The powder magazine at Colonial Williamsburg in the early evening. Or at least the top portion of the magazine. This is an original building from 1715 and has been used as a a market, a Baptist meetinghouse, a Confederate arsenal, a dancing school, and a livery stable when its original use ceased.
Steaming Start /
I hope that defines your Monday and that your week stays on the rails. Little railroad in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country. Lots of railroad memorabilia and sites nearby.
Bright /
This is a display of colored blown glass in a Disney Springs store. Loved the bright colors.
"The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow."
Revelation 4:3 NLT
Grass & Chrome /
The chrome "tree" (with a tinge of gold at sunset) at the NC Art Museum with waving grasses in the foreground.
Overlap /
This zone at the Organ Pipe National Monument has lots of both Organ Pipe (multi-stemmed) and Saguaro Cacti. In parts of the park there were primarily OP with very few Saguaro but get too far from here are there are hardly any of the OP.
Contrast /
This cactus is one that I do not recall the name but loved the contrast between the harsh and spiny core and the soft, creamy yellow flower. Pluck with caution!
Yucca /
When we were at White Sands the desert was blooming. I love these plants as they send shoots into the sky and blossom. The roots in this area may do down under the sand 15 or 20 feet to sustain this small plant.
Burning Bush /
Not the bush that Moses saw. This one is only on fire as the sun goes down at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico.
Appropriate Stillness /
Third Pennsylvania Volunteers' monument at dusk, Gettysburg, PA.
Who, Me? /
On one of the many sections of the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a stand of trees once used for ship building. And one makes a great home for the Great Horned Owl, guarding the nest like any good mom.
"The wild animals in the fields will thank me, the jackals and owls, too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed." Isaiah 43:20 NLT
Twins /
It may have been the break in the constant winds, the moderate temperatures or the fact that we were anxious to see a park after about 2000 miles into the trip but both Cindy and I loved White Sands National Monument. I really want to return and venture well off the road and close-in trails to see some of the sand still pristine. This small view had the prints of some critter but no people. You can see from the shadows that the sun is still up but late in the day. Nice soft colors as well.
Off the Mountain /
Finish off the work week with Cindy again (and our friend Janet) descending from Moro Rock. This was quite a view for just a little effort. The effort is for those today not the people who created the trail, the scores of steps and rock carved walkways. Moro Rock is a neat place in the Southern end of Sequoia National Park. I would put it on the "do not miss" list.
Lower Yosemite Falls /
From one year ago all the waterfalls in Yosemite were bursting with a near record snow melt. This is the lower portion of Yosemite Falls and from this distance we were still covered in spray from the falls. And the roar... conversation was difficult. What a wonderful place.
View /
Just soak in the peaceful nature of the photo and ignore the scores of cars on the loop road trying to find a place to park. Yosemite is a study in contrasts. A few of the hikes, short walks and the main road will be full of people. Some of the less popular hikes, further into the back country, and just a mile downriver, like here, very few people. But the beauty is overwhelming.
Moon Rise Over Half Dome: Anniversary Number 47 (2 photos) /
So for last year's anniversary, our 46th, we were at Yosemite National Park. This shot of the moon rising over Half Dome was done the evening before and on May 8th we enjoyed a day of hikes, amazing waterfalls, and dinner at a beautiful lodge - just a perfect evening. So, how do I top that this year? Well how about a Waypoint Director's meeting in South Boston, VA. Wow.
I am blessed to share life with one who can make a nice day out of either.
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But.... Yosemite would be better! Or Zion, Bryce, Glacier, White Sands, Great Smoky Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Joshua Tree, Arches, Cape Hatteras, Blue Ridge Parkway, Acadia, etc.
Magenta Path /
Sunset from a bridge at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The colors were very different that evening, a flash of purple that reflects in the water and the surrounding surfaces. I "think" that is the Lion King show locale in the far background.
A Little Music... (2 photos) /
...because it has been a rocky time (snicker) at TLT this week. This performer was outside the Lancaster City Market in Pennsylvania playing for a small crowd. There was also a young lady near who would compose and type out a short poem for you on any subject on the smallest old typewriter.
"Praise the Lord , for the Lord is good; celebrate his lovely name with music."
Psalm 135:3 NLT
Lovely Family /
Sometimes I shoot photos for a family who seems to be having a great time but no camera with them. Most of the time they are content with a quick snap using their phone's camera (I, however, am no fan of "selfies"). In the depth of the Channels that was not as good an option so I photographed them and then sent them the photo. They were so nice and the little girl was a trooper. It is a long hike up and back and she did it on her own. Made me sad that I couldn't complain and grumble about how hard it was when she was having a great time. Anyway, it is a fun way to meet some people - I love the little one peeping over dad's shoulder to see why they stopped. (Slight edit from original to minimize "violence" per friend's suggestion!)
Meanwhile (two photos) /
One the top of the Channels are these two relics of the 1940's a fire tower and ranger cabin. They were built in 1942 and likely were used for those who were trained to spot enemy planes and for fire use. I do not know when they were closed. The lower treads were removed from the tower to discourage climbers and there is not much left of the house.
Perspective (two photos) /
It is hard to convey the scope of the Channels and the depth of the mini canyons you wander through. So, here are two photos that include some people. The second is of a lady as you enter the first bit of the Channels. So we are about a third of the way down. The first photo is deeper into one of the crevices and if you look carefully, really carefully you can see a man in the middle bottom of the photo. It was also 20 degrees cooler in this maze than one top.
