Boston POTN Meet

[symbolphoto]

Hmm considering there is like 5000 cars in that tiny area by 9am, i'd like to meet around 7-8ish. The parade good stuff is usually over by 1-2pm. So it won't be that long. The question is, do you want to be on the bad side, a.k.a photographing possible fights etc, or the good side, shooting kids and family stuff? The bad side sounds bad, but we woulnd't necessarily be in danger. We'll have to figure it out.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

"The 106th annual parade begins its route at the Broadway “T” station , heads east along Broadway, and winds its way through the streets of South Boston, ending at the Andrew “T” station. Both stations are on the “T” Red Line so it’s very easy to get to the parade without driving and parking."

This parade has a pretty long route, huh....

[Scottes]

http://www.bostoncentral.com/events/boston_st_patricks_day_parade/p1130.php

"This year, the annual parade takes place on March 18, 2007. Parade starts at 1:00 pm. and will..."

1:00 PM?

[symbolphoto]

ok so maybe we should meet up around 10 or 11 instead. Weird, i thought it started at 11am. Question is where to meet, we can meet at park street. That way, especially since it's a sunday it'll be easy to park, let me know.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

do u guys wanna meet up for breakfast? is there such a thing as a St. Patrick's day breakfast? like an Irish breakfast? no not beer im talking about fooood!! =P

[symbolphoto]

Hmm yeah we could do that, and actually, right next to the diner is the best place for parking too.


Victoria Diner
http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=victoria+diner&near=Boston,+MA&radius=0.0&latlng=42358333,-71060278,13987847132725851413&sa=X&oi=local&ct=authority

1024 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 442-5965

We can meet there say at 10am. It's just outside SB enough to be able to get out. Who's in? Me, you, i think scottes and flyfisher? Maybe rattles?

[Scottes]

Well, I might not be making it. I'm coming down with something, and so far it seems like a sinus infection (again). If this is something, I am not going to be happy stumbling about Boston in March after a snowstorm...

I'll know better Saturday night.

[Hiro]

Well, I'm afraid I have to pass on this outing...Turns out that I'm headed north for the weekend. Have fun gang and take lots of great pics as always! Hope to catch everyone on the next Spring outing!

[HoRnYTuRbO]

Hmm yeah we could do that, and actually, right next to the diner is the best place for parking too.


Victoria Diner
http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=victoria+diner&near=Boston,+MA&radius=0.0&latlng=42358333,-71060278,13987847132725851413&sa=X&oi=local&ct=authority

1024 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 442-5965

We can meet there say at 10am. It's just outside SB enough to be able to get out. Who's in? Me, you, i think scottes and flyfisher? Maybe rattles?

works for me but doesnt the parade starts at 1pm?

[symbolphoto]

works for me but doesnt the parade starts at 1pm?
Yeah, i figured we'd grab breakfast and hit the streets around 11:30am. I'm personally hoping to shoot people, not necessarily the parade itself.

[flyfisher]

we have to pass on this one also have to dig out today if something changes will go to the diner

[HoRnYTuRbO]

bahh... weather suxs im not going.........

[Scottes]

I will not be making it either. Stupid cold. Sorry...

[symbolphoto]

No probs... next year :)

[symbolphoto]

http://www.brendanstewart.net/stpatricks2007/stpatricks11.jpg

My favorite from the event. Once this rain passes, we should head out again!

[Scottes]

Hmm, rain or not, any interest in shooting Butterflies in Westford? A bunch of us from another forum went a couple years ago. For $15 a person they opened early (8:00 AM) and gave the place to us for 2 hours. They turn the heat down and the fans off to keep the butterflies a bit more calm and not flying around so much. Full gear, including tripods, is allowed because it was only about 10 people.

We need 5 people as a minimum, from what I remember. But if there's any interest I'll give them a call and see if they still do this. If it's great if the weather sucks because it's indoor shooting. You don't need a macro lens, especially if you have extension tubes and a decent-length lens. I usually shoot my 100-400 with a tube on it, and I'll bring my set of tubes so I'll have a couple extras to loan out.


And if the weather is decent we can head over to Great Meadows in Concord and shoot some birds afterwards. They should certainly be coming by in a week or two, if they're not there already. There will certainly be geese and Red-Winged Blackbirds I'm sure. (For the real nut-cases, we could even get to Great Meadows around sunrise and get 1.5 hours of low-light shooting of birds before heading over to the butterfly place.)

[HoRnYTuRbO]

Hmm, rain or not, any interest in shooting Butterflies in Westford? A bunch of us from another forum went a couple years ago. For $15 a person they opened early (8:00 AM) and gave the place to us for 2 hours. They turn the heat down and the fans off to keep the butterflies a bit more calm and not flying around so much. Full gear, including tripods, is allowed because it was only about 10 people.



depending on date, im interested in this

[symbolphoto]

Dam double posts.

[symbolphoto]

Hmm, rain or not, any interest in shooting Butterflies in Westford? A bunch of us from another forum went a couple years ago. For $15 a person they opened early (8:00 AM) and gave the place to us for 2 hours. They turn the heat down and the fans off to keep the butterflies a bit more calm and not flying around so much. Full gear, including tripods, is allowed because it was only about 10 people.

We need 5 people as a minimum, from what I remember. But if there's any interest I'll give them a call and see if they still do this. If it's great if the weather sucks because it's indoor shooting. You don't need a macro lens, especially if you have extension tubes and a decent-length lens. I usually shoot my 100-400 with a tube on it, and I'll bring my set of tubes so I'll have a couple extras to loan out.


