I last wrote that in Salamanca I had rented, for 2 weeks, a 2-bedroom completely refurbished apartment inside a 16th century Renaissance building by the Plaza Mayor and Market; I was looking for the first week to see numerous “Pasos” (floats), where the devout “cofradias” (brotherhoods) solemnly parade through the narrow streets and alleys, day … Click to View Photos & Read More →
I took a local bus from Sanlucar on the Atlantic to Jerez, the town which originated and gave its name to the fortified wine known as sherry. It is a pretty town with a wonderful cathedral and Alcazar (fort). I last spent some time at one of the tabancos (sherry houses) with the owner who … Click to View Photos & Read More →
Madrid: My trip started poorly, early on March 19, when for 2 hours I was stuck on a plane on the tarmac of the airport in my home town, Tucson. After returning to the departure gate to disembark, we learned the destination airport in Dallas had closed several runways for excessive wind. That put my … Click to View Photos & Read More →
My last report from Gardiner promised more Grizzly photos; they are included below. The first mama bear is known as Obsidian because of her homebase near Obsidian Cliff. I spent 2 hours following her and her 3 second year cubs during a heavy snowstorm for some great photo opportunities. Another mama bear, known as ‘Snow’ … Click to View Photos & Read More →
I last reported from Rock Springs in southern Wyoming. From there I traveled to Lander, checking out the Seedskadee National Wildlife Reserve, a wild portion of the upper Green River providing nesting spots for many birds including Trumpeter Swans. I got a fairly decent photo of a mating pair of Swainson’s Hawks, for me an … Click to View Photos & Read More →
I spent 6 days in Moab, UT, doing short hikes daily inside Arches National Park and the Islands and Needles divisions of Canyonlands National Park. I especially enjoy the climbing trek up to the famous Delicate Arch, although this trip I had to do part of the trek twice as I forgot placing my beloved … Click to View Photos & Read More →
Hello. From Northern Arizona I traveled first to Cortez in SW Colorado to spend time hiking in the Canyon of the Ancients and on the Mesa Verde top. After a week I moved on, driving through the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area for some photo ops along the Colorado River just below where it joins … Click to View Photos & Read More →
I have started another 3-month photographic road trip heading towards the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park. During my last couple of months in Tucson I took a few good wildlife photos at Whitewater Draw, southeast of Tucson and Sweetwater, northwest of Tucson – included below are photos of Sandhill Cranes, Ruddy Duck, a hard … Click to View Photos & Read More →
I traveled from Antequera to Valencia a couple of weeks ago. I have visited Valencia only once before, in 2006, and was limited to 2 days for lack of accommodations. I had arrived just a couple of days before the commencement of the America’s Cup world sailing race – the city was totally booked. This … Click to View Photos & Read More →
After a relaxing 2 weeks in Cordoba, I took the train to Malaga on the southern coast. There I had a lovely apartment with windows and balconies over tiny alleys. The old central section of town does not exude the ancient architecture of much of the rest of Spain. Most buildings struck me as 18th … Click to View Photos & Read More →
My apartment in Cordoba is so modern and well located I have extended my stay here to 12 days. On the second level I have four floor-to-ceiling glass doors with small balconies, 2 facing northwest and 2 northeast. With a full kitchen, I have been eating many meals in the apartment. The complex has a … Click to View Photos & Read More →
I traveled from Salamanca to Plasencia by bus as the rail system does not connect these. Looking back at Salamanca, my long-time favorite place in Spain, where I often have thought of purchasing a small second home, I now have very mixed feelings. All the charm of the old city and fabulous Roman to medieval … Click to View Photos & Read More →
From Valladolid I traveled the short distance to Salamanca on October 5; transport was on a slow local train that terminated its line just a few blocks from the famous Plaza Mayor of the city. By slow I mean the train only ran up to 100 mph, compared to the Avias which go 160 and … Click to View Photos & Read More →
From Ourense my train trip to Leon started with an unexpected 1 hour bus ride detour to a nearby town on the same rail line, as the train tracks out of Ourense were under construction. Leon was the ancient capital of Castile & Leon after successfully driving out the Moors in the 9th century. With … Click to View Photos & Read More →
From Santiago I traveled the short distance south to Vigo, a large fishing and cruise ship town on the Atlantic coast. Beautiful panoramic views were available to those who climbed the steep hill crowned by the Castro Fort. My apartment was on the pedestrian street Rua Principe, the main elite shopping district, directly across from … Click to View Photos & Read More →