at 8am so I thought I'd be clever and get there right after opening.   There was already a huge crowd there!  

There were race cars, souped up cars you'd see on the streets, and cars owned by famous people.  There was also exciting and colorful lit signs. 

I used the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the Canon 14-35mm lens with a circular polarizer.   The CP I used to cut down on the glare.   Westworld was very well lit.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Scottsdale 23 December 2023

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale has lights up for the Christmas season.   

If you like ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, you will love this railroad park.   They also have model trains running through mini towns, reminding me of my youth when I had a very similar setup.

They also have a little passenger train that takes you through the area that is fun for adults and kids.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

Japanese New Years Traditions at the Japanese Friendship Garden 16 December 2023

Saturday 16 December 2023 the Japanese Friendship Garden put on workshops highlighting New Years traditions.

First was a demonstration of mochitsuki where glutinous rice is pounded to make muchi, a chewy rcie cake.   It can be used in a variety of dishes or enjoyed on it own, sometimes with toppings or fillings.

Then there was a demonstration of mochi bana (rice cake and flower), a traditional japanese art form that involved shaping and decorating mochi, the chewy rice cake.  Here, the mochi is shaped into small pieces of various colors, and then attached to branches.  They are then displayed in homes to greet the new year and bring good fortune.

Finally, there was a demonstration of what goes into a kadomatsu (or gate pine).   They typically are displayed in pairs (male and female) at the entrance of a home.   They are typically made of pine, bamboo, and sometimes plum tree sprigs.  The pine represents longevity. The bamboo is strength and growth.  And the plum blossoms are for strength through adversity.  

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand 14 December 2023

I love photographing country artists and bands.   I enjoy the music and the people are nice.   The same is true here while photographing Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand.  This was their Christmas show in Mesa, Arizona.

The song that put them on the map was "Dream Big."   

 
 

I showed up early, but not that early.   The auditorium seemed closed so I walked all the way around and found an open door.  I peeked in and Ryan peeked back and invited us in from the backstage.  

One of my other favorites they had done was called "Corn Dogs."  Now they changed the lyrics to Egg Nog!  

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

Cave Creek Stagecoach Village Christmas 9 Dec 2023

Stagecoach Village in Cave Creek, Arizona hosted a Christmas celebration.   You could do some Christmas shopping, get something to eat (I had those delicious candy apples), and even a softdrink or adult beverage (Sapporo beer from Japan went down nicely).  

Well well well, here's Santa and Mrs. Claus!  

And here is a close up of a glass statue of a deer.  

And then they had a few hot air balloons some in for lighting.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

ZooLights at the Zoo 25 November 2023

A yearly tradition in the Phoenix area is ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo.   It's my chance to capture low light images with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II and this time using the wide angle Canon RF 14-35mm lens.  

It's truly amazing how beautiful the zoo  is at night with all of these lights.   

I even caught a jet coming in to land at nearby Sky Harbor airport.  

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

Otsukimi Japanese Friendship Garden Event 29 Oct 2023

Otsukimi in Japanese means to gaze at the moon.  And it was a full moon on 29 October 2023 at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix.

The theme this year is Gekka, or moonflower.  It refers to the gentle light of the moon on flowers at night.   

The tradition of moon gazing in September and October began during the Heian period 794 AD to 1185 AD.  They would admire the reflection of the moon on ponds and in their sake, recite poetry, and play musical instruments.  

As part of the celebration, we witnessed the beauty of calligraphy as well.   

Japanese snacks and foods were featured along with sake and beer.   

And traditional Japanese music of singing and drums featuring musicians from the Yamaguchi Music Academy in Japan. 

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE