R. Doug Wicker's Blog, page 114

54 Days at Sea — Heading back via the Azores

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Ponta Delgada, Azores

After two days in Lisbon, it was time to head for another Portuguese port of call, but this one was days away. We left Lisbon on May 4, began our return transatlantic crossing, and stopped three days later in Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

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Ursula posing by a cute Aixam Scouty

This Portuguese destination has at least one thing in common with Lisbon. Decorative tile-work:

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Ponta Delgada, Azores

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Ponta Delgada, Azores

The buildings are also quite similar to what we’ve seen else...

Fun Photo Friday — 54 Days at Sea, Lisbon favorites 3

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Gone Fishin’

Following today’s Fun Photo Friday, I’ll be rerunning some of my Christmas Season articles, including two humor pieces, how to photograph Christmas lights (three-part series), and some Christmas light photo series. Look for a return to the 54 Days at Sea series on December 31, when we’ll begin the transatlantic crossover back to the U.S. with a stop in the Azores.

Lisbon Fun Photo Friday #3:

54 Days at Sea — Lisbon; Santo Justo

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São Jorge Castle

There is in Lisbon a very special lift (elevator, for you bloody yanks). This is the Santa Justo lift, designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustav Eiffel.

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Santa Justo Lift

The lift is in the historic Santa Justo district, and the views at the top are great:

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View from Santa Justo

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View from Santa Justo

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View from Santa Justo

Approaching the Santa Justo district will take you past some pretty awesome sights, such as the façade of the old Eden Teatro, a cinema that o...

54 Days at Sea — Lisbon;

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Our hotel awaits—MS Prinsendam

It was a long first day in Lisbon. After the fado we returned to the ship and rested up for the next foray into town. The next morning we took up where we left off, including yet again passing by King John I in Praça da Figueira (Square of the Fig Tree):

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King John I . . . again—Praça da Figueira (Square of the Fig Tree)

And, as during the preceding day, we passed by some really great buildings:

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Lisbon, Portugal

I do so love photographing doors and windows, as yo...

Indentured Servitude is STILL alive and well in the U.S.

Back in October of 2013 I posted my most read blog article . . . by far. It garnered an astounding 7,368 views. And now, unfortunately, that article becomes timely once again. Only, this time, substitute President Donald J. Trump for any references that were previously made about Senator Ted Cruz (another absolutely despicable human being). And this time the hissy fit isn’t Obamacare. This time it is over a wall that nearly everyone acknowledges will neither add anything to national security,...

Fun Photo Friday — Christmas on the Pecos Favorites

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Christmas on the Pecos

It’s Fun Photo Friday time, and this will wrap up this year’s Christmas lighting special.  Before you get to the photo gallery, however, here are some particular favorites of mine.  The next photograph is a rather abstract reflected light image from our Pecos River voyage:

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Christmas on the Pecos

I particularly enjoy the symmetry of this next reflection shot:

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Christmas on the Pecos

And this next shot would make a great Christmas card, I would think:

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Christmas on the Peco...

Christmas on the Pecos — Part 4

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End of the Ride — Returning to the Pecos River Village

I’ve given tips before on how to photograph Christmas lights.  For a refresher, here are a few articles:

Photographing Outdoor (and Indoor) Christmas Lights Fun Photo Friday — Christmas Lights 2013 And even a lesson on Available Light Photography Without a Tripod

On today’s photo gallery/slide show, click on any image below to see the shot data for that photograph, which will include ISO, f-Stop, shutter speed, and focal length (in 35mm...

Christmas on the Pecos — Part 3

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Christmas Tree Mirror

The cost for the Christmas on the Pecos river cruise varies by age and day of the week.  Children 12 and under ride for $10 Sunday through Thursday, $15 on Friday and Saturday.  For 13 and up the cost is $15 in the cheap nights and $20 during the prime Friday and Saturday evenings.

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The Four Wise Guys of Christmas

Is it worth it for 40 minutes?  I think so.  In fact, I wouldn’t mind doing this again someday.  I know kids will certainly enjoy it.

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Christmas on the Pecos

Pho...

Christmas on the Pecos — Part 2

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Christmas on the Pecos

The boat tour for Christmas on the Pecos runs about 45 minutes.

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Christmas on the Pecos

Three boats were available this year, and the seating capacities were 15, 40, and 45.  We were on the largest, Bella Sera.

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Christmas on the Pecos

The light show starts out a bit sparse, but about halfway along the length of the cruise things start picking up nicely.  The following two shots were taken shortly after leaving the Pecos River Village:

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Christmas on the Pecos

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Christmas on t...

Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings to One and All

Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings from the Wickers — R. Doug & Ursula