And if the weather is decent we can head over to Great Meadows in Concord and shoot some birds afterwards. They should certainly be coming by in a week or two, if they're not there already. There will certainly be geese and Red-Winged Blackbirds I'm sure. (For the real nut-cases, we could even get to Great Meadows around sunrise and get 1.5 hours of low-light shooting of birds before heading over to the butterfly place.)

I'm in fo shizzle. Wait, is there a crane nearby or some other method of getting the police to show up :)

[symbolphoto]

Maybe we'll get snir to bring out the 500mm. =)

[Scottes]

If we go to Great Meadow I will most certainly bring my 500mm. It might be a bit much inside the butterfly place.

[symbolphoto]

It might be a bit much inside the butterfly place.

Never. :) I'm sure snir will come along just for the bird portion.

[Scottes]

I've found that the 100-400 with a 20mm tube is just about perfect for a butterfly house. You get quick movement, great magnification/zoom capabilities, decent auto-focus speed, image stabilization, and a wonderful pic. The 500mm must be tripod-mounted, and that seriously limits you for such small, fast-moving creatures.

[symbolphoto]

I've found that the 100-400 with a 20mm tube is just about perfect for a butterfly house. You get quick movement, great magnification/zoom capabilities, decent auto-focus speed, image stabilization, and a wonderful pic. The 500mm must be tripod-mounted, and that seriously limits you for such small, fast-moving creatures.

Sarcasm :) I'll have my kenko tubes along with the 70-200. That's the longest i've got. I'm sure others will want to check this place out. By now everyone has to be dying to shoot stuff. I know i am.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

I'm in fo shizzle. Wait, is there a crane nearby or some other method of getting the police to show up :)

you can pull the fire alarm before we leave :shock:

[blonde]

i am in!!!!! and the idea of going to Great Meadows before and after sounds great. as for the butterflies, i will use my 100-400 with tubes (i need to borrow some) or my 24-70.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

when u go and take pics of birds is it like hunting or do u sit and wait like fishing?

[blonde]

when u go and take pics of birds is it like hunting or do u sit and wait like fishing?

both. more often than not, you start by doing a bit of stalking until you reach a good spot and than it is all about sitting and waiting for the right moment. you also need to know your subject and learn how they behave and where they are because each specie is different. you can sit around the park all day and you won't see a heron or an egret unless there is water near by.

[yoyoboy]

I'd love to come, depending on the date. Scottes, I think I will have to take you up on you offer of loaner tubes.
OT, but check out this shot from the Marathon-
http://brendanl.smugmug.com/photos/144430229-L-2.jpg

[DJS]

Depending on the date, I'd like to join you, if that's alright with everyone. This would be my first Boston POTN meet up.

[symbolphoto]

Sure, what's the max scott? 12?

[Scottes]

Yeah, 12 would make this place pretty full. I'll call them tomorrow and confirm everything - prices, availability, etc.

Any choices for a date? My vote would be for Sunday the 29th.

[symbolphoto]

Hmm, how about the following weekend? I get paid once a month and it sucks. :(

[flyfisher]

We are tied up May 28th but could make it other wise. will try to check back been having internet problems.

[blonde]

Scott, i think that Great Meadows is out of the question unless we can wait 2-3 weeks. i was there today and everything is flooded so you can't go in :(

[Scottes]

Dang, that would make sense given the level of the rivers in the area. But we're looking at Sunday, May 5, so that gives the waters 2 weeks to recede.

[Scottes]

OK, I booked Sunday, May 6th, at 8:00 AM. The Butterfly Place, in Westford Mass.
http://www.butterflyplace-ma.com/

It's $16 per person now, and we'll get 2 hours to ourselves.

So who's in for sure? We need at least 5 for me to break even on the deposit, and I'd say that a dozen is the absolute maximum. Any more than that and we'll be getting in each other's way too much.

Scottes - confirmed
BeccaNH - confirmed
Flyfisher +1 - confirmed
Blonde - confirmed
Mumbles - Confirmed
Hiro - Confirmed
DJS - Confirmed
HoRnYTuRbO - Confirmed
Yoyoboy ?

[Becca]

OK, I booked Sunday, May 6th, at 8:00 AM. The Butterfly Place, in Westford Mass.
http://www.butterflyplace-ma.com/

It's $16 per person now, and we'll get 2 hours to ourselves.

So who's in for sure? We need at least 5 for me to break even on the deposit, and I'd say that a dozen is the absolute maximum. Any more than that and we'll be getting in each other's way too much.

Scottes
Mumbles
Blonde
HoRnYTuRbO ?
Yoyoboy ?
Flyfisher ?
DJS ?

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the heads-up on this one! I'll be there with bells on! Look forward to seeing all of you!

[blonde]

Dang, that would make sense given the level of the rivers in the area. But we're looking at Sunday, May 5, so that gives the waters 2 weeks to recede.

hopefully that would be enough time. i will check on it on may 4th and if it is clear, we can meet around 6am and get an hour and a half of shooting before we go to the other place.

[Scottes]

Sounds good to me. Great Meadows at 6:00 AM is perfect for the sunrise, which will be at about 5:50 and experience has taught me that it take about 15 minutes to get up over the tree line.

So should I consider you confirmed for the 6th, Snir?

And Becca, in case you haven't read back far enough, some of us are planning on hitting Great Meadows in Concord Mass both before and after the butterfly shoot. It's generally some pretty darn good birding.

[flyfisher]

Count us in for sure, any equipment sugestions?

[Scottes]

Flash, for sure!! With some type of diffuser, like a Lumiquest or LightSphere. (I just ordered a Lumiquest Softbox for this, which should be ideal.)

