Sunset in Washington DC

Taken December 31, 1999

This photo was taken in Washington DC on the evening of December 30, 1999. The helicopter had just taken off of the White House lawn, I believe that president Bill Clinton was on board as in a few hours later he would give a speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

After taking this photo, I looked around and didn't see anyone else taking pictures of this moment. Back in 1999 people weren't taking pictures of every little thing as they do now.

I do have a better copy of this photo and will look for it.

Mount Rushmore Profile View

Unexpected View of the Famous Monument

In the vast tapestry of American road trips, few images capture the spirit of adventure and discovery quite like the profile view of Mount Rushmore. This story, part of our "Story behind the Photo" series, takes us back to a pivotal moment in 1996, when a cross-country journey from Massachusetts to San Jose, California, brought an unexpected and awe-inspiring perspective on one of the nation's most iconic landmarks.

The Journey Begins

The adventure started with a desire to traverse the United States, making meaningful stops along the way. Opting for the "Northern Route," the trip promised the beauty of America's varied landscapes and the thrill of the open road. Among the anticipated highlights was a visit to Mount Rushmore National Park, a monument known more for its historical significance than for the natural surroundings that cradle it.

A Quick Stop at Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore, with its colossal presidential faces carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota, was an obligatory stop on this cross-country voyage. Yet, upon arrival, the anticipation gave way to a brief, somewhat underwhelming visit. The sheer size of the monument was impressive, but the experience felt fleeting--there wasn't much excitement beyond acknowledging the craftsmanship and the scale of the sculpture.

An Unexpected Discovery

The real magic happened almost by accident. Leaving the park, a turn onto Highway 244 revealed a scene not often captured in the typical tourist photos. There, pulled over to the side of the road, was an RV--its occupants presumably taking in the same view that would soon captivate our traveler. It was the profile view of Mount Rushmore, a perspective that few take the time to seek out but one that offers a fascinating glimpse into the monument's grandeur.

In a spur-of-the-moment decision, a stop was made, and a photo was captured. This wasn't just any view, but a rare and striking angle that highlighted the monument's majestic outline against the sky. The photograph, taken with a sense of discovery and a dash of serendipity, would later be blown up and mounted on a foam poster board, becoming a cherished piece of d?cor and a constant reminder of the journey.

Legacy of the Moment

Since that day in 1996, changes have been made to accommodate the growing number of visitors seeking out this unique view. The National Parks Service has constructed a turn-off, allowing travelers to safely park their cars and enjoy the profile view of Mount Rushmore. This development underscores the evolving relationship between landmarks and those who seek to experience them, ensuring that moments of unexpected beauty are accessible to all.

Reflections on a Photograph

Looking back, the photo of Mount Rushmore's profile view stands as a testament to the power of travel and the beauty of encountering the unexpected. It reminds us that sometimes, the most memorable experiences lie just off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered. This image, captured on a journey of thousands of miles, encourages us to look beyond the obvious and to find wonder in the perspectives we least anticipate.

In the end, the story behind the photo is more than just a tale of a road trip; it's a narrative about discovery, perspective, and the enduring allure of America's natural and sculpted landscapes. It's a call to explore, to pause, and to appreciate the myriad views that life presents us, often when we least expect it.

A Tribute to Three Iconic Boylston Street Pubs

The Last Call Before Silence

March 3, 2020, marked a seemingly ordinary day on Boylston Street in Boston, Massachusetts, but the photograph taken that day captured a moment in time that would soon become historic. It featured three well-known pubs: McGreevy's, Pour House Bar & Grill, and Lir. Little did anyone know, these establishments, bustling with life and laughter, were about to face an unprecedented challenge that would lead to their closure due to the global pandemic that swept across the world just days and weeks later.

McGreevy's, a pub with deep roots in Boston's history, was more than just a place to grab a pint. It was a museum of sports and a haven for baseball fans, celebrating the rich history of the Boston Red Sox. Its walls, adorned with memorabilia, told stories of triumphs and defeats, of legends and underdogs. McGreevy's was a place where history and hospitality intertwined, making every visit a journey through Boston's proud sporting past.

