Classic San Francisco Sights

I'm so far behind that I'm just getting to last year's San Francisco vacation, but luckily I don't have that many shots from it. I'll start with a couple of classic sights.

Yes, it's Alcatraz. We didn't get to the island but I did snap a couple of shots from a boat ride we took.

And of course you've got to see the famous cable cars.

I love those hilly streets!

Our World Tuesday

Snow Dogs

My city is at the same latitude as Lisbon, or a little further south than Beijing. But since our elevation is so high we can get extremely varied weather. While we've had plenty of warm, sunny weather, it's still snowing on occasion. This has been the scene twice this week - I took these with the cellphone just  few days ago. With his thick fur coat Socks doesn't mind the white stuff.

On the other hand Laika's not a fan, although she's still happy to get outside.

Camera Critters

Pets Forever

Saturday's Critters

Basilica

For Skywatch Friday, here's a shot of the basilica at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo.

And one more from the same mission.

I had a couple of questions as to why Copper Mountain (and most of the other Colorado ski resorts) close when there's still so much snow. It's a simple matter of economics - tourists don't plan ski trips this late in the season so it's mostly locals. And that won't pay the costs of running a resort.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (2)

My second post about Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo will focus on its basilica.

It's a beautiful building and still used for services.

Here's a close-up of the altar.

There are other rooms as well.

Finally, here's a whimsical look at the ceiling, shot with a fisheye lens.

Our World Tuesday

Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (1)

When in California I love to visit the old missions that run along the whole state. This post features some outside shots of Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, near Monterey. It is the only California mission to have it's original bell tower.

It's a beautifully preserved set of buildings with a lovely courtyard.

Covered walkways always catch my eye.

What a peaceful place.

For those interested, it's very much worth a visit.

Inspired Sunday

Closing Weekend

Last weekend was closing weekend at Copper Mountain, my resort of choice. With three feet of new snow in the previous week I had to get out there, and that's exactly what I did on Saturday. This late in the season the tourists are missing (all photos are taken with my phone).

A couple of inches of new snow overnight meant that the spring ice was nicely covered up. (The warm spring sunshine means that the snow melts during the day and freezes overnight, so conditions can be very icy in the morning this time of year.)

They're closing with the most snow of the season, not unusual here in Colorado. I'll finish up the ski season with a shot from an advanced, above-timberline run from Saturday morning.

Skywatch Friday

Point Lobos Coast & Trees

To finish up my series on Point Lobos in California, here are some general photos.

I'll never tire of shorelines like this.

What a wonderful, rugged coastline!

I also loved seeing the trees here as they're so different from the dry climate where I live.

There's plenty of moss.

What a lot of green!

Our World Tuesday

New London Ferry Ride

A couple of weeks ago I posted from a ferry. Here's a Skywatch Friday photo from New London, Connecticut, the other end of that ferry ride. This was on a different day, but another cold one.

Point Lobos Coves

Point Lobos in California has numerous little photogenic coves. Here's China Cove.

Hiking around to the top shows a totally different view.

The aptly named Cypress Cove is another pretty one.

These windblown trees are so distinctive.

It's so different from our local Colorado scenery!

Our World Tuesday

Rocky Point Lobos

Point Lobos in California is very rocky.

I found this lovely rocky reflection.

I definitely recommend visiting this park if you're in the Monterey area.

You can even find a beach!

Weekend Green

Weekend Reflections

More Skiing!

We had some fresh snow in the mountains and I had Friday off, so it was time for a ski day at Copper Mountain Resort. Maybe some steep above timberline bowl skiing looks attractive? I was about 12,300 feet (3,750 meters) above sea level when I took out the phone for this photo.

Or possibly going through the trees in a few inches of fresh powder is more your style?

Either way it made for a great ski day, and the phone means I could take a couple of photos for Skywatch Friday too.

Pacific Coast Highway (3)

Here are some final shots from the Pacific Coast Highway near Monterey - it's an area that was simply shown as "Dune Park".

I loved the wildflowers in this area (probably flowering bushes rather than actual flowers, but I'm not an expert).

I'll never tire of that rugged coastline.

Our World Tuesday