Tripods are allowed since we're renting the place for ourselves, though I really prefer a monopod for mobility. Also note that the aisles are a little tight, so someone with a tripod will block the aisle. That's OK if there's a few people with tripods but if everyone has a tripod we will have no mobility. So bring one if you wish, but also bring a monopod (if you have one) in case we get too stacked up. Then people could trade off - use a tripod for a while, go to monopod to allow everyone mobility. Note that the butterflies are fairly calm so neither is necessary, especially if you have flash.

If you don't have flash then you will need some support because the sun doesn't hit all areas, and it's kind of like a greenhouse so it's a little darker than outdoors. If it's a cloudy day then you will absolutely need flash, no way around it.

For lenses, a long macro is probably the best you can do, but I really like my 100-400 with an extension tube. A 70-200 would also be excellent, especially with an extension tube or 1.4 TC. You will want a lens that will focus closely, with some reach.

For almost any lens adding an extension tube will help with close-focus and magnification. I will bring my kit of 3 tubes, so I'll have a couple that people can borrow.


Steve, if you bring the better half you will get charged another $16 for her. She is worth it though. :-)

[flyfisher]

Scott,
For sure she is worth it, no problem on the extra fee, I will bring both the 100 - 400 with tubes and the 100 macro

[holland_patrick]

i'll try to get out of work but I'm guessing i can't go.

[blonde]

Sounds good to me. Great Meadows at 6:00 AM is perfect for the sunrise, which will be at about 5:50 and experience has taught me that it take about 15 minutes to get up over the tree line.

So should I consider you confirmed for the 6th, Snir?

And Becca, in case you haven't read back far enough, some of us are planning on hitting Great Meadows in Concord Mass both before and after the butterfly shoot. It's generally some pretty darn good birding.

i am in for sure Scott and since i know that you and me share the same sickness, i don't mind meeting you at GM even earlier to have enough time to set up for the sunrise.

[Scottes]

5:45 AM then, just to be sure. Luckily I only live 15 minutes away.


Patrick, do you work Sunday AM? :-(

[flyfisher]

I could also do great meadows , never been there so would need directions.

[blonde]

Scott- sounds good man :)
Steve- do you know how to get to Concord, MA? i think it would be best if we just meet at Concord Center because the turn to Great Meadows can be a bit tricky.

[Scottes]

Yeah, no doubt. Finding Great Meadows can be tricking - the only sign is about 8x10. I drove by it, every single day twice a day, for 3 years without knowing it existed. Yet it's 300 feet from Rt 62.

[flyfisher]

I can go down rt 2 into concord so that shouldn't be a problem

[Becca]

Sounds good to me. Great Meadows at 6:00 AM is perfect for the sunrise, which will be at about 5:50 and experience has taught me that it take about 15 minutes to get up over the tree line.

So should I consider you confirmed for the 6th, Snir?

And Becca, in case you haven't read back far enough, some of us are planning on hitting Great Meadows in Concord Mass both before and after the butterfly shoot. It's generally some pretty darn good birding.

I don't know that I'll make the Great Meadows part of the excursion. That's quite a ways for me to go to get there by 6AM! But I will definately be at the butterfly place at 8AM. I'll figure the rest out after I get there!

[DJS]

I'm in, as long as there's room.

Where is Great Meadows? I know where the Butterfly Place is, I've been there fairly recently.

[Scottes]

Great Meadows is on Rt 62, about 1/2 mile east of Concord center.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

count me in for Great Meadows too! also need more info on directions, pls

[Scottes]

For Great Meadows, we should all meet in Concord Center at 5:45 AM.

Actually, just past the Center, following the signs to Route 62 east, there is a parking lot of the right. As shown by the green arrow in This Map (http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=32+bedford+st,++concord,+ma&layer=&sll=42.46146,-71.347597&sspn=0.01173,0.020084&ie=UTF8&z=18&ll=42.460688,-71.349109&spn=0.002933,0.005021&om=1)

We should meet there at 5:45 AM.

If anyone gets lost or late, my cell is 339-234-0704


By the way, the easiest way to get to this point in Concord is either Rt 495 to Rt 2 East to Rt 62 East, or Rt 128 to Rt 2 West to Rt 2 East. The green arrow is about 5 miles(?) from Rt 2.

[DJS]

Thanks Scottes for the information on Great Meadows! I'm in for both.

[flyfisher]

Thanks Scott ,
We will meet at the Greem Arrow at 5:45 am on the 5th. Has anyone heard from Brendon?

[holland_patrick]

5:45 AM then, just to be sure. Luckily I only live 15 minutes away.


Patrick, do you work Sunday AM? :-(


yep sundays holidays.. firefighters never get a day off..

but i might beable to switch..

[khokhar]

Hello everyone,

new to the group, but I would love to join everyone for Great meadows.

Thanks !!

[HoRnYTuRbO]

Hello everyone,

new to the group, but I would love to join everyone for Great meadows.

Thanks !!

Welcome and see u there

[DJS]

Hello everyone,

new to the group, but I would love to join everyone for Great meadows.

Thanks !!

Oh boy....there goes the neighborhood....see you there buddy :)

[Hiro]

Hi gang!

If there's still room, count me in!

- Hiro

[hckyguy14]

Wish I could do it! Sounds like a lot of fun, but Sundays are pretty busy days for me!

[symbolphoto]

Sweet, see you all there.

[Scottes]

Hello everyone,

new to the group, but I would love to join everyone for Great meadows.

Thanks !!
Hey, welcome to POTN.

Note that we will only be at Great Meadows for about 1.5 hours. Do you want to join us at the Butterfly Place, too?

[Scottes]

9 confirmed so far. Good crew!

