Ice Boat Regatta

Perhaps unilke any other sport, ice boat racing is a true northern tradition. These photos were taken on Elk Lake on March 16, 2008 as the annual regatta was being held. Though still quite cool the warm sunshine made the day feel very comfortable. The ice conditions were good and the wind was just about right. Some of these boats can easily reach speeds of 80 mph. Ice thickness is at least 18 inches which is a testament to the the cold this winter. Though the ice is thick, in some places cracks form, which can catch the runners on the boats. The races in the regatta are a series of ovals around the coarse and as the boats chatter on by the wind fills their sails. Looks like a good time.

2008 Vasa Ski Race

For something different I attended the 2008 Vasa Ski Race on February 9th in order to photograph action. These images are not for sale, but if there are racers who recognize themselves and would like a digital copy, please feel free to e-mail me at thaxby02@yahoo.com

More New Images

There are many more new images on the website in the Michigan Galleries. Such as Rocky Shore which showcases the beauty of the Lake Michigan Shoreline. There are more images to come, so please check back often. Comments are always welcomed.

Another New Image

Sometimes I come across an image that I have overlooked. The new Falls River image is in that category. This was taken in 2005. This was easy to get to, but difficult to photograph. The smell of creosote was overpowering as it was near a railroad tressle. One thing about photographing on rocky rivers is that one has to watch the footing. It can be slippery if the rocks are covered with moss or algae.

Images Showing at The Dish

Also, some of my images will soon be showing at the Dish Cafe in downtown Traverse City. Stop by and see the images and get a hot bowl of soup, a sandwich or a salad. Say hello to Patty and Randy the new owners too. Very friendly place and they were great to allow me to show my work in their great cafe.

New Images on January 30, 2008

There are now new images available in both the html gallery and the flash gallery.

Traverse Magazine Photo

The Traverse Magazine has just published another of my images. It is on the inside back cover for the February edition and is titled Into the North. The published image of the High Rollways in Winter is also on my website. The magazine is available at bookstores and magazine sales locations thoughout Michigan and in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

Also, there are several new images in the Michigan Flash gallery and the same images should soon be in the Michigan HTML Gallery.

I have plans to add even more photos in the near future so keep checking back on my website.

Thanks all and enjoy our winter wonderland.