Strick's Pics

Pottstown Rumble 2013 - Misty May-Treanor Will Be Here

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:17:00 +0000

     It's official! Three time Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor will be in Pottstown for the annual volleyball rumble June 21-23. The Pottstown Rumble is one of the nations largest grass volleyball tournaments and is played on the Memorial Park fields. With May-Treanor attending it will give the event even more star power. Thousands from around the United States and some from other countries make Pottstown their home for the weekend.
     And I can say that I have been a part of it playing in the tournament with different partners over the years. Volleyball was my sport and an outlet for me for over 25 years but time moves on and playing competitively has to come to an end.
     Early on I played in three different leagues per week and couldn't get enough. I wasn't playing two man beach style volleyball at the time. But twice a week I played against some very good athletes. Guys that could set and others that could drill the ball with a powerful spike.
     And that what I liked to do. Take the days frustration out on that white ball and smash the snot out of it when someone set you up with a perfect ball. Bang! And I'd get a big smile on my face. Other times I'd get roofed and the ball blocked back into my face. But that was part of the fun.
     On the third night I ran a co-ed team in the Norco league with wife Deb, other family members and friends. This was a good league but not nearly as intense but a fine way to enjoy the game with family.
     Then twenty-two years ago Ken Kaas a true volleyball lifer started the Volleyball Rumble with a bunch of friends. From the start the tournament was a big hit. I played a number of years with Ken on the six man teams, some years on the same squad other times across the net from him.
     I don't remember if I played in the very first Rumble, but got to play a number of times. Some years I had a justified conflict as our daughter Kelli's birthday is on June 22nd. She is a married adult with kids these days and not as concerned that Deb and I don't spend the entire day with her. But back then I'd get the question, "You aren't going to play volleyball and miss my birthday are you dad?" Of course my answer was that the day was hers to do what she wanted and we would be with her. I'd sneak down early to watch a little bit but family came first.
     Other years I'd work for The Mercury and photograph the event. I think this was harder knowing I had no family commitments and still I couldn't get on the court. But on the years I signed up to play, I couldn't wait for the weekend to get here. Sometimes I wondered why I played. The weather would get hot into the 90s and as I got older the guys around me got younger and the court seemed to get bigger. That couldn't have been due to the fact that I was over forty. Nah! And come Monday morning I'd be scratched up from diving trying to dig balls before they'd touch the grass. My knees ached and right shoulder would be sore as I hobbled into work. But it never stopped me. I loved volleyball.
     Some years we'd get beaten badly by teams. Other years we'd go far in our tourney bracket and into the final rounds. When teamed up with my brother Gary one year, I was dragging with high temps and the sun beating down on me. If we won our last game against our bracket opponent we'd make it into the medal round. Sweating, I told him let's just lose this and go home, but that didn't happen and we continued to play. You give it what you got and I couldn't quit no matter how I was feeling.
    The Rumble grew and grew. Kaas is like a carnival barker, but humble. He always has a new idea up his sleeve to push at the event. Early on he held a swim suit contest. One year he brought out a motorcycle stuntman to jump across the Manatawny Creek to keep drawing interest. On opening morning at the start he sends up booming fireworks to let people know what's going on. Last year they had Gary Fry owner of the Craft Ale House and also an avid volleyball player serving up the local Sly Fox Beers inside the beer tent. And now one of the highlights for the never tiring showman will be to have an Olympic gold medalist as part of the festivities.
     But Kaas is the first one to say that he couldn't keep the tournament running without his family and close knit friends. They start setting up piles of nets and fencing during the middle of the week. Once the suns sets they don't just sit down in a chair with a cold drink. You'll see them bumping, setting and spiking getting together for pickup games on a nice evening.
     You can spot him wearing a red, white and blue rumble shirt, running around the grounds with a walkie talkie in hand and biting down on the short stub of a stogie.
     I'm scheduled to shoot photos again this year and will look forward to seeing some of the old faces I know that keep playing the game and the younger ones that move around effortlessly from corner to corner heads better than I could have ever wanted to be.
     Let's count on some sunny skies and good weather. Keep it in the low 90s to have these guys and girls sweat a little to get that victory. Welcome to Pottstown Misty May-Treanor. You will be surprised to see how a small town can put on a big-time tournament.

Travel-The Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:37:00 +0000

Mount Moran reflected in Jackson Lake

Floating on the Snake River as part of a rafting trip with my wife Deb and looking up at the Grand Teton Mountains is spectacular. The two-hour float capped several days in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and is a part of the country where I could spend months. The veteran guide navigated the swift moving current and we felt safe. He was in complete control rowing and offering bits of wisdom and watched for bald eagles for us as we floated. The eagles were gliding above the water searching for cutthroat trout to swoop down and snatch for a meal.

Strick's Pix and Deb on float trip

Bald Eagle along Snake River

     There was plenty of time to take snapshots and there wasn't any sections of white
water to contend with. As advertised it is a float trip. I'm not looking for a rip roaring ride just a calm, easy drift downstream. But it's not a river to take lightly and can be dangerous to novices with little river knowledge floating without a guide.
     I never tired of viewing the Teton range and would like to hike on more of the trails in the area. While in the Grand Teton National Park I shot photos of Mount Moran reflecting in Jackson Lake and snapped others at Jenny Lake. I made a number of nice pictures but seeing the range up close is what keeps me going on these trips. The sky was constantly changing as clouds filled in over the craggy tops. A short time later the mountains are bathed in sunlight, set against an emerald sky.
     There were other things to do in town as we

Deb at Antler Arch

shot the required picture standing in the Jackson Hole town square beside one of the antler arches. We did some shopping and Deb found a moose charm for her bracelet. She looks for a charm from each trip we take as a memento of our travels. Then we sauntered over to the Million Dollar Saloon straddling a saddle seat bar stool for a couple beverages. It's all part of the experience.

Dinner at Bar J Chuckwagon

That evening we had dinner at Bar J Chuckwagon. You are given a tin cup and can wet your whistle with lemonade, water and ice tea which come with your meal. With a seating capacity of 750, the bell rings and hungry wranglers line up holding onto a tin plate as workers ladle out a variety of dinner choices along with a baked potato, baked beans and other trimmings. I had the beef bar-b-q and Deb had a rib eye steak. The ranch hands get all the diners through the line in less than 25 minutes. The meal was very
tasty and brought a smile to Deb's face enjoying the experience.

View of The Grand Tetons

After dinner the Bar J Wranglers entertain the crowd with western musical numbers mixing in comedy and foot stomping fun for the crowd.
It's definitely part of the trip itinerary each time I'd travel to Jackson Hole.
And on that note there is talk with my brother Gary about a trip out to the Grand Tetons for some trout fishing in the fine streams and rivers in Wyoming and some hiking in the back country. So I'm on a mission to learn how to fly fish so I'm not such a tin horn when I get to the stream. I'll see if I can master the art form before heading West again.

Speeding in a Work Zone

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:34:00 +0000

     Last week troopers from Pa. State Police and Lower Pottsgrove Township officers worked together on a traffic detail for drivers to slow down on Route 422 in a work zone in Lower Pottsgrove Township.
     Motorists continue to ignore the 40 mph designation in the area, many driving through the zone above the normal highway 55 mph. I was sent on assignment to the highway construction area to record photos for the website and The Mercury to get the word for drivers to follow the designated speed reduction or be ticketed by police.
     It didn't take long for a string of cars to get pulled over. After four hours 39 citations were written. Officers will continue to monitor the area and keep it safe.
     I don't profess to always stay under the speed limit and at times will look down at the speedometer and see I'm moving along, but as I get older I'm not hurrying down the highway as much. In a construction zone I try to stay as close to the limited speed limit as I can.
   The other day I was driving in the construction zone and tried to keep my car at 40. I was more worried about cars flying up on my back watching in the rear view mirror as drivers again were ignoring the speed limit. Many buzzed by like I was standing still.
     The only way I can see to get people serious to follow the rule is to constantly run a traffic stop so that motorists get the idea that its time to lower speeds not only for the driver snaking through the barriers but also for workers on the ground and in slow moving construction vehicles.
     If that doesn't slow them down keep writing the tickets. They can probably solve the national debt with all the money drivers will pay for their lack of concern in these areas.

Spring-Ford Rams Girls are State Basketball Champs

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:13:00 +0000

     This was the year the Spring-Ford Rams girls basketball teams would win it all. They weren't going to be denied the title. Nothing would keep them from obtaining a state championship they thought they'd win last year. But in 2012 Spring-Ford was stopped in a state playoff game.
     Not this year. They played with reckless abandon. None of the girls were worried about how many points they scored or how long they were on the court. It was team work from day one. And it paid dividends as the season progressed with a PAC-10 and District One title.
     But it would take two hard fought games at the end of the season to be the champs. The Rams were getting their chance in the state finals by beating a tough Cardinal O'Hara team in the semi-final round.
     It was a bus ride to their destiny, a trip to Hershey and their PIAA state game against Cumberland Valley in the Giant Center. What a beautiful field house for the girls to play their final game. Bigger and better than the fine court they play their home games on.
     I can only imagine what goes through a high school seniors head walking onto a court with pressure to win knowing they won't be back for another try next year. There were the early nerves after tip off but the girls got back on track patiently working the ball around for an open shot.