[GMACK24]

On a Side note were any of you able to photograph the demo of the Congress Street Bridge Concrete Thingy. Counterweight. That is what it was called.
It was demo'd last Friday and Saturday.
I was able to get a few but I have NO home computer at the moment so I cannot download my pictures till my NEW Dell arrives in about a week or two.
So did anyone Take pics of it ?

[khokhar]

If there is still space for the Butterfly place, I would love to join. Let me know.

Thanks.

[Scottes]

There is space, and you're welcome to join.

[flyfisher]

Scott,

Are we trying to get sunrise at Great Meadows? If so then 5:45 might be a bit late.

[blonde]

Scott,

Are we trying to get sunrise at Great Meadows? If so then 5:45 might be a bit late.

for me, sunrise is not a big deal but i would love to catch the morning light because that is the best for photograpy. now that the sunrise isn't amazing over there:

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/103380660-L.jpg

and on a cooler morning:

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/99995090-L.jpg

[Scottes]

Nice shots Snir. I've seen some nice sunrises/sunsets at GM, but never had a short lens when they happened!

But I'm not so worried about sunrise. It's 5:35 AM on the 5th, but it seems to take 15 minutes to get up over the trees to get to shooting light. Though by the time we meet up, get over to GM (5 minutes) but then unpack and prepare to shoot... Do we want to meet at 5:15?

[blonde]

jesus, why not make it 3:30am and get it over with :)

j/k of course, i can do 5:15am :)

[khokhar]

I think 5:15 would be a safe bet ... might aswell get that sunrise while we are at it .. ..

Am a NOOB to photography, so I guess, i will be eating a lot of head asking questions ..

[Scottes]

Am a NOOB to photography, so I guess, i will be eating a lot of head asking questions ..
LOL! Questions and answers make up a lot of POTN - there's always someone willing to help and answer. With some luck and patience we might be able to double your knowledge in a day. Bring a notepad!

[blueaerodynamique]

So close but so far:-( I would have loved to have come and will even be in Boston that day (from the UK) but I don't think the other half would take too kindly to me disappearing off (and he'd be bored coming along). Never mind, another time maybe. I don't want to hijack the thread but does anyone know if the Strata Centre is accessible to the public? That looks one very interesting building!

[Scottes]

You can certainly photograph the outside, but it is difficult. Wide building, somewhat narrow street, somewhat busy traffic, lots of street lights and parking meters... I could never get a decent shot of it, but others certainly have. A full-frame camera and a wide lens would help.

[blueaerodynamique]

Many thanks Scottes, I think I'd like to go and see it anyway (I've a 30d and 12-24). Hope you all have a good day on the meet.

[Scottes]

Blue, if you're looking for anything else, let us know. This group has prowled Boston many, many times on photo safaris.

[DJS]

I agree, 5:15 sounds like a grand plan!

[symbolphoto]

Blue, if you're looking for anything else, let us know. This group has prowled Boston many, many times on photo safaris.

Haha, and barely avoiding arrest in the process. Just think, in our first few excursions, we've trespassed on federal property, trespassed on state property including a BIO lab, run up next to firefighters battling big blazes in Sommerville, and have been to more parking lots in Boston than most Bostonians! :lol:

I suppose i could add more 'accolades', but i wouldn't want to incriminate myself :lol:

[blueaerodynamique]

Haha, and barely avoiding arrest in the process. Just think, in our first few excursions, we've trespassed on federal property, trespassed on state property including a BIO lab, run up next to firefighters battling big blazes in Sommerville, and have been to more parking lots in Boston than most Bostonians! :lol:

I suppose i could add more 'accolades', but i wouldn't want to incriminate myself :lol:


Thanks Scottes and Mumbles. Someone stamp on me quick if I'm hijacking a thread but any help at all would be most appreciated. We have 2 days, Sunday and Monday. Sunday morning we have a whale watch trip booked but are still open to suggestions for the rest. We are staying in Quincy and hubby uses an electric wheelchair (great for carrying my camera gear while I run frantically behind him!). We don't pick up our hire car till Tues morning from the airport to head off up the Maine coast and to Acadia before going to New Hampshire (Franconia). So anything has to be accessible by foot and the T if it is wheelchair accessible. Loose plans include the Freedom Trail and the Prudential Centre at dusk is a must if the weather is right.
It's my second trip to Boston but it was only for one day last time. I know what you mean about security...everytime I pointed my camera at a skyscraper I'd have security guards on my back. Being an older woman helps if you creep a bit and apologise (I'd got the shots by then). We'd go round the corner and go throught the same procedure at the next one! We fly out next Saturday (the fifth).

[Scottes]

Blue, you might want to flip quickly through this thread and see if any pics interest you. Someone will be able to tell you right where it was taken.

The Freedom Trail is very nice to hit some of the old architecture of Boston, but it can be time-consuming. If you hit the Pru at night make sure you go to the back side and get shots of The Mother Church. We have done a LOT of night-shooting in Boston so you'll find some very interesting pics in this thread if you like night shooting.

My favorite thing to recommend to visitors is a great location for a shot of the Boston skyline, Piers Park. Let me know if you're interested (and yes, it's wheelchair accessible).

As to the Whale Watch... IMHO skip taking it from Quincy - If you go from from Gloucester you can save an hour - each way! - when traveling to where the whales are.


Acadia.... Very very nice. Beautiful place. From Acadia to Franconia make sure you somehow go via Rt 112 in New Hampshire. That's the Kancamagus Trail, a gorgeous stretch of highway. 26 miles long, you can easily spend a day taking pictures and/or enjoying the views. It's a bit early for green trees scenery, but it's not out of the way at all. At the end of the Kanc it's a skip and a jump to Franconia.

