Cumberland River Walk - A river with beauty and enchantment.

We take another journey through Cumberland River Walk. A river traveled by boats and barges. Used for fishing and other marine sports in the summer. Have found my self waling down the 1 mile walking trail just fascinated of all the beauty found there.

This river walk is a stage year round. Where different activities are show cased there. But I have to say that for me the most amazing thing to do there is to take photos of its scenic beauty. How the trees reflect on the river, the snow makes it look like a magical place, the early morning fog covering the whole river. It's just amazing.

A LITTLE HISTORY:

Clarksville’s historic downtown area was changed forever on 22 January 1999 when an F3 tornado struck leaving approximately a 4.3 mile, 880 yard-wide path.  Estimated wind speeds were in excess of 200 mph.  It first struck along Riverside Drive, destroying the Petri Cigar Building, damaging trees in Valley Brook Park and devastating the Dog Hill neighborhood.  In approximately five minutes, it had taken a five-mile path through Clarksville to St. Bethlehem area, hitting the campus of Austin Peay State University area and the Red River neighborhood. (Info pulled from http://www.mchsociety.org/Index.html)

Then again in 2010 Clarksville TN is hit by another devastating flood. The flood broke all recent records and came within 5 feet of the largest recorded flood on record, the 1937 Flood. The flood stage is 46 feet, the previous record (1975) was 57.10 feet, the crest of this flood was 62.58 feet (info: http://www.clarksvilleonline.com). It left many businesses so damaged that they didn't open again. All the cars at the dealership were completely totaled. If you go to the Wendy's Fast Food restaurant there you will see a mark that will show you up to where the water rose. It was a devastating and sad moment for Clarksville.

But since then Clarksville Montgomery County has taken measures to ensure that doesn't happen again. From expanding the river sides to making sure all debris is cleaned from the river.

Now I will share with you some photos that I was able to capture these last couple of day. If you would like to see more of these amazing shot please follow the link BoriPhotography Galleria.  Thank you all for your amazing support. Please feel free to like, share and comment.

"Travel the world, capture every moment and feel blessed you were there at that moment in time"

BoriPhotography

Dunbar Cave - A gem of its own.

So today we embark to a journey to Dunbar Cave Natural Park. A unique and beautiful sanctuary to admire and enjoy. A national landmark that has brought so many people together. From our own locals, visitors and many photographers like myself that love its pure nature. Where you can enjoy an early walk/run or take your camera and start shooting away.

From its beautiful fauna to its memorizing flora. Plus we can't forget the history that is felt there. Dunbar Cave is located in Clarksville, Montgomery County. It's situated on a 110 acre land and it has numerous sink holes, plus Dunbar Cave is over 8 miles in length is one of the largest cave in Montgomery County.

Thomas Dunbar and his family settled the land containing the cave in 1784. Dunbar thought that he had title to the land, but due to incorrect paperwork he was never actually the legal owner. The first known owner, Robert Nelson, claimed the land in 1792. Mr. Dunbar and his family were ejected from the land (Dunbar immediately purchased the land next to the cave property and lived there until his death in 1826). The cave retained Dunbar’s name as he was the first settler to live there. (Info pulled from http://tnstateparks.com)

I have been numerous time at Dunbar Cave. It's peaceful and I'm one with nature. I haven't been inside the cave but you can feel a cool breeze coming through the locked gates. They say it's a constant 58 degrees in the cave. The entrance of the cave was an amazing location for different activities, where bands played, food was sold and an enjoyment for everyone.

Now the park is being under construction to restore the lake. You can still enjoy the beauty of this place. From it's epic trails to it's serene views. If you do visit Dunbar Cave please remember not to litter, we need to keep these historical locations as beautiful as they are.



Thank you for your epic support. You're are more than welcome to share this article with friends and family. Check out this beautiful video of an early morning at Dunbar Cave before they did the reconstruction of the lake YouTubechannel. Also want to check out more amazing photos from this amazing place click on the following link and it will direct you to my galleria BoriPhotography Galleria.

"Travel the world, capture every moment and feel blessed you were there at that moment in time"

BoriPhotography

Downtown Clarksville - Historic Beauty

I used to live here back in 2005 and was not into photography as I am now. Downtown Clarksville was a no zone for me just because I didn't see no purpose of going there (my feelings have changed). But since I started in the amazing photography journey I love old architecture and historic sites. Specially taking a black and white photo of the location. For me it tell a different kind of story.

So last year on a cold afternoon in December walking at downtown Clarksville I was able to capture some amazing shots. Even thought it was cold I have to say it was worth it. Just wished that there was a home style coffee shop opened, but no luck.

We parked right next to the statue of Lieutenant Colonel John Montgomery (c. 1750–1794) was an American soldier, settler and explorer. He is credited with founding the city of Clarksville, Tennessee. Montgomery County, Tennessee is named after him. In 1780 he signed the Cumberland Compact and in 1793 commanded territorial troops in the Nickajack Expedition against the Creek tribe.
Montgomery was killed near Eddy Creek, Kentucky on November 27, 1794, by an Indian ambush while hunting. His statue stands near Clarksville's Public Square. (information pulled from Wikipedia).

