Farmer's Market

I used to think that Farmer's market was something that one commonly observed in Europe, until I saw and went to a few in San Diego, CA. Granted they are not as elaborate as the ones I have seen in Europe, the idea and execution is well laid out. Locally grown "organic" fresh fruits and vegetables, people walking around with their recyclable cloth bags filled with goodies, vendors and local artists selling all sorts of home-made stuff, foods and flavors of various cuisine that satiates the appetite of the average Joe, etc. In short, its a Disneyland for the "foodies" (a.k.a the food lovers). Here are some pictures taken through the eye of an amateur photographer and a non-foodie.

Pollen invaded.

A mask from Africa.

Medley of flowers.

"Free Spirit" the clown.

That smile again ...

Fragrant basil.

Juicy strawberries.

Colorful tomatoes.

Wild cactus.

More cactus.

Baby potatoes.

In line for tomatoes?

Jungle of cactus.

Cheeeeeeezzzzzz!

Bunch of crisp grapes.

Blueberries.

Variety in colors of tomatoes

Stacked carrots.

Orange beets!

Sweet grapefruit.

Balsamic vinegar.

Sun flower.

Meat lovers -- THE sausage.

Bright red rose.

Pictures were taking using the Canon macro lens at La Jolla Farmer's Market, CA. La Jolla's Farmer Market is open on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.

Alaska - From the eyes of an amateur photographer

Lady

Lady and a tramp

Haley the spaz, our 7 month old black Lab/Retriever mutt!

bug

dandelion

Flower and a critter

flower

bleeding hearts

Alaskan King Salmon - 30lbs

Dad

Mom Maggie our 3 year old yellow lab

Milk fish

another critter on the flower

flower

wild berries

fall is around the corner

dew

blooming bud

more flowers

more bleeding hearts

Canon macro lens RULES. I am officially the critter stalker. Above are some pictures I took with the Canon macro lens in Alaska during the summer 09 trip. I am convinced that one needs a tripod (or a steady hand) to get better macro shots. Enjoy!

The Last Frontier

Moose in the backyard

Grizzly bear on the roadside, chewing on pastic!

Brother, patiently waiting for Red salmon with his dip net

Sockeye (Red) Salmon

Chinook (King) Salmon

City of Anchorage, Alaska

Over the Anchorage skylines.

View from Thunderbird falls

One of the classic scenery from along the roadside

River near Kasillof for dip net fishing

My mother - THE fisher women

Another classic image from the roadside

Night skies of Alaska - its must have been 11 pm

Willow creek - hopeful King salmon fisherman (none except me caught anything that day)

Sunset - 3 am?

Typical Anchorage neighborhood

Floating glacier at Prince William Sound

Sea kayaker's observing the glacier close up at the Prince William Sound

A creek -- right behind our home in Anchorage

Glacier at the Prince william sound

Another glacier from the Prince William Sound

The town of Whittier, Alaska

Gorgeous sight of the Chugach mountain range

There is a reason why the state of Alaska is called "The Last Frontier". Do I need to say more after the above pictures? The place is truly our "last frontier" where we can retreat ourselves to solace and peace. No five lane highways, no smog, no overcrowded suburbia, etc. The smell of fresh air, the baby blue skies, and a slow paced lifestyle is something to live for. I would not be surprised if the average Alaskan lives longer than the general populous (now that does not include the Alaskans who eat a lot!) The amount of space per person is probably the largest when compared to all the states/cities in the US. Alaska, the wilderness state -- I want to go there again and again!!!

Having lived there for two years when I was young, I never grew to appreciate the nature that surrounds the state. This summer, I took full advantage of it and did quite a bit of nature sight seeing. Come on, how can you NOT enjoy the above sights. Pictures do no justice the the real beauty in real life. Its true, as we get older, we appreciate the simplicity of life -- Nature at its best. I just hope this last frontier state keeps its charms and not get run over by tourism.

Pictures taken with various Canon lens. Enjoy!