[flyfisher]

Haha, and barely avoiding arrest in the process. Just think, in our first few excursions, we've trespassed on federal property, trespassed on state property including a BIO lab, run up next to firefighters battling big blazes in Sommerville, and have been to more parking lots in Boston than most Bostonians!

Sooo true but we haven't seen the inside of a cell yet. I'd have rely on the kids to bail the better half and myself out. would never live it down.

5:15 is good for me also

[HoRnYTuRbO]

lol... i just imagine a pic of us in a cell, shot with a fisheye would be pretty cool..
man.. 5:15AM i gotta rethink this

[Scottes]

5:15 AM in Concord, or 8:00 AM in Westford....

We'll know who the REAL photographers are... :-)

[blonde]

5:15 AM in Concord, or 8:00 AM in Westford....

We'll know who the REAL photographers are... :-)


them are some fighting words!!! :)

[HoRnYTuRbO]

yah man no kidding, im not even gonna sleep i'm gonna stay up all night... what now :p
sleep is for the weak

[blueaerodynamique]

[quote=Scottes;3115341]Blue, you might want to flip quickly through this thread and see if any pics interest you. Someone will be able to tell you right where it was taken.
We have done a LOT of night-shooting in Boston so you'll find some very interesting pics in this thread if you like night shooting.
My favorite thing to recommend to visitors is a great location for a shot of the Boston skyline, Piers Park. Let me know if you're interested (and yes, it's wheelchair accessible).
As to the Whale Watch... IMHO skip taking it from Quincy - If you go from from Gloucester you can save an hour - each way! - when traveling to where the whales are.
Acadia.... Very very nice. Beautiful place. From Acadia to Franconia make sure you somehow go via Rt 112 in New Hampshire. That's the Kancamagus Trail, a gorgeous stretch of highway. 26 miles long, you can easily spend a day taking pictures and/or enjoying the views. It's a bit early for green trees scenery, but it's not out of the way at all. At the end of the Kanc it's a skip and a jump to Franconia.[/quote



Looking up at the Zakim bridge looks good though I understand you can't walk across. Where is the best vantage point? I've done a search for photos on this forum and guess who's name keeps coming up:-) You do some great skyline shots and panoramas. Any advice on getting them right? I won't be able to come back and try again:-( I will only have a really cheapo tripod as my usual one would use all my baggage allowance! Mumble does some amazing work too...I thought he was joking about the scaffolding till I saw the photographic evidence! LOL

I'd heard of Piers Park but I saw your comments earlier in this thread that it is a drive to get there and we don't have the car then. Am I right that the T to Forest Hills is closest? Is it far from there? Also, not knowing the area is it safe to be walking around at night?

We have booked the whale watch trip from the Long Wharf. I'm not sure we'll see much but thought the trip out would be nice to see the harbour and skyline.

Last time we did the Kanc it was thick fog, so disappointing. I am hoping the Flume in Franconia will be good and also it would make my trip to get up the Mount Washington Auto road. In Acadia I feel well prepared with maps of some hiking trails that I will do early morning when the other half sleeps.

Thank you so much for your help. There are some great photos on this forum. Quite inspiring. I will have to post some of mine when I come back.

Susan

[symbolphoto]

I'll let others chime in on the other stuff. But Forest Hills isnt' too bad, but keep in mind i'm from an area not too far away from there. If you aren't used to being around other ethnicities and all that it can bring, the good an bad, you may be a bit overwhelmed.

But generally speaking it's fairly safe. The zakim has about 3 or 4 spots to access it, i think scottes has a map.

[blueaerodynamique]

I've got my T stations all wrong! For Piers Park I need to be to Maverick and it's a short walk from there. I've no problem being in amongs any ethnic group..just take people as I find them. I suppose I just need to take the usual sensible precautions. Thanks for your help.

[Scottes]

Maverick to Piers Park is many blocks, and a relatively tough neighborhood. Great view though.

For Zakim view you'd want Haymarket and a couple blocks of walking to get mediocre views. Getting underneath might be tough with a wheelchair - at least some of it is possible though. Or take a bus to the Charleston Navy Yard to get a distant side view. Of course then you can also get wide-angle shots of the Constitution.

[blonde]

i got some bad news folks, i really doubt we will be able to hit Great Meadows. i was just there this morning and the place is completely under water :(

[symbolphoto]

I've got my T stations all wrong! For Piers Park I need to be to Maverick and it's a short walk from there. I've no problem being in amongs any ethnic group..just take people as I find them. I suppose I just need to take the usual sensible precautions. Thanks for your help.

Haha i didn't read that close enough, i thought you meant you were staying at Forest Hills and leaving from there... :)

Maverick during the day is perfectly fine. Maverick area at night, is slightly dicey.... i mean most likely you'd be fine. But there are the occasional few troublemakers that you could possibly encounter. I'd give it a 50/50.

[Scottes]

i got some bad news folks, i really doubt we will be able to hit Great Meadows. i was just there this morning and the place is completely under water :(
Bad news, no birds. :-(
Good news, more sleep! :-)

We still have another week for it to drain. I'll make a note to stop by Friday on the way to work or something.

[blonde]

thats a good idea Scott, keep us updated.

[Hiro]

Howdy folks!

If there's still room, make me a +1 for the butterflys!

Thanks!

[Scottes]

I think that makes 11!

[symbolphoto]

Nice... i think everyone is dying to get out and take some pics after the long bout of crappy weather...

[Scottes]

The cool thing about the butterfly house is that it's indoors, so it's good even if the weather is crappy. Bad thing is that it's a short day. 2 hours to ourselves, but anyone can stay longer if they wish - they've already paid. 2 hours of shootings BFs is about my limit though.

