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A
TOURIST doesn't know where he's been. A TRAVELER doesn't know where
he's going
Paul Therou
|
AUGUST
2009
VERMONT and MASSACHUSETTS |
We
went to a gem show in Springfield, Mass, then headed NW towards
Vermont. These photos are still in Massachusetts |
A
great authentic German Restaurant - Hofbrauhaus - in West
Springfield, Mass.
![vt1.JPG (142897 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt1_small.JPG)
![vt2.JPG (141692 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt2_small.JPG)
|
Stone
churches, Holyoke, Mass.
![vt3.JPG (148112 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt3_small.JPG)
|
Flowers
and a rustic view of fence and stony field on a farm road off Hwy 112 on
Shaw Road near Ashfield, Mass.
![vt5.JPG (138734 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt5_small.JPG)
![vt6.JPG (149096 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt6_small.JPG)
![vt7.JPG (167006 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt7_small.JPG)
|
City
Hall building, downtown Northampton (home of Smith College)
|
Far
in the distance on this farm road were cows and this huge new building -
turned out to be the Sanderson School Academy, "in the foothills of
the Berkshire Mountains". Wow.
![vt8.JPG (163443 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt8_small.JPG)
![vt614.JPG (118646 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt614_small.JPG)
|
An
unlikely Indian souvenir store in Charlemont, MA, with a VERY LARGE Indian
statue outside
![vt9.JPG (152948 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt9_small.JPG)
![vt615.JPG (114851 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt615_small.JPG)
|
Did
we go south by mistake? Here we are in FLORIDA - oh, Florida,
Massachusetts!
![vt10.JPG (152798 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt10_small.JPG)
|
A
REAL hairpin turn, just south of North Adams MA, see the GPS screen
and the road sign? It was just as sharp as it shows!
![vt11.JPG (162053 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt11_small.JPG)
|
VERMONT |
MOOSE
FEST, Bennington, Vermont
We discovered quite by accident that
Bennington had a Moosefest Sculpture painting contest & auction in
2005 and in 2009. So we set out to find most of them with the help
of a map, finding many of the 2005 moose as well. What a treasure
hunt!
![vt51.JPG (139975 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt51_small.JPG)
Here are photos of the unpainted moose being
delivered to Bennington for the artists to paint. Photo credit to
the Northside Diner where the Snow Drifter moose is found:
|
![vt13.JPG (154877 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt13_small.JPG)
Beautiful farming fields and blue skies,
called "Wind Weaver". The first we found at the delicious
Apple Barn Bakery south of Burlington near Pownal VT |
![vt16.JPG (158537 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt16_small.JPG)
![vt17.JPG (157647 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt17_small.JPG)
A cornucopia of fruits & vegetables in
front of the Chamber of Commerce named "Just your garden-variety
Moose" |
![vt20.JPG (148106 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt20_small.JPG)
![vt21.JPG (145056 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt21_small.JPG)
Flowers outside the cozy Chamber of
Commerce |
Some
moose were miniatures in store windows, some painted by children
![vt22.JPG (144559 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt22_small.JPG)
"Jackson Splattermoose"
![vt88.JPG (150970 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt88_small.JPG)
Sunflower field moose
![vt90.JPG (149520 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt90_small.JPG)
|
![vt26.JPG (144859 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt26_small.JPG)
A Santa Moose! |
A beautiful bronze colored moose called
"We Are One" because it is one of three moose in a cluster
setting. Below is the baby, and the Papa
![vt33.JPG (140376 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt33_small.JPG)
|
![vt36.JPG (145567 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt36_small.JPG)
Van Gogh "Starry Night" themed
moose called "Vincent" |
![vt39.JPG (137036 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt39_small.JPG)
A dolphin & orca killer whale covered baby
moose called "Shamoose" |
![vt42.JPG (143121 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt42_small.JPG)
A mother moose beside it with tilled fields
and flowers |
![vt45.JPG (143602 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt45_small.JPG)
A mosaic moose of hundreds of photos called
"Picture This" |
![vt49.JPG (139025 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt49_small.JPG)
A colorful race flag moose named
"Morpheus" |
School
kids were included by making puzzle pieces with moose
![vt53.JPG (134647 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt53_small.JPG)
and a mini moose painted by kids also as a Van
Gogh
![vt47.JPG (144946 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt47_small.JPG)
|
![vt55.JPG (140515 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt55_small.JPG)
The Peace Make Love Not War Moose actually
named "Ziggy the Hippy-Pot-O- Moose |
"Save the Planet - it's the only one with
CHOCOLATE" sign in a book store |
![vt62.JPG (129920 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt62_small.JPG)
A favorite - a Pirate Moose! Note the
treasure chest, skull, daggers, & parrot called "Captain Jack
Mooso" of course |
This
church was for sale in Bennington. A tempting thought
![vt63.JPG (131583 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt63_small.JPG)
|
![vt68.JPG (131189 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt68_small.JPG)
A "Circus Moose on the Loose" &
baby team with acrobat & clown up top! |
![vt73.JPG (134092 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt73_small.JPG)
A sunset scene on the outside, a hole cut to
the middle with a sleepy village scene inside, called "Moosarama" |
![vt79.JPG (139877 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt79_small.JPG)
![vt78.JPG (136021 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt78_small.JPG)
A romantic Victorian scene, home, rose
gardens, bridge, grandfather's clock painted on a Moose Mama and baby
"called Mother Moose - Fairy Tales & Bedtime
Rhymes". We met the talented artist Lindsey Woodie too! |
![vt86.JPG (150960 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt86_small.JPG)
A bucolic scene including a gazebo &
weeping willow tree on another pair down the street, called
"Vermont's Gift" and "Vermont's Legacy" |
![vt94.JPG (137282 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt94_small.JPG)
Another favorite - "Scoops", the ice
cream moose in front of a convenience & ice cream shop |
![vt98.JPG (154984 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt98_small.JPG)
![vt100.JPG (153718 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt100_small.JPG)
![vt616.JPG (120346 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt616_small.JPG)
A gorgeous paint job on this psychedelic pair,
can you tell it's another fave? Named simply "Peace" |
An
old fashioned picnic gathering scene outside a stone restaurant
![vt103.JPG (152964 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt103_small.JPG)
![vt104.JPG (154240 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt104_small.JPG)
Named "Le Dejeuner sur l'elan"
translated: Lunch on the dash |
![vt109.JPG (145228 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt109_small.JPG)
![vt111.JPG (148671 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt111_small.JPG)
![vt112.JPG (160135 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt112_small.JPG)
A wonderful Camping Moose, outfitted with
hiking boots, little buddies moose & lookout bear up top, a raccoon
below. Named "On the Trail Again". Precious. |
![vt116.JPG (152854 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt116_small.JPG)
A Moose for all Seasons in pastel floral
colors |
![vt118.JPG (148134 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt118_small.JPG)
![vt120.JPG (126814 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt120_small.JPG)
Daisies & purple flowers in front of the
Bennington Pottery shops |
![vt121.JPG (164074 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt121_small.JPG)
This Moose is half outside the glass foyer,
half inside. What a hoot. |
![vt140.JPG (161824 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt140_small.JPG)
![vt142.JPG (131638 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt142_small.JPG)
3D Painted Tiffany Lamp style as a grape
vineyard. Lovely. Named "Mr. L.C. Tiffany
(Wisteria)" Even a butterfly on its nose. |
An
elaborately created green Sunflower Harley moose with side car,
named Moosey BB Goode & Green". Note the head lamps, the flames on the sidecar, the LED lights
in the sunflowers so it is LIT UP at night; the exhaust pipes.
![vt125.JPG (148483 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt125_small.JPG)
"I Brake for Sunflowers" sign
on the back, a license plate on its butt, more LED lights on his tail; the
handlebars and footrest, rear view mirror.
![vt129.JPG (147966 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt129_small.JPG)
One mean dude of a moose! Notice the
tire base and diamond patterned aluminum hooves and flames. It is in
front of the Tuscan Sunflower store
![vt133.JPG (148178 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt133_small.JPG)
|
![vt136.JPG (140480 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt136_small.JPG)
The Wizard in robe, hat, beard &
spectacles, worthy of a Harry Potter movie. Called "Mystical
Moose" |
![vt165.JPG (139619 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt165_small.JPG)
![vt246.JPG (151096 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt246_small.JPG)
Arctic moose of a snow scene, complete with
"ice" on antlers and eyelashes, named "Snowdrifter" |
A
moose family of 3 north of town at the Chamber of Commerce.
![vt143.JPG (160120 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt143_small.JPG)
Papa moose with a colorful sunset on his
sides, and campfire on his head called "Chief Wandering Bull
Moose"
Mother "Inuit-Yupik-A Moose" wearing
a deerskin painted coat and a flower garden flank on one side, Arctic Sea
with ice & polar bears on the other flank, seals underneath (Eskimo
theme).
and calf is "C. Wobigo Megeso Moose"
with an intricately beaded necklace and other beading on head and knees
![vt158.JPG (142259 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt158_small.JPG)
|
A
recycle moose calf in the Chamber
![vt160.JPG (140041 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt160_small.JPG)
![vt161.JPG (144872 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt161_small.JPG)
|
![vt171.JPG (148181 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt171_small.JPG)
Moose at an ice cream stand with an outdoor
scene (where everyone is eating - what else? ICE CREAM) on its body,
and waffle textured antlers. Named "Lickety Split" |
![vt174.JPG (147185 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt174_small.JPG)
Covered in road signs, appropriately found at
the Honda/Toyota car dealership named "Charlie" |
![vt177.JPG (157701 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt177_small.JPG)
Leaf decoupage moose named "Benn" |
![vt180.JPG (158566 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt180_small.JPG)
![vt181.JPG (151086 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt181_small.JPG)
Chocolate wrappers from around the world
(yum!). Called "Chocolate Mousse" |
![vt184.JPG (155653 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt184_small.JPG)
An artfully painted & colorful moose
called "Moose Ink", dedicated to the memory of Cory Hunter |
A
picturesque train station in old town Bennington
![vt186.JPG (132435 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt186_small.JPG)
|
This
moose peered at us from atop a factory building
![vt295.JPG (158642 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt295_small.JPG)
|
An
Attorney Moose - what a fun one! Holding a briefcase in his
mouth, a hat on his head, wearing a white shirt & tie, the Wall Street
Journal tucked into one pants pocket, a comb in the other. Money
& other financial newspapers at its feet. Notice the watch
around its ankle. No detail is overlooked! Named "A Day
at the Office" in front of an attorney's office.