I don't think Cumberland Valley was aware of the type of players they were going against. Cumberland was overwhelmed by a swarming Brittany Moore, Sammy Stipa and Sammi Haas diving on the floor to secure the basketball. Sarah Payonk and Courtney Hinnant would tightly guard on defense under the basket. And Shelby Mueller, and Maggie Locke fought for rebounds and then put the ball back up against a trio of six footers. Coach Jeff Rinehimer and staff sent in the right instructions.
    If Cumberland swatted the ball away on a layup the Rams would dish it out past the arc and one of them would drain a three point jump shot, slowly pulling away from a very good team. The players went full blast for four quarters until the final buzzer sounded with them victorious by a score of 60-45.
     It was celebration time holding the cherished trophy. Hugs and tears, smiles and cheers. The 2012-13 Spring-Ford Rams are the PIAA Girls AAAA State Champions, the best girls team in the history of their school, the PAC-10 and this year the state.
     They took a deep breath after it was over, able to successfully finish what they started. But if it were up to the seniors, they'd probably lace up the sneakers and do it again.

The Abandoned Luncheonette

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:50:00 +0000

In 1973 Daryl Hall and John Oates released the album Abandoned Luncheonette that became a top seller. I was in the eleventh grade and remember walking through one of the stores at the Coventry Mall when I spotted the cover of the album. The hand colored artwork gave it a unique charm. I checked it out but had to put it back on the rack as I didn't have the money with me to make a purchase.
I figured one day I'd get back to buy one not only because I like the music but because of the local connection with the Rosedale Diner and former North Coventry resident Daryl Hall. But, I never did and before you know it years had gone by. I listened to music on the radio all the time, but didn't always buy an album.

The Abandoned Luncheonette in Kenilworth

     One afternoon, while driving down Route 724 in Kenilworth I looked over at the old diner that I passed almost daily while out shooting pictures for The Mercury. The luncheonette was really starting to get rundown and overgrown with brush so I took the extra time, pulled off the road and walked over to get a better look.
     I wanted to take some photos as a keepsake. So I snapped a bunch of pictures in black and white for history sake. I figured it wouldn't be long until the diner would be hauled away as bits and pieces of wood and metal were being pulled off by fans who wanted a souvenir to remember the famous musicians.
     While looking around from the road, the owner spotted me and came over to see what I was doing. He had problems in the past with people entering the rickety structure. I assured him that all I wanted was to grab a couple of photos to keep in my archives. The photo hadn't been published in The Mercury until this year when we did a feature piece on the band and the album. I dug through a bunch of my old 11x14 inch prints and found it in the bottom of a box. I dusted it off and recopied it for publication.
     It's hard to believe that this will be the fortieth anniversary of the albums debut and I can say I'm still a fan of the duet. Even though I no longer have a turntable, I'm going to hunt down an old copy of the album just to add to the other ones that I don't play. I should have bought the one I picked up all those years ago.

Happy Trails Sally Starr

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:58:00 +0000

I kissed another part of my childhood goodbye with the passing of Philadelphia television personality Sally Starr. Thinking of her brought back some memories when I spent time on weekday afternoons in front of the black and white tv.
Normally I would drop my books and run right out of the front door when I got home from school. But on a rainy day I would warm up the old Zenith and turn to Channel 6 for Sally Starr's Popeye Theater. I figured my mom was praying for sunshine to get my brother and me out of the house instead of us horsing around like bandits and cowboys.

Sally Starr

     We'd have our plastic pearl handled six shooters in our holsters wearing cowboy boots and acting like Roy Rogers. We'd pull the trigger on those guns and the smell from the caps would fill the room. How my mom put up with us I don't know but she did turn gray haired fairly young. Those were definitely innocent times and I'm glad I grew up in the late 50s and 60s.
     But when it was dreary out I'd listen to Sally tell stories while waiting for the Popeye cartoons she would run on her two hour show. The one eyed sailor man with pipe in mouth and bulging forearms would battle the bearded bad guy Bluto who always tried to steal his girl Olive Oyl. The story line seemed the same and they'd tussle until Popeye would mumble those words, " That's all I can stand and I can't stands no more." He'd grab a can of spinich and smash his nemesis in the mush sending him into orbit.
     Then it would be back to 'Yur Gal Sal' and another skit. She was on television from 1951 until 1972 a long run in the tv world today.
     I met Sally Starr in 1988 on an assignment to photograph her for a Mercury article. I told her how I watched the show years before and out came that smile of hers. She was very friendly making it an easy photo shoot.
     Seasoned workers in the newsroom recalled Sally Starr and other tv personalities airing on Philadelphia stations including Happy the Clown, Pixanne, Captain Noah, Gene London, Captain Kangaroo and Chief Halftown. We could use more shows like these for kids instead of the afternoon crap talk shows that are on for adults. But times have changed.
   I was a cartoon watching enthusiast as a little guy. From Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam to Tom and Jerry, Saturday mornings were my favorite times until I got kicked out of the house to play outside. I have to say that I saw my share of those celluloid characters and enjoyed all of them.
And I won't forget the words of wisdom that I learned from Popeye to keep me on an even keel. "I yam what I yam." Happy trails Sally.

Shooting Photos on COLD Winter Days

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:40:00 +0000

Why do I want my house a warm seventy-six degrees in winter and on a hot steamy summer day I want it a chilly sixty-eight. It's one of those oddities I can't figure out, but last week it has been COLD! No doubt about it winter is finally here, the ground is rock solid and overnight temperatures are in the single digits.

The snow was so light on cold day it could be cleared with a leaf blower.

     Luckily, the lingering cough and runny nose I had were finally showing signs of ending just as the arctic blast hits the area. There is nothing worse for me than to be out shooting photos with a fever and feeling like I'm frozen to the bone.
     No getting around it, I can't hide in the office and wait for it to pass. The news of the day will have something to do with the weather and I have to cover whatever happens outdoors.
     So out I go looking for photos with my hat pulled way down over my ears, gloves on and a hooded sweatshirt adding another layer of clothing before I button up my winter coat. I feel like the character Randy in the movie Christmas Story who was so heavily bundled up for a walk to school he couldn't put his arms down.
     The first day or two is tough and I'm shivering not yet adjusted after several weeks of milder weather. But, once I'm out for several days I get used to it and not affected as much. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to stay out all afternoon. I don't know how borough workers can repair broken water mains with water soaking them. Wrangling with tools in these muddy holes and trying to bolt down collars over cracked pipes. This has got to be one of the tougher jobs when the wind blows so cold.
     When it snowed last week I could drive around any corner and find a page one photo while I looked for daily coverage of the storm. With the large snowflakes falling residents were on it right away shoveling, salting and cleaning off vehicles. But as the winter gets longer and the weather continues people tire of the snow and the cold and just stay inside. It's as if they wave a white flag and give up to Mother Nature.
     I looked on line to see if freezing temperatures over a period of time helps kill off germs. The answer was no as noted by various scientific folks. I still prefer a good week of these frozen days. The air seems cleaner and better to breath. And it can't hurt to freeze up the moldy, soggy ground after all the rainy days in the forties this winter.
     So I'm not going to complain as I slog around on a bitter windy day. I know it's not going to last forever. Ground Hog Day is this Saturday, so at worst ole Pux'y Phil will give us is another six weeks of bad weather. That's not so tough to take though winter does seem to last longer than summer.
     The other day I walked into The Mercury building bundled up and definitely not making a fashion statement. The workers downstairs didn't envy me for having to go outside and were content to work at their desks.
     So I reminded them laughing that when the calender changes to May with temperatures starting to climb and Spring Fever affecting every worker, that I earned my days out shooting pictures under the sun after working through all those dreary days of winter.

A Wristband Had a Strong Meaning

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:22:00 +0000

    Livestrong. At one time, the word molded in a plastic yellow wristband had real meaning for me. Not giving into anything. On tough days the word gave me an added sense of determination. Livestrong. Sadly, with time and admission of guilt it has lost its luster.
     Shortly after Lance Armstrong's foundation came out with the new wristbands in 2004 I got one, put it on my left wrist and never took it off. I try not to follow trends or fads. I never wear sports players jerseys or shirts advertising sneakers.
     But, I thought Livestrong was different. It made a statement on the fight against cancer and a way to live one's life. A subtle band of yellow let people know you were supporting the cause.
     I wore it for my mom Virginia who died from lung cancer never having smoked a day in her life. And for my best friend Dave who lost his life to liver cancer when he was only in his forties. When I looked down at my left wrist it reminded me of the both of them.
     It never came off. I wore it when I was dressed in a tux for my daughters weddings and I'd wear it when I went swimming in the ocean. I wore it until the plastic snapped.
     But I had a shiny new one waiting on my dresser replacing it immediately never missing a day until late in 2011. I was tiring of all the controversy on whether Armstrong was using steroids and blood doping to his advantage while pedaling his bicycle to a record number of Tour de France victories. So even though Armstrong hadn't admitted to taking steroids, I had enough and took the wristband off never wearing it again.
     I enjoy watching the Tour de France more than most sports on television. Everyday for a solid month these riders are in their Super Bowl or World Series. Not one game but a constant grind of tactics and teamwork. Jerseys ripped and skin bleeding from spills along the picturesque countryside. Grueling uphill climbs and whistling at incredible speeds and great skill down winding mountains. Sprinting at the end to see who wins the daily race and met with a kiss and flowers from beautiful French women on the podium.
     I've grown tired of huddles and batters stepping out of the box along with constant stream of commercials. I lose interest in no time. But the biking tradition seemed to intrigue me and I'd watch for hours. It started with Greg LeMond back in the 80s who became the first American to win. I remember when he was accidentally shot while out hunting and watched as he made his comeback. LeMond was a great champion.
     I fell away until the guy named Armstrong starting making noise in the great race. Along with him the television coverage increased. I was just as interested in watching the photographers balancing on the back of the big motorcycles shooting pictures as they zoomed along. The scene kept me in my seat.
     Lance Armstrong was the top competitor in his sport and when he was diagnosed with cancer, he fought the deadly disease and made a full recovery. Livestrong. Who could deny this man and his work as he gave back to the world with his foundation that battles cancer.
     But along the way he made a monumental mistake just as many in his sport and also those in other sports. He used an unfair and illegal advantage to gain the upper hand to take him to the top of his profession.
     And yesterday he finally came clean, during an interview with Oprah Winfrey that yes, he took performance enhancing drugs. I wasn't shocked or angry, just disappointed that it took so long for him admit to doping.
   The bike race will go on. Armstrong is far from the only one who has been kicked out for using illegal substances. Just the most famous and highly decorated in the yellow jersey. His legacy will fade as years pass and new champions will be crowned.
     I don't remember what I did with the second wristband whether I misplaced it or threw it in the trash. But I kept the original wristband because it meant more than supporting a racer, I wore it for family and friends. Seven years the band stayed on my wrist.
     Maybe I'll find a new one of pink or purple if the cause is just. But, it won't be worn as a novelty.

