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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Ferrari’s through a chainlink fence!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Looking back from where we came.

Cool?

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.

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

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

Just a bit of sunburn.

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

Mostly to pay a visit to this man.

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

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

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

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.

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.

And for observing the wonders of surface tension.

One last look before lift off.

And another last look at the Circuit of the Americas.

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

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.