Little League World Series photos are coming

I decided a few months after last years Series that I wouldn't get a media pass this year. Or, probably, for the next few years. Although I'm proud of my work last year I didn't get to do much street shooting--I have no desire to be a sports shooter. Another difference this year was having a local team in the Series. Keystone from the Lock Haven/Beech Creek area was the first local team since 1969 to make it this far. I enjoyed being a fan. Finally the major change as far as posting to this blog is concerned is I shot almost exclusively on film. There is a big backlog of Tri-X waiting to be developed. My old tank has seen better days so I'm going to wait until it's replacement is here before I start. Fortunately it appears to be safe from the mess of the approaching hurricane. I should have it early next week.

3000 Fannies Floating in the Susquehanny!

I don't know how many people turned out for the Susquehanna Fanny Float but Dean Kreibel of Andrew's Special Kids Foundation stated he was hoping for 3000 participants. Please read about the organization and Andrew here. I'll edit this post to reflect the exact number once it's known but I don't think it as low as 3000.

A very small part of the crowd.


Inner tubes were fashion accessories.


Some people had something other than an inner tube in mind to float on




There was plenty of assistance available to help you get into the inner tube.



This is the way to spend a beautiful July day:












Here are a few participants from the first bus load:

Williamsport's 4th of July Fireworks

This is the reflection of the fireworks on the new Church St parking deck.

2011 Williamsport Soap Box Derby

The 2011 Soap Box Derby was held yesterday, June 18 on the Market St hill.

One of the cars was having some last minute modifications:


Racers had to check their placement before the first heat:


After the opening ceremonies it was a race to the top of the hill:


Then the racers waited with their cars so that that parents could take their photos:


At the starting gate with final instructions from dad:


Team Jack HQs:


Finally some racing:

Lewisburg Polar Bear Plunge 2011

Today was the annual Lewisburg polar Bear Plunge. It is a big time media event...even Bucknell TV was there.


Of course it is also a social event were fellow plungers will hand you a drink and adjust your bra for you.


Although the weather "cooperated" today by being in the mid 20s and the freezing rain had diminished to freezing drizzle by start time there was only a small section of the river where the ice had been cleared so participants stood at the starting line and were released in small groups.


Spectators lined the ramp and stood on the hill above it to watch the brave souls enter the water. I wonder what these two youngsters are thinking.


Some of the groups entered the water with more enthusiasm than others.


The younger plungers appeared to be less fazed by the water temperature than their parents.




More photos of participants leaving the water.




Some went in a little deeper than others.


Of course some groups want photos of the event.

"I drove 10 hours for 10 seconds of fun!?!?'

"I drove 10 hours for 10 seconds of fun...." I overheard this as I was walking up to the track. A bit of hyperbole because it's a ~30 second ride.

As part of the experience you stand in line waiting your turn


Some people spend their time trying to warm their hands


You can go into the warmup building or shoot the breeze with others in line


Here is an example of the packing method used for getting everyone on the sled. And, of course, a cell phone video in the making


It's rare for anyone to not be laughing/smiling or screaming when riding--I like the expressions in this frame


I've decided that the only way to show the whole slide would require the rental of a lift which is beyond the scope of this project so here is a photograph of the bottom of the slide


With luck there will be more to come...

Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide Opening night 2011

Here are 4 photos from the opening night of the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide for 2011. Expect more photos tomorrow.

Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide Revisited

Every year that it's possible the Fire Department in Eagles Mere (PA) closes a street and builds a toboggan slide. The track is 1/4 mile long and made of blocks of ice taken from the lake. Speeds of up to 45 miles per hour are possible--RADAR was used to check the speeds a couple of years ago. They rent the toboggans and you can ride as many times as you wish during the 1 hour rental period. You are guaranteed at least two rides.

I've been working on documenting this event for several years now with limited success. Either the weather or my schedule or both have prevented me from being able to do much with this project. This year I was lucky enough to learn that they were building the slide today. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I won't be tied up next weekend for the opening. Given that this has become a multi-year project expect more updates in the next few years.

The volunteers cut blocks of ice from the lake. Then they "herd" the ice towards the elevator/conveyor.











The conveyor drops the blocks of ice onto trailers for delivery to the area where the slide is being built.



Once the blocks are on the ground they are dragged and nudged into place.





This is a photo from last year that shows the partially finished track--the grooves for the runners haven't been cut into it yet.



With luck; to be continued....