Author: Tricia A. Mitchell

  • A Sky Aglow: Up with the Great Reno Balloon Races Dawn Patrol

    Like paper lanterns rising to the heavens in the Far East, the radiant balloons twinkled in unison during the Dawn Patrol that was to precede the Great Reno Balloon Races.  Only seven balloons – those which were qualified to fly in the dark – participated. The flying conditions at night can be dangerous since atmospheric…

  • Photo du Jour: The Emerald “Umbrellas” of a California Redwood Forest

    “For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” Martin Luther

  • A Stroll Through Balinese Markets

    Balinese markets are a feast for the eyes. In Ubud’s bazaar and food and produce markets, there are stacks of colorful rattan offering boxes, wooden masks with intimidating gazes, small cases comprised of beads in swirling patterns, delicate batik silk scarves, walls of oil-adorned canvases, and overflowing mounds of tropical fruits. The markets are a shopper’s…

  • San Francisco’s Most Blubbery & Boisterous Residents: The Sea Lions of Pier 39

    They occupy prime San Francisco real estate overlooking Alcatraz and the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. But the lackadaisical California sea lions of Pier 39 don’t seem to be entranced by the sweeping vistas in their neighborhood. Instead, the boisterous mammals pass their days by barking, pushing their neighbors off the dock (to maximize lounging…

  • Photo du Jour: An Elephant and His Mahout – Amber Fort, Jaipur, India

    Responding to a command from his mahout, while ascending the walkway leading to Fort Amer, an elephant pauses. When I visited the Amber fortress, which was built in the 1590s, I opted to make my approach on foot. Nevertheless, I found the sight of a caravan of elephants to be a timeless one.

  • A man paddles a Vietnamese basket boat through the water near Mui Ne.

    Capturing the Colour from East to West

    “The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us from the mystic realm of color. Our entire being is nourished by it. This mystic quality of color should likewise find expression in a work of art.” Hans Hoffman Two lovely and talented photographers nominated me to submit entries into the Capture the Colour…