Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #204 Doors

 This week Sylvia would love for me to share a few appealing or distinctive doorways I have discovered. Do you feel some have more character than others or evoke a particular feeling or mood? Hope you have fun viewing this challenge! 

Old Sacramento has many historic doors, While I was enrolled in a Color Photography class at Cosumnes River College my professor gave us an unusual assignment. I was given an adjective., a noun, and a verb. My three words were Flaming door expanding. So off to Old Sacramento in search of a good door.

Flaming door expanding!

I have always looked for unusual doors. Some tell a historical story, some make a statement, some are inviting, some provide a different message, and some provide a frame for a photo,

Fire House Door established in 1853.
Port Richmond, California.
Half Moon Bay Review established in 1898.
Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.
Orange’s First Bank established in 1886
Orange County Fruit Exchange – Sunkist established in 1922. A landmark building in Orange, Ca
Doors, and more doors at the winery.
Niles, California
I wonder what was taking place behind closed doors?
Half Moon Bay decorated in the Halloween spirit!
Sending mixed messages.
Entering a wine celler creates a nice frame.
Looking through a doorway in Bodie, Ca.

This is just a small sample of doors and doorways that I come across when I am out with my camera. But the best door I enjoy opening up is the one I call home. My dog Moxie (14 months) agrees! Here she is after her spa day at Sunflower Pet Salon.

What door do you enjoy opening?

Fog and Photography

Our last day on the Central Coast is spent at Hearst Castle. As a first time visitor with limited mobility (Plantar fasciitis) my  choice was the Grand Rooms Tour. I ordered tickets online, and arrived ready for an early morning tour.

Woke up to plenty of fog. It actually felt like a misty continuous rain.

Our group met at the Visitor Center where we hopped on a bus to take us from the coast up the winding road to Hearst Castle.

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Our enthusiastic docent met us outside. Group of tourists seem rather reluctant.

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Neptune’s Pool under renovation.  Use the imagination and wait for a sunnier day.

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I liked the way this image takes you along as a tourist.

Taking photographs during a walking tour I needed to up my ISO (lighting sensitivity).

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Dark colors, dim lighting, and dreary day gives the room as sleepy feeling. Doors and windows are elegant.

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The dining room. The docent explains that Hearst sat in the middle with his most important guest to the his right. The longer a guest stayed the further away he was seated.

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This is where you sat if you overstayed your welcome. The End.

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After dinner activity before a movie. Can you guess what this is?

 

This pool is quite spectacular.

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Tennis anyone?

Once outside I had to keep my camera safe from the elements. I grabbed these quick shots. I would have loved to spend more time outside.

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I just love walking around and seeing all the landscaping.

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The fog added so much to this image.

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Beautiful Entry Door

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When cold even the marble statue has a drippy nose.

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Well my foot has had a workout.

I am so impressed with the way the fog and light made these flowers pop.

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Pink Fuchsia 

 

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Gardeners hard at work

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Hurrying through the garden cause of the rainy mist

 

 

 

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The Hearst still have a cattle ranch at San Simeon, and retain much of the land.

I say good bye to Hearst Castle. There is much to see, but I am not sure I will be back.

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I enjoyed my stay in Cambria. Moonstone Beach may call my name again.

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White Water Inn in Cambria

Now for the 6 hour drive home to Fair Oaks. Passing some lovely landscapes. I caught these images from the car window.

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Home and time to settle in for the hot summer.