Trees in Bloom, Northern California

The trees are in bloom all over Northern California. The whites, reds and pinks give the land a hand-painted quality.  It is very pretty. Those of us with allergies have to take the pain with the pretty. In the photo above, taken from Highway I5 near Williams California you see a shadow just above the tops of the trees before you see the clouds. Those shadows are the foothills and the soaring Sierra Nevada Mountains. Obviously named by the Spanish explorers after their own mountains.

Stained Glass: Church in Feldkirsch, Austria

      As a glass artist, I enjoy seeing glass in all forms. From ancient Egyptian bowls in the British Museum to the relatively new in the Cathedral in Barcelona there is wonderful work. Some very surprising artistry can be found in the smaller cities. This photo of of a window above the door in a small church in Austria. Very different.

Cape Buffalo

     No need to trim the grass on this island in the Chobe River (Botswana) as the Cape Buffalo do nice work. I note that this was taken with a long lens from a small boat in the river as these animals rank as one of the top five killers of humans in Africa. There was no reason to doubt it. Photo by Mike McLellan

Going to another country does not have to be expensive

     We live near San Francisco and it is a fairly expensive trip to Europe. We still go every year. But, what if you want to explore another country at on a smaller budget? One great place is Alberta, Canada. A flight from San Francisco via Seattle to Calgary is about $500 (RT) on Alaska Airlines. A rental car is about $35 day. Leaving Calgary and stopping in Banff  or actually cheaper to stay in Canmore, take the road to Jasper. You will see lakes like that above. (You can stop at Lake Louise and have lunch, but staying there is expensive, except in the hostel.) On the return trip stay in Calgary as it is a a nice city. With food this trip is not prohibitive. The USD is strong. The only big expense is alcohol as it is heavily taxed in Canada. You may catch the bug to visit other countries, so start saving now.

The Eiffel Tower

     It is the most visited and iconic man-made attraction in the world. Over a hundred years old, it was designed to be taken down a few years after being erected, but too many people - French and non-French - wanted it to remain. I have found it comparable to the Grand Canyon and the Empirestate  Building. It is more interesting and iconic from a distance. The closer you get the less you see of it. It is huge and dominates the skyline, but it -especially at night- is better seen from a few blocks away. 

     We are preparing for another trip to Europe and, as we are staying along the Seine near the tower, we will likely go up. (In fact I am buying tickets when they become available 90 days out.) But, I would rather get a picnic and and sit on the grass and look at it from a block or two away. The newest member of our traveling team will certainly want to go to the top. It is important to say you did. For me, on the other hand, I am the type who would rather go to a Swiss Beer hall and see the Matterhorn from he bottom.

Waiting for the Train, CDG

Paris' main airport has a rail station as part of it. You not only can take the train

into the city, you can take it to many places outside the city.

The train system also connects with other systems to take you

just about anywhere you wish to go in Europe. People are waiting for a train coming i

through the dark area to the left center of this photo.

European Trains

     This is a photo of my grandson and me on a train from CDG Paris to Brussels, Belgium. The European trains run on time, have First Class with food and beverage service, and are comfortable. We have taken trains in Scotland, England, France, Belgium and The Netherlands and found them to be a great way to travel. The only downside for us is that the porters are gone and you need to handle your own luggage. Always take a strong young man with you to help with it. Photo by Marietta McLellan