![vt194.JPG (148246 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt194_small.JPG)
![vt200.JPG (144137 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt200_small.JPG)
|
"Road Trip" at a Subaru dealership |
A
"Moostang Convertible" at an antique car dealership
![vt203.JPG (159103 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt203_small.JPG)
Note the beautifully restored car hauler truck
& car here also:
![vt207.JPG (142917 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt207_small.JPG)
|
This
moose is at the Covered Bridge Museum. It appropriately has a
covered bridge on its back. Also skis on its feet representing a
Vermont favorite pastime (two feet are tree roots). Named "Anonymoose".
![vt212.JPG (159102 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt212_small.JPG)
![vt215.JPG (153620 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt215_small.JPG)
|
![vt219.JPG (152199 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt219_small.JPG)
![vt220.JPG (147720 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt220_small.JPG)
A rich copper moose, complete with rivets and
turquoise beads & buttons, named "Full Metal Moose" at a
closed Ice Cream barn |
Harley
flames moose on the west side of town at a gas station. Named "Mooscle
Car"
![vt223.JPG (133446 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt223_small.JPG)
![vt226.JPG (142297 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt226_small.JPG)
Lest we forget the age of the settling of this
part of the country, note the date on this cemetery across the street:
![vt227.JPG (146394 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt227_small.JPG)
|
Further
west, the Big Moose Deli & Country Store looked like a great place to
stop, but we were there too late and never got back. Bummer.
![vt228.JPG (149714 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt228_small.JPG)
![vt229.JPG (146324 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt229_small.JPG)
|
![vt231.JPG (160397 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt231_small.JPG)
![vt232.JPG (147574 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt232_small.JPG)
An expensive looking gold & red moose
across the New York state line at the Man of Kent Tavern & Cafe, the
moose is named "Nothing Gold can Stay" |
Back
to downtown Bennington, one we missed, showing all 4 seasons. What
fall colors on the trees on this moose! Named "A Time for All
Seasons"
![vt234.JPG (152470 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt234_small.JPG)
![vt235.JPG (149352 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt235_small.JPG)
![vt237.JPG (157965 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt237_small.JPG)
|
Inside
the Covered Bridge Museum, a Native American themed moose, named
"The Abenaki Moose"
![vt292.JPG (139996 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt292_small.JPG)
|
Moooose
looks like a Guernsey cow, we found it heading north out of Bennington
![vt296.JPG (162690 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt296_small.JPG)
![vt297.JPG (141392 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt297_small.JPG)
|
"Appamoosa"
at the Arlington Inn, Arlington VT showing a town scene of homes, right
across its Appaloosa butt, in the beautiful setting of the Inn
![vt299.JPG (156718 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt299_small.JPG)
![vt302.JPG (152266 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt302_small.JPG)
![vt304.JPG (139624 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt304_small.JPG)
|
This
moose was right inside the Hanneford Grocery Store, named "Moose Eye
View" with a little scenery from all over Vermont. The moose is
surrounded by bottled drinks. A humorous sight.
![vt242.JPG (147658 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt242_small.JPG) |
BENNINGTON
MUSEUM (United States Pottery Co) and
GRANDMA MOSES SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM
(the largest public collection of Grandma
Moses paintings in the world; she lived in Bennington for two years during
her long & productive life)
Bennington VT |
No
photographs were allowed of Grandma Moses' paintings, though we were able
to get more up close and personal than we thought for such famous
works. An excellent choice.
![vt618.JPG (124806 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt618_small.JPG)
|
![vt619.JPG (122171 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt619_small.JPG)
![vt620.JPG (129188 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt620_small.JPG)
|
A
statue of Abe Lincoln and a downtrodden woman & child near the
entryway of the museum, called "The American Spirit" -
Faith, Charity, Hope
![vt248.JPG (138128 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt248_small.JPG)
![vt249.JPG (150612 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt249_small.JPG)
|
Hibiscus
just to the right of the museum entry. Beautiful
![vt250.JPG (131727 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt250_small.JPG)
A gold bronze eagle inside the main entrance
![vt284.JPG (138896 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt284_small.JPG)
|
In
the gift shop, a framed picture of a black bear and the header "As a
matter of fact, I do go to the bathroom in the woods".
Hilarious.
![vt283.JPG (152285 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt283_small.JPG)
|
A
distinct glaze on this primitive dated pottery. We have a bowl and
pie plate that was made by the United States Pottery Company and fits
right in with this beautiful collection. Only made from: 1847-1858,
parented by Christopher Webber Fenron.
Rockingham, named for the area in England
where it was first produced, is yellow ware covered with a mottled brown
glaze. It was made throughout America and England. To create
the color, a brown derived from manganese and sometimes umber, is mixed in
the glaze. The glaze can be applied in numerous ways: by dipping a
piece, using a brush or sponge, or a long flat piece of wood called a
paddle. White Ware is given a colorless glaze. |
Standing
Stag, 1852-1853
![vt251.JPG (133413 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt251_small.JPG)
|
Book
flask by Lyman, Fenton & Co.
![vt252.JPG (151418 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt252_small.JPG)
|
Water
cooler (without base), with images of the Apostles
![vt253.JPG (127973 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt253_small.JPG)
![vt254.JPG (149436 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt254_small.JPG)
|
Poodle
figure, 1847-1858. Rockingham glaze, United States Pottery Co.
![vt257.JPG (150128 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt257_small.JPG)
![vt259.JPG (137679 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt259_small.JPG)
|
Hound-handle
pitchers, 1852-1858, U.S. Pottery Co.
![vt261.JPG (138214 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt261_small.JPG)
|
Cow
Creamer, 1866-1869, E. & L. P. Norton & Co.
![vt262.JPG (160051 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt262_small.JPG)
|
Lions
![vt274.JPG (141771 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt274_small.JPG)
Bottles
![vt277.JPG (143895 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt277_small.JPG)
|
A
marble carving of sleeping children
![vt280.JPG (143178 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt280_small.JPG)
|
Pie
plates, tea pots, bowls, book flasks, covered dishes, etc. in this
case made by United States Pottery Co., made in Bennington between
1847-1858
![vt268.JPG (163257 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt268_small.JPG)
![vt270.JPG (143334 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt270_small.JPG)
|
Monument
from the United States Pottery Co. display at the Crystal Palace
Exhibition in New York City, 1853, with a Madonna figure on top
![vt282.JPG (124812 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt282_small.JPG)
|
BENNINGTON
CENTER of the ARTS and
The
COVERED BRIDGE MUSEUM
Vermont has more covered bridges per square
mile than anywhere else in the world, with
107 authentic covered bridges located throughout the state.
![vt621.JPG (127805 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt621_small.JPG)
Bennington VT |
Daisies
outside the Museum doorway
![vt294.JPG (128743 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt294_small.JPG)
|
Purple
glass bowl above the entrance
![vt285.JPG (152690 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt285_small.JPG)
|
This
display showed what herbs, leaves and berries were used to make all the
dyes in the beautiful Native American blankets and textiles in this part
of the museum.
![vt287.JPG (129767 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt287_small.JPG)
|
OTHER
TRAVELS in VERMONT |
Glenn
endured a photo wearing a bear cap
![vt305.JPG (145806 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt305_small.JPG)
|
What
a great bit of Roadside Americana - a gorilla holding up a Volkswagon
(North of Leicester VT on Hwy 7) at Pioneer Sales (used cars)
![vt307.JPG (126929 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt307_small.JPG)
|
In
the town of Breadloaf, all the houses, B&B's and hotels were this
butter color with green roofs. Attractive!
![vt308.JPG (154309 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt308_small.JPG)
![vt309.JPG (157912 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt309_small.JPG)
|
Scottish
Highlander cows, near Pittsfield, VT (Hwy 100), and a picturesque small
waterfall
![vt623.JPG (128278 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt623_small.JPG)
|
A
typical view in Vermont, rolling green hills, picturesque barns, though
most barns and many homes have cupolas. We loved this.
![vt311.JPG (150118 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt311_small.JPG)
|
Approaching
the Marble Museum, we crossed a bridge made entirely of Vermont white
marble
And
a Fire Department entirely made of the white marble, what a monument to
the marble quarried here
![vt313.JPG (144711 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt313_small.JPG)
|
VERMONT
MARBLE MUSEUM
The largest marble museum in the WORLD!
Link to view the Virtual Tour on:
Rocks Page 10
|
WILSON
CASTLE
Proctor VT. Known for 19
"proscenium arches", 84 stained glass windows, 13 fireplaces,
Far Eastern and European furnishings, housed on 115 acres (including
across the street, a 2nd building). We did not take the tour but
what an impressive architecture.
![vt421.JPG (162273 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt421_small.JPG)
![vt423.JPG (164823 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt423_small.JPG)
|
VERMONT
POWER STATION
South of the Marble Museum, we found access to
the river and Mead Falls and a Vermont Marble Power station made of marble
overhanging the river. An impressive marble block wall buttressed a
parking lot above (Old Falls Road).
![vt425.JPG (150792 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt425_small.JPG)
![vt427.JPG (177208 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt427_small.JPG) |
A
picturesque white church and low marble building in downtown Middlebury VT
![vt428.JPG (139691 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt428_small.JPG)
![vt429.JPG (137906 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt429_small.JPG)
|
STARRY
NIGHT CAFE
A restaurant called Starry Night Cafe near
Ferrisburgh VT (unfortunately closed when we came by). Once a cider press,
it features a hand carved wooden bar and twinkling starlights and unique
artwork inside, and multi- colored hand blown glasses. We will try
to visit another time! Great iron & wood statues of a man, a
tree and deer outside. And another covered bridge.
