R. Doug Wicker's Blog, page 173
May 25, 2015
Continuing around the Mission Area of Loreto
Mission of a Different Stripe
Today I present some more images of Loreto, particularly the area around Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó. But before those, what would old streets, old buildings, and old churches be without the occasional old car? You don’t see too many Chevy Corvairs in this kind of shape nowadays:
Chevrolet Corvair
And here’s today’s photo gallery and slide show:
By the way, if you’re reading this and other material authored by me on The Destinary website, this p...
May 24, 2015
Memorial Day Missive Redux
Today I present a rerun of last year’s missive on how the nation has failed the all-volunteer military. It’s become a national disgrace. I’m rerunning this because of this L.A. Times article I stumbled across today (please take the time to read it; it’s that important): U.S. military and civilians are increasingly divided
And, now, from last year’s Memorial Day blog posting:

American Cemetery in Normandy, France
Once again National barbecue and Outdoor Grill Day is upon us . . . or so it seem...
May 22, 2015
Fun Photo Friday — Spring Flowers in the Desert
Cactus Flower
Spring time in the desert. Is there a lovelier time of the years? I don’t think so.
Filed under: Fun Photo Friday, Photography, R. Doug Wicker Tagged: desert flowers, Fun Photo Friday, nature photography, photography, R. Doug Wicker
May 20, 2015
FNH FNX-9 — A Shooting Review
FNH FNX-9
One of my favorite modern weapons is the FNH FNX-45. And I suspect I’m not the only one, as my review of the FNX-45 is one of my most frequently searched for and read blog posts. In the past year alone that review has garnered nearly 5,600 hits, second only to my review of the classic Walther PP chambered in .32 ACP. The FNX-45 is, quite simply, a near-perfect home defense weapon especially when combined with a Beretta CX4 9mm Carbine. If you’re a rancher located two hours or more f...
May 18, 2015
Ruger Mini-14 300 AAC Blackout First Impressions — A Shooting Review
Ruger Mini-14 300 AAC Blackout
First, a word to those following our 10-day Sea of Cortez adventure last fall aboard the Grand Princess. Sorry to leave you hanging in Loreto, Mexico, but I had to get out a timely review of Ruger’s new Mini-14 Tactical 300 AAC Blackout. Wednesday I’ll be reviewing another firearm — the FNH FNX-9 — and this week’s Fun Photo Friday I’ll be presenting some spring-related desert flora shots. I’ll be continuing my series on Loreto and beyond Monday next week, so ple...
May 15, 2015
Fun Photo Friday — Loreto Favorites Part 1
By the way, if you’re reading this and other material authored by me on The Destinary website, this post was not “Posted on (fill in the date) | By destinary” as they’ve been erroneously claiming; this material was in fact reposted. The Destinary have also been claiming the right to do so, without links back to the original and without full attribution (“by RDoug” and a nonworking link is not proper attribution) with a rather bizarre interpretation of U.S. copyright law in which they cl...
May 13, 2015
Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó
Loreto Mission Bell Tower
We strolled around Plaza Civica for a while, taking photos and enjoying the sights, then continued our westward trek along Avenida Salvatierra. Just beyond Plaza Civica the whole character of the street changes. You’ll know when you get here — it becomes a pedestrian street shaded beneath a series of arched canopies of neatly trimmed vegetation and lined with charming cafés, restaurants, and enchanting shops hawking colorful wares.
Avendia Salvatierra Arches
Passing...
May 11, 2015
Landing in Lovely Loreto
Golden Princess offshore from Loreto, Mexico
We departed La Paz the evening of November 3 and found ourselves anchored off Loreto, Mexico, the following morning. Yes, no large ship docking facilities — another tender port. Between these two ports I would be hard pressed to select a favorite, but Loreto does offer a unique beauty that sets it apart from La Paz.
Whale Shark on a Stick
One option you have here is to swim with the immense whale shark, and several of our shipmates did just that. T...
May 8, 2015
Fun Photo Friday — Last Look La Paz before Heading to Loreto
Today I present one last look at La Paz before we head to Loreto. Click on any image below to bring up today’s slide show and picture captions.
By the way, if you’re reading this and other material authored by me on The Destinary website, this post was not “Posted on (fill in the date) | By destinary” as they’ve been erroneously claiming; this material was in fact reposted. The Destinary have also been claiming the right to do so, without links back to the original and without full attri...
May 6, 2015
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz — Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
La Paz Cathedral
The La Paz Cathedral is only a very short walk from the pier at which the cruise ships dock, and it’s definitely worth the walk. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll see there:
By the way, if you’re reading this and other material authored by me on The Destinary website, this post was not “Posted on (fill in the date) | By destinary” as they’ve been erroneously claiming; this material was in fact reposted. The Destinary have also been claiming the right to do so, without link...


