Fountain Hills Photos "Out & About": All About Me!

I first became interested in photography when I was in the United States Coast Guard. I was stationed in places where people dream about going and visiting. I took a lot of photos of Coast Guard Stations, Ships, and Light Houses. From Cape May, NJ to the Great Lakes of Superior and Michigan. Some of the places I was stationed was Duluth Lifeboat Station, Splitrock Lighthouse, Ashland Breakwater Lighthouse, Bayfield Lifeboat Station on Lake Superior. I was also stationed on the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Mesquite out of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconson on the Lake Michigan side. My only camera during this time was a 35mm Petri. It took great pictures for a film camera.

I'm currently purchased a Nikon D5500, which came with DX AF-S 18-55mm lens. I purchased this camera first for its video capabilities. I needed a camera that would do a excellent job of recording old 8mm movie film of my father-in-laws, when he sailed the Great Lakes for the Columbia Transportation Division. Everyone remember the Edmund Fitzgerald. He retired just one year to the dated this great ship went down with all hands on board. I have now recorded 18 reels of 400 feet of his film of the Steamers, Ewing, Buckeye, C.G. Post, O.S. McFarland, and S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald. All is now preserved for future generations to view.

S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald's following the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw

(photo captured off old 8mm film)

S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald's Bell (photo captured off old 8mm film)

I now live in Fountain Hills Arizona where I enjoy photography: Taking photographs of wildlife right in my own backyard. Your more than likely seen some of my photos in the Fountain Hills Times, in the Fountain Sprouts section of the paper. These were photos of Bobcats, Ravens, Quail, and Butterflies. I also belong to the Ugly Hedgehog Photography Forum where some of the most talented photographers in the world share advice.

When I'm not taking photos, I'm enjoying my model train layout and collection. I also have an eBay Store were I Buy & Sell American Flyer Trains. This does keep me busy at 78 years old. Indoors is the place to be in the summer when it reaches 110 degrees outside, unless you are having a pool party.

When it comes to American Flyer trains. I be long to "Valley of Sun" S-Gaugers with over twenty-five other member. Our club is dedicated to S-scale model railroading. We meet once a month at a members' home. Our club is informal and we welcome American Flyer, and hi-rail, S-Gauge operators and collectors. Free membership and no dues. Our club is all about fellowship, and joining in and having fun operating model trains on the host members model railroad layout. Discussion is open to anyone attending our meeting. Spouses are welcome to join in the fun in the roundhouse, while we are in the train room.