 

                                                                 Then we saw The Roxy Theater. 
Standing on a corner of the Public Square it offers live theater shows to the public offering a wide variety of selection in the spirit of literary theater. The Roxy was built in 1947 after the 1913 Lilian Theater burned down in 1945. And it stands after reopening in 1947.





This courthouse has been through two mayor fires one in 1878 that they called The Great Fire and the other one in 1900. Also two tornado's one in 1884 and the second one in 1999. The love of the people have kept it a historic monument. A sight of pure enjoyment. 

"Bursting with Pride" is quite a large 10,000 sq ft. mural in downtown Clarksville, painted by Ricky Deel. The mural overlooks a large parking lot on Franklin St. and is near the Roxy Theater.




A statue in honor of the 1999 tornado sits on a park bench reading an edition of The Leaf Chronicle that came out the day after the devastating tornado. The newspaper never missed a day of print.
1/22/1999 - An F3 tornado struck Clarksville at 4:15 a.m. and traveled through downtown. Five people were injured and 25,000 were left without power. The tornado ripped apart a five-block area of downtown Clarksville, tore up buildings at Austin Peay State University and left the Montgomery County courthouse in ruins. (Information obtained from http://www.tennessean.com)

One of the most humanitarian symbol of love and caring I have seen. A note saying "I am not lost. If you're stuck out in the cold please take what you need to keep warm and help someone else when you can. From Michael and Zara."
This is located in Strawberry Alley Downtown Clarksville. Have to say this really hit hard. Because I have seen so many homeless people with and without children suffering the wrath of a cold weather. As human beings we try to help the ones we see and it's hard not being able to help all of them. So please help those that you see out side in these cold temperatures. God shall grant you many blessings.  



Follow the link to my Facebook page BoriPhotography Galleria for some more photos taken on this trip Downtown Clarksville TN. Thank you and don't forget to like, share and comment. God bless.

"Travel the world, capture every moment and feel blessed you were there at that moment in time"

 BoriPhotography 

Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church - An abandoned Santuary

As a photographer I have decided to collect information of the photos I take. So I came across this old abandoned church in Guthrie Ky called Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church with my buddy Woody (he came from Texas to stay with us for Christmas vacation and believe me, he wants to come back).

Took as many photos as I could, even from the inside. So didn't do nothing with the photos I took from this epic spot (because I needed to setup my work station). So I finally got my area organized and started to edit the photos I took. I was amazed by the details and the final outcome. But something was bothering me, so I decided to look up this location. 

Guess what I found? Absolutely nada (nothing). I even searched the Kentucky Digital Library which it only came with tax and useless info. Kept searching, even my wife pitched in. She couldn't believe it either that nothing was posted about this abandoned sanctuary. Told the wife "Babe let's take a ride". by the way cold + cloudy rainy weather = bundle up like a bear because it's going to be freezing. Drove to the location and took a couple of more shots. 

Then drove down the road to a small country store to ask about the abandoned church. He was very pleasant and courteous. He tells me "Well son that church has been abandoned 15 years plus. It was a great church and not to be racist it was ran by black people. It was real nice. Until the elders who ran the church started getting sick and gradually died leaving it to their younger kids. But you know how it is, they just let it go." Me thinking "I have never ran a church so don't know how it is", I only nodded and said "Wow, that is terrible, so what else happen?"  

He then tells me "Well since then it has been abandoned and its been there. People say it's haunted and they see things. But I have never seen anything." I replied "Well thank you sir for the information. You might see me around town taking more photos and gathering more info". Shook his hand and drove to the house in front of the abandoned church.The lady at the resident said that she has lived in that house for more than 12 years and it has been abandoned. And that she gets an eerie sensation from that place and that she hasn't step foot in that place. But she does see a lot of people taking pictures and then they leave and never come back. 

Have to say that I will continue to search and see what happen to this church. I have added a couple of photos I took from the location to my Facebook page, click on the link BoriPhotography Galleria. And a screen shot from http://www.nonprofitfacts.com.

"Travel the world, capture every moment and feel blessed you were there at that moment in time"

BoriPhotography

  

The Gas Station - Texas Chainsaw Masacre

The Gas Station - Bastrop TX

I had the privilege to visit The Gas Station at Bastrop Tx. 1073 TX-304, Bastrop, TX 78602. Where "The Texas Chainsaw Masacre" was filmed. The trip was around an hour, but had so much fun.  

When you arrive you feel this eerie sensation that gives you goosebumps. Even though is all fictional, makes you wonder if this really happened in other places and it's been covered up so we don't know the truth. Not to scare us and be able to sell that be land, properties without giving us the exact story. But it makes you wonder.

Leatherface

As soon as you park you can see the actual van they used for the film. Its surrounded by a lot of nature. Which is pretty cool during the day but I bet you is scary as hell at night. The store where they sell amazing BBQ food is delicious. They have all types of collectibles of horror movies. 

