TomsFotos

Interesting/Fun Examples of my Photography

Travel

Charles Paddock Zoo

Animals, Short Trips

Tiger Statue
Tiger Statue

The Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero, California was established in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a county park ranger who nursed wild animals back to health. Over time the zoo was moved from the animal shelter to its present site: 5 park-like acres within Atascadero Lake Park. In 1997, while living in Santa Maria about 45 miles south, I visited the site. Some of the pictures taken then are shown here. Please keep in mind that the animals you see here are likely long gone with others taking their place in more modern enclosures. [Read more…] about Charles Paddock Zoo

Los Alamos Old Days

Short Trips

Each year since 1946 Los Alamos, California has held “Old Days” the fourth weekend in September. The celebration started as a reunion for the founders of the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club. Today its a classic car show, motorcycle show, and peddlers mart and features food, entertainment, a parade, a dinner dance, historic displays, and more.

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Elephant Seals

Animals, Short Trips

In the winter the beaches at Piedras Blancas (GPS N35° 39′ 45.4″ W121° 15′ 23.7″ or about 4.5 miles north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1) are covered with elephant seal families. The males control harems of about 30 female seals and their growing babies. From the parking area and attached boardwalk one can see a thousand or more seals, with more on other beaches in the area.

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Rocket Twilight Phenomenon

Short Trips

When a rocket launches just after sunset it rises into the air and, if the timing is right, part of the rocket exhaust will enter the light from the sun and leave a colorful trail behind as the exhaust freezes and ice crystals form. This is called the “twilight phenomenon” and is fairly rare as the timing of the rocket launch window and sunset have to coincide just right.

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Parkfield

Short Trips

Parkfield is the self-proclaimed earthquake capital of California. It’s located on the San Andreas fault north and east of Paso Robles (which is half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco on Highway 101). This is a combination of two trips there (one with blue sky, the other cloudy).

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