The last look at Austin

Hello readers,

This post concludes at long last the photo documenting of my trip to Austin in November, 2012; my second visit to Texas, my first time in Austin, and my first Grand Prix.

DSC_1092

From where the shuttle would drop us off at the end of the day it wasn’t a far walk to check out the State Capitol. Turns out we got there at dramatic light o’clock.

DSC_1093

DSC_1094

DSC_1100

DSC_1103

DSC_1106

Back at the house we stayed at I thought it was necessary to capture what my morning shower looked like each day.

DSC_1107

The shallow depth of field is intentional. I showered without my glasses on of course.

DSC_1108

So; yes. Basically there is a shower attached to the outside of the house at the second floor level. It was a very refreshing way to wake up at 6am.

DSC_1113

Finally it was Sunday. Race day. We walked out to South Congress and waited for the bus to take us to the shuttle loading place.

DSC_1114

DSC_1116

Queuing through a maze of fencing to get on the shuttle to the track.

DSC_1120

From where the shuttle would unload it was probably a kilometer to walk winding through the desert to enter the grounds. This was nearing the end of the walk.

DSC_1123

On race day they had a DJ doing his thing near where we all walked past. I bet that set was really exciting for him.

DSC_1124

Some guys looking for a HO I reckon. (They are cheering for Checo.)

DSC_1129

Of course I fit right in with my fellow Kimi fans.

DSC_1133

As we made our way across the circuit to our seats on race day the Ferrari’s were racing. Here they are behind the safety car.

DSC_1134

DSC_1138

Ferrari’s through a chainlink fence!

DSC_1141

This is the view of the grandstand situated at the end of the back straight (turn 12) as seen from my vantage point at turn 6.

DSC_1145

DSC_1146

On race day I decided that I was going to watch the race and put the camera away. So I made a couple shots to capture some of the mood around the circuit and then enjoyed an incredible race.

DSC_1180

Lewis Hamilton makes his victory lap to the cheers of 117,000 fans in attendance. A fantastic and popular victory, Lewis having tamed the Red Bull on legitimate pace for perhaps the first time in the season and despite no longer being in the hunt for the championship title. As a result, this kept Fernando Alonso’s hopes of winning the title alive for the final race at Sao Paulo. This would be also be Lewis’ final victory driving the McLaren.

DSC_1184

The Ferraris came around in formation on the victory lap. I was quite amazed how much support Ferrari had in America. Although they have not had much attention on the team due to lackluster performance in 2012, you wouldn’t know it to be at the track. The passion for Ferrari is quite amazing and it surrounds the team and their drivers even when they are not winning.

DSC_1188

Behind the bleachers after the race, the sea of humanity, and dust.

DSC_1191

Looking up at the single footbridge across the circuit. It was a bottleneck that turned our movement to molasses.

DSC_1192

Looking back from where we came.

DSC_1193

Cool?

DSC_1201

Yes I still couldn’t get over the cigarette advertising. Smoking cigarettes is sooo cool. Maybe if I smoked cigarettes I would be more popular.

DSC_1204

Found all this when I’d gone out for coffee again the next morning.

DSC_1205

DSC_1206

DSC_1210

This cafe has a patio in the back and when you look out there is just a ravine and a lot of leaves.

DSC_1216

Just a bit of sunburn.

DSC_1217

DSC_1218

DSC_1220

DSC_1222

DSC_1224

DSC_1226

DSC_1227

Now we are at the park near the river, and I had been anticipating this moment since arriving in Austin…

DSC_1229

DSC_1230

DSC_1233

Mostly to pay a visit to this man.

DSC_1234

DSC_1235

DSC_1236

DSC_1241

DSC_1243

DSC_1246

DSC_1248

DSC_1253

DSC_1254

Peaking through the neighborhoods as I walked back towards the home base.

DSC_1256

DSC_1257

DSC_1260

DSC_1263

DSC_1265

DSC_1267

DSC_1268

Damn, I saw that poster and realized immediately I would be back under rain clouds in Vancouver.

DSC_1270

Warning: dead things on a plate. Hm, I hope that was enough notice.

DSC_1275

DSC_1283

Not my favourite book, but a fine tribute to a favourite author. That said, I walked inside excited to have a drink and then immediately walked back out again.

DSC_1295

Then what happened was receiving a note from a friend who realized I was in town and within a couple hours meeting in time for brunch.

DSC_1296

And for observing the wonders of surface tension.

DSC_1297

DSC_1299

DSC_1301

One last look before lift off.

DSC_1303

And another last look at the Circuit of the Americas.

DSC_1304

DSC_1308

I always find it so appropriate to enjoy these surreal moments on either side of travelling.

DSC_1312

This blog has been brought to you by an airport terminal cup of Ben & Jerry’s during your layover, and also by the cup of coffee that the guy at JJ Bean offered me today for free because I was the cool guy who walked up at closing time. Up next? I don’t even know. Nothing so interesting. Thanks for stopping by.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Add a Comment Trackback

Add a Comment