From Annabelle, Michael Myers to items from the actual movie (duh). But have to tell you is awesome. And the people who run the place are friendly and great. I was asked more than 10 times if I was doing good and they offered me these amazing jalapeno poppers filled with brisket, there are only three words for those "Oh My God" delicious. 

Edwin Neal

I walked around the building and I am greeted with four cabins, an eating gazebo, an area where they show movies in a projector and clean bathrooms. Not only that but there was the actual cast from the movie "The Hitchhiker" Edwin Neal. Great human being, funny as heck and very down to earth. Made us smile and laugh. 

Then my buddy Richie from WoodyTv flew his drone around the location and was able to capture all the land with his GoPro Karma drone Drone footage by WoodyTv (click on the link).

Was an experience that I won't forget. Being able to capture some photos, visit The Gas Station and meet amazing people is all amazing. But being able to capture al this with my wife and two great friends that have become family is even better. 

"Travel the world, capture every moment and feel blessed you were there at that moment in time"

BoriPhotography

Quail Lake Park & Red Rock Open Space - Colorado Springs

As I embarked my family and myself to this road trip to Colorado (which was not a pleasure trip at the moment), I had my camera bag ready for action. The 14 hour trip took more because my wife and I love capturing photos along the way. Our journey started around 8 in the morning, with the girls strapped in, cooler with snacks, some good music and started the drive. 

Quail Lake Park - Mountain View

 The whole trip was amazing. Yes we hit a couple of issues, but nothing we couldn't deal with. I would wake up at 5:30 am, got dressed, grabbed by gear head out the door with a 52 degree weather, hit Starbucks for my nice hot coffee, and started driving towards the mountains. No GPS needed, took different roads and every turn was getting me closer to where I wanted. Until I reached the locations I wanted. 

Quail Lake Park - Morning Dock View

My first spot was Quail Lake Park. This place is amazing. Was even able to capture some labs playing in the lake while their owner thru them some sticks to catch. The gentlemen that was there told me that there are morning and even evenings that you might catch a bobcat drinking water from the south side of the lake. So I stood there for a while longer to see if I was able to capture him. No luck. But the other views I was able to capture were beautiful and amazing. 

Red Rocks Open Space

Then the next morning I was drawn by this place called Red Rocks Open Space. Now for this place I did use my GPS and I was amazed that it was pretty close to my previous locations. And once again got up super early, got my gear, headed out to Starbucks and drove to that location. And I have to say that I was without words when I got to the location. WOW! just WOW! 
I setup my equipment did an amazing time-lapse and took so many photos that I had to replace my sd-card. But it was breathtaking. 

Red Rocks Open Space - Mountain View

Was able to hit the trails and discovered more sites. From a cute fluffy bunny to a Mule Deer. But I was drawn by this eagle I saw and I decided to go to his location. I could have taken the photo from the spot I was if I had a longer range lens. My 75-300 mm lens didn't cut it. 

Red Rocks Open Space - Bunny

By the time I reached the location I saw him, he had flown the opposite direction. I was like "aw man really?". But keep the trail and followed it all the way. Until I reached the end. 

I stopped and took one last look back and thanked God for this amazing gift. I was blessed for that moment in time. I have a included a *time-lapse video that I was able to do in that area. (* if time-lapse video doesn't play please send me a message and I can send you the link so you can view it.)

My Journey in Photography

I have to say that this experience of becoming a photographer has been amazing. 

From the moment my wife bought me a Nikon and started experimenting with it and didn't like it at all. So went back and returned it for a Canon DSLR Rebel T5. And I have to say that I fell in love with with Canon equipment. 

Being an amateur and not knowing the setting or what button was for what, I decided to start educating my self on the DSLR's cameras which in this case was my Canon T5. Reading articles in Google and watching videos on YouTube, I have to say that it was long nights. Still I am learning as I go, because you never stop learning.

When I look back at the first photo that I took to the ones I have been taking recently, I have to say that I have improved a lot. But I won't stop there, I will keep improving and learning as I go. 

Every time I go out, watch a movie or even look out my window I just visualize an amazing shoot like no other. Wishing that I had a contact lens that would take a picture with a blink of an eye and send it to my phone via bluetooth. So I can have those amazing photos. Maybe my idea will hit Canon and make something happen. But for now I just can dream it. 


Now that I own a Canon 60D I have been able to capture some real beautiful photos. I make sure that I shoot on one of the manual modes, so I can put in my own settings. I take under consideration my ISO, Composition, aperture, the lens I use, weather conditions and so on. Then I edit them in Lightroom for that unique visual experience. 

I have to say that I love nature photography because I feel at peace with nature. Being able to capture all the amazing and beautiful creation that God has given us. I will still do maternity, quinceaneras, weddings, modeling, special activities shoots and so on. 

I will continue to learn and practice for a better photography experience. Thank you for those that follow me, comment and like my comments.