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Center of my Universe

You are not at the center of The Universe, but you definitely are center of your universe :)

Iraniyur

Just a short drive from karaikudi is lraniyur, which hosts this lovely Aatkondanathar Swami temple. As the first rays of the sun hit, birds chirped all around, accompanied by the cool and pristine breeze - one is just teleported to a different world and time ! The history goes that Lord Narasimha incurred a dosha for killing demon Hiranya. He worshipped Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiv granted darshan to Lord Narashima and cleansed him of His dosha.

Vivekananda Rock by twilight

In a conflict between the heart and the head, follow your heart. – Swami Vivekananda Eight years back, when I visited Kanyakumari, I did not get to actually visit the Vivekanda Rock. Back then, I had to settle for the view from ashore. It brought back memories from my childhood visit - the grandeur mandap, the towering pillars, the roaring waves, the serene & the cool rock - were all etched in my memory. So this time around, when the chance presented itself, I was more than eager to get out there. But, I was a bit taken aback, on how things had taken a turn. From the confusing ticketing queues (one for the ferry and one for the entry at the rock, makes one wonder why someone would take a ferry and avoid entering the rock) to the huge crowds this place draws, the experience is no longer pristine. It was really sad that sitting in silence or meditation was no longer allowed on the grand hall and the so called meditation hall, set up down below makes one claustrophobic. Don’t get me wrong, the rock and the mandap is still an awe inspiring structure. Actually the design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. You definitely should visit if you are around in Kanyakumari. But at the same time, the experience is no longer as serene as it used to be. For now. given a choice, I’ll settle for the view from ashore and hold on to my memories :)

Empire State by Twilight

There is no other place like NYC :) Each visit brings an experience unto itself. Sometimes the best view is not from the tallest tower , but from the one just behind it !

Time

The problem is we think we have time. If Big Bang happened at the first day of the year, the first second of January 1, then : humans didn't arise until the last day of the year, and modern civilization makes up about the last 14 seconds of the year. – Neil Tyson, Cosmic Calendar. In large scheme of things, our life is minuscule and insignificant. Yeah your read that right - insignificant, but it is wonderfully insignificant. we many a time forget the time that we have out here and the difference we make. If the Cosmic Calendar makes you feel insignificant, the Life in Weeks Calendar, can help put things in perspective of how much we really have to make a difference. And it is up to us to make it wonderful. Its funny how we think we have all the time in the world, yet it is the other way around. But it is never too late to become aware of how time and life drifts away, each moment. So, what are you waiting for - build that business, open that school, start that hobby, make that phone call, learn that skill, take that vacation …

Pristine beaches of SC

Bulls Island, is an undeveloped barrier island within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Its one of the most pristine spans of coastline on the eastern seaboard. Its seven miles of beaches include the famed Boneyard Beach, where the remains of surf-battered trees are littered across the sand. To add to that, after each high tide, every corner of the beach is restored to its immaculate state :) To preserve the wildlife and its habitat, Cape Romain is closed from dawn to dusk, and no camping is allowed on the refuge islands. Hence not many get to witness sunrise on the pristine Boneyard Beach.

You are exactly where you need to be …

You are exactly where you need to be ... And you have the choice to stay or move forward, one step at a time :) Either way, enjoy the journey.

Yin Yang of Fall

Be Thankful for the shadows, for they are there only because of the light :)

Fall Colors by Tranquil lake

A tranquil lake, twilight shades, fall colors, some calming reflections – prefect recipe for a lovely shot :)

The Capitol by full Moon

Initiated around 1793, the core building of The Capitol (Washington D.C) construction took 33 years. It was interesting to learn that the current dome of the capitol building was actually the second one. The original wooden dome was subsequently replaced as a precaution for fire. Today it stands as the meeting place of the nation's legislature. The Capitol also houses an important collection of American art, and it is an architectural achievement in its own right. The several blocks from Washington memorial to the capitol building houses the various Smithsonian museums and is a great place to take a walk !

Twin Falls on a Rainy Day

Don’t judge a book by it’s cover And never judge a day by it’s weather This particular Saturday started with showers all around. It was a tough choice to decide between lazing the afternoon with family in the couch vs driving couple of hours and taking a hike. It was tempting to decide, it was not worth it due to rain, especially since it involved a hike. ClearOutside showed a small break in weather. Am glad I gambled to take the risk, at the end it really paid off :) Though I did get wet, the rain added to the volume of the cascade and the rolling fog made the day ! Generally, worse the weather & lower the probability of getting a shot, the better it turns out to be :)

Sunrise @ South Tip

Kanyakumari , the southern most tip of Incredible India, is well known for a handful of things - The Vivekananda Rock, Thiruvaluvar statue, the small fishing colony, Devi Kanyakumari amman temple on one end and Our lady Church on the other. But it all comes together during sunrise, when everyone gathers by the coast to witness the dynamic colors :)

Find the Zen within

It's possible to travel thousands of miles to the other side of the world, to take a plane, three trains, two ferries and a bicycle, in order to stand completely still.