New Year's Day Polar Swim 2013

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:10:00 +0000

New Year's Day 2013

   If your best friend jumped into a frigid river would you follow? I would guess the answer is yes as one hundred friends, family and Pottstown area neighbors decided that New Year's 2013 was a good day to take a frozen swim in the Schuylkill River for the fifth annual Polar Plunge at Riverfront Park.
     This year was especially chilly with the water temperature reading 39 degrees and the air temperature around freezing. The saving grace for the morning was no breeze to add on a nasty wind chill factor.
     The plunge continues to grow, but I don't for the life of me understand why anyone wants to jump in on a winter day. I can't take swimming when the ocean is 70 degrees. Even though I've been challenged to participate, I fight off the peer pressure and stay focused behind the camera and keep warm and dry wearing my heavy winter coat and knit cap.

Polar plunge at Riverfront Park

     It takes a special breed to jump in, a fool hearty and lively bunch to say the least. It's not just high energy males challenging each other but folks from all walks of life. Young skinny teens, boys and girls wait alongside fathers sporting a few extra pounds. And don't think mom is left out, she is jumping in too. Some dress in silly costumes and hats to match, others strip down to a bathing suit and pair of old sneakers which are a must to deal with the mucky and rocky riverbed.
     Hundreds of witnesses stand alongside these brave souls who are about to get the shock of their lives. And then the countdown 5,4,3,2,1!
     The crowd cheers them on and these happy souls run head first into the water. Some put the brakes on immediately as the water gets to their knees. They start feeling the icy chill, turn and slog back to the bank. Others push out to deep water, submerge themselves and bob to the surface letting out a loud shrill scream telling everyone know how cold the water really is.

Bonfire warms brave polar bears.

     The event doesn't last very long as the heartiest finally climb out of the river with skin turning a bright red.
     While drying off, it's a quick jog across the park where revelers stand and warm up by a roaring bonfire. You could hear friends already making plans to return next year for their annual tradition.
     I'll be there too, with camera snapping away to record the crazyness. Happy New Year Pottstown. You know how to have fun.

Travel - Baltimore : A Weekend Sanctuary

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:08:00 +0000

Whenever Deb and I need a couple of days away from home we will pack a small bag and drive to Baltimore. The city is a two hours trip, and it is the perfect location for a weekend retreat.

View of the Inner Harbor.

Many of the hotels can be reserved for a reasonable price depending on your budget. We have stayed in a number of different locations at the Inner Harbor. We also enjoy a stay out by the BWI airport where there are a variety of hotels to choose. From the train station near the airport we can catch the Light Rail that runs to the Inner Harbor. Cost to ride is only $3.50 for a round trip quite reasonable. We will also drive downtown and parking is $19.00 for the day.

There are many different things to do in Baltimore. We have toured the submarine U.S.S. Torsk and the frigate U.S.S. Constellation which are moored right at the harbor.

Deb and I will walk through town or get on the water taxi to different areas along the bay. It's a fun way to see the city and shoot some photos of the boats and buildings. Fells Point is a good stop for restaurants, bars and shops.

U.S.S. Constellation

We found a bocce ball tournament while exploring Little Italy and sat in the stands and watched these talented, seasoned players. They were very competitive and an argument or two would occur during a measurement on a closely rolled ball. The flavor of the city is there for tourists to enjoy.

We've traveled to see The Orioles play baseball and also The Ravens in an NFL game verses the Pittsburgh Steelers. The venues within the city make it a popular area to see major sporting events and visitors can turn it into a weekend stay. Once you get your bearing it's easy navigate around town. The Babe Ruth museum is close by Orioles stadium and this year I took the time to walk through his childhood home to see some of the Bambino's memorabilia.

Santacon event in downtown Baltimore led by Elvis Claus.

The aquarium is a popular stop and widely visited by families with young children. You can't go wrong with kids and fish. The weekends are a busy time and we saw it on a weekday.

There seems to be some type of music or group entertaining visitors most days. In late November, we've watched the 'Tuba Christmas' band play holiday classics on their large brass instruments. It's the same time that the 'Santacon' bar crawl goes on. Close to ninety guys dressed up in their favorite style Santa Claus suits get together and walk to bars and restaurants in the Inner Harbor area. I shot some interesting photos of Elvis, Grinch and Cowboy Santa. Some of the good hearted bunch hand out candy canes to kids.

On one of the first trips, we toured historic Fort McHenry the renowned site that Frances Scott Key wrote The Star Spangled Banner while a prisoner on a British ship in the harbor. The fort has a walkway the runs along the edge of the grounds with beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and the city.

Deb holds a Chesapeake Bay blue Crab.

But the one thing that we enjoy most in Baltimore is the abundance of great bars and restaurants. Our trip is all about the wide variety of food to enjoy. Deb has a real taste for Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and loves to crack them open while sipping on a cold beer. We can sit for hours with a dozen of the largest crabs and a pitcher of suds and make a meal out of it. Our favorite location for munching on these critters is L.P. Steamers Crab House located just up the road from Fort McHenry. The corner restaurant has old harbor flavor and the workers that steam the blue crab know what they are doing.

There isn't anything fancy about the business, friendly employees cover the tables with paper and place a tray of the steaming crustaceans covered in a dry spicy seasoning. We are also given small wooden mallets. We smash away with the hammers grabbing small morsels of sweet tasty crab meat. The blue crabs can be pricey but we like to treat ourselves now and then and enjoy the conversation and the company around us.

Recently we've had fun going to restaurants that have been featured on television shows and the internet. I have always enjoyed diner food never in need of a fancy ambiance. One location we really enjoyed was Chaps Pit Beef where customers wait in line and then place an order. The small building has several picnic tables for seating.

Tuba Christmas musicians play for crowds.

My sandwich choice was a Chaps Special. The bun is piled high with corned beef, ham, beef and cheese. The order is rounded out with an order of fries. The juicy and tender sandwich hit the spot after a day of sightseeing. We'd go back on every visit, but there are always a number of other restaurants to try.

During an afternoon at the Inner Harbor we stopped at Joe Squared on Market St. at Power Plant Live. It's a spot with craft beers and thin crusted pizzas baked in a coal fired oven. The square shaped pies are covered in toppings and bubbling cheese. We added a side of sesame garlic chicken wings which our waiter said were named best wings in Baltimore. Joe Squared features live music and the small restaurant fills up quickly with customers.

And our final joint during this years tour was Dangerously Delicious Pies which is in the Canton section of Baltimore. This part of the city has seen a rebirth of shops and small businesses along with bars and restaurants where locals and tourists congregate in the late evenings. When we opened the door at DDP it had a real bohemian feel with paintings and photographs on the walls and a local photographer on hand that night talking to customers about his work. A band played on a small little corner stage in the front of the restaurant. Tables were filled with hungry diners chowing on variety of savory meat pies and dessert pies. The place was packed as others stood with forks in hand snacking on one of the many tasty sweet pies on the menu.

A packed house at Dangerously Delicious Pies.

Customers line up and order at the front counter and then try to hunt down a spot to sit. I ordered the steak and mushroom with gruyere cheese packed inside a pie shell and Deb chose the BBQ pulled pork pie. We each got a piece of sweet pie, an apple and a berry slice. It was part of a Saturday date night special totaling $20 which included a drink. The price was right and chowing on pies was a unique change from the ordinary dining experience.

The New Year 2013 is only a week away and along with turning another page of the calender comes the annual resolution to get back on my more strict dieting habits of salads and grilled chicken. But when we travel to Baltimore for another stay, I won't tell when I slip off the healthy food wagon and treat myself to some comfort food at one of the many fine restaurants. Only problem is my waistline will give away my secret.

Strick's 2012 PAC-10 Fall Sports Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Spring-Ford district football champs.

High school fall sports is the season that I enjoy photographing the best. With near perfect days and moderate temperatures most of the time, what's not to like shooting these outdoor events. There are cold rainy days at the end of the season, but mostly games are played in ideal conditions.
Spring-Ford's District 1 champion football team was the last to play this year defeated by Coatesville in the state playoffs to end the Rams best season in a long time. I've read it many times that unless you finish off by winning the state title the last game will no doubt end in a disappointing loss. But along the way were many positive moments from various sports and photographs that I have snapped that highlight another great year.

Boyertown PAC-10 soccer champs.

I can't say that I favor one sport over another as each offers challenges to get the best shots. Soccer and field hockey are great action sports with little time stoppage and players are constantly moving around the field. Spring-Ford battled Upper Perk for the PAC-10 field hockey title and afforded me a pile of post game celebration pictures to choose for The Mercury's sports page. Tennis is fairly easy to cover and players get emotional at times on a good volley.

