*** This Week Through Your Eyes 2026.05.09 ***

A view from home? A crop or a stitch? Nice.

LAKE UNION - After a very contentious and unpleasant business meeting, I headed down the elevator and out to the parking lot. Grabbed the camera bag from the car and walked to the south end of the lake. Just wanted to de-compress a bit before driving home in traffic. And I wanted to shoot a little bit with the (new to me 2nd hand) 35/1.8G, so that's what I was ready to do. Since I am in the vicinity on a regular basis, I am aware of the Kenmore Air floatplane base. But my intent was to fiddle with the 35. The floatplanes come and go in spurts and bunches (primary destinations are the San Juan Islands and Victoria BC). Of course, I like trains, ships and airplanes. So, as I got closer, I could see a DHC-3 Otter start to move and hear its distinctive PT6A turboprop revving up. Hmmmmmmm. I still had a little ways to go in order to have a proper vantage point. I picked-up the pace a little bit. Sunny afternoon and lots of people. By the time I was in a reasonable position, the Turbo Otter had taxied past me over to the east (to the right). Out of sight. Oh well. But then, I saw another floatplane on final approach. Quick! Swap the 35 for the 80-400. I always shoot in manual mode, so, of course, the last time I used the camera... was on a tripod for a night shot. LOL. Spin the dials quickly! Oh... what? The release mode dial is set to "MUP" -- aye, aye, aye. So, I pushed the lock button down and turned the dial to the left (in a hurry)... all the way to "S" (single) but of course CL of CH would have been better. Oh well. Now... the arriving airplane is touching-down on the water. Hurry, aim, zoom, shoot. Quick exposure check. Overexposed. Twiddle the command wheels a little more (shutter and aperture). I finally got things settled down, but missed some of the action. Just a couple minutes of shooting... that's it. And then the airplanes were tied-up at the dock unloading their passengers. It was fun while it lasted! Slightly slower shutter speed (1/320 or 1/250) would have helped with the prop blur. But then there are probably sharpness tradeoffs even with VR. The 80-400G is pretty harsh in the bokeh department, but it is flexible. I will go back again sometime.

First airplane has landed. Note a/c #2 on final approach just above the wing...

2nd airplane just touching down on the right...

2nd airplane... taxi under power after landing...

Note the "very first" airplane (DHC-3 Turbo Otter that I "missed") is now taking off...

Taxi to the dock. The light is changing rapidly at this time of day...

Great action story! I always wanted to ride in one of these when I visited my sister in Salt Spring, but it didn't quite work out - and it was a poor visibitiy day anyway 😒

Photography is often a good way to relax, and take your mind off things.

The two on the surf board are not in a good place. I guess lens compression makes this impression.

Fascinating stuff. The spy camera looks pretty crude. I presume all the rooms were bugged.

Congratulations on your new camera! These buildings are literally made of tonnes of marbles.

It shows the farm and his house down at the bottom of the field. I liked the framing too.

So nice, I liked the most the one you did not add in the body of the message (P5066488).

Mark’s father, Malcolm, was my patient, and I had visited the farm once before, so I already knew they kept cows. Recently, Mark came to see me for an emergency appointment. I noticed his surname straight away and could see the resemblance to his father.
We started chatting about the farm and the animals and I mentioned that I would love to photograph him and his cows. He also has another cow that is currently pregnant and if I am lucky, I may even get the opportunity to photograph the birth.

This is a fascinating story and a great series of photos!

You’ve captured the moment perfectly.

The Broadgate plaza

I’m sorry for your meeting. You’ve caught the action here.

Great action shot.

A view from home? A crop or a stitch? Nice.
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Yes, home. Small crop, no stitch. Thanks for comments.

The secret to keeping nice places untouched by mass tourism is to - keep it a secret.

There is probably some sad lonely planet influencer already on their way there..

Good story.
There's something about the people on the board in this that creates a bit of tension, as if they are in danger.
And yes, the light in the last is rather nice.
These aircraft fascinate me.

Thanks (to all) for the comments/feedback. When you are on the water, safety-first! No question about that. I had a boat for about 15 years ((25-foor power boat; sold it in 2016) and I have been out on Lake Union many times. Even more situational awareness is required on sunny days. The range of "watercraft" on Lake Union runs the gamut... and it all seems to co-exist in a fun and interesting way. Sailboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, floatplanes, dragon boats, recreational powerboats, rowing shells, commercial vessels, catamarans, boats that are floating hot-tubs, dinner boats, and communities of floating houseboats along the shoreline. etc. The couple on the paddleboard are just fine... there is a recognized "route" to the floatplane dock.

www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/lake-union-our-charming-chaotic-and-calming-jewel-is-full-of-surprises/