• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Julie Shipman Photography in Baja, Cabo, Los Barriles, Mexico and Park City, Utah – Park City Photographer

Julie Shipman Photography in Baja, Cabo, Los Barriles, Mexico and Park City, Utah - Park City Photographer

Action Sports Photographer, Portrait Photography, Travel Photography, Senior Portraits, Family Portraits, Salt Lake City & Park City, Utah

  • Portfolio
    • active lifestyle & sport
    • commercial & editorial
    • travel & culture
    • Portraits
      • Baja
      • Utah
  • art
    • Shop
  • Stock
    • Search Stock
  • About
    • Meet Julie
    • Testimonials
  • Contact / Pricing

Vacation

Explore the Croatian Islands by Boat & Bike

August 11, 2016 by Julie Shipman

I recently travelled through the Adriatic Sea — along the Dalmatian Coast — to explore the southern islands of Croatia by boat and bike. It’s a photographer’s dream!  Croatia has it all: friendly people, beautiful architecture, great food & wine, spectacular scenery with clear blue water, mountains, beaches, vineyards, and …boats, boats, and speedboats from Boat Rental in the Keys! If you are attracted to a seafaring culture, I would highly recommend visiting these islands along with the Greek Island Hopping -Hostelbay 2018 crew, if you do, you will experience their people and customs layered in centuries, or millennia, of significant historical events. Until then, please enjoy the journey with me through my photos!

I began my boat trip in Trogir, a beautiful harbor town just north of Split… with old narrow cobble-stoned streets, quaint shops and outstanding restaurants.

Trogir, Old Town
Trogir, Old Town
Trogir, the Harbor
Trogir, the Harbor

We embarked on our boat (seen above) and sailed off on our journey.  Our path took us from Trogir to Solta, Vis, Korcula, Hvar, Brac… and finished in Split.

One must always learn the ropes of safe boating in order to avoid boating accidents. Visit aceboater.com to take up their course on boating and get a boating license.

 

croatiamap

We head to sea!
We head to sea!

Throughout history, the inhabitants of these islands have lived off an abundant amount of fish and other seafood. Boats are far more commonly owned than cars! The bright blue color of the water juxtaposed with the white buildings and red roofs are captivating.

Harbor town of Pucisca on Brac, famous for the world's highest quality white marble! It's found in the White House and the Vatican!
Harbor town of Pucisca on Brac, famous for much of the world’s highest quality white marble. It’s found in the White House and the Vatican!
croatia-205
Heading home… quicker and easier than a car on Brac.
croatia-51
The beautiful village of Masclinica on the island of Solta.
An evening sail.
An evening sail.
Town of Komiza on the tiny island of Vis. Vis was a militarized zone for centuries and only opened up to tourists in 1995.
Town of Komiza on the tiny island of Vis. Vis was a militarized zone for centuries and only opened up to tourists in 1995.

Blue Boat

Along the southern coast of the island of Korcula, known also for its old growth forests because Venice did not have access to the island ---controlled by the Republic of Dubrovnik-- to plunder the trees for its boat building industry during the Renaissance.
The water is stunningly blue along the southern coast of the island of Korcula, known also for its old growth forests. Venice did not have access to the island —controlled then by the Republic of Dubrovnik– to plunder the trees for its boat building industry during the Renaissance and after.
Borrow a kayak and explore the hidden coves.
Borrow a kayak and explore the hidden coves. Here is Chasing Atlas guide, Pau Sab, doing some R&D on the sea!

Find a table by the sea, or in a quaint village and load your plate with freshly caught fish!

croatia-376
Nonno, an excellent restaurant along the harbor in Korcula. Incredible views and wonderful food! Try the great octopus salad, a local favorite.
croatia-379
Nonno Restaurant, Korcula.

croatia-55 copy

 

Explore the streets of the villages… it’s like walking through time. Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo! Who knew?

