Kansas couple visits Golden Gate Bridge

What a sweet story this was - San Francisco columnist Chuck Nevius was looking for a column idea for the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary, and came across a Kansas couple who built a replica of the bridge on their property.  He wrote a column, and after it was published some generous individuals in SF chipped in to fly the couple out to see the bridge in person.  She had never been on a plane before, taken a cab ride, or seen the Golden Gate.  He saw the bridge once as he was being shipped out ages ago, and it stuck with him.  I got to hang out with them as they toured SF, and finally, got a boat ride to see the Golden Gate up close.  The city fell in love with this couple while they were here, and they became minor celebrities. 

First ever cab ride

Larry Richardson told his wife Barbara he'd give her a kiss as soon as they came into view of the Golden Gate bridge in person, and he made good on that promise

On top of Coit Tower

Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary

Roller derby girls

Gymnastics Olympic trials

Now you will see how behind on blogging I really am...not only are the Olympic trials long over, but the actual Olympics have come and gone as well.  Oops.  I got to shoot the US Women's team trials in San Jose, which was pretty sweet.  This was the last day, where they competed, then learned at the end who would be on the Olympic team.  It all seemed to be over much too quickly.  They had a ceremony after the competition where they also brought out the newly-named men's team.

Ferry to Alcatraz

I rode the ferry to Alcatraz and back the other day.  I wasn't supposed to, as I found out when I got a phone call on my way back wondering if I could hurry to my next assignment.  I was just supposed to shoot a 'building mug' from the dock of the ferry, for a story about moving the ferry service, then move on.  Oops.  This was much more fun.  

Random color from the Fourth of July

Alameda, CA.

This is what it looks like when Obama comes to town

In chronological order.  Because, why not?  And then he was gone. 

 

 

Escape from Alcatraz triathlon

At the end of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is the infamous sand ladder - 400 steps straight up from the beach to the bluffs overlooking the ocean.  After swimming one and a half miles from Alcatraz, participants bike 18 miles, then run 8 miles, only to be greeted by steps so steep there is a hand rope to hold onto.  I hiked up the sand ladder for some photos, and got passed by an extremely enthusiastic competitor who appeared to be having the time of his life, calling out "Great day!" to me as he went by.  I have no excuse for him passing me.  I was carrying camera gear, but I hadn't been putting my body through unimaginable torture all morning.  I'm pretty sure I never will.  Oh well. 
It was absolutely gorgeous out, not too shabby a way to spend my day.  

Oakland A's future at O.co Coliseum

I got to go to a couple Oakland A's games for a San Francisco Chronicle story on the future of the team, and the stadium.  Attendance is pretty low and the stadium is pretty old.  The A's want to move to the south bay.  Lots of photos of empty seats....really nice to be at the game and get to shoot this instead of just shooting the game action.