![vt431.JPG (146826 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt431_small.JPG)
![vt432.JPG (147375 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt432_small.JPG)
![vt430.JPG (156070 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt430_small.JPG)
|
A
great winged Clock on the wall of the Old Brick Store (Charlotte VT) near
the ferry to New York
![vt435.JPG (147331 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt435_small.JPG)
Terrific brick buildings all over downtown
Burlington VT
![vt436.JPG (143692 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt436_small.JPG)
|
CHIEF
GREY LOCK
Abenaki legend holds that Odzihozo, creator of
the Champlain Valley, turned himself into a rock island which can be seen
nearby. One of 50 statues (1 in each state) by Peter Wolf Toth in
honor of its Native-American citizens.
![vt438.JPG (119541 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt438_small.JPG)
![vt439.JPG (168367 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt439_small.JPG)
|
Heidi's
HUGE half sandwich of sourdough bread & turkey, downtown Burlington.
![vt440.JPG (137694 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt440_small.JPG)
A street musician (also downtown Burlington)
played numerous instruments at once. Stuffed animals and trolls
dangled everywhere. What fun!
![vt442.JPG (140989 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt442_small.JPG)
![vt444.JPG (139229 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt444_small.JPG)
|
STELLA'S
RESTAURANT
Hartland, VT
We had actually gone hungry several times on
our week in Vermont, We depended on finding good food in small towns (one
of a kind restaurants rather than franchises), only to find some were
closed until winter (Ski tourism areas) or closed/on vacation or signs
with No Public Restrooms. So to find Stella's Restaurant with
plenty of GOOD, WHOLESOME fresh foods and friendly smiles made this
restaurant an oasis. Strangely, it was not shown on the GPS but
certainly deserves to be. This restaurant earns our Best Breakfast
in Vermont award.
![vt459.JPG (135574 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt459_small.JPG)
|
SIMON
PEARCE GLASS BLOWING FACTORY & STORE
(Outside of Windsor VT)
They specialize in HIGH QUALITY clear
functional heavy glass items that are beautiful to use and display,
intended for a lifetime of use. You can watch them being hand blown
and finished. Glenn bought a beautiful bud flower vase that will be
an heirloom piece we will enjoy for many years.
Founded in 1971, it originated as a small
glass workshop in Kilkenny, Ireland. They moved to Vermont, several
locations here.
www.simonpearce.com
More information on their history:
|
Starting
with a glass from granules as shown in the bottle, melted in the huge kiln
(below)
![vt473.JPG (130550 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt473_small.JPG)
![vt474.JPG (138303 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt474_small.JPG)
|
A
glob of glass is put on a dop stick to start cooling and shaping it
using a wooden scoop with a handle. View of the entire shop too.
![vt460.JPG (146411 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt460_small.JPG)
![vt476.JPG (141968 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt476_small.JPG)
![vt461.JPG (146022 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt461_small.JPG)
|
Pinching
the top with a special tool
![vt462.JPG (151074 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt462_small.JPG)
Beginning to shape it in the mold into the
four-sided bowl it will be
![vt463.JPG (148927 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt463_small.JPG)
|
A
wood block against the bottom helps finish that part
![vt464.JPG (155906 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt464_small.JPG)
|
A
partner now takes a small glob of glass, imprints a cross in it (their
signature)
![vt475.JPG (135554 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt475_small.JPG)
The partner now attaches the cross imprint
glass to the glass bowl and takes it from the original glassblower
![vt466.JPG (145761 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt466_small.JPG)
![vt465.JPG (152717 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt465_small.JPG)
|
He
continues shaping & re-heating the bowl using several tools
![vt467.JPG (139417 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt467_small.JPG)
![vt469.JPG (137721 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt469_small.JPG)
Then trims away the edge to make it
smooth. The trimming are re-kilned to use again
![vt468.JPG (157631 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt468_small.JPG)
|
Another
pressing into the mold for final shaping
![vt470.JPG (145067 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt470_small.JPG)
![vt471.JPG (140537 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt471_small.JPG)
These are the 2 designs they have been working
on today, a glass and a bowl
![vt472.JPG (150876 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt472_small.JPG)
|
A
two level store displays different glass blowing tools on the stairwell
![vt477.JPG (135752 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt477_small.JPG)
Some of the glassware on display
![vt478.JPG (139721 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt478_small.JPG)
and the surprise full 2nd floor store,
amazingly displayed as a gallery
![vt479.JPG (142903 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt479_small.JPG)
|
SIMON
PEARCE POTTERY
![vt506.JPG (132376 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt506_small.JPG)
On the same property. A 2nd floor
catwalk overlooks the entire pottery operation. Once again, a
beautifully made building
![vt494.JPG (146901 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt494_small.JPG)
|
Slip
casting area; liquid clay is poured in a mold, left 45 minutes, excess
clay drained.
![vt486.JPG (121342 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt486_small.JPG)
![vt485.JPG (131806 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt485_small.JPG)
|
Making
chip & dip bowls, notice the barrels of slip
![vt482.JPG (139303 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt482_small.JPG)
![vt503.JPG (136185 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt503_small.JPG)
![vt504.JPG (118041 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt504_small.JPG)
|
Coffee
mugs
![vt483.JPG (126761 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt483_small.JPG)
![vt484.JPG (138112 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt484_small.JPG)
|
The
Potter's steps
![vt487.JPG (123180 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt487_small.JPG)
We did not see individual pots being made this
day. |
TRIMMING
- Seams and other imperfections are smoothed.
![vt488.JPG (128666 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt488_small.JPG)
![vt489.JPG (139129 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt489_small.JPG)
|
RAM
PRESS - compressed with 1500 pounds per square inch (making plates)
![vt492.JPG (146651 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt492_small.JPG)
![vt493.JPG (124402 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt493_small.JPG)
|
Pug
Mill. Excess clay ground and re-mixed to re-use, making tubes of
clay
![vt495.JPG (127391 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt495_small.JPG)
![vt496.JPG (145172 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt496_small.JPG)
![vt497.JPG (144271 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt497_small.JPG)
|
Bowls,
vases & plates ready for the glaze kiln
![vt501.JPG (146431 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt501_small.JPG)
![vt502.JPG (133455 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt502_small.JPG)
|
Glaze
Kiln, to finish the pots with beautiful color. This kiln takes 800
pots per firing, it takes 8 hours to reach 2350 degrees, then 12 hours to
cool.
![vt500.JPG (143037 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt500_small.JPG)
|
OLD
CONSTITUTION HOUSE
Called the
"Birthplace of Vermont", the restored Old Constitution House
looks as it did more than 200 years ago.
Windsor, VT |
The
first constitution in America to prohibit slavery, allow men to vote
without requiring property ownership, and authorize a public school system
was adopted here in Windsor, Vermont in 1777.
![vt507.JPG (166459 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt507_small.JPG)
Less than a year after
the signing of the Declaration of Independence, another new Republic was
taking shape. Delegates from the newly independent Republic of Vermont
gathered at a tavern in Windsor to draft a constitution.
The constitution guided the Republic for 14 years until 1791, when Vermont
was admitted to the Union as the 14th state. |
CORNISH-WINDSOR
COVERED BRIDGE
![vt513.JPG (148615 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt513_small.JPG)
Built in 1866, it is the longest wooden bridge
in the U.S. (460 feet long) and the LONGEST TWO-SPAN covered bridge in the
WORLD. Originally a toll bridge. |
We
drove through it from both ends. Note the sturdy struts & bolts
holding it together.
![vt515.JPG (152932 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt515_small.JPG)
![vt508.JPG (145527 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt508_small.JPG)
![vt512.JPG (155716 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt512_small.JPG)
Taking a moment to photograph a Queen Anne's
Lace beside the road
![vt516.JPG (141115 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt516_small.JPG)
|
AMERICAN
PRECISION MUSEUM
A collection of machinery and tools that
changed the world.
Housed in the building that was the birthplace
of this country's modern system of industrial design & production - a
large brick armory Robbins & Lawrence built in 1846 to manufacture
guns & machinery. The zoom
on Glenn's camera picked up the eagle atop the cupola I could barely see.
![vt628.JPG (125103 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt628_small.JPG)
For instance, a gunsmith used to take 8 days
to make a gun by cutting the wood stock, forging the metal arts, shaping
& trimming them to work correctly. He would then fit all the
parts together and adjust each so the gun would fire properly.
In the 1840's, Robbins, Kendall &
Lawrence, gun makers from Windsor, VT, developed machines that could do
the repetitive tasks required of the gun maker, and produce each part of
the gun to identical measured specifications. Gun parts could now be
interchanged for quick repair in battle. They could now make 8 guns
in a single day. This became known as the "American
System" of precision manufacturing. They took their ideas to
London for the Great Exposition in 1851 and were instant
celebrities. The British Army ordered 25,000 rifles and 138 gun
making machines to make guns at the Enfield Armory in England. A
quantum leap for the Industrial Revolution.
After the war, the "American System"
was adapted to make typewriters, sewing machines, and our modern machinery
as we know it!
On exhibit are wood & metal lathes,
grinding machines and many other machines & hand tools dating from the
1830's to the mid 20th century. |
MACHINE
TOOLS, the FOUNDATION OF MAN'S DEVELOPMENT
Our favorite part was the two MECHANIZED
MINIATURE TOOLS DISPLAY
made by John Aschauer, a German immigrant from
Michigan. He spent 40,000 hours making these working, moving
mechanized miniatures.
