Here are more photos of my vacation trip to Michigan. This is a series of the Bocce Ball Tournament we played on the beach. Looking back now, I wish I had taken notes so I could have given more of a play by play. As it is I remember quite a bit. I hope you enjoy them.

Of the Michigan vacation there is still more to come. I will be finished with the shots of the fireworks fairly soon and will post them. After that there is still shots of the dune jumping and then a shots from all during the trip. Stay tuned. :)

This is also a test of my new way of posting images and tiles. I wrote php scripts that should make it a lot easier to get tile indexes like this one up. Now all I have to do is make the images, tile swatches, and write some text... rather than coding every html page and link. Makes things a lot easier.

"Chronologically this is one of the last images I took that day. It was long after the bocce ball tournament was over. I wanted to get a good introduction image so I threw all the balls out on the sand and shot until I got something I was happy with."

In one of the first games of the tournament, Randall throws his second ball aiming for the white. Les puts up the homemade banner in the background.

"Vern observes the game quietly, while Scott marks down the tally.

"I thought this image was funny because it looks like Dave is throwing a paddle as well as the ball to get some extra points.

"Silvio presides over the tournament as referee and measurement taker.

The yellow ball collides with red upon impact, but manages to roll past blue and take the lead as nearest to the white. This is one of many shots in here where I was playing with fast shutter speed on my camera in order to freeze the moment.

The audience takes shelter in the shade and awaits the next throw in a very close game.

Greg uses his jedi powers to guide his ball into play, while Scott tries to decide if that is a legal play in bocce ball.

Scott consults Corey as to whether the blue or green ball is closer in order to decide which team gets the next throw.

Jordan throws high with extreme accuracy causing the ball to come down hard with little rolling afterward.

Ricky gives his famous shoulder rubs to onlookers and athletes on the sidelines.

Kurt concentrates on his throw in a crucial part of the game.

Dave takes a moment to center himself before his turn.

Like Richard here, we all took a break when the pizza arrived, chowed down and enjoyed the sun.

Cole finishes the arch of his throw. This was one of a couple of shots where I tried to get a good vantage point of player and target. I tried waiting until the ball hit the ground, but the player usually had finished their motion and didn't look as interesting.

Joe plays with a golf club on the pier, while the game goes on.

The team of Ran and Corey discuss the strategy for their next throw.

The game is close and all are there to watch as the measurements are taken.

The homemade banner blows in the wind between matches.

Jess acts as the raker and awaits the first throw of the match. The place looks so tropical... Hard to believe some of these pictures are from Michigan.

A view from the yard tooking out at the tournament. The measurements are still being decided on.

The game resumes and blue moves in for the kill.

Ran's throw misses the mark.

Well after putting down the camera and playing a few matches, Isabel and I made it to the final match. Then lost miserably. Not bad considering I think we both secretly thought we wouldn't win our first game.

After the bocce ball tournament other games were invented and played.

I am don't know what this game is called or what the rules are, but one thing is for sure, Cole and Jordan aren't winning. :)

The tournament came to a close. Fun was had by all. Only 10 minutes after the end of the game, everyone had moved indoors having had their fill of sun.