Be Curious

Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the Universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up. – Stephen Hawking

Life Happens …

Life is what happens, when you are busy making other plans. Sometimes those wonderfully insignificant moments are all that you need :)

Just in time by Jones Gap

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter - Ansel Adams Jones Gap is one of a kind, so wild, yet not very far from Greenville. The main highlight of Jones Gap is the Middle Saluda River - the states first designated scenic river. The hike & terrain is somewhat challenging in a couple of places, but the views are amazing. The late afternoon sun and the clouds were just right, the the diffused light caused the entire place to be flooded with the golden glow. I was just in time to enjoy this scene :)

Soco Falls - Hidden by the road

Soco falls is a beautiful, double waterfall on the edge of the Cherokee Indian Reservation, located near Maggie Valley. Its one among the most lovely waterfalls, by the Blue Ridge parkway - just 1.5 miles south of Soco Gap @ Milepost 455.7. Look for the small roadside parking area on the left of the road. It is easy to miss, since there is just one tiny sign. This view requires a short hike. It is not a cake walk, but not super hard either. You need to be careful as it is steep and a bit slippery, especially when wet. But the adventure is well worth the view, wouldn't you agree :)

Hiking by Paris Mountain

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir One of the easiest ways to unload, unwind and de-stress is to get out and connect with nature. Natural environments are rich in the characteristics necessary for the brain to replenish itself.

Snowflake Snowflake

Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake. Little snowflake falling from the sky. Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake. Falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling...falling on my glove :) After couple of years, got to shoot the little little snowflakes again. It was fun :)

Exploring Florida Keys

No man is an island – John Donne Flying around Keys was quiet and experience, especially with an entertaining guide. Out here, there are more than 5000 islands. Each island is its own community of ecological biodiversity. Yet, these islands have stood by time and inexorably linked by nature.

Cosmos

At times you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, At times in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.

Sunset by Clock Tower

The beauty you see in me, is a reflection of you. – Rumi

Bahai Honda Sunset

Bahai Honda State park is one of the best spots to enjoy an Florida Keys Sunset (not that there is even any bad spots :)) On the left is the ‘Bahia Honda Rail Bridge’ - a derelict railroad bridge connecting Bahia Honda Key with Spanish Harbor Key. After a replacement Bahia Honda Bridge opened in 1972, two spans of this defunct bridge were removed to accommodate boat traffic. On the right is Hwy 1 – driving it feels like floating by the ocean. The cold water felt good for the hot summer. Standing in knee deep water, the view was great. Though the crabs were kind of bothering me, they were not as bothered by me :)

Twilight by Grandfather Mountain

I went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sun down, for going out, I found, was really going in – John Muir

Magic of Fall

You are exactly where you need to be ... And you have the choice to stay or move forward, one step at a time :) Either way, enjoy the journey.

The Lone Kayaker

It is a general perception that the quality of light moves toward harsh, as the sun moves up the sky, and not ideal for photography. But all rules are eventually meant to be broken :) This particular afternoon I was driving around scouting for a sunset location. Glad the car in front of me slowed down, I applied the breaks and was treated to this view thru the window. It was only for a brief moment - the moving clouds diffused the harsh sunlight. And just a little bit gleamed thru, to light up the kayaker and part of the hill. Always be prepared … it helps, with photography too :)

A beauty called Linville Gorge

The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area lies entirely within the Pisgah National Forest. Sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East", it is one of the wildest, most rugged gorges in the eastern United States. Given the terrain, it is also an outdoor paradise. This is from the Chimney view overlook that provides a glimpse of Linville falls. The falls view is good, but one can’t miss this lovely view behind, especially with the lovely fall colors. Standing at the edge, the sheer depth of the Gorge was scary and at the same time exhilarating :)

