Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Fontainebleau, Part I

A couple weekends ago we decided to revisit Fontainebleau State Park to see what progress has been made since Hurricane Isaac blew through last year. It was astonishing to see that nothing has been done. There are still no restrooms, no cabins to rent, and Alligator Boardwalk is still in scattered pieces. Very disappointing. It amazes me that the government requires all public facilities to have working restrooms, and will levy a fine if the requirements are not met. I guess they are exempt from their own rules. Oh, I'd best not get started down that path.
Half an hour before sunset

When these children saw me setting up my camera they came running over shouting,
"TAKE OUR PICTURE! TAKE OUR PICTURE!"
Who could resist these little hams?

More children wanted in on the action. After each click, they'd run over to see themselves on the back of the camera display,
then run back out for more photos.

I was so surprised by their enthusiasm and wanting to get the gazebo in the photo,
I failed to notice they were standing over a big ugly drain. I should have moved
them over to the grassy area. 


The sun setting over Lake Pontchartrain as viewed from the gazebo.

More photos to come!

34 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Gail I LOVE the "big ugly drain" it adds a bit of texture to the photos you are such a fine photographer and those children are such great subjects. You captured their enthusiasm perfectly. I LOVE these shots I do hope someone they know sees them they would love them too. Love the top photo and wish I had been there. Hug B

Optimistic Existentialist said...

How happy they look and how wonderful it was of you to take their picture my friend. You made their day :)

Anonymous said...

Cute shots of your new little friends.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I love their enthusiasm..I always run from the camera! That is sad that the park is still in shambles. We've been looking at our corps parks in the area and some of those are in horrible conditions. I think the parks are at the bottom the gov's to-do list. Sure does make one wonder where all our tax dollars are going though, doesn't it?

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I do love those enthusiastic children, but the first and last shots are my favorites. Great perspectives in both of those.

Rosemary Aubut said...

I visited here a couple of yeas ago! Beautiful children along with beautiful scenery!

Chatty Crone said...

That is what my Heaven is going to look like! sandie

Kittie Howard said...

Oh, but it's nice how the kids had fun! Gorgeous photos--fav is the sunset--can't help but be partial to sunrises and sunsets. About the restrooms--hey, it's Louisiana :))))

rainfield61 said...

"Children are bound to be inferior to adults, or there is no incentive to grow up."

They are so charming.

Nancy said...

I guess they were your substitute since the park was still in disrepair...You never know what surprise is around the corner and I know you made their day....You are a sweetie for taking so much time with them.....

That last shot is to die for....

Karen said...

Kids love to pose! These are such cute pics of them.
A gorgeous sunset shot!

TexWisGirl said...

the circles in the drain, the squares in the railing, the lines of the pier fencing - all add to the photos. cute kids!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Gail, you captured the awesome wonder anyway.. love those Happy faces :)

Be well n happy.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Oh no! That is sad. But you got great shots.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love the sunset picture.The children are cute.Must be nice to be a child and not have an aversion to getting my picture taken.

Hootin Anni said...

Oh to be a young one, and oh so flexible as the girl in front...why, if I squatted down like that, they'd have to get someone...SEVERAL someones to help me straighten up again.

Loved how you shared in on their fun with us.

And the sunset is heavenly.

renae said...

Those children were a study in our culture and sociology. Why were they so eager? Why did they think that was the thing to do? Didn't they get the connection between you, a total stranger, and them being displayed all over blog-land? And ...I think they thought the drain was a stage; a place to focus from. Children of all walks are so interesting but more so these days in the world of instant photos and the internet.

Man, I have been in bed too long!!!

Where did that insight come from? hahahahaha.

Thanks for you well wishes. I sure hope that that park gets the funds to be renovated. Man. (ok, I'll stay off of that soapbox for now). hahahahahaha (hug)

Shug said...

Oh Gail....I could sure say a few things about what's happening in our Country right now with those in Public Office, however...I'll control myself!!! Kids do love to have the picture taken and you did a fabulous job of making them happy....
I must say....that last shot of the sunset is outstanding!! You and God working together on this one!! Hugs girl..
Shug

hootnonny said...

Well, at least Big Bertha wasn't banned and you got some great shots! I love that tree...would love to find one like it all alone.

I remember 9 years ago taking my film camera to school, and after each shot the kids would want to look at it. They'll never know about film!

Kerry said...

I am taken by the beauty and serenity of the first shot, but I love the story quality of the pics with the kids. They add so much life.

The Silver Bunny said...

Stunning place and you were so nice to include those kids' pictures !

Tricia said...

What a pretty place! You're so blessed to live near the water. Kids are so silly :)

Carletta said...

I didn't notice the drain until you pointed it out but I too real like it. The kids look like pros with all their poses.
Beautiful sunset! I could sit there for quite awhile taking in that scene.

Amy Burzese said...

Don't get me started on the gov. That drain cover is a bit artsy. I like it. Nice sunset!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous shots and such photogenic kids!

EG CameraGirl said...

Very nice composition! LOVE the kids. They are indeed hams. :))

May Ann Francisco said...

Beautiful Sunset...

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful shot. I had to smile at the photos of the kids. They do love getting there pictures taken don't they.

Hugs~

Nancy said...

Dome kids are amazing -- no fear, no shyness. Love all of these images of your day -- especially the sunset. :)

Willow said...

Beautiful sun set.
The kids look like they were having fun.
Perhaps in the future you might meet one taking photos there when they grow up ~you may have inspired them :)

Stewart M said...

Natural actors!

Nice post.

Cheers - Stewart M - Australia

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful spot and how fun that the local kids wanted to get in on the action! So nice to see kids outside.

Brian King said...

Kids are great photo subjects! They usually like to ham it up! The first and last photos are beautiful!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The kids are fun and kind of neat to see them so innocent that it is a great to get their picture taken. Too bad the park isn't fixed. Bummer, it looks like such a beautiful place.