Welcome to Tom's Pages - Here you might find photos and thoughts from weekend explorations
of California and Central Coast backroads - with a few furry felines added in just for the fluff.


You may see more photos at Tom Lott Photography www.catalott.com


Friday, September 24, 2010

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Windows and Walls - Mission San Miguel


Mission San Miguel - located just off Highway 101 in the town of San Miguel - held it's annual Fiesta on Sunday Sept. 19. I brought the cameras along to snap some pictures of this historic site which has been undergoing restoration for the last few years.

You can read more about the Mission - which is still a fully operating church - about the restoration and upcoming events at the Mission San Miguel web site.












Saturday, September 18, 2010

Chalk Art - Paso Robles

There was chalk on the sidewalk this Saturday around the Paso Robles downtown square as some very talented and creative folks brightened up the Park for the Arte de Tiza event.

Also underway Saturday afternoon was the Paso Robles Downtown Association's Taste of Paso Robles. Lot's of people strolled around the downtown in near perfect weather enjoying the food and wine of Paso.










Saturday, September 11, 2010

Oh No - more cute kittens (please take one home!)


There must be a bug up there somewhere ....


I'm just so cute and stripy, how can you resist taking me home?
Visit the North County Humane Society to adopt a kitten or cat!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Camera Test, Atascadero Lake


Have you ever tried out all the setting on your digital camera? Far out settings like f29, ISO 12800, shutter speed 6000? All of the filters, in camera color processing, and special scene modes? (These are all options with my Pentax equipment, and I'm sure there are similar settings on other brand digitals).







I took the bright red KX out to Atascadero Lake Monday morning to try every setting possible and to learn what all the controls do. I'd recommend trying it with your digital camera. Find a nice location, bring the manual, put the camera on a tripod, and explore all the settings. Don't worry that the photos are not "Arizona Highways" quality - digital film is cheap, so don't skimp on photos.


Atascadero Lake Pavilion, HDR panorama composite of 18 photos. Next test, I'll shoot at a higher f stop and get crisper depth of vision.


10 mm wide angle digital lens - do trees really bend like that?


My companions for camera testing - they caught (and released) several 6" bass

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Marine Band Concert in Cambria


The Marine Corp 1st Marine Division Band came to Cambria for the the Pinedorado parade and a noon time concert. They sounded great, and the enthusiastic crowd showed their appreciation with repeated standing ovations. The band played a mix of marches, traditional American songs, and jazzy pieces featuring some pretty hot players.

Thanks so much to the Cambria folks who worked so hard to bring the band to the festivities. Hopefully this will become an annual event.







Saturday, September 4, 2010

Pinedorado Parade

Cambria's Pinedorado Parade - September 4, 2010


The Lion's Club Calliope


Librarians - carting books for sorting


Shriners from the Central Valley - We look forward to their visit every year.


Marine color guard, and pups along for the ride.





Friday, September 3, 2010

Cayucos Beach in the Fog




The fog provides minimal background. Objects vanish. Colors stand out against the greyness. Where is the end of that pier anyway ....