![vt519.JPG (129563 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt519_small.JPG)
Shown left to right, with the schematic
showing what they are below it
![vt523.JPG (154964 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt523_small.JPG)
The 2nd display, the machines at the top to
bottom are the right-to-left schematic:
UPDATE
7/27/10 Hi, Heidi - Just want to say thanks for putting some
pictures of John Aschauer’s machines on your site. He’s my
grandfather and I haven’t seen those machines in awhile. I grew up
playing in his workshop while he worked on them so it’s great to see
people still enjoying them. I Googled his name just out of the blue
and it led me to your site. I’m thinking I need to plan a trip to
Vermont based on your travels!
Thanks much!
Claudia
|
A
postcard of a waterfall beside the American Precision Museum
![vt629.JPG (118533 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt629_small.JPG)
And
we found white marble with grey veins right there beside the road and the
waterfall. ![vt627.JPG (114776 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt627_small.JPG)
|
A
brick apartment complex in Windsor. Renovating at a cost of $26
million including all new windows. What a beautiful complex.
![vt534.JPG (142072 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt534_small.JPG)
|
We've
never heard of "Scarified" pavement before. It means
"making shallow cuts" so I guess it's appropriate. But
funny!
![vt535.JPG (146217 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt535_small.JPG)
|
The
Vermont Country Store in Weston Vermont. We have ordered from their
mail order catalog. "Stocked to the rafters" with hard to
find products and brands from your past. True.
![vt538.JPG (152258 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt538_small.JPG)
And lovely flowers cultivated there as part of
their landscaping:
![vt537.JPG (143948 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt537_small.JPG)
|
BASKETVILLE
Putney, Vermont
http://www.basketville.com/retail.html
We had an outlet in Myrtle Beach SC for many
years, they have hundeds if not thousands of basket styles for sale.
Now this is their only (and original) retail outlet here in Vermont.
We'd always wanted to buy their basket SHARK which has never been for
sale. We never dreamed they had SO MANY BASKET CRITTERS
hanging in their large, impressive store! (none of these are for
sale). We had a blast photographing all of them. We also
appreciated the happy daisies out front.
![vt541.JPG (155998 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt541_small.JPG)
The inviting foyer, showcase and Tiger in
showcase
![vt539.JPG (152962 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt539_small.JPG)
|
Group
of fish & sharks, and view of the 2nd floor
![vt544.JPG (145737 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt544_small.JPG)
![vt588.JPG (143770 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt588_small.JPG)
|
Swordfish,
and diving Eagle
![vt542.JPG (148935 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt542_small.JPG)
![vt590.JPG (128817 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt590_small.JPG)
|
The
coveted huge Shark
![vt577.JPG (130049 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt577_small.JPG)
![vt630.JPG (130492 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt630_small.JPG)
|
A
mean, twisting shark! Another of the swordfish
![vt545.JPG (153936 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt545_small.JPG)
![vt546.JPG (151119 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt546_small.JPG)
|
Mickey
Mouse on the stairway to greet us!
![vt589.JPG (132536 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt589_small.JPG)
|
Unicorn
head
![vt549.JPG (151210 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt549_small.JPG)
|
Bull
head
![vt560.JPG (152421 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt560_small.JPG)
|
Rocking
horse
![vt582.JPG (140552 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt582_small.JPG) |
Lobster
![vt631.JPG (111991 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt631_small.JPG)
|
Okay,
a Dragon Dinosaur Rooster Head?
![vt573.JPG (156602 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt573_small.JPG)
|
Moose
head
![vt571.JPG (129329 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt571_small.JPG)
|
A
caught King Salmon
![vt585.JPG (131572 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt585_small.JPG)
|
Portion
of a huge collection of tractor seats displayed on the 2nd floor ceiling
![vt547.JPG (139932 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt547_small.JPG)
|
A
third shark
![vt592.JPG (151396 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt592_small.JPG)
|
A
Roaring tiger in the rafters
![vt584.JPG (163782 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt584_small.JPG)
|
A
leopard skulking in the rafters
![vt633.JPG (118678 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt633_small.JPG)
|
Roaring
Lion
![vt568.JPG (155029 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt568_small.JPG)
|
Reindeer
![vt569.JPG (144283 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt569_small.JPG)
![vt574.JPG (152828 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt574_small.JPG)
|
Elephant
deep in the rafters
![vt583.JPG (167926 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt583_small.JPG)
|
A
fierce Dragon
![vt579.JPG (147526 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt579_small.JPG)
![vt634.JPG (114374 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt634_small.JPG)
|
Giraffe
![vt564.JPG (140417 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt564_small.JPG) |
Angel
fish
![vt567.JPG (153171 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt567_small.JPG)
|
Spotted giraffe
![vt580.JPG (129547 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt580_small.JPG)
|
T-Rex
dinosaur, Scary!
![vt576.JPG (140427 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt576_small.JPG) |
THE
PUBLICK HOUSE
Historic Inn and Country Lodge, built in 1771
STURBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
![vt606.JPG (130312 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt606_small.JPG)
Recommended by our hotel (within walking
distance of the Hampton Inn), we ate a lovely dinner and breakfast here
before flying home. Heidi's Mom used to refinish primitive antiques
as a career. Seeing all the primitives in this lovely restaurant
& hotel was like a visit home for her.
View from the front, and from the back with
the Bakery entrance:
![vt601.JPG (157305 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt601_small.JPG)
www.publickhouse.com
The Publick House (on Sturbridge Commons) and
the town of Sturbridge have a long history as a meeting place and
crossroads and fording place for Pilgrims and even earlier, for the Native
American people. Benjamin Franklin placed a milestone for mail
carriers as "67 Miles from Boston". You can read more on
the history at the link above. |
A
comfort food dinner of Thanksgiving Turkey for Heidi, and Shepherd's Pie
for Glenn. Unforgettable.
![vt600.JPG (147122 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt600_small.JPG)
Breakfast the next morning to top off a
wonderful trip:
![vt613.JPG (131419 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt613_small.JPG)
A view of the gigantic original fireplace in
the main dining room
![vt608.JPG (149511 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt608_small.JPG)
|
Flowers
at the Publick House
![vt604.JPG (127896 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt604_small.JPG)
![vt610.JPG (145901 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt610_small.JPG)
|
Ending
our trip with two more historic buildings...
Copper Stallion Restaurant, full of ivy.
We'll have to dine there next time!
Blackington Building, Sturbridge MA, circa
1880
![vt612.JPG (146459 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/vt612_small.JPG)
|
August
![ironclad2.JPG (144369 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/ironclad2_small.JPG)
CSS NEUSE, IRONCLAD Gunboat Replica
"Wings over the Neuse" in
honor of Ted Sampley
The only Civil War ship rebuilt
to actual size. Help build the CSS Neuse II .
In Kinston, North Carolina
www.cssneusefoundation.org
![ironclad5.JPG (152792 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/ironclad5_small.JPG)
|
We
enjoyed viewing the huge gunboat replica, though the food venue was not
open.
![ironclad8.JPG (140788 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/ironclad8_small.JPG)
|
JULY
2009
LINK to view the Virtual tour to the
WHALING MUSEUM in New Bedford Mass. (July '09):
Opals
Page 6
|
Link
to view the Private Museum of Sharks & Fossils of
George Powell, NC: Sharks Pg 16 |
When
preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.
Then take away HALF the clothes, and TWICE the money.
(Susan Heller, writer) |
JULY
2009
FOURTH OF JULY
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Where else but at the edge of the
Charles River to watch the fireworks!
Even the plane had American flags
painted on its wingtips
![boston3.JPG (153114 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston3_small.JPG)
|
But
first, some of the local sights in Boston and Cambridge, and N of
Cambridge |
Maury's
Deli, huge sandwiches, we felt pampered here
![boston5.JPG (152115 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston5_small.JPG)
|
Unicycle
juggler and comedian
|
Entertainment
would not be complete without bucket music!
![boston7.JPG (164267 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston7_small.JPG)
|
A
silver cowgirl, live statue performance
![boston6.JPG (160261 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston6_small.JPG)
|
Our
love affair with bridges is unending...
![boston27.JPG (148277 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston27_small.JPG)
![boston28.JPG (151695 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston28_small.JPG) |
A
flower market in the center square had the most marvelous arrangements
& colors of flowers and orchids. Real flower heaven
![boston10.JPG (154281 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston10_small.JPG)
|
Parade
and re-enactment to begin shortly, so the young men must have
sustenance! We are in the beautiful Quincy Market building which is
ALL food.
![boston15.JPG (153187 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston15_small.JPG)
![boston18.JPG (143060 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston18_small.JPG)
|
Broiled
sea scallops & bacon, yum! Yes, it IS as good as it looks.
![boston17.JPG (163982 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston17_small.JPG)
|
The
parade/Revolutionary War Re-enactment
What a cool hat!
![boston24.JPG (145450 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston24_small.JPG)
|
Boston
Duck Tours, cute!
![boston29.JPG (148493 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston29_small.JPG)
|
An
interesting and colorful set of highway markers in a bird/peace design
along the edge of the road, downtown Boston
![boston26.JPG (159153 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston26_small.JPG)
|
One
of the Harvard Law School buildings on the Cambridge side of the river
![boston32.JPG (155510 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston32_small.JPG)
![boston30.JPG (145194 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston30_small.JPG)
![boston31.JPG (154323 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston31_small.JPG)
|
A
typical New England church, in Cambridge. Love the architecture of
the stone buildings and churches.
![boston33.JPG (154668 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston33_small.JPG)
![boston38.JPG (142623 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston38_small.JPG)
|
Literally,
a House boat
![boston34.JPG (152885 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston34_small.JPG)
![boston35.JPG (147882 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston35_small.JPG)
|
A
lobster man waving to us to come to their restaurant, somewhere north of
Cambridge
![boston36.JPG (142752 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston36_small.JPG)
|
A
HUGE pile of firewood, with an American flag waving proudly from on top
![boston37.JPG (159889 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston37_small.JPG)
|
Walking
to the Charles River, still on the Cambridge side, here's a great T-Rex in
front of a museum
![boston39.JPG (150966 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston39_small.JPG)
|
Across
the street from the dinosaur, we saw another proud American flag flying
above this industrial complex
![boston40.JPG (147550 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston40_small.JPG)
|
FIREWORKS!
