Peter's Fedora

On a long weekend of photographing in The Needles of South Dakota I had the chance to shoot rock climbers on the spectacular spires for which the area was named. On a couple of evenings we enjoyed the company of Sylvan Rocks guide Peter Lev. One day Peter and long time friend George Hurley put up a new route that they named Most Gruesome and rated 9 plus on the climber's scale of difficulty. After their first ascent George computed that 2008 is his 50th year on vertical rock. For Peter a scant 48. A doff of the hat to these young rascals.

Conservatory Dome

Built in the early 20th Century the Rose Hills Conservatory at Pasadena's Huntington Museum is a misty, fecund repository of exotic plants. The conservatory was remodelled to the tune of $1.75 million and re-opened in October 2005. The intricate lath and glass evoke turn of the century design and aesthetics.

Old 24-16

Trains, peeling paint and good design are a marvelous combination. The Mount Washington Scenic Railroad in North Conway, New Hampshire offers a treasure trove of worn and rusted locamotives, cars and cabooses.