Methacton's Brandon Vance

The PAC-10 golf championship was held at Gilbertsville Golf Course. The winner was decided on a one hole playoff with Methacton's Brandon Vance cracking a long straight drive down the fairway. All participants from each school followed the two players battling for the title. It made for a some gallery pressure but these seasoned players seemed unaffected.
There was no fist pumping or high fives after Vance sank the winning birdie putt. He calmly walked over and shook hands with runner-up Carlo Barrasse walking off the green together in a classy finish.

Spring-Ford PAC-10 field hockey champs

Football is another opportunity to grab some good pictures. I won't get real effective photos from teams who are running constantly up the middle for two or three yards with the defense gang tackling in piles. I like teams that mix in a variety of plays where a quarterback will launch a pass or a running back will bounce outside scrambling down the sidelines for a long touchdown. Pottsgrove had a PAC-10 title winning season getting closed out in district play.

Pottsgrove are PIAA state cross country champs.

There was one team this fall that swept all the titles. The Pottsgrove Falcon boys cross country team won the PIAA State AA Boys cross country champions. I watched them earlier in the season and they bunched their runners together in a pack ganging up on teams with a strong group also winning districts and a PAC-10 title. After a strong season in 2011, early on this year they showed their potential and teamwork. The veteran bunch made the best of their year going out as title winners.
The weather has turned cold and its back inside for another season of hoops, swimming and wrestling. But not before playing tribute to the good sports that take to the green fields in autumn.

Travel - Washington, D.C. : My favorite city

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:04:00 +0000

The W.W. II Memorial and Washington Monument in background.

     I consider Washington, D.C. my favorite city in the United States. As a small boy our family lived near the nations capital in Silver Springs, Maryland while my dad was stationed at the Walter Reed Army hospital.
     Though we moved back to Pottstown after several years, Washington left a lasting impression on me and I remember not wanting to move back to Pennsylvania.
     Almost every weekend we would pile in the family station wagon and drive into the city for a day at the Smithsonian. Or run around underneath the cherry blossoms and also to climb the stairs of the Washington Monument which in my youth we were still allowed to do. These days, visitors are ushered into a line to wait for an elevator. Currently the monument is closed after an earthquake caused damage to the stone work and engineers are still trying to figure out how to repair cracks in the structure.

The Vietnam War Memorial.

Deb and I try to travel to D.C. annually and recently took a trip that included a weekend in Baltimore. There are numerous hotels from which to choose. We have stayed near the BWI Airport at the Hampton Inn. It's ideally located to see both cities. The hotel is close to the Baltimore - Washington Parkway and we can drive twenty minutes to the Greenbelt Metro subway station, park the car and ride the Metro instead of trying to find limited parking in the busy city. On weekends parking is free and the cost of a Metro day pass after 9:30 a.m. is fourteen dollars for unlimited use.
It's best to get a game plan together for a daily visit as it is impossible to see everything in one day. My sister and her husband were along and hadn't been in the city for years. Though I like to stop in at least one Smithsonian building, we decided to enjoy the warm December day and stayed outside touring the Lincoln Memorial, walked along the mall and reflecting pool and visited the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War memorials. Comfortable shoes are a must in a city that I prefer to walk. Without rushing around it took until early afternoon to see the highlights that day.

The Lincoln Memorial.

The final part was spent taking a Segway tour on a fascinating two wheeled battery powered people mover. My wife Deb has always wanted to travel on a Segway and she was the one who excitedly reserved our ride. We picked the Capital Segway tour located in the 1300 block of I Street NW. The employees were friendly and excellent teachers giving us tips so that we felt confident aboard our unique mode of transportation. You learn skills on how to climb on and off and to keep yourself balanced. You lean forward to move ahead and stand up straight to slow down and stop. Our seasoned tour guide effectively herded a group of novice riders along bike lanes and paths making it feel like a walk in the park. Riders are comfortable enough after a short introduction to navigate around.

Strick's Pics and family on Segway's in front of the White House.

     Once we took to the streets we rode to a our first stop in front of the White House. The 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue is now a pedestrian only area with the roadway blocked off to trucks and automobiles. Police kept a watchful eye as visitors snapped pictures. We had the opportunity to buzz around the street on our machines. People would turn and stare, still intrigued even though the Segway has been around for a number of years.
   We listened on an earpiece as the guide gave an audible description of architecture and facts as we rolled by historic buildings. We completed our two hour tour safely. A half block away from the Segway business was the McPherson Square Metro station making for an easy turnaround to Greenbelt to complete the day.
     There is so much to do and see in the District of Columbia and I enjoy reminiscing about my days there as a boy. On my list of things I have yet to see is the Smithsonian's Native American museum. Also, as a news photographer, a look at a museum dedicated to the history of the newspaper business named the Newseum. It's nice to have an excuse to return to a place that I also call home.

Hurricane Sandy

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 16:30:00 +0000

As a staff photographer at The Mercury, I keep an eye on the weather every day. I try to plan ahead so that I'm prepared for an approaching storm. I charge up my laptop, cell phone and camera batteries. Get out my rain gear and place everything within easy reach. Candles and flash lights are set out for power outages. Now all I can do is wait for Hurricane Sandy.

View of the Schuylkill River before the hurricane. It never overflowed its banks.

I fire up the computer or check the weather on my cell phone looking at news updates and satellite images to see what NOAA is predicting for the storm. As the hurricane churned through Cuba and the Caribbean causing destruction and loss of life, I started to follow the advancing cyclone more closely. I watch The Weather Channel on television but not much of the local news stations. I have many weather apps and news sources that I follow.
Most residents took this storm seriously as it tracked pretty much as predicted. On the days leading up to the storm hitting our area, I moved things around in my downstairs rec room in case we got the 8 to 12 inches of rain they were calling for. It's not like I get water when it rains but with that much expected over the next day or two I would rather try to prepare then to work through a mess later.

The Wagner's move furniture in North Coventry Township.

On Sunday morning, I met up with reporter Brandie Kessler at the office and we cruised the neighborhoods along the Schuylkill River looking for residents who were taking belonging to higher ground. We saw Howard Wagner Sr. and son Howie Jr. moving furniture and appliances out of his home on Riverside Dr. in North Coventry Township. Howard Sr. talked about how nice it is living there when he wasn't worrying about the river. But he said it gets old moving things as you get older. Luckily for him the river didn't rise above flood stage.
I shot photos of sangbags piled in front of doorways at the Montgomery County Community College which sits near the banks of the Manatawny Creek. Also snapped pictures of municpal trucks filled with barricades and stop signs ready to be moved to locations where power outages would occur. Checking late in the day, I saw that the hurricane was going to make a direct hit on New Jersey and it was so big that New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania would feel Sandy's worst.

Traffic light works after damage in Pottstown.

     A steady rain fell but nothing like expected in the tri-county. By 10 p.m. the gale force winds howled into our local coverage area. None of the nor'easters or hurricanes we have experienced have brought that strong of winds where we live. Our lights flickered but remained on through the night. But at midnight the rain gutter on our house pulled loose and banged over the roof and bent around the chimney. I went outside and gusts made it difficult to get the twisted metal off the roof. I grabbed the gutter and pulled and the wind caught hold and slammed it onto the ground. I tucked it into an area of the deck where it couldn't blow around and cause anymore damage.
     This was the only problem we had on our property and it was very minor compared to what happened at the shore. I was watching updates on twitter and monitored fire and emergency stations to see where damage and incidents were happening most of the night. Locally, trees were falling in every town and township knocking out power to thousands of homes.
      When I saw images from the shore and in New York City, I knew we had dodged the worst. The wind whipped storm damaged homes and entire towns on the New Jersey barrier islands were flooded. NYC was brought to a standstill as power failed and darkened the city. Water flooded the subways, tunnels and low lying areas and an inferno burned over a hundred homes in Queens. My little gutter pales as a minor little irritation and I'm thankful that the roof didn't blow off during the height of the storm.
     By morning I was out at first light and reporter Kessler was with me. The first location we stopped was on Park Court in Pottstown where a huge oak tree fell onto the Sutton family home damaging the roof. This turned out to be the front page lead photo. It was the telling shot of what happened throughout our coverage area. And locally it's what our readers want to see.

Snapped poles and wires in Linfield.

     We stopped at many locations tweeting photos and video for followers and to readers on our website whenever we could get a cell phone signal. Utility poles were splintered under the weight of fallen trees. Electric lines were a tangled mess and we talked to chilly residents without power most understanding the magnitude of the repair job ahead for linemen.
     My daughter Kelli, son-in-law Andy, their two children and two dogs were without power for several days and ended up at our house until the electric lines were repaired. During the 2011 'Snowtober' event around Halloween last year their power was out seven days.
     So it was up to me to spoil the grand kids during their stay with snacks, drinks and playtime. Three year old Lydia was sitting on my lap in her Cinderella costume and we were watching Dora the Explorer. Her mother informed her it was time for bed. We pleaded our case to let us finish watching the episode and her mom agreed saying 'Poppy we aren't going to start this are we?' I just smiled back giving little girl a hug.
     Andy's parents live year-round on Long Beach Island and the family also has rental properties. They are still waiting to get onto to the island to assess all the damage but was informed by Andy's brother Dustin that their homes withstood the hurricane. Dustin works for the municipality and rode the storm out in Beach Haven and watched helplessly as the storm surge from the ocean pushed water across the island to the bay. He stayed behind so he could help with emergency cleanup the following day.

Downed tree smashed the roof at the Sutton home in Pottstown.

