Rust in Peace

Photography is pretty simple stuff. You just react to what you see, and take many, many pictures.  (Elliott Erwitt)

I’m always game for a spur of the moment road trip because it interprets “photo op”.   When hubby agreed to spin off from a business trip, I couldn’t wait to see where we’d end up.  It happened that he chose to point our Honda Pilot in the direction of Carrabelle, Florida.  All I can say is I knew it would be an adventure.

The ride was uneventful.  I kept a close eye for some unusual or breathtaking site, but after miles of staying vigilant, I finally gave up.  All of a sudden, I could see something quite large ahead, but I couldn’t make it out.  As we got closer, I can only describe it as the most magnificent display of rust. “STOP!” exploded from my mouth.  There was a circular driveway, but the ruts were too deep to safely pull in, so hubby looked for a place to make a U-turn.  

I had found Mater’s family.

Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees. (Paul Strand)

Hubby pulled over as I fumbled with a lens. I swung the car door open, jumped out, and hurried towards the lineup.  One of them was holding a sign, “May You Rust in Peace” which made me grin all the more.  Mouth like grills and eye like windows stared back.  It was as if they were waiting for me to speak that one magic word that would bring them, once again, to life.

As I moved from one truck to another, clicking the shutter, I began to think about the people who were attached to these historic pieces.  Who were they?  Where did they drive these treasures?  What did they look like when they were first purchased?

I squatted down to change my perspective.  There didn’t seem to be a bad angle.  

No matter where I stood, I loved them all.  It was one of those times when I wanted to share my find with everyone.  It was a place that needed a guest book.

In the world of photography, you get to share a captured moment with other people. (James Wilson)

Those ten minutes were like eating the finest dark chocolate.  One or two or six just weren’t enough.  I wanted more and more and more.  I felt like an addict.  There’s no telling how many photographs I would have taken had I had more time.

During the remainder of our drive, there were the usual coastal views to photograph.  I took a few beach shots, and some around historic Apalachicola, Florida.  I missed an opportunity to get some Pelican shots, but that’s okay.   None compared to these gems.

On our way home, we passed Mater’s family and friends for the last time.  I felt a little sad and hoped others would stop to appreciate their beauty as I had.  

I wonder if Mater knows everyone is okay.

If you’d like to view more of Mater’s family, https://www.flickr.com/photos/29202967@N03/sets/72157653847300202