Woo hoo!
WE GOT A SEAT RIGHT AT THE EDGE OF THE WATER,
ON THE BOSTON SIDE, TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS |
The
first photo shows the reflection of the fireworks in two of the high rise
buildings downtown. Tres cool! And an awesome
finale! Here are choices of photos from Heidi's Camera
|
And
from Glenn's camera, which creates a rainbow confetti look to some of the
flashes. The last photo clearly shows the fireworks shooting off a
boat in the middle of the Charles River
![boston56.JPG (117801 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston56_small.JPG)
![boston60.JPG (136214 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/boston60_small.JPG)
|
Cherokee,
North Carolina (May 2009)
(Heidi, at the Big Boy's, Heidi's favorite hamburger from her
childhood |
BEAR
STATUES |
Black
bear with Native American masks, mountains, ocean and salmon, called
"Trail of Tears & 7 Clans"
![cherokee1.JPG (165961 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee1_small.JPG)
![cherokee2.JPG (163056 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee2_small.JPG)
![cherokee3.JPG (170408 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee3_small.JPG)
|
A
picnic by the river, on a brown bear, "Harmony of Life".
Note the Head details too
![cherokee4.JPG (162446 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee4_small.JPG)
![cherokee6.JPG (161301 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee6_small.JPG)
![cherokee5.JPG (164374 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee5_small.JPG)
![cherokee7.JPG (157464 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee7_small.JPG)
|
White
bear, brown/white designs, beautiful! Called "Pottery
Bear"
![cherokee15.JPG (172525 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee15_small.JPG)
![cherokee16.JPG (172907 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee16_small.JPG)
![cherokee17.JPG (166697 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee17_small.JPG)
|
Brown
bear showing Native people at a Fair with ferris wheel, called "Fair
Bear"
![cherokee12.JPG (162423 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee12_small.JPG)
![cherokee13.JPG (171866 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee13_small.JPG)
![cherokee14.JPG (156200 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee14_small.JPG)
|
Fierce
Bald headed eagle face, and Native Warrior, called "Eagle Dancer
Bear"
![cherokee18.JPG (166008 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee18_small.JPG)
![cherokee19.JPG (169895 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee19_small.JPG)
![cherokee20.JPG (157236 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee20_small.JPG)
|
Black
bear with beautiful red & blue design, called Cherokee Sunset
![cherokee32.JPG (164746 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee32_small.JPG)
![cherokee34.JPG (164286 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee34_small.JPG)
![cherokee33.JPG (165982 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee33_small.JPG)
|
Triangle
designs, called "Legendary Sunrise"
![cherokee22.JPG (161830 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee22_small.JPG)
![cherokee24.JPG (161990 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee24_small.JPG)
![cherokee23.JPG (168115 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee23_small.JPG)
|
POW-MIA
theme, with an American Flag, called "Patriot Bear"
![cherokee25.JPG (162061 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee25_small.JPG)
![cherokee26.JPG (166096 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee26_small.JPG)
![cherokee27.JPG (166596 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee27_small.JPG)
|
Black
bear showing many fish species
![cherokee11.JPG (162935 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee11_small.JPG)
Alphabet letters, a floppy hat and pipe
![cherokee21.JPG (166413 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee21_small.JPG)
|
A
wizard wrapped in a snake, and a running wolf
![cherokee29.JPG (163571 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee29_small.JPG)
![cherokee31.JPG (159223 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee31_small.JPG)
|
Cherokee
Youth Center theme, called Children's Mixed Bear"
![cherokee40.JPG (166029 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee40_small.JPG)
![cherokee42.JPG (165186 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee42_small.JPG)
![cherokee41.JPG (167151 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee41_small.JPG)
|
Bear
with magnificent deer and hawk, and dancing warrior, titled
"Forefathers"
![cherokee36.JPG (162989 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee36_small.JPG)
![cherokee38.JPG (158842 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee38_small.JPG)
![cherokee37.JPG (162552 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee37_small.JPG)
|
Another
green bear, called "Bear on the Little Tennessee"
![cherokee47.JPG (157718 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee47_small.JPG)
![cherokee49.JPG (161947 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee49_small.JPG)
![cherokee48.JPG (169152 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee48_small.JPG)
|
Black
bear with orange design on legs
![cherokee43.JPG (166489 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee43_small.JPG)
![cherokee44.JPG (160798 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee44_small.JPG)
|
Green
forest bear
![cherokee45.JPG (164972 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee45_small.JPG)
![cherokee46.JPG (162160 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee46_small.JPG)
|
Bear
with beautiful white/black design and striped legs
![cherokee61.JPG (168697 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee61_small.JPG)
|
A
man just caught a "Golden Trout" from the stream near the
museum, what a beautiful fish! |
![cherokee10.JPG (154057 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee10_small.JPG) |
MUSEUM
OF THE CHEROKEE INDIAN
![cherokee50.jpg (183193 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee50_small.jpg)
Though no photos are allowed, we were approved
to take a few pictures in the gift shop of the beautiful mask groups for
sale |
![cherokee58.JPG (127443 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee58_small.JPG)
|
Two
hornet's nests on display in another museum across the street.
![cherokee59.JPG (150061 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/cherokee59_small.JPG)
|
MAY
2009 |
SEVIERVILLE,
TENNESSEE
A sanity trip to our kind neighbor's
rental
'ALMOST PARADISE'
![09tn49.JPG (166038 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn49_small.JPG)
Mountain Cabin in the Smoky Mountains outside
Sevierville / Pigeon Forge.
http://www.almostparadisemountaincabin.com
Yes! You can rent it, we recommend
it! (3 level log cabin, 2 bed, 2 bath, jet tub, outdoor hot tub,
pool table, foos ball, air hockey, spectacular views, Arts & Crafts
community close by, oodles of good restaurants to choose from, as well as
all the attractions of Sevierville and Pigeon Forge). Need we say
more? How about "free weekend giveaways"? |
We
laughed out loud when we realized this huge log cabin community perched on
the mountainside was OUR lodgings for the weekend. Yes, the locals
hate it, though it brings a lot to the economy of the area.
![09tn4.JPG (163174 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn4_small.JPG)
|
Yes,
this is really the view from the windows and from the balcony of the
Smoky Mountains. How Zen is that? Notice how the fog begins to
gather in the evening, then burn off as the morning wears on...
![09tn57.JPG (117737 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn57_small.JPG)
![09tn63.JPG (116392 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn63_small.JPG)
A real castle WAY in the distance on a
mountainside
![09tn55.JPG (123952 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn55_small.JPG)
|
Other
views of the mountain cabin & neighbors
![09tn51.JPG (162418 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn51_small.JPG) |
Outdoor
hot tub & rocking chairs on the deck
![09tn12.JPG (137377 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn12_small.JPG)
![09tn18.JPG (156703 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn18_small.JPG)
|
Lower
floor game room
![09tn17.JPG (136396 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn17_small.JPG)
![09tn37.JPG (147996 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn37_small.JPG)
|
Upper
floor, pool table, TV, DVD etc. which overlooks the main floor
![09tn39.JPG (138962 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn39_small.JPG)
![09tn40.JPG (136590 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn40_small.JPG)
|
Overlooking
the main floor from the pool room balcony
![09tn41.JPG (154852 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn41_small.JPG)
![09tn42.JPG (153488 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn42_small.JPG)
![09tn43.JPG (153480 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn43_small.JPG)
|
Main
floor - living room & dining room
![09tn44.JPG (133499 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn44_small.JPG)
![09tn45.JPG (143987 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn45_small.JPG)
|
Kitchen
and view towards entry door, stairs up, and stairs down
![09tn46.JPG (149698 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn46_small.JPG)
![09tn47.JPG (138483 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn47_small.JPG)
|
Main
floor bedroom
![09tn48.JPG (151634 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn48_small.JPG)
|
Lower
floor, Master bedroom
![09tn36.JPG (152703 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn36_small.JPG)
|
Okay,
so Glenn put too much soap in the jet tub! What a hoot!
This is the lower floor's Master Bathroom
![09tn34.JPG (127720 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn34_small.JPG)
|
SEVIERVILLE,
and PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee |
Beautiful
myrtle bush at a local restaurant
![09tn6.JPG (142857 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn6_small.JPG)
|
A
superb large meal at the Alamo Steak House restaurant in Sevierville
![09tn54.JPG (126978 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn54_small.JPG)
![09tn7.JPG (153312 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn7_small.JPG)
|
Sevier
County Courthouse downtown, a beautiful gold capped (Seth Thomas) clock
tower (1895)
![09tn19.JPG (148708 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn19_small.JPG)
![09tn24.JPG (161155 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn24_small.JPG)
|
Isaac
Dockery (1832-1910), brick mason, responsible for the beautiful brick work
around town including the courthouse
![09tn20.JPG (161895 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn20_small.JPG)
|
The
Army War Memorial, eagle statue atop
![09tn25.JPG (159704 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn25_small.JPG)
![09tn26.JPG (162222 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn26_small.JPG)
|
Bronze
statue of Dolly Parton
![09tn23.JPG (165484 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn23_small.JPG)
|
Wonderworks
amazing Upside down building, Pigeon Forge TN
![09tn33.JPG (157979 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn33_small.JPG)
![09tn28.JPG (163305 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn28_small.JPG)
![09tn30.JPG (145210 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09tn30_small.JPG) |
APRIL
2009
SWIM with the MANATEES
Crystal River, FL
|
In
Crystal River at the City Hall, we found a painted manatee out front and
on the building
![09fl56.JPG (170656 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl56_small.JPG)
|
Glenn and I decided to go "outside the
box" and swim with the manatees. I (Heidi) have never put on a
wetsuit or used a snorkel. Really. We chose the American Pro
Diving Center
![09fl1.JPG (156452 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl1_small.JPG)
They are a professional service with well
trained divers and instructors. We saw an instructional video,
plenty of stern talk about being near an endangered animal and what is and
is not acceptable behavior on our part. We appreciated the honesty
and it made us very careful and respectful.