Marco Polo was born in Korcula but died in Venice, where he is most associated. Visit his house!
Marco Polo was born in Korcula but died in Venice, after many decades of traveling the world. You can visit his house, now an interesting museum.
The hidden streets of Pucisca, Brac.
The hidden streets of Pucisca, Brac.
Sunset ride in Korcula, along the harbor by the old fortress walls.
Sunset ride in Korcula, along the harbor by the old fortress walls.
Beautiful art abounds throughout the islands.
Beautiful art abounds throughout the islands.
actually it is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The viticulture in current Croatia existed hundreds of years before the rise of the Roman Empire.
Many people are not aware that fantastic wines come out of Croatia. It is actually one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The viticulture in current Croatia existed hundreds of years before the rise of the Roman Empire.  DNA analysis has revealed that the well-known Californian grape Zinfandel, is genetically equivalent to the major grape varietal on the islands, Crljenak Kastelanski, its ancestor!
Peeking at the sea through the buildings on Vis.
Spying the sea through the buildings on Vis.
Gorgeous flowers abound on the islands, here in the streets of the bustling tourist town of Hvar.
Gorgeous flowers are everywhere on the islands, here in the streets of the bustling tourist town of Hvar.
Hvar.
Hvar.
View of Hvar and the neighboring islands from the fortress. Best viewpoint in the islands and well-worth the hike up the hill!
View of Hvar and the neighboring islands from the fortress. Best viewpoint in the islands and well-worth the hike up the hill! Don’t miss it… the prison of the old fortress is creepy and fascinating. I highly recommend a visit.
Hvar, as seen from the fortress.
Hvar, as seen from the fortress.

The locals here are witness to many occupations over the decades, and going further back to their ancestors, over the centuries… they are colorful and kind people.

Old man entertaining the crowd in Hvar.
Old man entertaining the crowd in Hvar.
Three Old Men; one sees this sight often!
Three Old Men; one sees this sight often!
A fisherman who came in empty handed today in Vis.
A fisherman who came in empty handed today in Vis.
And, yes, there are a few old ladies too. The youth? they go to school mostly in the cities on the mainland, ferrying over daily.
And, yes, there are a few old ladies too. The youth? they go to school mostly in the cities on the mainland, ferrying over daily.

And, the countryside… we cycled through it daily. It’s by far the best way to explore the quiet backroads, tiny villages,  fields of flowers and multiple vineyards.

Poppies and lavendar everywhere ~ Stunning!
Wild poppies and lavendar everywhere ~ Stunning!
Many small churches such as these dot the landscape.
Many small churches such as these dot the landscape.
One of the many hidden bays and beaches... this one on Korcula.
One of the many hidden bays and beaches… this one on Korcula.
Pay attention. While the cars are few and far between, you may see a boar or two!
Pay attention. While the cars are few and far between, you may see a boar or two! The roads are perfect for cyclists.
A beautiful place to take a rest and hydrate... Water or wine... your choice!
A beautiful place to take a rest and hydrate… Water or wine… your choice!
Just another quiet and beautiful long downhill to the sea... in this case, to the town of Komiza on Vis. (And, yes, you must do the climb to enjoy the ride down!)
Just another quiet and beautiful long downhill to the sea… in this case, to the town of Komiza on Vis. (And, yes, you must do the climb to enjoy the ride down!)
It really is this beautiful. My riding buddy and friend, Jill Murwin, who owns the travel company Chasing Atlas -- who provides these tours! She had to do her R&D!
It really is this beautiful. My riding buddy and friend, Jill Murwin, doing a little R&D checking out the roads and views on Korcula.

 

Day and night, by boat and by my new Bike Hint bike, it’s an outstanding adventure to explore the islands of Croatia. The experiential travel and adventure company, Chasing Atlas, can organize a customized large group (boat holds 18-22), small group or intimate trip there for you.  Contact Jill Murwin @ChasingAtlas to inquire ~  info@chasingatlas.com or www.chasingatlas.com.

