"Following where my camera leads me!"

"Following where my camera leads me!"

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Dock Diving Dogs at SEWE


More of the "Big Air" competition

the dog in the background prepares!


and launches!

on to the "High Vertical" competition, my favorite! This is what they are after:



This dog listens and watches intently before the big jump


this competitor lets out a joyful bark as the owner points out the target



GREAT CATCH!!!  WHOO HOO!!



ANOTHER GREAT CATCH!

This dog has his eye on the target and nothing else! I am amazed at their intensity and their focus!

Taking his turn!

Another competitor grabs it!

I think this dog's name is Alex. They said he is a rare silver retriever. He got it!

 This beautiful dog hears words of encouragement right before it's big leap

Now they are both jumping! Air jaws!

An intense moment between dog and handler. The dog is completely focused on the target, all muscles tensed and ready to leap

Its a catch!!

Another competitor takes the plunge

Words of encouragement for this dog, who has already focused on the hanging target

The tension grows as its now down to just these two last competitors, who are the top scorers in this event.

Launch for the target!

Another catch!




Last jump for the day


All the dogs were a joy to watch and they all did great!

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Dock Docks at SEWE today!

"Those Dogs are Diving!"

It may not be everybody's cup of tea, but spending Valentine's Day outdoors on a sunny winter day, near sparkling Lowcountry water, and getting splashed by lively dogs who hurl themselves into pools to retrieve balls, squeaky toys, sticks and the like.....well that IS MY CUP OF TEA. 

We so enjoyed the antics and the friendly competition of the dock diving dogs today at Charleston's thirty third annual SEWE. (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition)

Two big tanks of water were the scene today as the dogs competed at Brittlebank Park in events like "Big Air" (long jump) and "Extreme Vertical" (high jump), which is my favorite.

Here, a handler takes a moment with his gorgeous dog.

The dog is definitely interested now! Check out that intense look!


and away he goes!!

What an amazing dog! No fear of the water there!


in another tank, this gorgeous dog gets it's ball!


This dog is so gorgeous with such unique and lovely eyes!

Back at the other tank, this sleek and shiny labrador closes in on his target! What a beautiful glistening dog!


We were entertained with music by the Bluestone Ramblers all afternoon. 

They did some great toe tapping songs!

Back at Marion Square, I loved the flight demonstrations put on by the Center for Birds of Prey.
Below, a beautiful barred owl perches on the arm of the handler and seemed pretty calm in the crowd of observers. I love their unique call, have you heard it?

SEWE runs through Sunday and the final dock dog water jumping competions take place then. 
I have many more photos to share and will be posting them the next day or two. 
If you competed and have the names of any of the beautiful dogs pictured, please contact  me with the information and I'll be so glad to add the dog's names with their photos! Thanks!

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Downtown Fences and Gates

On our walk last night we spotted plenty of fences and gates!


a close up of the iron work:


(below) love these big heavy white gates!










also spotted the first daffodills of the season!




                Joining Tex for the GOOD FENCES PARTY!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

City Courtyard

One of my favorite Charleston courtyards. Love the bright lime green window frames hanging up on the house! And they have a lovely tinkling fountain! A very quiet and relaxing spot in the city!
              linking up with Judith at Lavender Cottage for "Mosaic Monday"