Hyannis Church

For Skywatch Friday, here's a shot of the First Baptist Church in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

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

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

Inside Mission San Juan Bautista

Here are a couple of final photos from inside Mission San Juan Bautista near Monterey, California. Some areas are maintained almost like a museum.

Others can still be actively used for worship.

Inspired Sunday

Mission Trees

For Skywatch Friday, here are a couple of trees from the Mission San Juan Bautista in central California.

Mission San Juan Bautista Gardens

Today's Our World Tuesday post will show you a few shots from the gardens of the Mission San Juan Bautista (you saw inside a couple of days ago).

As expected, everything's very well kept.

And I've saved a couple more shots for other memes!

Mission San Juan Bautista

Last time we were in California I visited a couple of the old missions. This post is about Mission San Juan Bautista, northeast of Monterey.

Founded in 1797, the mission is very well-kept. I used a fisheye lens to capture the next shot.

Here's another photo of the inside of the church.

Today's last photo is of the cemetery, but I've got more to come from this beautiful area.

Inspired Sunday

St. Patrick's Cathedral

While in New York I visited St. Patrick's Cathedral. All photos are taken handheld without flash.

It's as beautiful as you'd think.

It's an active place of worship.

The cathedral was completed in 1878.

There are many things to see.

And don't forget to look up!

The stained glass is worth a look.

Our World Tuesday

Mission Dolores Interior

Continuing from last week's post, here is the interior of Mission Dolores in San Francisco.

Inspired Sunday

Our World Tuesday

Mission Dolores

Mission San Francisco de Asís, more commonly known as Mission Dolores, is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco - the original building in the foreground of this photo was dedicated in 1791.

The larger structure shown here was completed in 1918.

It includes a graveyard.

Lovely artwork can be seen.

Next weekend I'll show you some photos from inside the basilica. Please visit Inspired Sunday for more photos on this theme, and Our World Tuesday for assorted shots from around the world.

Air Force Academy Chapel at Night

Since my new camera is suppose to take good photos in low light, I went to the United States Air Force Academy yesterday evening to try some photos of the famous Cadet Chapel. I was very pleased with the results - my old camera wouldn't have worked without a tripod, and even then it would have had trouble with the exposures and autofocus.

All these photos are handheld, and it was much dimmer than the photos appear. The camera was pulling out details I couldn't see with my eyes.

This one is taken at the bottom of the previous one, at right angles.

This is the front of the chapel - I thought it looked almost like a landing strip, appropriate for the location.

And finally, here's the other side of the chapel, which wasn't illuminated - I was astonished that I could get a hand-held photo here at all. A couple of stars showed up and the autofocus was even able to lock on. This one's grainier because I had to push the low-light performance almost to its maximum.

Inspired Sunday

Our World Tuesday

Mission SLO Grounds

Here are the last of my photos of of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa,walking around the grounds.

Inspired Sunday

Our World Tuesday