Pour House Bar & Grill offered a different vibe, known for its hearty breakfasts, affordable eats, and vibrant nightlife. It was a staple for both locals and visitors, a place where friendships were forged over shared meals and late-night stories. The Pour House embodied the spirit of community, a welcoming spot where every face, new or familiar, was greeted with warmth and an invitation to stay a while.

Lir brought a touch of Irish charm to Boylston Street, with its cozy interiors and traditional Irish fare. It was a slice of Ireland in the heart of Boston, where live music and lively conversations filled the air. Lir was a home away from home for many, a place to celebrate life's milestones or simply unwind after a long day.

These three pubs, each with their unique character and charm, were more than just establishments; they were gathering places where memories were made. They stood as testaments to the power of community and the importance of shared spaces in urban life.

The photograph taken on March 3, encapsulated the essence of these places before the world changed. As the pandemic took hold, the vibrancy that once defined Boylston Street pubs was replaced by silence and uncertainty. The closures of McGreevy's, Pour House, and Lir were not just economic losses but emotional ones, marking the end of an era for many Bostonians.

Yet, even in their absence, the legacy of these pubs lives on. They remind us of the resilience of communities, the enduring spirit of hospitality, and the importance of cherishing the moments we share. As Boston and the world navigate towards recovery, the memories of McGreevy's, Pour House, and Lir stand as a beacon of hope, a reminder of the joy and unity that shared spaces can bring.

In the end, the photo of these three iconic pubs serves not only as a snapshot of a place and time but as a symbol of what we've lost and what we strive to regain. It reminds us of the importance of community, the value of shared experiences, and the unwavering human spirit that, even in the face of adversity, finds a way to endure and thrive. Here's to remembering the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to a future where doors reopen, glasses clink, and laughter fills the air once more on Boylston Street.

Rainbow Over Roosevelt Arch

The Story Behind the Picture

Welcome to the inaugural post of our blog series, "The Story Behind the Picture," where we dive into the moments captured in photographs, revealing the stories they hold and the memories they cherish. Today, we embark on this journey with a photo that's as serendipitous as it is stunning--a rainbow arching gracefully over the Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner, Montana.

On August 23, 2004, armed with my trusty FUJIFILM FinePix F601, I found myself in the quaint town of Gardiner, Montana, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. It was one of those days where the weather couldn't quite decide between a sprinkle and sunshine, creating the perfect recipe for a rainbow. But not just any rainbow--a vivid arch perfectly framing the historic Roosevelt Arch, as if nature itself was paying homage to this iconic entrance to Yellowstone.

The Roosevelt Arch, with its imposing stone structure and the inscription "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People," has stood as a welcoming beacon to adventurers and nature lovers since its dedication by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. It symbolizes the threshold to a realm where the wild majesty of America is preserved for all to see and appreciate.

To capture this photo, I parked at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center, a treasure trove of historical and scientific artifacts from the park. From there, a short walk down to Arch Park was all it took to find the perfect vantage point. The timing had to be just right. As the sun peeked through the dispersing rain clouds, it cast a magnificent rainbow that seemed to emerge from the top of the arch, creating a breathtaking scene that I knew I had to capture.

The result was more than a photograph; it was a moment frozen in time, encapsulating the awe-inspiring beauty of nature intersecting with human history. The FUJIFILM FinePix F601, while not as advanced as today's cameras, was perfectly suited for the task, capturing the vibrant colors and the grandeur of the arch with remarkable clarity.

This picture is a reminder of the unexpected beauty that can appear at any moment, especially in places as magical as Yellowstone. It speaks to the heart of what this blog series is all about: the stories behind the pictures, the serendipity of being in the right place at the right time, and the memories we carry with us long after the moment has passed.

Stay tuned for more stories behind the pictures, as we continue to explore the memories captured in a single snapshot, revealing the beauty, adventure, and history that lie within.