Old Church in the harbor of the town of Vis, on the island of Vis.
Sunset at the Old Church in the harbor of the town of Vis, on the island of Vis.
And goodnight, from Vis.
And goodnight, from Vis.

Filed Under: adventures, Beach, Bike Tours, Croatia, Cycling, photography, Road Biking, sailing, Scenery, Sea, travel, travel photography, Vacation Tagged With: adriatic sea, adventure week in croatia, bike and boat, bike croatia, boat, boating, chasing atlas travel, croatia, croatian food, croatian photos, croatian vacation, cycle trip, cycling in croatia, dalmatian coast, family vacation, islands, photography in croatia, sailing, sailing the adriatic sea, seafood, travel, travel photographer

Fishin’ Two

March 15, 2014 by Julie Shipman

My last post on the Bahamas! Heading out of Government Dock, we hired Flocker to show us the waters. Flocker knows these seas having spent all of his 8 decades right here. His name was given to him as a schoolboy by his father. He told his Dad that while out on the boat, he saw a huge flock of fish go by! His Dad laughed and the name stuck. To this day, he is known by the locals as Flocker, even thought Dad passed years and years ago.

View of the North End of Harbour Island. Strong currents in the inlet where several have drifted out to the Atlantic…

bahama-1097 bahama-1111

Flocker… what a great smile!

bahama-1131

Flocker making some chum out of the old conch shell.

bahama-1152

Preparing the bait.

bahama-1156

Stringing the line.

bahama-1158

And the fish come flocking in!  One after the other!  Little guys, we let them go.

bahama-1164 bahama-1169 bahama-1179 bahama-1220 bahama-1233

And back to the Harbour for a beer…

bahamas-0911

Next time?  Maybe on the Kiwi Pride with the handsome Captain Craig Doring… of Bahamas Catamaran Charters!

bahama-1377

Filed Under: adventures, Bahamas, Bahamian Culture, Beach, Briland, Clear Blue Sky, Colors, Harbour Island, Vacation

The Most Beautiful Beach in the World

March 2, 2014 by Julie Shipman

I think I can die happy now.  I have seen the perfect beach, with perfect sand and perfect water.  Not a cloud in the sky. Not a beach vendor in sight. In fact, almost no one at all.  I had heard such places existed, but I was stunned they were so close to home. Harbour Island, Bahamas. Awesome.  I cannot wait to return.

Stunning, perfect beach.
Stunning, perfect beach.
Beautiful reflections against the pink-toned sand.
Beautiful reflections against the pink-toned sand.
Deep blue merging into refined sand mixed with coral from the reefs.
Deep blue merging into refined sand mixed with coral from the reefs.
A beautiful minnow in a clear tide pool at Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, Bahamas
A beautiful minnow in a clear tide pool at Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, Bahamas
Tide pools on Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island
Tide pools on Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island
Message in a Bottle? on Pink Sands Beach
Message in a Bottle? on Pink Sands Beach
Off Harbour Island in the Bahamas - blues merge into blues...
Off Harbour Island in the Bahamas – blues merge into blues…
Perfection.
Perfection.
My Chacos demonstrating the clear beauty of the sea.
My Chacos demonstrating the clear beauty of the sea.
My toes again! Lovely starfish enjoying the sea, sand and sun.
My toes again! Lovely starfish enjoying the sea, sand and sun.
Walk forever… fascinating tree.  Haunting.
Walk forever… fascinating tree. Haunting.

Please stay tuned for several more posts on this Gem of an Island. I just had to start with the beach…

 

Filed Under: adventures, Bahamas, Beach, Best Beach Ever, Clear Blue Sky, Colors, Pink Sand Beach, travel, Vacation, White Sand

Paris in Winter

February 23, 2014 by Julie Shipman

Blogging!  Yeah, it’s been awhile and I’m getting back at it.  I am fortunate to have taken some great trips lately and lots of good stuff ahead for the Spring and Summer.