[blueaerodynamique]

Maverick to Piers Park is many blocks, and a relatively tough neighborhood. Great view though.

For Zakim view you'd want Haymarket and a couple blocks of walking to get mediocre views. Getting underneath might be tough with a wheelchair - at least some of it is possible though. Or take a bus to the Charleston Navy Yard to get a distant side view. Of course then you can also get wide-angle shots of the Constitution.


Many thanks Scottes(and mumbles). The Piers Park sailing club website said it was only 5 mins walk, but we've since found out that Maverick is one of the few T stations without a ramp or lift for the wheelchair. Back to the drawing board but time is running out...we fly Sat and will be there 5.30pm your time. I think I've done just about as much research as I can and I'm just going to have to suck it and see now. I'll let you all know how I get on and will post some pics.

Have a great time on Sunday all of you!

Susan

[Scottes]

Oh, it's a little bit of a pain, but check out the Hyatt hotel at the airport. You can take the Blue Line subway to the Airport stop, then a free airport shuttle bus to the Hyatt. Go behind the hotel (100 feet from the bus drop-off) and you get an AWESOME view of the skyline. I'm amazed I forgot about this until now, since it's my favorite view.

Have a good trip, and post some pics when you get back!

[flyfisher]

Looks like a good crowd for sat will ckeck back Friday to see if Great Meadows is still on

[blueaerodynamique]

Oh, it's a little bit of a pain, but check out the Hyatt hotel at the airport. You can take the Blue Line subway to the Airport stop, then a free airport shuttle bus to the Hyatt. Go behind the hotel (100 feet from the bus drop-off) and you get an AWESOME view of the skyline. I'm amazed I forgot about this until now, since it's my favorite view.

Have a good trip, and post some pics when you get back!

Scottes you are an absolute STAR!!

This sounds perfect as we can then catch the free airport shuttle back to our hotel in Quincy. That's the theory anyway...I'll let you know how it pans out. No pain no gain as they say. Then there is just the matter of taking a good photo but I'll worry about that later LOL

[DJS]

Couple questions for you Scott.............

Looks like a good crowd for sat will ckeck back Friday to see if Great Meadows is still on

If I'm correct, we're meeting Sunday morning not Saturday morning correct?


For Great Meadows, we should all meet in Concord Center at 5:45 AM.

Actually, just past the Center, following the signs to Route 62 east, there is a parking lot of the right. As shown by the green arrow in This Map (http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=32+bedford+st,++concord,+ma&layer=&sll=42.46146,-71.347597&sspn=0.01173,0.020084&ie=UTF8&z=18&ll=42.460688,-71.349109&spn=0.002933,0.005021&om=1)

We should meet there at 5:45 AM.

If anyone gets lost or late, my cell is 339-234-0704


By the way, the easiest way to get to this point in Concord is either Rt 495 to Rt 2 East to Rt 62 East, or Rt 128 to Rt 2 West to Rt 2 East. The green arrow is about 5 miles(?) from Rt 2.

And just to confirm, we're still planning on meeting at the parking lot but at 5:15 instead of 5:45?

I just want to make sure I'm not losing my mind. :)

[Scottes]

Sunday, May 6.

The Great Meadows portion is up in the air. I will stop by Friday to check water level. Blonde checked last weekend and it was far too high, so I want to re-check Friday on the way to work. I truly doubt we'll be going to Great Meadows since the rivers that feed it are still quite high. But if the water level is low enough we will meet at the parking lot (the green arrow) at 5:15 AM.


8:00 AM at The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA. That's for certain, regardless of what happens before then. We have the place to ourselves until 10:00 AM and can stay longer after that - minus tripods and monopods I'd expect.

[Becca]

Sunday, May 6.

The Great Meadows portion is up in the air. I will stop by Friday to check water level. Blonde checked last weekend and it was far too high, so I want to re-check Friday on the way to work. I truly doubt we'll be going to Great Meadows since the rivers that feed it are still quite high. But if the water level is low enough we will meet at the parking lot (the green arrow) at 5:15 AM.


10:00 at The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA. That's for certain, regardless of what happens before then.

Scott,

Are we meeting at 10:00 at the Butterfly Place or 8:00? The original PM you sent me said 8:00. *color me confused*

[Scottes]

Scott,

Are we meeting at 10:00 at the Butterfly Place or 8:00? The original PM you sent me said 8:00. *color me confused*

Ack! 8:00 AM!

I corrected my goof above.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

can someone post directions to the BF place?

[Scottes]

I stopped by to Great Meadows this morning. It is no longer under water - but about 4 inches. But the path is open and dry all the way across to the other side.

Now, I don't think it's worth it at all. The reeds are almost at water level, so they're not supporting any warblers or Red-Winged Blackbirds. The water level seems too high for the waders like Great Blue Herons, let alone the little waders like green herons. The water even seems too high for most dabbling ducks.

I saw:
3 Red-Winged Blackbirds
4 Swans (one cozying up to some birders, literally 3 feet from them)
5 ducks
8 geese
50 jumping carp

Normally one sees 10 to 20 times that many of these creatures, though 4 swans is normal. Lotsa stuff was missing, like warblers and small waders and peeps.

IMHO, Great Meadows is not worth it. I can say that I will not be bothering.

[Scottes]

can someone post directions to the BF place?

The Butterfly Place
http://www.butterflyplace-ma.com/

Directions
120 Tyngsboro Road, Westford, MA
http://www.butterflyplace-ma.com/travel.htm


See you folks there at 8:00 AM on Sunday!

[blonde]

if that is all you saw than it is not worth it at all. you can see more than that just standing outside your house for 10 mins :)

[DJS]

IMHO, Great Meadows is not worth it. I can say that I will not be bothering.

