So, where did I leave off.....
Of course, it was the film cameras arranged on the picnic table, their
angst ridden owners having abandoned them for digital cameras.
I had to go to get my film to waste, so Graywolf and I wandered to the
Braswell Gallery, where I got my film.
Tom had lunch and we spent some time together enjoying each other's company
and conversation.
Tom showed me around the wildlife habitats, and then it was back to the
picnic area for more beer.
At some point on Friday, Ann and I went off on an adventure in frustrating
shopping, but we found a charming little barbecue place, and we had a nice
lunch there.
Saturday went by in a bit of a blur, I recall several beers of various
qualities (mostly good, sorry about he Budweiser).
I should mention, I did make the effort to shoot the slide film required for
the contest.
We'll say no more about that.
Hung out with the gang up at the restaurant on Saturday after dropping my
film off.
Saw a somewhat disjointed presentation on Saturday PM dedicated to
Photoshop. Learned lots though.
I saw the presenter in the bathroom later. He didn't seem to reflect in a
mirror.
Most odd.
At some point, Ken Waller had his 600/4 set up.
As an equipment junkie, I found this to be pig heaven.
Ken's got a pretty decent portfolio too. If I was half that good, I would be
an excellent photographer.
Frank had a book of pictures, they look better in person than on the web,
for sure.
Ann had a bunch of pictures that she had brought along, as did Mark.
Talented photographers both, they are.
I kept saying over and over that I wished I had remembered to bring my
portfolio, while being somewhat relieved that I had avoided the
embarrassment of showing my pathetic attempts at photography around this
lot.
Norm showed up late in the afternoon and introduced himself as Brad Dobo.
After the bruising in his face died down, I discovered who he really
was......
You guys really should have tried the coffee I left on the picnic table. It
is really very nice.
Norm brought me an F300/4.5 lens that I accidentally enabled myself
with back in early April.
Darned vendor insisted on UPS shipping, I didn't want to risk their
international division on something this rare and valuable.
César brought some wonderful Napa Valley wine with him, and I eagerly
(perhaps too eagerly) tied into it.
I suspect I may have played a part in the gate not being opened for sunrise.
I kept Doug and César up rather late on Saturday night.
Sunday dawned warm and muggy, and just got warmer and muggier. Went up to
the presentations, and had breakfast with Don Nelson and Phyllis Owens.
Don introduced me as the farthest traveler this year. Not sure if I was or
not.
After the presentations, we went back and helped tear down PDML central, and
after many goodbyes, and promises of making it back next year off we went,
Bill in the lead, and Phyllis making sure I didn't get lost.
I think I saw the gang setting off fireworks in celebration of my departure.
We missed a group picture this year, so you all are gonna have to put up
with me at least one more time.
Anyway, that pretty much covers the high points of the trip, I am sure I
have missed a few things, and I'm not going to say anything about the
unfortunate incident with the rental car's remote control.
'twas fun, and I am looking forward to doing it again.
The area is incredibly scenic, and Southern hospitality deserves the
legendary status it has.
I'll put a small website up in a day or three.
We have the dog show this weekend, so it will likely be into next week
before that happens.
William Robb
