Dragon Boat Race and Model/Lighting, 7/28/12

This was my first time to watch a Dragon Boat Race - thanks Lance. 

Excerpts from the internet

“Dragon boat races are an ancient Chinese tradition designed to ward off evil spirits, and we have merged this exciting competition with free family activities,” Carlisle said. “This is also the Year of the Dragon, so the festival should be extra fun.”

Paddlers from around the Pacific will compete fiercely in traditional dragon boat races, which this year will include visiting teams from Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Each dragon boat team consists of 16 paddlers, a drummer, flag catcher and steersman.  There are two race categories: the open race; and division, which consists of teams competing for an industry trophy

 Exhileration...

There were 2 starting and finishing points. The above picture was in the middle area of Ala Moana Beach and as you can see the other area was the Diamond Head end of the beach.

Why was the flag catcher bored? In this heat the paddlers had mistakenly moved in front of the starting point and therefore had to turn around.

This drummer's hat was pretty cool.

As with any water event, a safety team is required.

Later, we met up with Erick and I learned what it takes to do a model shoot.

I think the lighting added to the reflection of the water upon her skin. 

Wow, our model was very gracious, Erick did his homework and the support crew was terrific!!!

Hula Festival, 7/21 & Hoomaluhia 7/22/12

Us photo lovers, had a wonderful opportunity to capture the beauty of hula at the 35th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival on the grounds of Moanalua Gardens. According to info, Prince Lot Kapua`ida created this annual festival where hula was banned: in the district of Moanalua.

Kimo Kahoano and Leina'ala Kalama Heine.  Erick, Sookie and I did not realize we were sitting next to the announcer's tent until they spoke.

Although, you may see in many of my pictures, one hula dancer - they were with a group. I find that I rather focus on one person.

 She did do a solo and I believe she is the current dancer whom Kim Taylor Reece photographs.

 Her father

The next day, I made pictures with Milton and Derek at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. Thanks Milton for finding the birds and making them comfortable as we slowly approached them. That was fun.

Day with Kathryn, 7/15/12

Kathryn and I love to walk and that we did. She has been in San Francisco for quite awhile and knows her way around. 

This takes you to the Golden Gate Bridge.

This community garden was well tended to.

 Redwood

We saw a heron which quickly flew away. Found out that it was waiting for gophers.

 Never knew artichokes grow this way.

 Someone has a green thumb!

What a beautiful gate. Remember we were on the other side in the forest area.

 Notice the yellow area in the back - to the right of the tall trees. Hee hee that is where we were headed.

We got to the top of Lyon and Broadway - only to see the guy in the gray doing tons of push ups. Lots of people run those stairs. Kathryn - thanks for sharing where you go - hee hee, no need to join a  gym.

 San Francisco has so many quaint homes.

This hardware store has so many cool things including Bagalini bags and cool mesh zip cases and pencil cases.

We had Thai dinner with her friend and had dessert to die for at Toy Boat.
What a wonderful day and sad for me since I would be flying home the next day at 9:45 am. As I complete my posts tonight, I wish I was still traveling.

Tonight I also posted.

Winchester Mystery House, 7/13/12 and SF MOMA, 7/14/12

Monterey Bay Aquarium, 7/12/12

Exploring San Francisco On My Own, 7/10/12