Re: MSP Polar Bear Plunge 15th Anniversay Sandy Point State Park

Taking A Cold Dip

This morning I woke up early to catch a ride on a bus from Anne Arundel Community College to attend the "15th Anniversay of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge". Surprisingly the weather was really cooperating with temperatures hovering at or just above the freezing mark, with little or no wind for the unfortunate ones plunging into the cold frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

There was still the remains of snow and some places packed ice on the ground or mixed in with the beach sand with the surrounding area. 

People walking by near the main stage where the costume contest was to take place were treated by people walking on stilts.  The individual street performers were quite colorful to say the least, one wearing a rainbow wig, shaggy fur coat, bright green gloves.



Plunge Fairy 1st Place




Rocky Fitez-Plunge Fairy

 Just before the first plunge into the bay, starting at around 1130am they had the "costume contest", which took place on the main stage.  The outfits for some were just as colorful as the indivdual and with some, they left little to the imagination in terms of something original such as the ever loveable "Plunge Fairy". 

Plunging Couple

From what I've been told, this year was much better than last years event.  During last years event, there was non-stop snow thoughout the entire day, with accumulations of several inches of the white stuff, limiting the event to just one plunging for everyone.  So glad I was able to attend hanging out on the beach, enjoying the sights and sounds of people doing something for such a worthy cause, look forward to next year for sure!  Smile...



Glade Creek Grist Mill - Babcock State Park

State Park Entrance

 On October 23rd, I decided to do something a little different and step out of my comfort zone and take my landscape photography to a much different place to say the least.

Glade Creek Grist Mill Waterfall

For the first time, I ended up doing what amounted to a 5 1/2 hour road trip, which started the night before and  would have me going all the way out to good ole West Virginia! 

Glade Creek Grist Mill Sunrise

I was hoping to still be able to capture the wonderful fall foilage, not knowing if there was much of anything still left hanging on the trees. 

The trip was well worth it, the colors of the area did not disappoint, they were just awesome!  I arrived before sunrise to find out later how the sun would be coming from behind to the side wall of the building.  Making the light for the area spreadout at just the right angle as it made it's way down into the valley stretching across the creek bed.

I would definitely like to plan coming back to the area and try to capture the different season's, and next fall, capture some more of the colors when they are at their peak!

Thanks for stopping by more to come!

Maine - Portland Headlight House

Portland Head Lighthouse Storm

During the beginning of this past October I took sometime off to get away and enjoy the sights and sounds of Maine with the family.  Looking forward to tasting some "Lobster", on a subroll, on a plate or a soup even!

Portland Head Lighthouse

Just as important I was keeping my fingers crossed hoping that the weather would cooperate during our stay, not knowing if we would find ourselves having to deal with a terrential downpour.  I knew coming up to see the multi-color tree foilage is always dicey this time of year.

Perry's Hot Dog Stand

Our family trip this time was really kind of special, because the last time we were up in these parts, our not so little daugher was only just a few months old at the time.  Enjoying her very first ride on an airplane while she was all snug in her baby carrier.

Portland Lobster Restaurant

Our plan was to try and see as much as possible, starting at Portland, (Cape Elizabeth) then moving on to Bucksport (Penobscot Observatory), driving out to Bar Harbor - Acadia (Lighthouses - National Park), Baxter State Park (Moose), Cape Neddick and all points in between.

Thanks for stopping by, more to come!

Baltimore Help-Portrait 2010

Baltimore Help-Portrait 2010

This afternoon I had the pleasure of spending the day with a variety of talented photographers, photo processors, hair stylist,
hospitality specialist and everyone else who went out of their way to make it all possible.

Was definitely time well spent! Noticed there were some folks who stopped by to visit a second time, who were present from last year.

I am definitely looking forward to attending next year's event with everyone for sure.

Here is wishing that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year's during this upcoming holiday season..!

Family Christmas Party - 26 Dec 09

Family Christmas Portrait

Finally..! Getting back to updating my blog, it's been too long! This time of year is about spending time with family and friends, exchanging Christmas gifts and being thankful for the blessings in your life.


Tickle Time with Little Sister

 My Son's were able to make the trip and visit for the holiday weekend and of course I couldn't resist taking a few family photos. Their little Sis just loves it when they can stop by and visit.

Family Gift Exchange

It's also when our entire family gets together to exchange Christmas gifts (some nice - some tacky), all in fun with laughter and love.

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Years with family and friends!

Enjoying the view from the Mountain

Maryland Heights viewing Harpers Ferry

On 18 Apr 09, for the first time, I decided to hike and make the trek in the wee hours of the morning through the Overlook Cliff Trail, located in Maryland Heights, MD. My goal was to find my way to the top of one of the overlook points and take some pictures.

Little did I know that the path to one of those points would consist of 30 to 45 degree incline hills that was stretched out over a 2 mile long route. Added to the excitement of doing this was my carrying a military rucksack that was loaded with my camera bag, heavy duty tripod, and camalbak waterbag, a nice 40lbs of fun!

Needless to say I started at the main gate at 6 am and reached the cliff face at 7:20 am, I have to admit I was exhausted and excited at the same time. The view from the cliff face gives someone a panoramic view of Mother Nature at her finest, to the right, the Potomac River, in the middle, the town of Harpers Ferry, and to the left, the Shennadoah River.

I had no idea just how breathtaking the views would be, because sunrise was just starting, the weather was just gorgeous, in the 50s with clear blue skies. I was the only one there at the time, so I caught my breath after a few minutes and started to setup my camera and tripod, so I could take some pictures and beat the Christmas rush.

When it was 8:15 am, there was people that started to trickle into the site, then by 9:15 am things were starting to get a little crowded, because there was somewhere between 2 to 3 dozen visitors to the site.

I definitely plan on coming back to the cliff face again, probably in the fall when the leaves are changing color.

To view some of the pictures that were taken, stop by and visit my website http://www.babybluesproductions.com/

Hello, this is my first time with posting to a blog. Be sure to stop by and visit my photography website. Thanks..!