We went to the San Diego Zoo today. I had an amazing time shooting all day. I can't resist it though, I had to put up my tiger pictures TODAY. I just loved these.
My husband travels. A lot. It seems like he spends half of his time with me in California and the other half of his time is spent In Washington DC or New York. We aren't strangers to all of this distance. He is from South Africa after all, so the East Coast of the United States really doesn't seem that far away.
That look, photography by Sara Atkins Photography
And while being apart is a bummer, it also has it's perks. Once in a while I get to travel with him. This time Charlie had to be on the East Coast for two weeks in a row, after the first week that he was away he asked if I could find a way to come over for the weekend. We had some air-miles saved so I jumped on the first redeye flight out of San Francisco. This is the look he gives me when we haven't seen each other in a while. I love it.
New York MOMA, photography by Sara Atkins Photography
So, I found myself in New York not more than 24 hours after chatting to Charlie about visiting him. I was so excited to finally visit New York with temperatures above freezing. Our first stop was the New York Museum of Modern Art. We spent the day wondering the museum and catching up on the last week.
Empire State Building, photography by Sara Atkins Photography
After the MOMA we decided to walk. And walk we did. Charlie and I, we are two very different sort of walkers. First of all, he is a full foot and a bit taller than me. So clearly his stride is enormous compared to mine. Second, he is a destination focused person while I am more about the journey. I am constantly wanting to stop to take photographs, and poor Charlie has to wait for me. Or else I am jogging along beside him shooting as I try to keep up. This is one of those shots that I managed to get mid stride.
Midtown, photography by Sara Atkins Photography
Central Park, photography by Sara Atkins Photography
On Monday I decided to wonder around Central Park. I had never seen it without a thick layer of snow on the ground, so this was a treat. The park was so green and full of families, tourists and New Yorkers trying to get some exercise.
He fills the air, photography by Sara Atkins Photography
As I meandered about I found this man playing the most beautiful music. I sat with him for at least 45 minutes, just listening. He was amazing, the sound that came out of that tunnel cave me goosebumps.
Central Park, photography by Sara Atkins Photography
And that was a little peak at my quick trip to New York. Thanks for looking!
Today is the two year anniversary of the day that Charlie and I said our vows. It is amazing how quickly it has gone, and at the same time so much has changed since then. In celebration of our two years together Charlie and I went on an early trip to Catalina Island. We booked two nights at the Two Harbors campsite and had no idea what to expect.
Before jumping on the Catalina Express to get to the island we went for a walk around Long Beach. Charlie took advantage of the benches around the lighthouse while I looked around and snapped a few photos.
We walked over to Shoreline Village to look at the shops and get a cool drink. You will never guess, there was a South African pub! I had to snap a picture of Charlie. If only there were one of these closer to home!
p.s. see Charlie's 'I am standing here smiling because you are making me' face. He is such a trooper.
So, we had to look around Springbok Bar and Grill. And we HAD to have a Savanna Dry. The menu boasted quite a few favorites from home, unfortunately Charlie and I had just stuffed ourselves with a huge breakfast. But the cider was delicious.
Finally we arrived at the the Two Harbors port. And the water really is that blue. It is a beautiful little spot. And we found a perfect campsite. As we were putting up the tent there was an amazing amount of wind, I was pretty certain our tent was going to turn into a kite and fly away. But, once we got the pegs into the ground it was fine. The wind died down for the most part after that and the weather was pretty much perfect for the rest of our stay.
I tried my hand at a bit of night photography. Notice the airplane flying in the right hand side of the image. It looks like a white line, which is because it is such a long shutter-speed.
The second day we went kayaking and snorkeling, no pictures of those wet events. I seriously need to invest in an underwater cover for my camera. After the kayak adventures I went for a little hike and found this little gem. What are the chances I would find a heart shaped cactus on our anniversary weekend trip? That is fate.
My rating for Catalina Island, probably 3.5 out of 5 stars. I would have bumped it up a bit had I been able to bring my dog with me. It is amazing how many dogs are on the island and yet they don't allow dogs at the campsite! Crazy. Overall though, it was a great weekend. Happy anniversary Charlie!
This summer my family met with our longtime friends the McGinty family in San Diego. We had an amazing time and I took far too many photographs. It is just not possible to blog about them all, though I would really love to.
Summer Days, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
The old guys, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Sleepy days, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Time Out, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Boy with umbrella, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Sand Castle Time, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Beach Baby, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Mom and Dad, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Kite Flying, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
The Beach, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
New Hair Cut, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Raspberry, originally uploaded by 
Family, originally uploaded by
Morning Beaches, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
One of our primary reasons for visiting Tortuguero, Costa Rica was to see the giant sea turtles that nest on the beaches. The turtles nest at night and at that time the beaches turn into park land and you are only aloud onto the beaches with a guide. No lights are aloud. Nor are cameras! We went on one night tour and did get to see a couple of turtles on their way back to the ocean which was really amazing. But, no pictures!
So, in the hopes of finding a late nester, Charlie and I woke up at 5:00am every morning when the beaches turned back into public beaches. We walked and walked and walked. You can see in the picture above what look like tire tracks. Those are actually the tracks that the turtles leave on the beaches when they are coming up to nest. So we knew their were turtles, we just didn't know if any would still be there by the time we got to them.
There she is, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
On our last day at Tortuguero we found one. We were both amazed to find her.
Tired Mama, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
She was working so hard to bury her eggs, it nearly broke my heart. Charlie was convinced that we were going to have to pick up this 250lb beast and help her back into the ocean.
All done, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
We watched her bury her eggs for a good 30 minutes and then, finally she emerged.
Big girl, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
She pushed her way back to the ocean and Charlie and I watched, amazed at what we here witnessing. It seemed like such a struggle.
Pretty Lady, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Getting Close, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Going Home, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Relief, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Goodbye sweet turtle, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
What an amazing last morning on the beaches of Tortuguero.
One last drink with Ross, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Charlie and I ended up really enjoying our time with Ross, we went on another hike with him and had dinner at a great little bar in Tortuguero, complete with a mariachi band projected on the wall and music played at a decibel that could be heard all the way in San Jose. I am sure of it.
Coffee, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Costa Rica Day 8, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
How did I manage to find myself such a handsome husband?
Another visitor, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
While sitting around we were visited by what is probably the coolest beetle on the planet.
Ross's friend, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Ross told us all about him. He was so big he didn't seem like an insect at all.
Big Bird, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Last night in Tortuguero, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
This is a shot from our last night out in Tortuguero. I love this little village.