We had waterproof cameras, but were juggling
so much equipment (wet suit, prescription goggles, snorkel, flippers,
laying on a life jacket) plus getting to where the manatees were and
staying with them, that our photos were poor. Fortunately, our guide
took extensive video of us and the manatees which was sold as a DVD when
we returned to the shop. I therefore took photos of the DVD for the
underwater shots below. |
A
fishing boat full of pelicans hitching a ride
![09fl44.JPG (125052 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl44_small.JPG) |
An
adult manatee visible in the shallow water of a cove
Our
pontoon motored through the main canal and a few coves before the guide
found a mother and young manatee feeding in about 3 feet of water that
were docile and not moving fast.
![09fl10.JPG (147698 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl10_small.JPG)
Here we are touching & photographing the
manatee but not interfering with its feeding
![09fl11.JPG (152405 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl11_small.JPG)
|
Looking
toward the pontoon
![09fl4.JPG (140347 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl4_small.JPG)
|
Taking
a breather above the surface
![09fl14.JPG (144644 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl14_small.JPG)
|
Heidi's
keeping an eye out for more manatees from the back of the boat
![09fl34.JPG (119357 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl34_small.JPG)
|
We
came quite close to a small island full of nesting cormorants (hooked
beaks) and/or anhinga birds (straight beaks)
![09fl70.JPG (152027 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl70_small.JPG)
![09fl37.JPG (130442 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl37_small.JPG)
![09fl69.JPG (157950 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl69_small.JPG)
|
A
female manatee with tracking device attached, sleeping but coming up every
few minutes to breathe
![09fl39.JPG (122185 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl39_small.JPG)
|
Heidi
swimming out with the others to see this female manatee
![09fl40.JPG (125193 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl40_small.JPG)
![09fl41.JPG (125000 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl41_small.JPG)
![09fl42.JPG (125468 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl42_small.JPG)
|
On
board again, having hot chocolate on the way back, another nice touch,
thanks to the dive service
![09fl72.JPG (128811 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl72_small.JPG)
|
That's
my Glenn!
![09fl75.JPG (142129 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl75_small.JPG)
![09fl74.JPG (138019 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl74_small.JPG)
|
The
whole group except the guide who is taking the photo
![09fl17.JPG (148159 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl17_small.JPG)
|
Idle
speed in manatee zone
![09fl18.JPG (157215 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl18_small.JPG)
|
|
|
APRIL
2009
FLORIDA WILDLIFE viewing by BOAT
In Crystal River, our sightseeing
boat motored up a river to the mouth of the Gulf. |
A
crab fisherman with lots of pelicans following to get whatever they can
![09fl58.JPG (146617 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl58_small.JPG)
![09fl23.JPG (129253 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl23_small.JPG)
![09fl60.JPG (149711 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl60_small.JPG)
|
Heidi,
enjoying the view
![09fl24.JPG (123207 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl24_small.JPG)
![09fl25.JPG (115469 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl25_small.JPG)
![09fl31.JPG (120402 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl31_small.JPG)
|
A
bald eagle and nest high in a tree
![09fl27.JPG (128258 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl27_small.JPG)
![09fl28.JPG (136592 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl28_small.JPG)
![09fl29.JPG (105528 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl29_small.JPG)
|
Anhinga
bird ![09fl30.JPG (119037 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl30_small.JPG) |
A
PARASITE WOOD DEALER
at the roadside, Hwy 19, exceptionally large
pieces for sale |
Three
manatees, still in the crate
![09fl62.JPG (134459 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl62_small.JPG)
|
Large
octopus
![09fl64.JPG (170613 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl64_small.JPG)
![09fl66.JPG (156445 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl66_small.JPG)
|
Manta
ray
![09fl67.JPG (147840 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl67_small.JPG)
|
SHELL
SHOP
(near Gulf Hammock or Otter Creek, FL)
Extensive number of shells, and hanging shark
and other marine critters displays for sale |
Manatee
display
![09fl76.JPG (142038 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl76_small.JPG)
|
Great
white Shark
![09fl77.JPG (137502 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl77_small.JPG)
|
Fish
carved from driftwood
![09fl78.JPG (144666 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl78_small.JPG)
|
Hammerhead
shark
![09fl79.JPG (156370 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl79_small.JPG)
|
Another
hammerhead shark
![09fl80.JPG (131837 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl80_small.JPG)
|
Another
great white shark
![09fl81.JPG (132593 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl81_small.JPG)
|
A
cute rusty alligator
![09fl87.JPG (172867 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl87_small.JPG)
|
|
Synthetic
LARGE shells on display
![09fl85.JPG (160388 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09fl85_small.JPG)
|
FEBRUARY
2-15, 2009
WESTERN TRIP
El Paso TX, Deming NM, Tucson & Phoenix
AZ, California |
TUCSON,
Arizona gem shows |
LARGEST
AMETHYST GEODE
The "egg" is probably the most
perfectly formed natural amethyst geode of its size ever found, formed in
Uruguay and formed by a bubble of gas trapped in volcanic lava 130 million
years ago. Fine calcite crystals are also within the amethyst.
Weight: 4.3 tons. Auctioned off that night.
![09tuc4.JPG (160732 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09tuc4_small.JPG)
Another huge amethyst geode inside at
the J.O.G.S. gem show
![09tuc6.JPG (142181 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09tuc6_small.JPG)
Other crystal and citrine geodes at the Day's
Inn gem show:
A terrific bug suitcase at another show in
Tucson:
![09tuc10.JPG (157380 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09tuc10_small.JPG)
|
Rooster
Cogburn OSTRICH RANCH
Picacho Peak, Arizona www.roostercogburn.com |
Though
we did not go on the tour, we enjoyed the store, and stocked up on ostrich
feather dusters and added a small one to use on computer keyboards.
Perfect! Here is their contact info. They also sell empty and
full ostrich eggs and other products. An ostrich feather duster is
the only duster in the world that actually picks up dust.
![09ostr3.JPG (144785 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09ostr3_small.JPG)
|
ARIZONA
NUT FARM
Half a mile from the ostrich farm is a GREAT
nut store |
Out
front is a blooming cactus, beautiful barrel cactus and a handkerchief
decorated cactus Cowboy that reminds us of an antenna decoration we had
that we called Jorge:
![09nut3.JPG (154721 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09nut3_small.JPG)
|
WUERTZ
FARM
GOURD
FEST, February 6-8, 2009
PINAL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS,
Casa Grande, Arizona |
BABY
Sicilian Burro
At
the Wuertz farm where the gourds are grown, we saw a baby burro and
couldn't resist petting it before heading down to the show at the
Fairgrounds, especially
since Glenn used to raise this Sicilian breed and has a special place in
his heart for them:
![09bur5.JPG (152836 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09bur5_small.JPG)
|
GOURD
FESTIVAL |
![09west41.JPG (129078 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west41_small.JPG)
![09west38.JPG (117367 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west38_small.JPG)
(Heidi is famous for closing her eyes at
the wrong time, this just shows a beautiful array of gourds at the show) |
Buffalo |
Iguana |
Gorilla |
![09west4.JPG (145788 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west4_small.JPG)
Tiger & cubs |
Bald eagle |
Zebra, in the distance you see a Lion |
Rope design like a necklace over an open area |
cut out pattern like dead cactus |
![09west12.JPG (130922 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west12_small.JPG)
Native American style IGUANA, dot pattern |
![09west13.JPG (151826 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west13_small.JPG)
Beautiful MASKS with feathers |
![09west33.JPG (113663 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west33_small.JPG)
Two shots of this MASK |
Blue collar design with an edging of gemstone
chips |
Aboriginal SNAKE |
An exceptional JELLYFISH, two views |
A gourd race called The Running of the
Gourds! You can guess how this is done |
A crazy moving gourd man seems to pull this
carriage, what a hoot |
![09west18.JPG (139259 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west18_small.JPG)
This one is pulled by a real gourd MAN, note
the fringe of gourds too |
Not a gourd but a beautiful burl wood bowl |
OSTRICHES, made of gourds |
Seal |
Native American colorful design, with
long pine needle edging like a necklace |
Gorgeous red gourd with the long pine needle
edging |
Gourd with long pine needles and a deer horn |
A White buffalo gourd on a turntable, enjoy
all the views |
Colorful watercolor gourd |
One of my favorites, a Picasso geometric
designed gourd |
![09west31.JPG (146415 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west31_small.JPG)
A cowboy boot bird house, above the Jumbo
Smoked Turkey Legs Booth |
WYATT
EARP, California Post Office/Cemetery
On the border of Arizona & California, in
California
![09west43.JPG (159120 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west43_small.JPG)
Wyatt Earp fled Arizona to avoid prosecution,
and retired to the nearby Whipple Mountains. This little community,
formerly called Drennan, was renamed in 1930 in his honor. He is
buried in Colma, California, but there are honorary cemetery markers for
him and his gang here |
Post office, renamed for Wyatt Earp |
Water tower |
The
honorary cemetery markers.
|
Close
up of the cemetery markers
RIP, Wyatt Earp, a Legend in his own
Time;
Mute Moe - he was silent but deadly; and
One-eyed Jake, got his eye poked out with a
cue when caught cheating at pool
![09west59.JPG (133128 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west59_small.JPG)
|
BLUE WATER RESORT & CASINO
Casino / Indoor Water Park
Parker, Arizona (close to Wyatt Earp CA) |
A great railroad bridge on the way into
Parker, Arizona |
Blue
Water Resort & Casino (Parker, AZ)
A spectacular atrium with 4 pools at 4 levels,
a spa, and 15 waterfalls as an indoor water park, overlooking the Colorado
River and marina and much more. All 200 rooms overlook the
river. Wonderful place.
