Tag: Environment
A Bit of Smokey, Seattle Haze
These were taken during one of the less-smokey days we had this summer. Still, the visibility is affected. The BC forest fires robbed us of many nice, summer days.
Shot from the Jose Rizal Bridge in Seattle.
Along the Tracks (Con’t.)
One of the questions that comes to mind, when viewing and shooting street art is: what does this say about our society/culture? Some people view it as vandalism while others view it as a form of contemporary art. Because the palette is in or near a public space does that change the dynamics? Or. like the images I have been presenting, are mostly out of the view of the public, but on a BNSF railway right of way does that change things? To get this space both the artist and I have to trespass across those railroad tracks. The palette in these works is just a retaining wall, so maybe the work enhances the large, drab concrete space?
I guess it begs the age old question: What is art?
We all have to answer that for ourselves, I guess.
Exploring
Two of our grandchildren exploring the beach at Jack Block Park on Elliott Bay in Seattle. Although the water was frigid they did wade in for a brief moment :-). Today they are back in school with the rest of the Seattle students. I had a fun summer watching them. although a bit crazy at times. Madeleine starts the 4th grade and Adam first grade. Seem like not so long ago I was changing their diapers!
Including a Bush
Since I have been posting flowers from our yard I thought it only fair I post an image of a bush. This bush has been trimmed and shaped by our son in law, who is an Arborists who works for Seattle Parks. This image is actually the first phase of the trim. He finished the trimming last week so now it is sort of a combination bonsai and topiary. This bush image was taken on my phone. The completed topiary will be shot with a ‘real’ camera :-).
Duwamish Access IV
Some of the non-commercial traffic on the Duwamish River. It’s interesting that one natural resource can be shared by so many diverse interests; from various wildlife, boaters, fishers, fish and commerce.
Icy Cold in Seattle
It’s been a cold week in Seattle.
In Distress
Gowanus Canal: Two ways of looking at the Superfund Site.
The Gowanus Canal can be a very picturesque place or, depending on the light and your vantage point, it can be a pretty sketchy place with an aroma you will never forget.
One More Look at the Gowanus Canal ( for now)
Debris barge in action. Mural across from the Whole Foods Market and a very large Faux fire hydrant. I think it is made of plastic and placed here for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Shining a Light
Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn. On a bright, sunny day the park lights were one, which made for an interesting glow. In the right, from the 3rd St. bridge in Gowanus Canal about three blocks from where our son and family live, is a view of the new, luxury apartments build right on the EPA Superfund site of Gowanus Canal. I’m not sure how the developer wrangled a green light to develop on this site, but since this is NYC, I would imagine some money exchanged hands and all was good. The Canal has been designated a Superfund site since 2007 and only the week I was visiting were they starting the first pilot debris removal from one section of the canal called “the turnaround ” adjacent to the Whole Foods store that just went in a few years ago ( that’s another story). What may look like an idyllic location in this image is actually a very toxic ( heavy metals, tar oil, etc) waterway which, on heavy rain days, raw, untreated sewage flows into. Then there is the smell, something you would never forget. On hot days the canal becomes this stagnant, heated cesspool that has an odor you would never forget. On this day it was pretty mild, but still can be shocking to non-residents walking through. I have read that the starting rents on the one bedroom apartments is $4500.00 per month! One more dynamic to consider: during Superstorm Sandy the area flooded. The water came up over the banks of the canal and ran uphill about one block, which would put the first floor apartments at risk in the event of another big storm. You can see some videos of Gowanus and the storm on YouTube. Very crazy.
My Kind of Tourism
Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn, NY. The EPA Superfund Site that has a souvenir shop.
Lowtide:#2
Just beneath the surface of the water are these colorful kelp. ( I hope my spelling is better with this post?). Must be time for another break. 
Two Views: Kentile Floors Sign
Two views of the Kentile Floors sign in Gowanus. The land the sign and factory sits on is part of the Superfund Site. Apparently the soil is contaminated with asbestos.
Bluestar2012's Photoblog 