After a nerve wracking night the flood water subsided and left behind tons of sand everywhere in its wake. He went to work along with others and began plowing deep heavy sand from roadways to cut paths so that the utility crews, township officials and emergency personnel could access the damage and begin repairs. In a video he posted, I saw huge piles of sand heaped up over six feet along the roads as far as you could see.
Many local homes have been reconnected to the power grid and lights again shine at night across our area. But, it may be a long time until things return to normal for families hit hardest and begin rebuilding their lives in the northeast.

Travel - A trip to the past aboard the WK & S Railroad

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:49:00 +0000

There are photographs taken of me as a kid that draw out belly laughs from family and friends. Whether it's the outfit I'm wearing, a bad haircut or wacky expression, there is no living down these images captured for posterity. I think my parents took these photos as a way to get even with me for all the aggravation I caused as an ornery little kid.

Strick's Pics, left with sister Lisa and brother Gary in '67

But, I have one photo that I'm very fond of and consider it my favorite taken in my youth. The picture shows my sister Lisa, brother Gary and myself standing in front of steam locomotive 250 in October of 1967. We looked like refugees ready to board the train for a trip off to Siberia. Style wasn't a concern of my parents. Back then I wore pants with the knees covered in patches. If they didn't have holes and were clean, they were dress clothes.

My sister loved her little mint green jacket and wore it everywhere. Gary never took off his knit cap. He even pulled it down over his head at night to straighten his curly hair. There's nothing fancy about my outfit, but I liked the goofy black sweater with the red diamonds.

For year's I thought the steam train we rode was at the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County. But, with the help of the internet, I was surprised to find out that the home of the train we rode over 40 years ago was the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad in Kempton, Pa.

Seeing where the train was located, I reached out by email to the staff and sent the old photo which they verified was indeed a locomotive that ran on their line. From that point I made plans with my siblings and our spouses to recreate the photograph as we look today after decades of time having ticked by.

As I've stated in other articles, Deb and I like to take train rides and have been on various steam and diesel passenger trains around the U.S. Whether it's a short ride or one of several hours it's a pleasure to travel back in time aboard the historic railroads. We rarely drive into Philadelphia. When planning a day trip, we will take the Septa R-6 line from Norristown and sit back on the way to the city. We walk around town, do some sightseeing, enjoy lunch, maybe some shopping and then it's back aboard for our return.

We made a full day of our trip to Kempton on a recent Sunday. Driving on Rt. 73 we stopped at the Creekside Diner in Pleasantville for breakfast of our favorite Johnny Appleseed baked oatmeal. It's a tasty treat in the cozy western-themed rustic diner. Afterwards we traveled up over the mountains on Route 737 arriving at the railroad yard.

My sister had made a reprint of the photo and we showed it to several of the workers who were running the train. The WK&S, #250 was no longer at the Kempton site and had been sold and moved by rail to New Hampshire in the early 1970s. The locomotive is currently at the Edaville Railroad in Carver, Massachusetts and is no longer in operation.

We decided to shoot our picture in front of the old steam locomotive #2 that sits on site near the maintenence building and was the first operational engine when the WK&S opened in 1963. The #2 isn't in service but made for a beautiful backdrop for our current snapshot. To give the photograph an authentic look Lisa presented our brother with a gold beanie and he was a good sport wearing it on for the picture.

As we look today in October 2012.

On the crisp autumn afternoon and under a clear blue sky my wife Deb took several snaps to record our little piece of history. We could hear the whistle off in the distance so we made our way back to the platform for a ride on the rails. The train was comprised of locomotive #734, three coach cars with comfortable upholstered chairs, an open air car and a caboose that passengers could ride in.

All of the cars were filled with families and young children taking their first rides just as we had. It was the 'Pumpkin Patch' train weekend and at the halfway point children and parents hopped off and raced around picking out their favorite pumpkins that were part of their day of adventure. The kids brought their prize back with them for the return trip.

While we were stopped, I talked with engineer Jim Krause who is also the general manager of operations. Jim filled me in on the history of the #250 as he looked at our old photo. He knew the exact spot where it was taken. These little train lines have a unique history and it was nice to learn about the all-volunteer staff who give up many hours of their time to keep the WK&S running.

As we chugged along the countryside, the trees were in peak colors of red, yellow and orange just as they were in the fall of '67. Corn fields were a dry golden brown waiting for farmers to harvest. Leaves floated in the slow moving current of the cool Ontelaunee Creek. The hour long ride was a relaxing trip to enjoy.

With our mission complete we looked around at some of the buildings and equipment. Before heading home, we matched up wooden siding and windows from a different photo as we figured out the angle from where it was taken.

I don't remember much from the time we spent as children on our ride in 1967, but I won't forget the fun we had this trip reminiscing with my family while the train rolled along.

Travel - Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:47:00 +0000

      It's that time of year again as cooler breezes fill the air, leaves begin to change color and I get the bug to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first Saturday in October is the start of the annual Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
     The week-long festival is one of the most photographed events in the world. It's no wonder with all the crazy shapes and sizes of balloons, camera buffs are snapping pictures non stop.
     I had waited years to attend and capture some shots of the famous air display. Finally, we were on site at 5 a.m. to beat the traffic jams on the highway leading into Balloon Fiesta Park. The air was cold and we were bundled up in layers as several 'dawn patrol' balloons took off in the early morning darkness. These balloons were fun to watch as they glowed in the sky when the burners were fired to keep them aloft. These early risers gave the other balloonists an idea of wind speed and direction when the mass ascension lifts off later in the morning.
     Deb and I walked around the grass covered field and watched the sun begin to rise. Pilots and crew members unfurled their colorful balloons. Our first day was the special shapes mass ascension. The imagination of the owners had no bounds on their creations. We saw close to ninety of these balloons from old favorites like Smokey the Bear to Star Wars creation Darth Vader.
     One of my favorites is the giant Saguaro cactus which is quite a character. The Creamland balloon is a massive full sized cow named Airabelle. It took a lot of propane to heat the balloon envelope to get her airborne. The conditions were perfect that day, not a cloud in the sky and light winds pushing the balloons along.
     My wife Deb liked the bees Joey and Lilly. They have since added a little bee named Joelly and the three ascend together with the crowds cheering them on.
     Onlookers have unrestricted access during inflation with pilots answering questions while busily getting ready to launch. Thousands of people attend daily on the early morning and I enjoyed being in the crowds as part of the festivities. I'm shooting photos and suddenly my snapshot camera stopped working. This wasn't good and realized after taking photos all week from Sedona, Arizona to The Grand Canyon and places in between that I filled up the digital card on the camera.
     What do I do now. I wasn't prepared for this and the special shape balloons were starting to fill up around me. That day would be the only time I'd get to see them. And then I saw a student carrying camera accessories, batteries and camera cards as a school fundraiser. I ran over to him and spent $20.00 on the biggest card he had and was back in business before the balloons took off from the field. I would have paid $100 not to miss shooting the colorful display.
      The sun was peaking from behind the Sandia Mountains and the sky turned a vivid blue. What a backdrop to contrast the array of colors floating in front of me. I put the camera down to watch them puff over my head and enjoy the moment.
      Friends we had met traveling asked if we wanted to go with them on an air balloon flight that same morning. We politely declined the invitation as I've been aboard balloons in the past. Deb and I made the choice to stay and watch from the ground.
     I had flown out of Memorial Park during several 4th of July celebrations. Lifting off with the crowds watching and me waving back is exciting. The feeling of floating quietly across the sky watching the ground below is very peaceful. Of course, I was shooting photos for the newspaper those days.
Once the special shapes left the field there was a break in the action, so Deb and I walked along vendors row and purchased a breakfast burrito that looked the size of a small log. When traveling, we like to snack on the local food and weren't disappointed with our choice. The green and red chile wasn't too hot, at least I didn't think so, and combined nicely with the egg, meat, cheese, beans and and other ingredients. What a tasty way to have breakfast before more balloons arrived.
     Hundreds of balloons at the mercy of the wind flew toward the field and the crews participated in a key grab competition. Deb was counting balloons as they went by and gave up at 250. Close to 500 balloons were in the air that day. The balloonists slowly descend toward large poles that are held up at different positions across the show grounds. The area is roped off to the public looking on for safety reasons. As the balloons slowly approach a co-pilot in the basket tries to reach down and grab a key that is fixed atop the pole. It is harder than it looks. We watched as one person grabbed one only to lose his grip and the key fell to the ground. Prizes are given to those lucky enough to get a key.
    And just like that the last of the balloons floated off into the distance. It was a dizzying morning and I snapped many pictures on that day. It was probably one of the most enjoyable days of shooting photos that I've ever had.

My favorite photograph from the balloon fiesta.

Deb and I would travel back to Albuquerque every year if we had the chance. But when opening day comes this weekend I will feel like I'm there even though I'm in Pennsylvania. With a live video feed from two of the local television stations I will see the mass ascensions from my computer and participate in the chat room with other folks from around the world who also check in. I may not be on site but it's still nice to be part of this year's 41st annual event.
And for me, I can watch dressed in pajamas in the warmth of my computer room. Maybe I'll make a breakfast burrito to take it a notch higher. But not too hot on the chile.

Travel - The Wright Brothers National Memorial

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 14:04:00 +0000

Replica of Wright's planes.

