The Altamont

When people think about the mountains of California they recall photos of the Showcaped Sierra Nevadas that rise to the East of the great  central valley. There are actually a number of smaller mountain ranges that can be found in the state.

The Coast Range lies to the East of the valley. One of the major roads from the valley to the Bay Area the is the Altamont Pass. It rarely snows there and is green only a short time in the Spring. This photo is from the top of the Altamontl looking North showing the Patterson Pass Road and Highway 205.

 

Madrid on your own

Spain is a much visited  country by Americans. Much of America was discovered or colonized by Spain. In California you can visit many cities with a Spanish name. Most people make sure to visit Barcelona, then Granada with the Alhamba. We rented a car and drove around the country. We like visiting in small communities.

You will wish to visit Madrid  major urban center with lots to do.

There is much to see.

We, however, enjoy neighborhood walks.

Undirected we happened on this lovely park a few blocks from our hotel.

Steeples large and small

    Along the Danube every town or city has a spire of a church or two. For generations the church has been central to the lives of community, While some churches are seldom used, they are there reminding them of the faith. Generally they are worth a visit because they are beautiful. As religion pays my bills, I go to church on vacations. Sometimes it is for services and other times for concerts or programs. One is taken by the money invested in the churches even if the population is poor.

 

The Olympics are over: The Dolomites

    The Olympics in Cortina are over. The Dolomites still stand. I hope some of you  will make that destination someday. It is a wonderful trip. These mountains are magic and the people welcoming. The top photo was was taken from a stop of the tram at La Villa Italy and the bottom was taken looking down the valley.

 

The Chain Bridge Budapest

The Chain Bridge as seen from a ship on the Pest side of the Danube.

Famous and used as a landmark.

Sorry about the break in posting. In hospital again.

 

Flying into JFK late evening

    Usually I do everything I can to fly non-stop. I have had less than wonderful experiences in Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta. But sometimes you have to stop over. In the case above, we were flying to Prague and stopping by my sister's home in Connecticut for a long visit. We often fly over their house (from San Francisco) and wanted to see them. JFK had a nice lounge for us on the way out. The car rental was easy using the tram. I must say that our usual off-site hotel was shabby, but we were only there 10 hours. The airport itself is better than I expected. The light show from the plane around 10 pm was excellent.

 

Fortifications Along The Danube

Traveling the Danube by five capitols there are fortifications which speak of a time when things were rough and tumble. That is not to say that recent history is not also filled with violence along the river. (And, inland too.)

It was a beautiful Fall day as I stood at the bow of a longboat and took these photos. I wonderful sight on a wonderful trip.