![09west52.JPG (148828 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west52_small.JPG)
![09west55.JPG (154406 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west55_small.JPG)
![09west63.JPG (129204 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west63_small.JPG)
And a local species of bird feeding near the
edge of the river:
![09west65.JPG (127793 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west65_small.JPG)
|
K-MILLION
GIFT STORE
SEARCHLIGHT, NEVADA |
We
missed seeing our wholesale customer Maria when we stopped to visit.
Great mural, lots of terrific stuff!
![09west65b.JPG (121064 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west65b_small.JPG)
|
SOLAR
FARM near
Boulder City, Nevada |
This
is a Nevada solar project, really huge.
Sempra Generation said the project, called
Copper Mountain, will be built adjacent to Sempra's existing 10-megawatt
El Dorado solar farm near Boulder City, Nevada
![09west65c.JPG (129660 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west65c_small.JPG)
|
NEW
HOOVER DAM BRIDGE
Will run parallel to the Hoover Dam, and no
traffic will be allowed over the bridge once it's done. Views are
first of incredibly blue Lake Mead, going from Nevada over to the Arizona
side, then back over to Nevada. A massive operation, we have eagerly
watched its development since we left Vegas in 2002 and came back once
before this (see other Latest Travels pages for earlier views)
Creeping
closer inch by inch 900ft above the mighty Colorado River the two
sides of a $160 million bridge at the Hoover Dam in America slowly take
shape.
The bridge will carry a new section of US Route 93 past the bottleneck of
the old road which can be seen twisting and winding around and across
the dam itself. When complete, it will provide a new link
between the states of Nevada and Arizona . In an
incredible feat of engineering, the road will be supported on the two
massive concrete arches which jut out of the rock face.
The arches are made up of 53 individual sections each 24ft long
which have been cast on-site and are being lifted into place using an
improvised high-wire crane strung between temporary steel pylons.
The
arches will eventually measure more than 1,000ft across. At the
moment, the structure looks like a traditional suspension bridge. But once
the arches are complete, the suspending cables on each side will be
removed.
Extra
vertical columns will then be installed on the arches to carry the road.
The bridge has become known as the Hoover Dam bypass, although it is
officially called the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge,
after a former governor of Nevada and an American Football player
from Arizona who joined the US Army and was killed in Afghanistan.
Work on the bridge started in 2005 and should finish next year. An
estimated 17,000 cars and trucks will cross it every day.
The dam was started in 1931 and used enough concrete to build a road from New
York to San Francisco . The stretch of water it created, Lake
Mead, is 110 miles long and took six years to fill. The original road
was opened at the same time as the famous dam in 1936. |
![09west73.JPG (159845 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west73_small.JPG)
=================
This one photo is a June 11, 2009 update,
thanks to our friend Doug in Boulder City; 2nd overview photo from the
Bridge website:
![hoover-bridge2.jpg (122864 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/hoover-bridge2_small.jpg)
===============
![09west65e.JPG (127634 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west65e_small.JPG)
Heidi, on the Arizona side
![09west65g.JPG (129681 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west65g_small.JPG)
![09west79.JPG (141358 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west79_small.JPG)
![09west81.JPG (151755 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west81_small.JPG)
Heading back to the Nevada side, always a
different view:
![09west83.JPG (164160 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west83_small.JPG)
November
21, 2009 UPDATE
THE WIDER VIEW
Taking shape, the new bridge at the
Hoover Dam
Creeping closer inch by inch, 900 feet above the mighty Colorado River,
the two side of a
$160 million bridge at the Hoover Dam slowly takes shape.
The bridge will carry a new section of US Route 93 past the bottleneck of
the old road which can
be twisting and winding around and across the dam itself..
When complete, it will provide a new link between the states of Nevada and
Arizona .
In an incredible feat of engineering, the road will be supported on the
two massive concrete
arches which jut out of the rock face.
The arches
are made up of 53 individual sections each 24 feet long which have been
cast on-site
and are being lifted into place using an improvised high-wire crane strung
between temporary steel pylons. The photography below is amazing.
The arches will eventually measure more than
1,000 feet across. At the moment, the structure looks like a traditional
suspension bridge. But once the arches are complete, the suspending cables
on each side
will be removed. Extra vertical columns will then be installed on the arches to
carry the road.
The bridge has become known as the
Hoover Dam bypass, although it is officially called the Mike
O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, after a former governor of Nevada
and an American Football
player from Arizona who joined the US Army and was killed in Afghanistan.
Work on the bridge started in 2005
and should finish next year. An estimated 17,000 cars and trucks will
cross it every day.
The dam was started in 1931 and used
enough concrete to build a road from New York to San Francisco .
The stretch of water it created, Lake Mead , is 110 miles long and took
six years to fill.
The original road was opened at the same time as the famous dam in
1936.
An extra note: The top of the
white band of rock in Lake Mead is the old
waterline prior to the drought and
development in the Las Vegas area. It is over 100 feet above the
current water level |
(June
11, 2009) BIG HORN SHEEP, BOULDER CITY NV
photo credits to our friend Doug in Boulder
City
You can see how they graze right next to the
tennis courts in Hemingway Park, on the other side is a picturesque view
of Lake Mead and the mountains leading to the Hoover Dam
I have posted the photos here for continuity
in theme, though they were taken a month after our trip |
![sheep-bc-5.jpg (83182 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/sheep-bc-5_small.jpg) |
A
night Vegas drive down the Strip is always a beautiful sight. The
Stratosphere, Paris, Bellagio, Camelot, and the famous Vegas sign |
![09west65j.JPG (119445 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west65j_small.JPG)
![09west65m.JPG (126913 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west65m_small.JPG)
|
ALIEN
FRESH JERKY STORE
Baker, California |
Link below to see the tour of the WHOLE STORE
Virtual
Tour Alien Fresh Jerky Store
|
MAD
GREEK RESTAURANT
![09west154.JPG (165526 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west154_small.JPG)
A wonderfully colorful place, saturated with
Greek Pride. Lists of Famous Greek People, distances of cities from
Greece. A welcome change from the desert scenery. Just a
block from the Alien Fresh Jerky store. Good strong Greek coffee
too!
between Barstow and Primm on the I-15 Freeway |
![09west151.JPG (154716 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west151_small.JPG)
![09west153.JPG (154152 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west153_small.JPG)
|
BAKER,
CALIFORNIA
WORLD'S LARGEST THERMOMETER |
![09west119.JPG (128435 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west119_small.JPG) How hot does it get in
Baker,
California?
Hot enough to MELT GLASS. This is in the Alien
Fresh Jerky Store
![09west125.JPG (145696 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west125_small.JPG)
|
Ever
see a road named Zzyzx Road? You will just west of Baker, California
![09west142.JPG (147405 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west142_small.JPG)
|
PEGGY
SUE'S 50'S DINER and
5 & Dime Store, and Diner-Saur Park
I-15 Freeway and Ghost Town Road
Yermo, California
www.peggysuesdiner.com
![09west157.JPG (147614 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west157_small.JPG)
Another refreshing stop at a new Dinosaur Park
added to the 50's Diner. The Gift Shop at the 50's Diner is
certainly worth the stop too. |
Welcome
to Peggy Sue's Paradise Park
![09west172.JPG (129717 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west172_small.JPG)
Plenty of huge dinosaurs to enjoy, even a
giant tortoise. The edging of the path are round stones that
resemble dinosaur eggs. A kid's wonderland.
![09west162.JPG (160446 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west162_small.JPG)
![09west167.JPG (165356 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west167_small.JPG)
|
This
poor fellow doesn't stand a chance against the Stegosaurus below him
![09west169.JPG (152385 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west169_small.JPG)
|
The
cute Diner-Saur Store
![09west163.JPG (141611 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west163_small.JPG)
|
Even
King Kong!
![09west170.JPG (151793 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west170_small.JPG)
![09west165.JPG (155916 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west165_small.JPG)
|
LINK
to
Virtual Tour
Page Museum La Brea Tar Pit,
Los Angeles California
February '09
Fossils Page 12 |
SEAL
BEACH & HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA
Here we are!
h
![09west429.JPG (118580 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west429_small.JPG)
|
A
plaque in commemoration of all the Military Veterans of the
USA.
![09west427.JPG (116128 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west427_small.JPG)
|
Surfers
having fun, the Los Angeles skyline
|
Seagulls,
and ladies on a bench feeding the birds
![09west270.JPG (167724 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west270_small.JPG)
|
Cargo
s
![09west425.JPG (114052 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west425_small.JPG)
|
The
Los Angeles skyline, and people walking on a breakwater, and a lighthouse
on the point
![09west421.JPG (123469 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west421_small.JPG)
![09west434.JPG (128919 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west434_small.JPG)
![09west424.JPG (106081 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west424_small.JPG)
|
The
brass seal sculpture at the beginning of the pier
![09west274.JPG (135035 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west274_small.JPG)
|
"touching
toes to the surf" to make the Pacific Coast trip official
![09west276.JPG (146354 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west276_small.JPG)
|
The
oil platform near the horizon
![09west277.JPG (145477 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west277_small.JPG)
|
In
Huntington Beach (along PC 1 Highway), it is not unusual to see the
oil rigs right next to the road and next to homes or hotels
![09west278.JPG (151244 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west278_small.JPG)
Look closely above the blue car next to this
hotel, there is an oil rig there, the close-up photo is beside it:
![09west280.JPG (162891 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west280_small.JPG)
A
block away from the hotel, note the oil rig in the back yard of the gas
station:
![09west432.JPG (128252 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west432_small.JPG)
|
Vintage
cars on the residential streets of Huntington Beach
![09west433.JPG (119777 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west433_small.JPG) |
WIND
FARM, INDIO, California |
We always look forward to seeing the wind farm, it is a destination view
in itself, there are just so MANY:
![09west440.JPG (124748 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west440_small.JPG)
|
DESERT
BOTANICAL GARDEN
with DALE CHIHULY GLASS SCULPTURE
EXHIBIT
Phoenix, Arizona
(February 2009)
Although the cactus growths viewed from the
winding paths of the Botanical Garden are an amazing attraction in
themselves, the addition of Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures add another
whole dimension that was breathtaking |
I
will group the Dale Chihuly glass sculptures together here, though they
were tastefully mixed with the cacti and flowers along the paths
Names of the glass are my own |
Lime
green glass "cacti"
![09west283.JPG (150089 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west283_small.JPG)
![09west284.JPG (149281 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west284_small.JPG)
|
My
favorite Dale Chihuly "Mardi Gras glass" piece
![09west287.JPG (81898 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west287_small.JPG)
![09west288.JPG (91242 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west288_small.JPG)
|
Christmas
in the desert!