Fall Colors by Linn Cove Viaduct

The Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other. It provides a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region one of a kind. Among the uncountable vistas and views, this iconic view of the bridge also stands out, more so after learning about the engineering behind it (the below is from the Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center). A viaduct is a long bridge with a series of spans supported on piers. The Linn Cove Viaduct is 1243 feet long and 35 feet wide. This signature view of “S” curve rests upon seven vertical piers spaced at 180 feet. Linn Cove Viaduct is the first in the US to incorporate progressive placement of sections (each of the 153 precast sessions weighing 10,000 lbs). What this means is that the bridge is built upon itself. Workmen, materials and machines move back and fourth on the completed bridge to places each successive section. Little or no damage is caused to the landscape over which the viaduct is being constructed. Grandfather Mountain is rugged and unyielding with active plant and animal communities throughout. Traditional road and bridge construction involving heavy equipment, earth moving, access roads and large construction crews would have adversely affected this fragile eco system for years to come. Interestingly the lead designer of the roadway, Stanley Abbott, was a landscape architect, not an engineer and it shows. This signature view of the Linn Cove Viaduct was shot from a not so prominent spot. The early morning sun lit up the fall foliage ablaze. The biker racing up the parkway added to the shot :)

Orionids on a Chilly Night

A sip of a hot chai Gentle breeze of the cold night Shimmering of the twinkling stars A blazing streak of a meteor - few experiences are worth skipping the cozy sleep :)

The Sun, Moon & Regulus

Watching the Solar Eclipse was quiet an experience. Witnessing the totality was even more personal. In the peak of the afternoon - the scorching summer sun became so pleasant ; the temperature dropped ; the crickets became exuberant ; there was sunset all around and quiet an excitement permeated in the air. It was a surreal experience to witness a 360° sunset and right in the middle of the afternoon. High above, as the moon obscured the Sun, it was a sight to behold ! Totality is the only time during solar eclipse that can be enjoyed with out any additional protection to the eyes. The Sun's corona extends millions of miles into space and is most prominently visible during a total solar eclipse. Regulus, a bright star in the constellation Leo and among the brightest in Earth's night sky. Due to its extreme brightness, Regulus can be spotted next to the sun’s corona, though its 79 Light years away. The photos / videos do no justice to the experience, but here is an attempt to freeze that moment - for my friends who were not able to experience this in person. Do check out full screen at higher resolution - definitely worth it :)

Misty Morning by Mississippi River

This is from one of my Aurora chasing trips. After the long drive, the forecasted Northern lights never showed up. Decided to sleep in the car and was treated to this magical sunrise the next morning – I would still call it a win :)

Living under the stars

It is not a magical myth. There still exist places where the entire night is blanketed in the glow of the milky way. It is up to us all to make sure it stays that way :) Went out along with my son for a night under the stars. After the long drive, at 5 minutes past 11, the planned spot at a State park did not work out - they just closed the gates prior to our arrival. This led to a drive around the unknown rural roads. After some scintillating conversations, light painting and trying out some Milky way shots, came across this lovely spot. It was quiet a place to take a walk. Unlike city, there were no harsh lights to showcase the stone road, just the light of the stars and the sounds of the night. On the left were close to a hundred cows, casually mowing the grass. Only after we crossed the field, were we able to see the light, at the front yard of this house. Just enough for them and not polluting the night sky. It was quiet a scene, literally ! We talked about light pollution, rural life, dark skies, stars and soaked in the night :)

In the eyes of a child

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. everything is a wonder :)

Happy ID4 !!!

The crowds were crazy, but u can't beat the fun and family time. Shooting fireworks is fun. But including a sense of surrounding and the mood really makes it even more interesting. The crazy laser show and the pyro works was nice touch ! Hope u like my take on the same :)

Symphony of Light–Synchronous Fireflies @ Smokies

Dying daylight & rising twilight, Kindles the tiny angles of the endless night. It is quiet a sight Witnessing the symphony of light. Specks of light, Shining bright, Weaving a silent song by winter's night, So nimble & ever in flight - To watch them, is always a delight :)

Falls by the backyard

Not everyone is lucky to have a lovely waterfall in their backyard (literally), And only some are magnanimous to open their home and lawns (again literally) to allow strangers to come in and enjoy the same. As for myself, am just grateful to be able to visit / capture such spots and share with u all :) This beautiful waterfalls - Eastatoe - is from the backyard of a lovely neighborhood, by the border of South & North Carolina. Although there are no signs along the road, the owners do welcome visitors, to share their treasure. The drizzling rain and floating fog, added a magical mood to the scene.

