Winslow Twp, NJ Muffler Man
Alabama Coke
Fries
Skipper’s Anchor
I call this the Casablanca Cone. This is a more or less stationary inflatable that shows up outside the Casablanca Ice Cream Parlor. Timing is everything in cases like this since, even though you know it appears you have to be ready to take action. One cell phone call and I dropped what I was doing, grabbed the camera and moved. This hobby is not for the faint of heart.
Casablanca Cone
This rooster was taken early in the morning while I was working (ha, ha!) in Alabama. It was somewhere on US-231 between Ozark and Troy. Evidently it was an artist type that put this in their front yard. Almost drove by but Jack asked, “do you want to go back and photograph that.” He made salesman of the year!
Jack’s Chicken
Chicagoland this time, just South of O’Hara Airport. At work (ha, ha!) again. I guess the lumberjack is appropriate since he was outside a lumberyard.
Chicagoland Muffler Man
This guy looks similar but stands outside the Cowtown Rodeo in South Jersey. Lots of these Big Guys around.
Cowtown Rodeo
Went hunting for this guy up in Seattle area. Another case of knowing he was out there. However, the location was not quite as described by my source. Close enough that I was able to find him. Couldn’t get any closer than this.
Seattle Muffler Man
Here’s an example of timing. Monster Beverages was having their Grand Opening sale in Glassboro, NJ when I spotted this inflatable. Without camera or photographer at the time I wheeled in and asked if this beauty would still be up on Saturday. After a couple of strange looks and consultations I found out it would.
Monster Beverage Fosters
This gal is one of my favorites, and close to home too! She’s the only “Big Gal” that I’ve seen so far, but I’m sure there are more around. See what the “Experts” have to say.
Hilltop NJ Muffler Gal
This was a planned shot as a result of an early bird dog report. This wine bottle advertising Renault Winery is on Route 30 in South Jersey. Sometimes people slow down when we’re taking one of these pictures, that was the case here.
Renault Winery Bottle
A semi planned shot. I knew the gumball machine was in BJ’s (a wholesale club) but I hadn’t planned on taking the photo. We were shopping at the home center next door and ran in to get a corned beef for dinner. I wasn’t dressed for this, note the painting clothes.
BJ’s Gumball Machine
If you don’t think this is a great image “get outta town.” That is what we say here in South Jersey. Even though the image was taken with the Robin in Kalkaska. Both the Robin and this Trout are the state Bird and Fish of Michigan. I have this image as my wallpaper at work.
Michigan Trout
Give me a better example of a Big Picture than this. US-131 in Kalkaska, MI, late in the day, both me and the robin are relaxed. Check out the hat. (Another vacation hat picture with a twist.)
Michigan Robin
Houghton Lake, MI in front of Zubler’s Indian Village on M-55. They have simulated Indian Pow-Wows twice a day at 10am and 2pm. Really hoaky, but the gift shop is first rate.
Zubler’s Indian Village
In Indian River, Michigan you can find this inspiring site. Services are held outside here weather permitting. I knew about this Big Cross for a long time but didn’t realize how I would impact me.
Indian River Cross
Paul & The Babe outside St. Ignace, MI. The only time I spent money to get a “Big Picture.” It cost 50 cents (25 cents apiece) to get into this little park from the gift shop. Not much of a gift shop either!
Paul & Babe
A Paul Bunyon in Grayling, MI. There are lot’s of Paul’s spread out over the upper mid-West. I think he is made out of car parts. This was the first of many big pictures taken on my original “Big Picture” safari. To see the others taken on this trek, look for the hat!
Grayling Paul Bunyon
On the way to the Mystery Spot in the Upper Peninsula along US-2. When, wham we found this Big Thing. I like this deer as much as any other image I have.
Mystery Spot Deer