Niagara Falls 1988 (1)

Here's a scanned slide from 1988 of Niagara Falls; how's that for a random weekend post?

San Fran Skywatch

Here's a final San Francisco Skywatch Friday shot, looking straight up with my fisheye lens. For next week I've got one lined up from the other side of the Pacific, where we recently vacationed.

Lands End

Here are some shots from a little off the San Francisco tourist track. It's the Lands End park, on the Pacific Ocean side of the Golden Gate Bridge, and it includes the Sutro Bath ruins shown here.

It's a very pretty park with lovely trails and trees.

The coastline is fairly rugged.

If you're lucky, the famous bridge will show itself through the mist.

The fog came and went for us.

Here's one of my favorite shots of the bridge.

Our World Tuesday

Ferry Shots

Here are a couple of leftover shots from a ferry ride between Connecticut and Long Island last Christmas. I can't figure out what meme they belong in but didn't want them to go to waste, and I'm trying to post all my older photos before starting on the big vacation we took a couple of weeks ago.

Recent Stormy Sky

Taken for Skywatch Friday with my phone while walking the dogs.

Craggy Trail

One of my occasional summer hikes is The Crags, on the other side of Pikes Peak from Colorado Springs. It's a beautiful trail, usually without many people early in the morning.

As you might guess by the name, there are lots of lovely rocks.

I call this one Gnome Rock. Maybe we've walked into Middle Earth?

When you get to the top, the views are divine.

Our World Tuesday

High Elevation Trees

Here are some shots of high-elevation trees on a Colorado hike; these were taken on a hike in my area, around 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) above sea level. I thought they'd make a fun Shadow Shot Sunday post.

Garrison Dam

For this week's Skywatch Friday post, here are a couple of shots of the Garrison Dam in North Dakota.

At over two miles (3.2 km) in length, it's the fifth-largest earthen dam in the world. We were lucky enough to drive over it on a beautiful day.

Minot - Scandinavian Heritage Park (2)

Continuing with more from the Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot, North Dakota, this post will explore the magnificent recreation of the Gol Stave Church. If you're ever in the area, this is a must-see.

It's by far the biggest and most elaborate of the park's buildings. The original church, in Gol, Hallingdal (Norway), was built around 1250, and this full-sized replica was completed in 2000.

Of course I had to get a shot with my fisheye lens, which made it look much smaller!

The balconies around the outside were fun to walk around.

The interior is also beautifully recreated.

Impressive details are everywhere.

Always look up!

Our World Tuesday

Relaxing Dogs

Camera Critters

Pets Forever

Saturday's Critters

Pikes Peak Sunset

Here are a couple of shots taken towards Pikes Peak and the mountains after sunset.

Skywatch Friday

Minot - Scandinavian Heritage Park (1)

Probably the biggest tourist attraction in Minot, North Dakota is the Scandinavian Heritage Park. It includes several restored buildings, including this house.

You can go inside and see how they used to live.

Everything is in great condition.

This is a stabbur, a building for storing food.

By far the most impressive building is the full-sized replica of the Gol Stave Church originally in Gol, Hallingdal. I'll have another post just for this.

Our World Tuesday

Dala Horse

From our trip to Minot last year, here's a photo of the Dala Horse at the Scandinavian Heritage Association's park. It's bigger than the wide-angle lens makes it appear - compare it to the trees!

Camera Critters

Saturday's Critters