Scott, thanks for taking the time to check it out for us...looks like it's the Butterfly Place then...see ya there!!

[wildcard1257]

Darn!! I'm going to be in Boston on Saturday. I would have loved to met up with you folks, but I can't rationalize making the hour and 15 minute drive into the city from Conn. 2 days in a row. I sure hope someone sets up another photo get together in the city before the summer ends.
Have fun you guys. Enjoy!!!

[flyfisher]

Scott

Thanks for checking Great Meadows See you Sunday

[Scottes]

I sure hope someone sets up another photo get together in the city before the summer ends.
I'm sure we will. No doubt.


Speaking of this, I wanted to throw out an idea... What do folks think about renting a boat and cruising the harbor (and possibly the Charles) for an afternoon? Personally I love Boston Harbor, and think there would be tons of interesting opportunities - especially if we had control of where to go, and what to do, and how close to get. And how fast - I don't want a putt-putt slowboat like the boats that tourist the islands.

It probably wouldn't be cheap, but I think it has a lot of possibility for being interesting as hell. Imagine the possibilities for skyline shots, shots of the Zakim, airplanes even, other boats, some of the islands are pretty cool, even Deer Island with those funky tanks.

Thoughts/comments?

(And wouldn't it be cool if the Tall Ships came back...?)

[Scottes]

Oh, and we *do* need to start thinking about Spring/Summer locations. The Arnold Arboretum, the Franklin Zoo, etc, etc. Start throwing out some ideas for places to go or things to do.

Any big events coming up?


Hey, how about the Tall Ships in Newport, RI?

June 27 - July 1, 2007: Newport, Rhode Island
Amica Insurance Tall Ships® Rhode Island 2007
www.tallshipsrhodeisland.org

Sunday July 1, 2007
No visiting. People welcome to visit dock areas to watch ships prepare to depart.
Early am Ships underway to seaward. Take approximate position in order of Parade of Sail assignment.
12:30pm Parade of Sail commences with lead ship passing Castle Hill heading North.
2:30pm First ship completes Parade circuit (up Bay and around Gould Island, then South and out to sea! )
3:00pm Parade completes. Tall Ships Rhode® Island 2007 ends.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Locations are tough ..as far as getting a guaranteeed good shot of some ships leaving,. but if you took up locations out on Ocean Drive Castle hill area, you'd be facing west with the sun to your backs as the boats left the harbor,. you'd want to get there really 'f'n early to beat the traffic out on the drive ..
We'd also want to look at the tides, as they would leave on the ebbing tide.. no exceptions, (unless the Captain is completely daft)

As far as getting them putting to sail, that would be tougher,. I suspect the previously mentioned location would show some action as more sail gets piled on,. but to grab those first sheets being hauled you'd need to be near moorings.. that means Fort Adams or Goat Island,. and both cases would be traffic tourist nightmares with one way on and off in either case.. Also both locations would mean shots split perhaps 50/50% into the sun..

My guess is whatever you chose, that is it, stay there and don't try to move again as you'll just lose out.
The only exception is that Fort Adams is right near Castle hill,. you could even walk around the point to the west facing shots, but would not be in prime location..

Of course best situation would be a rented boat... then you could tail them.

[flyfisher]

The tall ships sound interesting although we ae game for almost any thing scedules permitting

[Scottes]

I may have a line on a boat for the Tall Ships already. One of my co-workers owns a boat with his family, a "30-foot Hunter" whatever the heck that is. But he says that 8-10 people would have some room to set up when the boat is still, but it may be cozy if the boat is under sail. He's going to check with his brother about such a trip.

I also did some other searching, quickly, and found a couple of companies doing rather expensive charters to see the Tall Ships. Like over $200 for the full day. Talking to my coworker he thought $100 a head would be more than reasonable. (This is not yet confirmed, but should be in the neighborhood.)

Personally, I think a rented boat is the only way to go for such an event. On land the tourists would be a freaking nightmare.


CDS, as far as "tailing them" goes - would you think they'd have some limitations about other boats moving around? Or would it be fair game (with common sense)??

[flyfisher]

Scott,

We would definitely be up for renting a boat either way it is always better if you know the people as they would probably accommodating for our needs for photography.

[Becca]

I'd also be up for renting a boat and spending some time out in the harbor. Sounds great!

As to summer locations, we tried to get this done last year but it never happened. How about taking a ferry out to Provincetown for the day?

[CyberDyneSystems]

30' hunter sounds fine,. plenty of room on that for sure!!! But it's a sail craft..
http://www.rcryachts.com/hunter30.htm

So long as it has power too.. :)

re; tailing them there may be distance limits, but nothing that would prevent you from getting a LOT closer than shooting from land.

I think I can make that shoot too.. :)

[Scottes]

Becca, what's in P-Town to shoot?


CDS - if this angle happens too much, I'm outta there!

http://www.rcryachts.com/images/hunter30/h30upwind2.jpg

Nice-looking boat though, for sure. Cool.

[Becca]

Becca, what's in P-Town to shoot?




Ummm... I don't know! :o I've been told there's lots to see out there, but I've never been! I think I was mostly looking forward to the boat ride out there!

[DJS]

I'm open for anything...although from the looks of that boat....I may need to lash myself to the gunwales!!!

[blonde]

i got some bad news guys, i don't think i can make it out on Sunday :( work has been kicking my ass and chances are that i will have to work Sunday morning...

Scott- let me know how you want me to send you the $12, i don't want to stick you with the bill....

[holland_patrick]

Of couse i didn't have my SLR but i did go out with a camera when the ships came in to new london in my kayak.. so I would have no problems doing it again.