      While on vacation at the beach in Nags Head, North Carolina, my wife Deb and I decided to take a side trip to visit the Wright Brother National Memorial in Kill Devils Hills. This was our first visit to the Outer Banks which included a houseful of family.
      With a total of eighteen people under one roof in a giant beach side home, it was time to get out and do a little sightseeing. The national memorial was a short ten minute drive from our rental house to Kitty Hawk along Route 158. Entrance fee to the property is $4.00 per adult and for me, well worth the money.
     I am always willing to visit a new national site around the United States and looked forward to seeing the location of the world's first engine driven air flight. A century has past since Orville Wright made the first powered flight on December 17, 1903.

Famous photo of first powered flight.

My wife is interesting to follow around in museums that we visit. Deb will read every sign, story and piece of history hanging among the photos, artifacts and replica planes displayed. She says that while in school she never retained the U. S. history and now wants to absorb everything when we travel to these sites.
I like to read some of the dates and important facts. And being a photographer, I'm drawn to the photographs of the first plane in flight. The photos are clean, clear and without motion blur. Conditions weren't ideal using those large format cameras. I wonder if I would have been able to capture the photo of the air bound Orville Wright. You only get one shot. There wasn't a do over if you missed the picture as there is only one first air flight.

Markers locate flights.

Once outside we walk to the stone markers locating the spots where the Wright Brothers completed the first four flights. Then we stood atop Kill Devil Hill at the memorial where they launched down the ninety foot hill until airborne under the power of their plane.
Looking down from the top, I thought of Orville Wright winning the coin flip to become the first pilot to take to the air. What an intimidating view knowing the consequences of a flight gone bad. Twelve long seconds is all that it lasted. Engine powered air flight officially began that December day.

Strick's pix with wife Deb, my sister Lisa & her husband Scott

     On the final flight Wilbur Wright took control of the plane. He traveled 852 feet in 59 seconds. The Western Union Telegraph Co. message to the Wright family in Dayton, Ohio stated "Success four flights thursday morning all against twenty one mile wind started from level with engine power alone average speed through air thirty one miles longest 57 seconds inform Press home #####Christmas.    Orevelle Wright     525P"
   Today, we take their accomplishments for granted as we jet across the country in only hours. Their first flights on that day one hundred years ago led to other great Americans looking to the sky like Chuck Yeager, John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. The Wright Brothers were true pioneering heroes.

News Comes Calling

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:21:00 +0000

     My wife Deb and I arrived home late Saturday afternoon after a week's vacation in the Outer Banks in North Carolina along with our family. It didn't take long for duty as a Mercury photographer to begin again. The incident was a vehicle crash a block away from our West Pottsgrove Township home.
   We had finished unpacking our bags, straightened up all the beach gear and settled in to watch the night college football game when I heard a loud crash and immediately the FIOS went out. The power remained on but the television feed was gone.
Grabbing my camera, I looked over at Deb and said someone smashed into a utility pole and headed out the door. Walking down the street I could see neighbors looking out windows and others heading over to a yard where a compact car was sitting. The front end was crumpled where it had struck the pole and the injured driver was still inside. Light smoke rose from the engine compartment and wires were laying across the vehicle.
      The utility pole that the driver hit was in pieces with part still attached to low hanging wires. The transformer fell from the pole and was in the street. It was a dangerous situation and those trying to help moved cautiously around the scene not to contact any of the electrified lines.

I walked carefully around the scene also, as it was very dark without street lights to illuminate the area. I snapped photos and recorded video of the wrecked vehicle, then sent the files along with calling in details to get the story on the web.
   The injured driver was trapped inside the car for close to an hour until all power was shut down to electrical lines. Once the power was off rescue crews safely moved the driver to a waiting ambulance and transported him to the hospital.
     When I got back home the power was off so we decided to call it a night. That wasn't how I thought our first evening home from the beach would go. But on this day news came calling close to home.

Travel - Yankees vs Orioles at Camden Yards

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:06:00 +0000

Back in June I purchased tickets for a major league baseball game in Baltimore to see the Yankees play the Orioles at Camden Yards. I never would have guessed that both would be locked up in a pennant race tied atop the American League East division. Apparently neither did fans as I easily bought tickets for first level seats.

The Babe

I've been to Camden Yards before and it's a not a bad drive from Pa. to Maryland. We have found back roads and are only on Route 95 for a short time to limit the intense driving. The last time I attended a game was to see Cal Ripken play and to shoot some photos of him during his long consecutive streak starting games for the O's. At that game I was cheering for the home team enjoying the cozy park.

Camden Yards

This time I was there for the Yankees, but you wouldn't know it from my clothing. I will never wear an opposing teams colors into a visiting stadium. I consider Baltimore fans very friendly but with the rivalry heating up, there is no need to look for trouble. Many others don't seem to care. We were surrounded by Yankee fans all dressed in blue and white with team caps on their heads. I was in friendly company. But in between many pockets of Yankee loyalists were Oriole fans blanketing the stadium in bright orange.
It's been a long time since they have been in a pennant race this late in the year and with their strong pitching and powerful hitting the team has kept pace with the division leading Yankees.

O's Boog Powell and Strick's Pics

We booked a hotel only two blocks from the stadium so it was an easy walk for the start of the game from our room. I always bring a camera along wherever I go and entering through the front gate I snap a picture of the huge statue of Babe Ruth. Knowing that he's honored for his birth in Baltimore and signed by the O's before being traded, I still find it odd to see his likeness since he's one of the Yankee greats of all time.
From there we made our way through the crowd to an area where several of the top former Oriole players are remembered with bronzed statues. Cal Ripken's statue was unveiled the night before and fans stood next to his shining full length likeness and had their pictures snapped.

Derek Jeter

   I walked up to Boog Powell who was greeting fans near his barbeque pit. The former O's first baseman gave me a strong handshake and smile as we took a picture together. Even at his age I'd bet he could still jack a homer out of the yard.
     Walking around the stadium, we stopped near home plate and I walked down to the third row from the field to shoot a couple of photos of Derek Jeter swinging the bat warming up in the on deck circle. I also snapped some of the crowded dugout just before game time, then made our way to the seats along the third baseline.
    The pitching duel between the Yank's Phil Hughes and the O's Wei-Yin Chen lasted only three innings as New York smashed three homers to build a seven run lead by the end of the fifth inning. We were walking around the outfield standing room only area and watched as Alex Rodriguez crushed his 300th homer as a Yankee.
   I'd much rather see a lot of action on the base paths then to watch a bunch of strikeouts and I got my wish. There was a lot of hitting going on in this game by both teams.

Yankee's win.

In the bottom of the ninth with one out, I walked to a spot behind the Yankee dugout to take a couple photos as I anticipated the Yankees celebrating a win. Along the way N.Y. closer Rafael Soriano gave up a solo shot to Manny Machado. But it was too late for the O's losing 8-5. The Yankees were in sole possession of first place for another day as the teammates congratulated each other .
Win or lose it was a great day to be a part of America's favorite game. But it felt good walking back to the hotel with a winning smile.

BMX - Racers on the fast track to fun

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:26:00 +0000

     Racers nervously wait at the starting line. Get set. The gate drops and riders pedal furiously, hit the first hill and grab some air time making their way around the track. I'm covering the BMX national race held at Memorial Park in Pottstown. Photographs are a dime a dozen as the young kids whip around corners and jockey for the lead.
     These are enjoyable assignments, with me smiling as I watch the youngsters put their bikes through the paces. Kids take it seriously when they race, but most are still having fun interacting with their buddies. Many turn this into a family tradition. Mom, dad and the kids hop into an RV or pickup truck pulling a trailer and cruise to tracks around the United States.
      I think it would have been fun to have the opportunity to run a track like that as a kid, but the best we could do was ride on a bumpy field with a small hill to jump. Our bikes weren't sturdy enough to take the punishment either. But the one thing we had back when I was a little shaver was the chance to ride my bike on roads, sidewalks and open ground across the area.
     The land wasn't as built up and traffic was much less intense. My friends and I would make plans to ride to a destination with at least one long hill to coast down at break neck speed. And I'm serious about the break neck! Some days I would head back home with road rash on knees and elbows after a spill.
     The objective of our riding would lead us to Mauger's Mill Rd. which was one of the longest and highest hills we could pedal. Once there, we would line up and look down from the N. Hanover St. intersection to make sure there wasn't a car in site. Then it was Ready, Set, Go! We would speed all the way with our eyes watering to see who would get to the bottom first. I don't think kids today can do this type of riding as cars seem to be everywhere on roads these days.
   There are some guys my age in their 50s riding the BMX bikes, but I have limited my riding to a steady pace aboard a mountain bike on area trails these days.
    Photographing these young girls, boys, teens and adults zipping by is a good way to spend an afternoon. Kids like to get airborne, some having a natural knack and are fearless on the way to the finish line.
      Others end up with cuts, bruises and band aids from a fall on the course. Most get up, brush themselves off and pedal to the end of the track and head back in line for another race.
      So even if kids may not have the freedom to travel the wide open spaces that hardly exist anymore, they can make up for it on the BMX fast track to fun.

Travel - Wine camp on Long Island, N.Y.

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Going off to camp wasn't an option for my wife Deb or me as kids. A normal summer day would include riding my bike all over town, a day at the pool and playing baseball.

A variety of wines.

So as adults, Deb scouted a vacation on the internet that looked interesting to her. We were headed to summer camp. This wasn't a roll out the sleeping bags and pop up the tents trip complete with gnats and mosquitoes. Our destination was the North Fork of Long Island, New York for a five day adventure at Wine Camp.

Our stay was at the Ellis House Bed and Breakfast and we were shuttled around to wineries by limousine for a relaxed learning experience on the fine art of growing grapes and wine making.

Limosines shuttled us across the North Fork.

