The Great Valley Patriots toppled the C. B. South Titans in the second round of playoff last night. The Patriots pulled an early lead 14-2 but the Titans chipped away through the game to finish the fourth period tied at 48. Overtime brought the win to Great Valley and they advance onto the next roud. Final score 60-57.
#TravelTuesday Bacardi Factory, Puerto Rico
Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 @ 300mm f/5.6 ISO 3200 1/30 sec
Since this week I am continuing the Puerto Rico theme, I thought I would chose the Bacardi rum factory for “travel Tuesday”.
In 1862 Facundo Bacardi Masso and his brother Jose set up shop in Cuba refining rum and selling it, using a process with much more accuracy and quality then other rum distillers at the time. Bats lived in the rafters and Facundo felt they were good luck so they became part of the company's logo. On October 15th 1960 Castro confiscated all the business’s assets so the factory was moved to Puerto Rico.
The factory tour is about fifty minutes and includes a brief movie, tales from a tour guide about the history of Bacardi and the specifics about rum and its properties. There is also a short mixing demonstration, and two FREE DRINKS!
If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, a tour of the Bacardi facility is a perfect way to get out of the heat, learn about the love affair between rum and limes, enjoy a few cocktails, and relax.
Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28mm f/7.1 ISO 100 1/320 sec
“Beware Paradise”
That was the sign on the plate glass balcony door of our suite in Puerto Rico. The irony of the warning seemed almost comical. Why beware such a beautiful respite? Our view stretched across the Northeast end of our lodging, the Gran Melia Golf Resort, out to the Atlantic Ocean. Deep rich greens in the leaves of the palm trees gave our Winter weary eyes something new to gaze at. Branches swayed in the gentle breeze that cooled the heat of the midday sun, and made a faint whisssssping noise as the palm leaves fluttered against each other. The surf from the distant reef was barely audible, but soothing in its drone. The mildly humid air was a nice change from the arid and cold winds we left behind us in Philadelphia; the scent was fresh with a little touch of saltiness.
Then it came to me. The thought I had been warned about on the door. I would have to leave this place, and I could have stayed forever. My senses, still peaked from the tactile pleasures surrounding me, shuttered in the realization that my station was but temporary. Beware Paradise indeed!
Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 45mm f/10 ISO 100 1/4 sec
Great Valley Varsity Basketball Lights a Fire against Truman
Friday night the boys from Great Valley lit a fire on the basketball court. The Patriots pulled an early lead and never looked back. The Tigers fought hard but the spectacular precision offence of Great Valley stayed in control. Final score 51-40.
Nikon D4 Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 105mm f/3.2 ISO 6400 1/800 sec
Coming next week...
Beginning Monday, I will be starting a short segment covering a recent trip to Puerto Rico, taken back in January. Since Winter is (hopefully) winding down, I thought it would be nice to get everyone excited about the upcoming good times. Fun moments soaking in the sun, relaxing in the sand, and frolicking in the ocean are just around the corner. Retrieving some much needed vitamin D is on my high priority list for Spring and I can’t wait to get started. So enjoy a little glimpse at the gently warming rays, the refreshing water, and the tropical palm trees.
Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 62mm f/14 ISO 100 1/1000 sec