Just by the Roadside

You can make all the plans, but you never know what is in store. After a lot of deliberate planning, decided to head out to the Jumping Off Rock. Starting off with delayed rental, to the not so dynamic sunset after the long and bumpy drive, the day just fizzled out. The next day when trying to chase waterfalls, the rain decided to chase us. But luckily along with rain - the mist, rolling fog and views like this - just by the road saved the day. Here it is - a view just by the roadside, from Carolina Mountains :)

Yellow Branch Falls

Google Maps, you need to step up. Occasionally navigating me to the back side of Walmart is manageable, but putting me on a spot (Rich Mountain Road : F744), back side of the water falls, where there is no potential trail and telling me to walk the reminder of the way, not cool :) Luckily, I was able to assess and get to the Hwy 28S and located the trail head. I generally love waterfalls, but some are just really enchanting. This is one of them - Yellow Branch Falls ! The hike to Yellow Branch Falls is a backtrack hike over moderate terrain that ends at a beautiful waterfall with many individual cascades. Give enough time to get to the falls with regular breaks and u can call this an easy hike & fun hike. On the route you pass through groves of dignified hardwood and meander across a number of streams. But the highlight of the hike is the 50 foot multi tier cascade, that awaits you at the end :) When​ you are treated with views like this, all the huffs & puffs from the strenuous hike magically disappears :)

See you at Sunset

“See you at Sunset !” - This iconic phrase has embodied the spirit and history of Key West since the event took off in the late 1960s ! The “Key West Sunset Celebration” is a nightly festival @ Mallory Square. It hosts visitors from all over the world, to take part along side with local magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists and food vendors, that combine for an incredible cultural experience. But for me the sunset itself was iconic enough. I preferred the nearby Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (which probably is the true south most point in continental US, as opposed to the one commercialized at Whitehead street ). It too was a bit crowded, but much less touristy than Mallory Square. There is something magical about Key West Sunsets, wouldn't you agree :)

Pineapple Fountain with Sun Cherry topping

When I heard about the pineapple fountain, I was pretty exited. As per the name it was quiet a fountain. Arrived before sunrise to shoot. Unfortunately the fountain was not turned on. It was surprising that the near by spider fountain was operational. As I was walking by the gardens and enjoying the twilight, found a building opposite to the fountain. The high vintage gave a , nice perspective and as I set the camera for the first rays of the sun, the fountain came to life ! Here is the Pineapple fountain, with sun cherry topping, just for you :)

The Pier of Clearwater

A trip to Clearwater, FL would not be complete without a visit to Pier 60, especially during sunset. It is as if the pier was put here, just for the sunsets! It was a bit touristy for my liking. But still, it was one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset by the Gulf Coast. It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.

The Long White Bridge

Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy !!!

By the Falls – Looking Glass

Looking Glass Waterfall is one of the best and easiest accessible waterfall in Pisgah Forest. And did I say there is no admission fee and its always open. The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for the impressive natural structure. With a roadside pull off, an overlook and steps to the bottom, this is definitely a great place to stop and enjoy nature's power. The falls cascade into a river below. Steps lead down to the falls for a close-up view. Once you are there, definitely venture onto the rocks by the side of the stream. On a warm day, some wading and swim underneath the falling water would be great.

Be Still

Once, while driving to Atlanta, the evening sky was so dramatic, that it would have been a sin not to stop. Luckily, Maps showed a blue patch near by, indicating a water body. But only in a crunch, you realize how much time it takes to drive up, even a few miles, when it is not the highway :) Shot this literally scrambling to find a spot, from where I had parked … The light was fading down quickly and there was not enough time, but was real glad I had pulled over !!!

Be like the tree …

Be like the tree, and let the dead leaves drop - Rumi

Let The Change Change you

Starting from the political scenario currently here in the US to that back in home of Tamilnadu, there seems to be lot of uncertainty. Added to this, on the personal front, it has been one unexpected start of the year, with change in work and locations. Though it was unplanned, I realized that anchoring ourselves with an abundance of security can actually become a dangerous habit :) Agreed, Uncertainty is scary, but may be that is what keeps us alive :) Uncertainty and life go hand in hand. So if you want to make the most of your life it is critical to embrace uncertainty. I sure would miss the lovely colors of Florida Sunset, but am sure the sun does set every day, where ever you are :) So here is to life, embracing uncertainty & back to share sharing my shots from my travels ! Happy Living !

December Supermoon

For most people, we often marvel at the beauty of a sunrise or the magnificence of a full moon, but it is impossible to fathom the magnitude of the universe that surrounds us :) - Richard H. Baker The last quarter of 2016 had been treating us with Super Moons. To the casual watcher it does not make much of a difference in size, but it does give an excuse to go out, shoot and enjoy. All the planning did not come together during Oct and Nov, as the weather Gods had other plans. The third and final installment of this supermoon trifecta adored the sky earlier this evening (Dec. 13, 2016). And Oh boy, was it awesome ! This is not a composite (not that there is anything wrong with composites). But it was much more fun and challenging to plan and get it all together, restricting to a single focal length. As I came to the spot shortly before the moon rise, was worried the anchored boat would be a hindrance. But once I walked around, the composition fell in place – and in this case, I feel it adds to the scale of the shot :)