In January, I went to Paris with Chasing Atlas — a new custom travel company started by a woman who isn’t new to high-end experiences in Europe, Jill Jemison.  Her sights are set high for creating memorable excursions for individuals, groups and families who want to see the world their way, which usually means all sorts of interesting things.  Fortunately, she is taking me along to help record these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  This jaunt to Paris was R&D, to prepare to launch Chasing Atlas into the world.  The photos I will post are mostly my ‘ADD’ escapes as my eye wanders to what I find fascinating and fun.

For the photos Jill likes, check out HER website!  She will be launching it soon.

The Family Transportation
The Family Transportation

Wow, 2 kid mobile.  Mom drives and sticks Dad on front with the bungee cord!

Fresh Roasted Chestnuts Here!
Fresh Roasted Chestnuts Here!

Drive to work.  Start roasting.  Sell some warmth.  Drive home.

lampshades?
Lampshades?

Fashion week in Paris!  Textile companies from around the world were displaying their fabrics all around the streets on jumbo lamp shades.  Colorful.  Brilliant.

Remember Vaurnets?
Remember Vaurnets?

Back in the ’80s, Vaurnets were the sunglasses of choice among my group at East High School.  I thought they died!  So glad they are still around.

Ready to go?  Time to move on.
Ready to go? Time to move on.

This pup looked rather bored as he rested his head on the cafe table.  Dogs abound in Parisien eateries.

Parisian Girl keeping up with Mama while she shops!
Parisian Girl keeping up with Mama while she shops!
Hot Lips warm up January.
Hot Lips warm up January.
Seat with a View
Seat with a View
Champs-Élysées on a cold rainy night.  Still hopping!
Champs-Élysées on a cold rainy night. Still hopping!

Many shoppers still out on a cold, rainy evening finding sales!  The mid-weeks of January are famous for items in Paris being about 50-70% off.   FYI, great deals.

Champs-Élysées, looking up at the Arc de Triomphe,
Champs-Élysées, looking westward (or up) at the Arc de Triomphe,

The Arc de Triomphe  honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.  The names of all French victories and the Generals are inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Its iconic shape makes it almost as recognizable as the Eiffel Tower, as a symbol of Paris.  It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gualle.

The Grande Roue
The Grande Roue

At the eastern end of the Champs-Elysees, is the Big Wheel, or the Grande Roue.   It was built for the millennium celebrations and was supposed to stay at the Place de la Concorde for only one year. The owner, however, refused a judge’s order to have the wheel taken down, and the wheel was dismantled only in 2002.  It traveled around the world and came back to Paris in 2007.  It now illuminates the Place de la Concorde and Tuileries for the end of the year festivities every year.

Thanks for joining me for my random eye and musings…  more to come.

Filed Under: adventures, Champs Elysees, France, Paris, travel, Vacation, Winter

Fall in Park City…

October 10, 2013 by Julie Shipman

Although I love to travel, I think some of the best outdoor adventures and scenery are right in my backyard.  AMAZING! Fall in Park City

The golden aspen are stunning!

Fall in Park City

This was  my hiking trail yesterday…

fall13-54

The yellow “brick” road.

fall13-62 fall13-60 fall13-45 Ski runs ready for snow.  Know the lift or the runs? One of my favorite areas at PC for groomers, especially when it’s crowded.  People tend to ignore this mid-mountain gem. fall13-34 fall13-27 fall13-22 fall13-21 fall13-4

Don’t forget to look down…  keep grounded with the details.

fall13-67

And never forget to keep lookin’ up!  The sky is the limit.

fall13-14 fall13-8

Filed Under: adventures, Aspen, Autumn, Colors, Fall Leaves, Mountains, Park City, travel, Utah, Vacation

Gaudi’s Cathedral, La Sagrada Familia

September 27, 2013 by Julie Shipman

Cathedrals are a “dime a dozen” in Europe.  You walk in and ‘ooh and awe ‘and after you’ve been in 25 or so, they begin to look the same, with minor differences.  A few notable “must sees,” i.e. Notre Dame, Westminster Abbey… check.  La Sagrada Familia falls into that MUST SEE category.  And, yes, there is a reason you stand in line for two hours to get in, and then have the pleasure of paying $20.  What’s the big deal?  Start here and then go see for yourself.

