I am realtively new to this area. I want to explore the area more and meet some DPCer here. I am fine with any Sunday in March. I joined two GTG in Chicago and it was so much fun. I am in.
I think those of us who've met up before were considering a GTG at the new California Academy of Sciences ... maybe even for some partying ...
Hey Paul,
Thats a neat idea. Any chance we could start during the day and do some outdoor shooting to begin with?
Is this nightlife event also held on Sundays? I could only see the events being held on thursdays.
Any good birding places that you have bene to? I saw few SF GTG threads from the past.. one of them was in the Golden Gate Park. I will look for the participants from back then.
Wow, it seems like it was only just a year ago that we got together last time. Scary how time flys these days. last year this time we were enjoying the Japanese Tea Garden. Were there cherry blossoms yet? I don't remember but don't see any pictures of them in our various collections.
I will also think about places to photograph. Fisherman's Wharf comes to mind. It's touristy and all that, but it is an interesting blend of the fishing industry and honky-tonk. Pier 39 might be a good place to start.
There is a slight problem with the new california Academy of Sciences on a Sunday. A major thoroughfare through the park is closed to cars (and parking) on Sundays, and the parking lots fill up early. So it would be necessary - and in any case, advisable - to get to the Academy as soon as it opens at (I think) 9:30am. This is when the viewing is best anyhow, as crowds develop quickly. From my experience, it is good for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours before it becomes a mass of people with not a camera angle in sight.
Of the places mentioned in this thread that I know, the Palo Alto Baylands Preserve is a wonderful place, especially at low tide. Lots of birds, ducks and ground squirrels, a pheasant or two if you're lucky, and barn swallows. used to have egrets but they decamped enmass a year or two ago from their nesting site and haven't been seen since.
I would actually not mind such a birding hike again. I had loads of fun. I am not very good with crowdy places.. but am open to it if thats what everyone else is up for;-)
Thanks for the heads up Prash. Sundays aren't my best day schedule wise, but i'd like to meet some of my neighbors. ;) I'll keep an eye on this thread.
Do saturdays work better? Some people had mentioned Sundays as a first choice. I am open for both days.
For those interested, can you please vote, e.g. my vote:
Saturdays are better for me, but I'm probably less than 50% for any GTG until later in the year, so don't count my vote for much. The night thing at the Academy is only on Thursdays, and coud be expensive (I haven't checked prices for that).
I'm not much of a birder, but I would love to get together with other Bay Area DPCers. The best dates for me are Feb 21-22, and March 21-22. I'll keep an eye on the thread to see how things come together!
watching thread ... will join in if I can depending on date. Second the vote for lake merritt ... many other east bay sites near there to explore as well. The Mountain View Cemetery would be a fabulous place to shoot. The Emeryville shoreline, and some of the east bay regional parks in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills would be possible as well (Sibley and Tilden are both within easy striking distance of the lake).
watching thread ... will join in if I can depending on date. Second the vote for lake merritt ... many other east bay sites near there to explore as well. The Mountain View Cemetery would be a fabulous place to shoot. The Emeryville shoreline, and some of the east bay regional parks in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills would be possible as well (Sibley and Tilden are both within easy striking distance of the lake).
Thanks, Dennis! I have added your name to the list. Is March 21, Saturday, ok for you?
Dates don't matter to me as I would be a late to confirm anyway. Lake Merritt is where I live so that is easy for me! The church that Alice mentioned is nice to shoot except no tripods inside, I have been inside during the week but you would probably need to see what time they have services if you were to plan this on a Sunday. Sibley is really nice too with great views of the diablo valley and some redwoods. I haven't wandered around Tilden yet but I am sure it would be nice too.
I always like the Marin Headlands also or Mt. Tam. If the weather was nice we could have a couple sets of cars and hike from Mt. Tam down to Stinson Beach and have cars at both ends to shuttle us back to the top. Might be more of a hike then a photo excursion though. Of course last time we followed my suggestions we ended up in a fogged in cold corner of Point Reyes. :P
Partway around Lake Merritt from the bird sanctuary are Oakland's Chinatown and numerous public buildings (Post Office, Library, Courthouse ...) ... in the other direction is Children's Fairyland.
Dates don't matter to me as I would be a late to confirm anyway. Lake Merritt is where I live so that is easy for me! The church that Alice mentioned is nice to shoot except no tripods inside, I have been inside during the week but you would probably need to see what time they have services if you were to plan this on a Sunday. Sibley is really nice too with great views of the diablo valley and some redwoods. I haven't wandered around Tilden yet but I am sure it would be nice too.
I always like the Marin Headlands also or Mt. Tam. If the weather was nice we could have a couple sets of cars and hike from Mt. Tam down to Stinson Beach and have cars at both ends to shuttle us back to the top. Might be more of a hike then a photo excursion though. Of course last time we followed my suggestions we ended up in a fogged in cold corner of Point Reyes. :P
Thanks Joe. For now I will add your name to the list, just let us know when you can confirm.
I had done this hike before.. but didnt finish it all. It was getting too late since we started very late. For now Lake Merritt look ok to most, but lets keep the hike in the list. I will add it too.