On arrival we were greeted by Ellis House owner Connie Ellis and she briefed us on our afternoon activities. Her husband Scott was always busy behind the scenes helping prepare breakfasts, one which included Creme Brulee French Toast and raspberry sauce. Tasty. There were a total of thirteen campers with some in the group staying at the Harvest Inn B & B.

We met up at the Paumanok Winery where owner Charles Massoud gave an overview of the Long Island wine industry. He talked about his first life as an executive with IBM and now how he, his wife Ursula and family manage their vineyard. It was a very casual setting as we sat among the growing vines. After our chat we headed inside for our first wine tasting and got to know the other campers.

Our morning menu.

Every camper came from a different background but our common interest was gaining some new insight on wine and having fun while learning. It wasn't a dry teaching and listening experience. We were involved in various aspects of the vineyards. There were novices in the group just beginning to branch out enjoying wines to experts including consultants from Yellow Tail Wines of Australia who were on a winery touring vacation across the United States.

Anthony Nappa at the Winemaker Studio.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a wine expert nor do I pretend to be. Deb and I enjoy traveling and participating in different experiences on the road. That said, I am a wine consumer. At home in Pennsylvania, we drive around the Berks County and Lehigh Valley Wine Trails sampling various bottles of whites and reds. And we buy from the local wineries including the Manatawny Winery which is in our back yard in Amity township.

There isn't a need to travel far for a taste of grapes, but we've also traveled to the California wine country. One of the highlights of the trip was a ride on The Napa Valley Wine Train for wine tasting and dinner on board. We also stopped at Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma where we toured the winery and again sampled wines while enjoying a gourmet lunch outdoors surrounded by vine covered hillsides.

A catered lunch under a canopy of wine leaves.

Back in Long Island wine country we learned that the first vineyard was planted only 39 years ago as the agricultural industry of growing potatoes, cauliflower and other vegetables fell on hard times. Farmers were selling out as second and third generations of families lost interest in the strenuous work for little profit.

Back then, the ground was moderately priced. Newcomers who were tired of working in the big city or finishing up first careers bought up the acreage and began a new way of life on Long Island's North Fork. Early on in the '70s was a learning experience for the founding owners on what grapes worked during a growing season with land surrounded by water and how vines should be planted. They found that planting rows east to west didn't allow for enough sun exposure on the vines. So now the majority of vines are running north to south. As the sun rises over the vineyards it sweeps over the leaves evenly from morning until dusk. I get an A for remembering that history and wine science. Can you say photosynthesis.

Eric Fry talks on wine blending at Lenz Winery.

At Sherwood House Vineyards we learned how to taste wines and figuring out the flavors. What we liked, what we didn't and that everyone has different opinions on wines. We had a science class on the chemistry of winemaking with Anthony Nappa. Then we traveled to Lenz Winery which was founded in 1978. We learned the art of blending wine with winemaker Eric Fry trying to figure out what we wanted in a red wine blend.

We paired with several campers and four teams competed to see who could make the best wine. The blending was made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Our group liked our finished product and toasted each other clinking glasses thinking we had a winner. Needless to say we lost and my wife Deb's team won using equal parts of the three wines. I have yet to live down her victory as she teasingly reminds me at times when we are sipping a glassful at home.

Strick's Pics blending wine.

We also learned the fine art of tasting wines that were still aging in barrels and spitting out the juice into a bucket. My accuracy was lacking and much ended up a maroon spot on the concrete floor. I love camp! Fry was an expert and could hit that bucket from across the room like an NBA player swishing a jump shot. But joking aside he is a master winemaker with degrees in microbiology and scientific knowledge helping to keep his vineyard healthy and to craft great wines.

Deb works at the Old Fields Vineyard.

The next day of travel included talks about sustainable vineyard management at Jamesport Vineyard where we met Ron Goerler Jr. and his father Ron Sr. who started up one of the first vineyards on the island. We sampled more wine seated at a large table, surrounded by barrels in a smartly built cellar tasting room.

Afterward, we were transported to The Old Field Vineyards where owner Roz Baiz put us to work in the fields. Her husband Chris stopped his tractor long enough to say hello then was back in the field trimming row after row of grapevines. At this point of the growing season, it was time for the campers to help at Old Field and raise the wires attached on the posts to their top position. The vines were growing fast and are trained between these wires. The grapes were the size of a firm pea and the clusters were just starting to grow. Deb and I worked as a team and started slowly making sure not to damage the vines. But we rookies got the system down and completed our work on a long row. Our reward was another wine tasting under the shade of oak trees on the property.

Ron Goerling Jr. and Sr. at Jamesport Winery.

During one of our catered lunches we met author Jane Taylor Starwood who wrote an interesting book entitled "Long Island Wine Country" on the North Fork wineries. I had her autograph our copy. The people we met on the trip were very friendly. Not like some of the tense folks that are rushing around in New York City. Maybe it's the lifestyle, maybe it's the wine but we felt as if we became a part of their culture that week.

Our final evening dining event was a food pairing and wine dinner with Marco and Ann Marie Bourgese. Mr. Borgese is an Italian prince whose heritage can be traced back nine centuries. He had an easy going manner and smile and an intelligent wine maker while his wife was a charming and knowledgable co-owner. She talked about their acquiring Long Island's first vineyard in 1998 from the original owners Louisa and Alex Hargrove who planted the first vines in 1973. Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery grows a variety of grapes from Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others.
We received a case of wine as a complimentary part of our tour including bottles from each winery we visited. And we bought others that we really enjoyed during our tasting events that week.

Young grape cluster on the vine.

On completing wine camp our camp counselors Connie, Darolyn and Christopher presented us with certificates. Each couple was also bestowed a special honor. Deb and I were told that we are destined to be the next couple to own a vineyard on the North Fork determined by our work at Old Field Vineyard. We thanked them for the honor but I politely declined laughingly knowing how weeding the flower gardens at our home isn't for me.

We'll travel back to the North Fork as there are more wineries on the island we'd like to visit and to stop and say hello to the friends we made on our trip. And next time we will take the time to sit along the Long Island Sound and watch the sailboats and enjoy the sunshine on a breezy summer afternoon.

Celebrating Independence Day

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 20:12:00 +0000

     Celebrating Independence Day for me normally involves covering 4th of July festivities for The Mercury. This year I photographed the first of the two day celebration in Pottstown shooting pictures of a group of hot air balloonists lifting off over Memorial Park, a country rock band and the big draw of the evening, THE BABY CONTEST.
     The events at the park make for numerous photo possibilities for the paper and website. The weather this year was ideal, no rain, not too warm. Just a perfect evening for activities. But don't think for a minute I wasn't sweating the baby contest.
      All the babies are winners in my book. The little girls and boys are smartly dressed for the occasion. But the mom's holding their children make me nervous. I'm kidding of course but it's hard to take a picture of each child and put them in the paper. But the looks I get at times seem to be asking me, "What about taking my baby's picture?" This year I had a father ask me laughingly, " How much money to take a picture for the paper?" I think he was serious.

I work quickly scanning the crowd for a child that would make a good front page photo. A child learning to walk for the first time. Another waving a flag. All the girls are pretty as a picture and the boys are snappy looking. I can't go wrong by whomever I photograph.

I keep my head down and try not to make eye contact with the moms. They look at me and then at their babies and then back at me. I'm intimidated. I have covered some of the toughest events for the paper for years but that baby contest has me back pedaling. So on this blog I'm including a number of the photos that may not have gotten covered in print but will make it onto the digital world for all to see.

It's not hard to get a really good photo from the event, but I wish I were invisible. And to be a judge is a thankless job. I was asked to judge a contest years ago at a Berks County event and gladly participated. Little did I know what I was in for. Everyone wants their baby crowned as the winner. I felt like a baseball umpire making a bad call during a game. When it was over I made a hasty retreat to my car.
But in the end, the parents do enjoy the day and maybe next year I will take pictures of their baby.

Flying the Red, White and Blue

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:46:00 +0000

The Star Spangled Banner represents one of the most important symbols of the United States. Marking the Flag Day holiday this year, I had the opportunity to shoot some photos of Elwood Taylor's flag collection which was featured in The Mercury and on line. Taylor oldest flag dates back to 1818.

Elwood Taylor

There wasn't any conformity or rules in those days when sewing a flag. The field, star and stripes were patterned in many varied designs. My favorite was the Theodore Roosevelt flag that was used when traveling to Africa after completing his term as president. The former president's name is visible onto the white fabric edging. Taylor started researching and was able to verify the flag through correspondence with various people, the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and searching on the internet. Taylor has a copy of a photograph of Roosevelt and his team with the flag that was taken in Africa. The uniqueness of the stars on the field is one of the ways that the flag was identified. Taylor says part of the enjoyment of collecting is in the search for answers on the flags that he owns.
The stars and stripes are one of my favorite subjects to photograph. I have countless pictures, many in black and white. Even in the absence of color, the symbol stands out in a stark contrast of gray tones.

    The photograph I admire most was taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal. It shows the raising of the flag on Mt. Suribachi by U.S. Marines and Navy Corpsmen while fighting the Japanese at Iwo Jima during World War II.
      My most noteworthy shot was taken in 1992 when I flew in a helicopter to photograph the world's largest flag sewn by Humphrys Flag Company in Pottstown. It weighs more than a ton and measured 255 by 505 feet, the size of three football fields. The banner used 5.5 miles of fabric and 6,000 miles of thread.
     There are many snapshots I've clicked of people holding flags at parades and military ceremonies. Others show kids learning about patriotism and the Pledge of Allegiance, hands placed over their hearts during morning flag raising ceremonies.
     It's odd when I look up at a flag pole and see a different nation's banner when I'm traveling outside of the United States. I wasn't expecting it to have an effect wanting to see the red, white and blue waving in the breeze.

