Inside the Portland Observatory

Here are shots from inside the Portland Observatory in Portland, Maine; I posted a photo of the tower itself a few days ago. The tower is 86 feet tall, and made of wood.

Originally built in 1807, the most recent restoration was completed in 2000, and the replacement wood can be distinguished by its lighter color.

The tower is not anchored to the ground; instead it's held in place by rock ballast beneath the main level. You can see the rocks through this opening and mirror in the lower level. Believe it or not, this has held the tower secure through numerous hurricanes!

Our World Tuesday

Aspen 1995

Skywatch Friday

Vintage Weekly

Another Ski Day

I went skiing again on Saturday - it's been wonderful to get back into this sport that I love. I felt comfortable enough this time to go into the trees.

I love the views from the top.

Here's an old chairlift I rode up. There's not even a safety bar on this one; it's on the advanced side of the mountain so anybody riding it would presumably be comfortable without one. (These days most chairlifts are detachable high-speed lifts, but there are a few older ones at the resorts.)

And more views, this time as the wind was kicking up and some weather moving in.

My GPS watch shows exactly where I went and gives me statistics. Total distance covered (trails and lifts): 28.73 miles (46.24 km). Maximum elevation above sea level: 12,275 feet (3.74 km). Highest speed: 35.27 miles per hour (56.76 kph). I can even see an online map with full details.

Blue Monday

Our World Tuesday

Portland Observatory

While visiting New England last summer we spent a day in Portland (Maine), and saw the Portland Observatory. There's more to follow about this fascinating building, but I thought this photo would make a fun Skywatch Friday post.

Maine Ferry (3)

I loved the rocky coastline that we saw from the ferry in Maine.

I bet these waters were difficult to navigate before modern technology.

Do you see the kayakers in this last photo?

Our World Tuesday

Water World Wednesday

Maine Ferry (2)

Here are some more views from the ferry ride we took in Portland, Maine. First is an old fort - I wonder what it was like being stationed on this little island.

There were several jetties for boats to discharge their passengers on the islands.

I loved the coastline and houses on these islands.

Of course there were lighthouses to help guide ships.

And here's a view looking back at Portland.

Scenic Weekends

Water World Wednesday

Ferry in Maine

Here are some more photos from our ferry ride in Portland, Maine last summer, focusing on the boats we saw.

I've always loved being on the water.

I'd love to own one of these boats!

And for something completely different, I was amused by this sign in Massachusetts. Are you allowed to read or not? (It's not a great shot as it was taken from a car at twilight; I edited it to take out a period after the "NO".)

Our World Tuesday

Signs, Signs

Niagara Falls 1978 (1)

From my first trip to the United States of America, in the middle of 1978, scanned and corrected from an old slide.

Scenic Weekends

Vintage Weekly

Snowy Garden

I stopped by a city park on the way to work this morning to take some photos.

After a fresh snowfall I can't think of anywhere more beautiful I've ever seen, with its incredible rock formations and surrealistic colors.

This next formation is called Kissing Camels, and from the right angle that's exactly what it looks like.

Pikes Peak stands out.

Rocks, snow, and winter vegetation make for a real winter wonderland.

It may look like something from a fairy tale but it's real!

Orange Friday

Skywatch Friday

Rocky Beach

Here are the last of my photos from a Massachusetts beach, showing its rocky nature. Despite the grey day I loved being by the water, as it's not something we see much of where I live in Colorado.

Our World Tuesday