November 10, 2014

framing up a sunrise at San Quentin Village


click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

Within 100 yards of the main gate at San Quentin is a delightful overlook of San Pablo Bay and the Richmond Bridge. Not far below is a very cool beach that--I'm guessing--goes unused by the 4,223 prisoners incarcerated nearby.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

Eucalyptus trees can be quite full of art in their old age. They aren't native to this area but seedlings were brought in great numbers from Australia. Great claims were made for their usefulness; many did not live up to expectations. This tree grows fast and straight, but has a tendency to split as it dries, making it unsuitable for construction projects and furniture.
In the 1850s, Eucalyptus trees were introduced to California by Australians during the California Gold Rush. Much of California has a similar climate to parts of Australia. By the early 1900s, thousands of acres of eucalypts were planted with the encouragement of the state government. It was hoped that they would provide a renewable source of timber for construction, furniture making and railroad ties. It was soon found that for the latter purpose eucalyptus was particularly unsuitable, as the ties made from eucalyptus had a tendency to twist while drying, and the dried ties were so tough that it was nearly impossible to hammer rail spikes into them.  source: Wikipedia


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2 comments:

photowannabe said...

Gorgeous photos Don.
I'm not crazy about Eucalyptus though.
They are very messy and so stinky.
I do love the photographic quality.
Maybe my aversion to them is because we lived across the street from a stand of them for 41 years. Every storm brought their mess into our yard. They were home to owls and hawks though. I did love that.

AphotoAday said...

Yep, those Eucalyptus trees can also be dangerous in a storm. Widely planted, as you know, throughout California. They really do take over. Fire hazards too. Nothing will grow near or under them. Even repel fleas.

 
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