I have always flown a U.S. flag on our home. They last about one year before the stripes begin to fade and fray. I don't keep my old flags but have them honorably disposed at a flag retirement ceremony held at Memorial Park. The flags are reduced to ashes and then buried following proper protocol.
Following that custom is my way to show respect for Old Glory even when her days of flying are over.

The Week Begins with a Multi-Alarm Fire

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:39:00 +0000

Pottstown firemen rescue man from building fire.

     The week began on a nasty note with a multi-alarm building fire in Pottstown early Monday morning. I hit the ground running hearing a call confirming one person trapped inside the Third Street home. Racing to the scene only minutes from my house, thick smoke billowed from the structure.
     I  ran the block and a half from where I parked my pickup truck. One person had already been taken off the roof by neighbors assisting with a ladder but there was still someone unaccounted for inside the building.
     The Pottstown Fire Department was on the scene and surrounding companies were called to assist. Flames rip from the upper floor windows as firemen sprayed water to knock down the fire while a team searched for the missing home owner.
     I made my way around the front of the house as rescuers carried the injured 89-year-old man from a first floor bedroom. They rush him to a waiting ambulance and he was airlifted to a Philadelphia hospital in critical condition.

Flames rip from window.

The fire intensified on the home and flames raged up the side of the structure. The Sanatoga ladder holding several firemen had to be swung away from the blaze just beneath them. A fireman fighting inside the home was injured with minor burns to his ears and head.
I ate some smoke while shooting photos as the wind swirled during a morning drizzle. I stayed back moving around as the breeze changed directions to keep from inhaling to much of it. Firemen continued to keep fire hoses fixed on the flames finally putting it out.

Suspect arrested by Pottstown P.D.

The busy news week continued on Tuesday and I was out again by 8 a.m. Pottstown police began a sweep across town rounding up alleged drug dealers and others wanted for various crimes committed in the borough. During the day they arrested twenty-two people. I photographed a number of these arrests and photos appeared on the front page of The Mercury and on the web site. This was scheduled to be my week to work the late shift, but with the early news my day changes quickly.
Wednesday was calmer and the start of graduation week coverage for me. The rain showers predicted held off and Pottstown's graduating class of 2012 proudly walked onto the Grigg Memorial Stadium field for their commencement. There were lots of smiles and cheers as the seniors came into view of their families.

Pottstown High School graduation.

Pottstown holds a classy graduation ceremony, one that I always enjoy covering. Every day holds a different challenge. WOW! I checked Friday's schedule and we have six graduations to cover. Let's hope for a quiet news day.

Travel - Yosemite National Park - Another Day in Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Our day ahead was one we looked forward to for a long time. Deb and I were leaving Lake Tahoe and headed south and westward toward Yosemite National Park. Yosemite was an anticipated stop during a week-long group tour throughout central California. We drove several hours to our first point of interest stopping at Mono Lake.

Mono Lake

Mono is a saline lake sitting below a mountainside. The quiet of the surroundings was immediately noticeable and appreciated. We walked along a pathway and could hear birds chirping in the distance. I enjoyed the silence and the solitude.

Mark Twain quoted the lake in his book titled Roughing It. Twain stated, "Mono Lake lies in a lifeless, treeless, hideous desert, eight thousand feet above the level of the sea, and is guarded by mountains two thousand feet higher, whose summits are always clothed in clouds. This solemn, silent, sail-less sea - his lonely tenant of the loneliest spot on earth - is little graced with the picturesque...

It may be lonely, but I've seen some spectacular photos of the lake with swirling clouds and skies painted in violet and pink. I don't know how long I would have enjoyed the silence before the need to hear the noise of the busy east. I make a simple photograph with a bright blue sky reflecting part of the mountain in the lake. Nothing dramatic, all the same it is mine to keep. It was a brief stop before our tour bus headed for the Tioga Pass on Route 120 crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains. The pass is a winding roadway with the highest elevation measuring 9,943 feet. The views are spectacular and I was glad not to be driving. Looking down over the cliffs with 2,000 ft. drops would have made for white knuckle driving. There are tradeoffs when taking motor coach tours. I do appreciate having a skillful driver. But at times, I'd like to stop at a lookout or a spot interesting to hike and explore.

Sign at the eastern gate of Yosemite.

But when covering the area for the first time it was nice to sit and have a knowledgeable tour guide pointing out all the interesting sites along the way into Yosemite.

The Tioga Pass and eastern entrance to the park are closed from the first snow in November until the roadway can be cleared of deep snow and surface damage repaired in late spring. This was the highway I wanted to take winding up and around switchbacks and down the other side until we saw the wooden sign for Yosemite National Park. The park derserves a larger marquee announcing the arrival to such a grand spot but I understand the idea of keeping it simple and understated. They let nature speak for herself.

Half Dome

Passing the gate, I laugh to myself thinking, "Move over Ansel, Johnny's taking pictures in the park today!" But with such a short time, the photos I click were only snapshots nothing classically Adams worthy. But, within the park, I'm finally in the company of one of the gems of the United States.

I travel light when headed out on these adventures leaving my heavy professional cameras and long lens at home preferring to carry a high end snapshot camera. There are limitations when wrestling with the lightweight model trying to get a more wide angle view than the camera allows.

But, I'm not on a snapshot gathering expedition. I'm there to participate not just record everything I see. I dip my hands in the cold Merced to get a sense of the melting snow pack that feeds the river. My eyes are opened to the Sequoia and Redwood trees that dwarf me, touching the thick craggy bark that protects them from fires. I pick my spots for photographs. My need is to experience Yosemite knowing that I'm treading on the same ground as naturalist John Muir.

Muir said it best when quoted on Yosemite. "It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter."

View of Yosemite Valley from the overlook at Tunnel View.

We drove down into the Yosemite Valley and got my first view of Half Dome before exiting the bus. We have an hour to get settled in with our surroundings before boarding an open air wagon pulled by a giant tractor. The park ranger driving the vehicle fills in all the details passing by the granite monoliths. We wound our way to a location called Tunnel View. Peering down into the valley, you can see how endless time carved out Yosemite Valley and nature rebuilt it in a carpet of pine and fir trees.

From the panoramic overlook the cliffs of El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls and Sentinel Rock are visible. I shoot my favorite photo of the trip from this spot.

Yosemite Falls

Our time is limited and we make the most of it by hiking over to Yosemite Falls. Due to the heavy snowstorms from the previous winter the water pours over the cliff face. It's the middle of July and are told how lucky we are that normally the falls are running at a trickle this time of the year.We sit on a downed tree looking at boulders left behind by glaciers. There were many people at this spot but we never felt crowded. It was a relaxing location as polite vacationers and outdoorsmen come and go without spoiling the moment.

As we were leaving the park Deb finally got to see what she was looking for the entire trip. By the side of the road was a young Black Bear and the mother keeping a watchful eye on her growing cub. Her trip is now complete and could have ended right there. They were the first bears she has seen in the wild. There was more to do in the coming days as we drove out of Yosemite on our way to Monterey and a ride along the Pacific Coast Highway at Big Sur.

Another great day in Nature's wonderland.

A Handshake for Roy

noreply@blogger.com (John Strickler) — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:53:00 +0000

Every Memorial Day in Pottstown usually begins with my early morning visit to the monument built by members of the Vietnam Veterans of America 565 in Memorial Park.

David Borzick places wreath.

The memorial was built for all service personnel with names of the veterans etched into bricks that were cemented into a walkway. Special areas were laid out in tribute to local Vietnam vets who died in combat.

The military statue at Memorial Park.

     I approach the kneeling statue of a GI and reach to shake his outstretched hand. I clasp the cool bronzed fingers and say my hello to Roy. That is my father's name and one I feel fitting when paying my respects on the day to remember those who have served their country. It's also the spot I've chosen to also remember my mother Virginia on Memorial Day, as my parents are buried in a small country town in Ohio. I haven't been at their graves in over a year.
      I still get that lump in my throat and my eyes glisten in the morning sunshine. I owe them that. The feelings pass and I walk along the tree lines path looking down at all the names.
      From here it's off to the parade to begin another holiday working for The Mercury. I drive to the starting location and greet some of the veterans I've gotten to know over the years. U.S. Marine veteran Cal Books continues to line up the men and he walks along with the color guard. I congratulate Jack McQuaid for being the awarded 2012 Veteran of the Year.
    At 10 a.m. veterans and active duty military begin marching through Pottstown with colorful flags. U.S. Marine Corporal Bryan Walter of Phoenixville, still on active duty, had the honor of carrying the stars and stripes. Bands play and fire trucks and classic cars roll along High Street.

Holocaust survivor Severin Fayerman.

     Then it's back to Memorial Park for speeches and tributes during a solemn service with many people attending this year.
     An especially stirring talk came from Severin Fayerman who spoke on his survival as a prisoner of the Germans held in concentration camps during World War II at Auschwitz, Buchenwald and Sachsenhausen. The Polish immigrant spoke kindly about about the United States and how the military saved his life. He mentioned how lucky Americans are to live in a free country.
    Wreaths were placed for veterans of all wars, then a prayer followed by a 21-gun salute. The sound of 'Taps' could be heard throughout the park played by Boy Scout bugler Nate Fuerman.
     Back at the office I picked photos for the web and the next day's paper. I finish up my shift and drove home thinking of Fayerman. It is a blessing to live in this country despite the turmoil and uncertainty of a weakened economy. As he said we all have won the lottery just being born in this country. I'm going to try to remember his important words.