A few weeks ago I took a short trip over to Tallinn, Estonia. And since the EU just announced they were being added I thought I'd share some of my pics. I had visited before, back in 1996. It has changed much since then; everything seems brighter...at least a few cans of pastel-color paint must have been used.

Side street in Tallinn
Kooli Street
Main Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Three Buildings
Cool wooden door
Tallinn's Central Square

Way up in Northern Finland near Suomussalmi in the Kainuu region there is an art installation by Reijo Kela called "The silent people of Kainuu". These are dressed figures made from wood, straw and dirt. They are made and clothed by the Suomussalmi Youth Workshop. The workshop keeps them maintained and attend to their clothing twice a year. The statues' heads come straight from the field.

People often ask what precisely is the idea behind the Silent People. A state of psycho-logical withdrawal? The mute Kainuu soul? A forgotten people? Reijo Kela refuses to provide any answer. What do you think?

Overlooking the field
The path through the field
Part of the crowd
A friendly (and well-dressed) stranger

It was strange being in this field at dusk. There were no other people; it is a sparsely populated area with the exception of all those figures. And someone pointed out what the field would look like if their wooden frames were not dressed and they did not have the straw heads. Consider that.

As we all know, Seattle is known for its sunny weather. ;) Here are some maritime photos taken recently on the Seattle Waterfront on one of those lovely days.
Naval vessel
Docked sailboats

Just like I used to as a kid, I was able to spend a week up in northern Minnesota at Lake Vermillion. It was so relaxing. Here are a few evening shots I took during my stay:

Cloud patterns
A sunset
Standing on the dock
Black and white version
Ducks at dusk

Last weekend we made a journey south to Oregon's Willamette Valley. Here are some photos...

Winery - A winery on a hill
Vineyard vines - where the grapes are grown
New vines - Just planted
Distant shower - the rain rolls in
Chateau - Chateau Benoit