[symbolphoto]

i got some bad news guys, i don't think i can make it out on Sunday :( work has been kicking my ass and chances are that i will have to work Sunday morning...

Scott- let me know how you want me to send you the $12, i don't want to stick you with the bill....

No no, homey, you are coming out for 2 hours. You know you aren't doing anythign at that time anyway.

[symbolphoto]

Scottes, i'm all in for a boat. I wasn't even aware they ships were coming back. Weird. I have plenty of city ideas... arboretum and the zoo would make a great next trip, stuff willl be in full bloom and i think the FPZoo has two baby jaguar cubs among other good stuff to shoot.

[Scottes]

i got some bad news guys, i don't think i can make it out on Sunday :( work has been kicking my ass and chances are that i will have to work Sunday morning...

Scott- let me know how you want me to send you the $12, i don't want to stick you with the bill....
No worries if you can't make it. Once 5 people show up everything is cool for money.

PS: It's $16. ;)

[Becca]

No worries if you can't make it. Once 5 people show up everything is cool for money.

PS: It's $16. ;)

Do we have a list of how many are coming? And I have to remember to get to an ATM before tomorrow... I checked in my wallet... just dust! :confused:

[Scottes]

I think we will have 10 people.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

how long do u think it will take to drive up to this place, 45 mins from boston?

[Scottes]

Yeah, that's about right. It will be fast on an early Sunday.

[blonde]

what, nobody has any shots to post?? i am almost done editing my 10 keepers so i will upload them when i am done :) i had a great time today btw..

[symbolphoto]

Hey guys, i apologize for being a no-show. As you all know i'm nocturnal, and i must have shut my alarm off or ignored it altogether, just couldn't get up in time. I promise to make all future meetings after 10am! :)

[Becca]

It was great to see everyone and meet some new people today. I got a few keepers, and a whole new appreciation for my Bigma (thanks for the pointers Snir and Scott, and the use of your extension tube Steve!)

Here are my favorites from the day.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m114/BeccaNH/Butterfly%20Place/IMG_9170_edited-2.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m114/BeccaNH/Butterfly%20Place/IMG_9185.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m114/BeccaNH/Butterfly%20Place/IMG_9256.jpg

And a couple of other "species"

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m114/BeccaNH/Butterfly%20Place/IMG_9150.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m114/BeccaNH/Butterfly%20Place/IMG_9235.jpg

[PacAce]

Cool! You look real hip there, Scott....with that butterfly on your shoulder, I mean. ;) :mrgreen:

Those are beautiful pictures you got, Becca, especially the first one with all those details on the wing. :shock:

[blonde]

great pics Becca and i have one that is almost identical to your first one

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/150117747-L.jpg

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/150118066-L.jpg

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/150118127-L.jpg

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/150118296-L.jpg

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/150118672-L.jpg

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/150118817-L.jpg

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/150117886-L.jpg

http://blonde.smugmug.com/photos/150142837-L.jpg

[HoRnYTuRbO]

had a great time, def down for the boat thing too
heres my take
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l218/TurboVinny/Random%20Crap/Butterfly%20Place/IMG_5309-1.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l218/TurboVinny/Random%20Crap/Butterfly%20Place/IMG_5313.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l218/TurboVinny/Random%20Crap/Butterfly%20Place/IMG_5407.jpg

[holland_patrick]

great shots....

[DJS]

I had a fantastic time! It was great meeting all of you and I'm looking forward to the next event.

Great shots! Snir, I really like your 3rd shot and Becca...I'd like to know how you finally got that lizard to sit still..... ;)

I'll post a few of mine in a day or so, work obligations are tying me up at the moment.

Thanks everyone!

[symbolphoto]

Wow fantastic shots!..

[Becca]

Those are beautiful pictures you got, Becca, especially the first one with all those details on the wing. :shock:

Thanks!

great pics Becca and i have one that is almost identical to your first one


Beautiful shots, Snir! That's one of the things that I love about these outings... seeing everyone's versions of the same things. I love the 3rd one and the little "chicken". I wasn't quick enough to catch a clear one of them.

Becca...I'd like to know how you finally got that lizard to sit still..... ;)


It was tough... he was a spunky little bugger! ;)

HoRnYTuRbO, I love that second one with the bright background. That's gorgeous!

[khokhar]

Absolutely great pics guys .. !! WoOOooWW!!

I got some decent shots aswell (nothing as nice as above). I guess my wife will be using some of the pics I took to teach the young kids in her school about 'symmetry'. :-)))

Thanks for putting this together Scotte. Was great to get out, talk to some of you and learn a few things !! Thanks !!

[Scottes]

Hey, nice shots! Becca, I think I have a near-duplicate of your second shot taken 2 or 3 years ago. Snir, that 3rd shot is awesome, simply awesome. Hornyturbo, you got a *great* shot of the blue guy. Excellent!

It was good fun gang, no doubt. We have to remember this place, or the place in Deerfield (www.magicwings.net), on those cold or rainy days. Magic Wings is simply great in January. 80F inside, 8F outside. Very nice.

[Becca]

Absolutely great pics guys .. !! WoOOooWW!!

I got some decent shots aswell (nothing as nice as above). I guess my wife will be using some of the pics I took to teach the young kids in her school about 'symmetry'. :-)))

Thanks for putting this together Scotte. Was great to get out, talk to some of you and learn a few things !! Thanks !!

It was great meeting you! I'd love to see some of your shots from yesterday. *hint hint* :)

[Scottes]

Myself, I don't think I'll get to the shots tonight. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to process a few.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

are there any places in MA like the butterfly place but with birds?