R. Doug Wicker's Blog, page 173

May 25, 2015

Continuing around the Mission Area of Loreto

Mission of a Different Stripe

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

Chevrolet Corvair

And here’s today’s photo gallery and slide show:

Avendida Salvatierra Loreto Mission Stone Arch Loreto Mission

By the way, if you’re reading this and other material authored by me on The Destinary website, this p...

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Published on May 25, 2015 04:35

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...

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Published on May 24, 2015 07:53

May 22, 2015

Fun Photo Friday — Spring Flowers in the Desert

Cactus Flower

Cactus Flower

Spring time in the desert. Is there a lovelier time of the years? I don’t think so.

Spring time in the desert Spring time in the desert Prickly Pear Flowers Prickly Pear Ocotillo in Bloom Spring time in the desert Spring time in the desert Cactus Flower
Filed under: Fun Photo Friday, Photography, R. Doug Wicker Tagged: desert flowers, Fun Photo Friday, nature photography, photography, R. Doug Wicker
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Published on May 22, 2015 04:35

May 20, 2015

FNH FNX-9 — A Shooting Review

FNH FNX-9

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...

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Published on May 20, 2015 04:35

May 18, 2015

Ruger Mini-14 300 AAC Blackout First Impressions — A Shooting Review

Ruger Mini-14 300 AAC Blackout

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...

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Published on May 18, 2015 04:35

May 15, 2015

Fun Photo Friday — Loreto Favorites Part 1

Shaded Walkway Jed Clampett's Old Place Little Shop Blue Plate Special Blankets Shore 'Nough

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...

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Published on May 15, 2015 04:35

May 13, 2015

Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó

Loreto Mission Bell Tower

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

Avendia Salvatierra Arches

Passing...

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Published on May 13, 2015 04:35

May 11, 2015

Landing in Lovely Loreto

Golden Princess offshore from Loreto, Mexico

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

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...

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Published on May 11, 2015 04:35

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.

Rainbow Bench Sharing Hangin' Out La Paz Cathedral Tile Façade

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...

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Published on May 08, 2015 04:35

May 6, 2015

Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz — Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

La Paz Cathedral

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:

La Paz Cathedral La Paz Cathedral La Paz Cathedral La Paz Cathedral

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...

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Published on May 06, 2015 04:35