Around the Bend

 

To the right of the white line is, I think, a parking area. Odd that the owners of these scooters would park so close to the road, but perhaps they didn't want anyone to block them in with a car. I made the photo because it looks like the leaning scooters are involved in a riderless race.

I set the camera to black and white before making this photo, but it wasn't a good choice. The sky was overcast and grey and there was little contrast. After I got home I switched the film simulation to Velvia on my Fujifilm X-T4 and got better results. The photo is still a bit flat, but at least there is some colour to break the monotony.

The Things That Remind You . . . .

Towels Drying Near Boulders, Sokcho.

Sometimes I see things in Korea that remind me very strongly of scenes I might see in Newfoundland, where I'm originally from. I don't feel homesick, but it's nice to be around something that is deeply familiar. There are many sandy beaches along the east coast of Korea, something that Newfoundland is not known for. What Newfoundland is known for is rocks, and when I see a rocky coastline in my adopted home, it feels comfortable.

   Warm fuzzy feelings aside, I think that rocks are much more interesting to look at and photograph than sandy beaches. Sand brings the tourists and it's bloody hot under the feet in summer. Rocks have crashing waves, interesting formations, and uncleanable towels.

Down at the Harbour

 

There is a famous pavilion called Yeonggeum Pavilion next to Sokcho Harbour. This isn't it. Yeonggeum Pavilion sits on top of a large hill, but this one is down by the water. I can't recall what the name of this one is. People visit the pavilions in Sokcho to see the sun rise. Mad bastards. Better to sleep in.

A bit cliché, perhaps?

A fishing boat heading into Sokcho Harbour.

I don't know who these guys are, but I see them almost every time I visit the harbour. They like buzzing around in their fast stubby boat.

From the breakwater I can see the southern part of Sokcho. It's where most of the new development is happening and most of those apartments are probably owned by people from Seoul and the surrounding capital area. On the left you can see a ferris wheel. It's called, wait for it . . . Sokcho Eye. Where do you think they got that name?

I'm not sure if you can see it in this photo, but the front boat is giving the other boat a tow into harbour.

This is Yeonggeum Pavilion. I can't find any information on when it was built. Maybe it's not that old? I haven't been up there yet, but it's on my list. To tell the truth, I would rather be below looking up at it than in it and looking down on the sea.

Wharf at Cheongcho Lake

 

As soon as I added this photo I noticed that I should have left a bit of space to the right of the apartments on the far right. Damn.

Luckily, it's a raw file and I can adjust it a bit.

Slightly better, but not great. What this photo really needs is a do-over. The next time I'm on the bridge I'll step more to the left. I hope the boats are lined up as nicely . . . .

Green Basket

 

Mailboxes

 

The Nicer Side of Cheongcho Lake (and a bit of not-so-nice)

Some time ago I posted photos of the commercial and industrial side of Cheongcho Lake. The first photo I'm posting today is from one of the parks on the southwestern part of the lake.

The reeds and egrets are lovely. The buildings are not so lovely, but at least they are photogenic. The twigs in the foreground are unfortunate. I couldn't get through them without breaking up the bushes and probably scaring away the birds. They are a very nervous breed.

And when you have birds, of course, you have bird shit. Lots and lots of it from egrets, ducks, and seagulls. And then someone has to come out with a hose and spray it off the docks. I hope he's getting more than minimum wage.