![09west290.JPG (154067 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west290_small.JPG)
|
Blue
stalks of glass
Orange bulbs
![09west445.JPG (123114 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west445_small.JPG)
|
A
huge blue globe/sphere was a great central piece
![09west294.JPG (171729 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west294_small.JPG)
![09west296.JPG (168206 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west296_small.JPG)
![09west297.JPG (161298 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west297_small.JPG)
|
A
towering twizzler of yellow glass that had bulbs to be lit up at night,
I'm sure it would be awesome
![09west298.JPG (148868 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west298_small.JPG)
![09west299.JPG (138317 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west299_small.JPG)
|
Curl
top green stalks, a huge tree as a backdrop
![09west304.JPG (155941 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west304_small.JPG)
|
Graceful orange stalks of glass
![09west313.JPG (173963 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west313_small.JPG)
![09west397.JPG (161920 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west397_small.JPG)
|
Intricate stone work in a terraced area
![09west310.JPG (172580 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west310_small.JPG)
![09west311.JPG (169537 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west311_small.JPG)
|
Lavender
stalks amongst the Saguaro, near the Quonset shaded area
![09west335.JPG (170983 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west335_small.JPG)
![09west337.JPG (153933 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west337_small.JPG)
|
Metallic
green textured cones resemble alien cactus
![09west330.JPG (172045 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west330_small.JPG)
![09west341.JPG (168258 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west341_small.JPG)
![09west342.JPG (155788 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west342_small.JPG)
|
Beluga
glass
Octopus
glass
![09west340.JPG (165275 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west340_small.JPG)
|
Fluted
blue glass shafts
![09west364.JPG (174095 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west364_small.JPG)
![09west334.JPG (158033 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west334_small.JPG)
|
Tall
clear droplets of glass
![09west329.JPG (165436 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west329_small.JPG)
|
Orange
"party balloon" glass
![09west345.JPG (143737 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west345_small.JPG)
|
Glass
"chandeliers"
![09west353.JPG (164014 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west353_small.JPG)
![09west354.JPG (156113 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west354_small.JPG)
|
Another
"chandelier" of orange textured glass
![09west348.JPG (159440 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west348_small.JPG)
|
Glass like a giant cluster of grapes
![09west352.JPG (160093 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west352_small.JPG)
![09west365.JPG (156403 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west365_small.JPG)
|
Huge
blue chandelier called "The Nature of Glass", is 13 feet long
![09west359.JPG (152917 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west359_small.JPG)
|
Red
stalks of glass
![09west387.JPG (158328 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west387_small.JPG)
|
A
weathered rowboat with blue & purple glass, what a beautiful
arrangement
![09west384.JPG (164600 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west384_small.JPG)
|
A
wow display of glass bowls in the sunlight of a lovely Ottosen Gallery
within the Botanical Gardens
![09west405.JPG (155400 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west405_small.JPG)
![09west409.JPG (155213 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west409_small.JPG)
![09west446.JPG (120076 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west446_small.JPG)
|
CACTUS
Not all identified, names are my own
descriptions unless shown |
February
and extra rainfall brought out the best in the blossoming cactus
![09west289.JPG (85487 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west289_small.JPG)
|
Assorted
cacti
![09west300.JPG (170819 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west300_small.JPG)
![09west316.JPG (159149 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west316_small.JPG)
![09west318.JPG (175538 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west318_small.JPG)
|
Cactus
fingers
![09west319.JPG (175816 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west319_small.JPG)
They're getting away!
![09west328.JPG (176545 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west328_small.JPG)
|
"Star
brain"
![09west320.JPG (182104 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west320_small.JPG)
Balls
![09west321.JPG (183449 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west321_small.JPG)
|
You
can imagine faces and animal profiles in many of the bumps of this amazing
cactus
![09west324.JPG (145263 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west324_small.JPG)
![09west325.JPG (134238 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west325_small.JPG)
|
Ouch
![09west326.JPG (160218 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west326_small.JPG)
![09west327.JPG (167545 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west327_small.JPG)
|
A
quonset shaded area, beautiful
![09west331.JPG (141061 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west331_small.JPG)
|
Cute
roundies but prickly
![09west333.JPG (177887 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west333_small.JPG)
|
Prickly
pear cactus
![09west339.JPG (164627 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west339_small.JPG)
|
HUGE
magnificent Cactus with an unusual shape
![09west443.JPG (121296 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west443_small.JPG)
|
Mountain
Aloe (Aloe Marloth, Botswana & Mozambique, South Africa
![09west346.JPG (158356 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west346_small.JPG)
|
Green
tree
![09west350.JPG (161045 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west350_small.JPG)
|
Deuterocohnia
brevifolia (from NW Argentina & Bolivia)
![09west356.JPG (177470 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west356_small.JPG)
|
Species
of aloe vera
![09west363.JPG (175769 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west363_small.JPG)
![09west368.JPG (156623 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west368_small.JPG)
|
Aloe
distans, Western South Africa
![09west366.JPG (179118 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west366_small.JPG)
|
Interesting
prickly stalk of cactus with leaves on top
![09west367.JPG (154452 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west367_small.JPG)
|
"Butter
bean" cactus (my nickname for it)
![09west369.JPG (161326 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west369_small.JPG)
![09west370.JPG (157585 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west370_small.JPG)
|
Attractive
rose-shaped succulent
![09west371.JPG (168391 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west371_small.JPG)
|
Chocolate
wafer cactus? Something for everybody!
![09west372.JPG (170474 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west372_small.JPG)
|
Tree
with succulent leaves
![09west373.JPG (157824 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west373_small.JPG)
|
A
TALL TREE
Boojum Tree (Fouquieria columnaris), Ocotillo
Family, from Baja CA and N. Mexico
![09west376.JPG (158347 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west376_small.JPG)
|
Heart
shaped flat cactus
![09west385.JPG (152662 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west385_small.JPG)
|
Barrel
cactus
![09west388.JPG (176133 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west388_small.JPG)
|
Mammilaria
compressa (Central Mexico) they look like they have cake frosting on them
![09west389.JPG (176493 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west389_small.JPG)
|
Mammillaria
geminispina "Cristata", Central Mexico, I call it "Ball of
Snakes"
![09west390.JPG (181949 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west390_small.JPG)
|
Mammillaria
mystax (Central Mexico)
|
Adorable
but still prickly
![09west392.JPG (177311 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west392_small.JPG)
|
The
snakes are out! The snakes are out!
![09west393.JPG (165743 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west393_small.JPG)
![09west394.JPG (181238 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west394_small.JPG)
|
A
large willow-like tree. Ironwood (Acacia estrophiolata), Mimosa
family (Mimosaceae), Australia
![09west400.JPG (158314 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west400_small.JPG)
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Queen
Victoria's Agave (Agave victoria-reginae), Century-plant Family (agavaceae),
North central Mexico
![09west401.JPG (170271 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west401_small.JPG)
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Right
in the parking lot was a green skinned tree that was enjoyable too
![09west414.JPG (172105 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west414_small.JPG)
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FLOWERS
Not all identified |
Pink
blossoms
![09west291.JPG (145518 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west291_small.JPG)
![09west301.JPG (140579 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west301_small.JPG)
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Baja
Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica), Sonoran Desert
![09west302.JPG (149018 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west302_small.JPG)
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Orange
colored blossom
![09west303.JPG (154936 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west303_small.JPG)
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Purple
blossoms
![09west317.JPG (136017 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west317_small.JPG)
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Succulent
rose colored bloom
![09west322.JPG (154786 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west322_small.JPG)
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Yellow
Cactus flowers
![09west349.JPG (147960 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west349_small.JPG)
![09west351.JPG (153578 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west351_small.JPG)
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Yellow
blossoms ready to bloom
![09west358.JPG (148094 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west358_small.JPG)
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Orange
flowers on succulent
![09west360.JPG (163875 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west360_small.JPG)
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Beautiful
orange blooms on a species of aloe vera
![09west361.JPG (157290 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west361_small.JPG)
![09west362.JPG (171387 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west362_small.JPG)
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Red/yellow
blooms atop this cactus
![09west377.JPG (154899 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west377_small.JPG)
![09west378.JPG (156507 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west378_small.JPG)
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Happy
face flowers
![09west379.JPG (167927 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west379_small.JPG)
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Lavender
Irises
![09west380.JPG (159232 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west380_small.JPG)
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Yellow
cactus blossoms
![09west398.JPG (159021 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west398_small.JPG)
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These would make good cactus flower jelly!
![09west395.JPG (151759 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west395_small.JPG)
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A
riot of yellow blooms
![09west399.JPG (179244 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west399_small.JPG)
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FACE
PAINTER
One regret, we found her as she was just
completing her last work. A wonderfully flamboyant costume (shown
front & back) made her a Wow spot in the gardens that delighted the
children |
![09west305.JPG (147388 bytes)](Photos%202-Latest%20Travels/09west305_small.JPG)
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To
complete the "coast to coast" trip, here we are back at Myrtle
Beach SC touching the Atlantic Ocean, home once again after touching toes
to the Pacific Ocean just a few days before |
![09west416.JPG (149577 bytes)](Photos3-Latest%20Travels/09west416_small.JPG) |
Not
all who wander are LOST
(J R R Tolkien) |
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