Building began in 1882 and it is still under construction. Optimists predict it being finished around the middle of the 21st century.  Gaudi, its famous architect, is long gone having been hit by a tram/bus in 1926.  However, a man way beyond his time, he left detailed and complicated instructions on how the work should be completed.  Actually, many of his instructions are only recently being understood with the help of computers. This building is also unique in that it is – and always has been – funded completely by private donations, starting with the Sagrada Family trust and continuing on with the millions of visitors each year who pay to visit. Truly this is a remarkable structure and is the definition of “awe inspiring.”

The Facades.  There are actually four facades, but only three of note.  The tourist enters through the Passion Facade.  For non-Catholics, this means the “passion of Christ,” in other words, his death.  The lines are harsh and stark.  There are purposefully no symbols of Joy, such as birds or flowers or other ornaments.  The figures represent Pain, Sacrifice, and Death.  The desolate architecture invites the visitor to appreciate Christ’s suffering for humanity.  I personally found the Crucifix very powerful.

Passion Facade

Crucifix on Passion Facade

Passion Facade

Flagellation

The Glory Facade will eventually be the main entrance but is not yet complete.  The sculptures there represent Man within Creation: Origin, Purpose and Pathways… finding Redemption thru Virtue.

The other main facade, completely different in design, is the Nativity Facade, or the Birth of Christ.  It is more traditionally Gothic in design and incredibly ornate:

Nativity Facade

Nativity Facade

Upon entering the place of worship, one is awe struck.  From the elaborate designs on the floor, to the incredible stained glass windows, there is one thing after another to stare at!

Again, with a weak Catalan translation, this floor art reads, “Hosanna in the Highest.”

Sagrada Familia

Other interesting details include this numerical table which apparently represents the number 33, the age at which Christ died.  All columns and rows should add up to 33.

La Sagrada Familia

Jesus

The stained glass is spectacular.  Pictures are better than words.

La Sagrada Familia Glass

Sagrada Familia Glass

Glass Sagrada Familia

And, what I found to actually be the most interesting feature of all was the columns.  Gaudi studied nature obsessively to create his homage to God.  The columns represent trees and branches reaching to the sky.  Gaudi actually invented a new column called the double twisted helicoid with an elaborate system of proportions.  As you stand at the base and look up, it emulates a tree trunk.  It is wide at the bottom with the striations far apart, that narrow and twist as the column rises.  At the very top, the branches incline toward the center as trees growing over a courtyard.  It is magnificent!

Photo below borrowed from La Sagrada Familia website to demonstrate column design.

columns

 

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

And finally, below the structure is the Carmen Chapel and Sagrada Familia Crypt, where Gaudi is buried.  There are windows in the nave which peer down into the chapel.  When I was there, I saw a service being held below.  Interesting…

Carmen Chapel

In closing, art on the wall.  No translation necessary.

La Sagrada Familia

Filed Under: adventures, Barcelona, Catalan, Spain, travel, Vacation

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

801.913.1624 All images © Julie Shipman Photography
Park City Photographer - Baja Photographer

logo
  • Portfolio
    • active lifestyle & sport
    • commercial & editorial
    • travel & culture
    • Portraits
      • Baja
      • Utah
  • art
    • Shop
  • Stock
    • Search Stock
  • About
    • Meet Julie
    • Testimonials
  • Contact / Pricing