R. Doug Wicker's Blog, page 22

Why Dash Cams are a Good Idea

The following is a recording of an accident my dash cam captured on Tuesday, 18 June 2024 in El Paso, Texas on North Mesa at Remcon. When we got to our destination I called the regional police substation and advised that I had a video. Alas, I guess visual evidence was not important enough to warrant an EPPD officer following up with me to obtain a copy. At any rate, I’ve cropped the video to enlarge the relevant scene, as my dash cam has an enormous 140º view.

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Fun Photo Friday — Bali Favorites 4

Pura Batu Bolong/Tanah Lot panorama

Today is the fourth of five Fun Photo Fridays featuring Bali favorites. Next week I will finish up with Bali, Indonesia, and indeed this entire journey which began in Singapore.

Bali yellowhead reticulated python Meru Towers Inside a Moat Hindu Temple Guardian of the Moat Some Balinese Hindu Colors

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Indonesia — Bali; Pura Taman Ayun Part 3

A couple of friendly Balinese hosts

While the inner sanctuary at Taman Ayun holds the most sacred sites within this compound, there are other things to capture your interest in the midde and outer courtyards as well. So, today I’m going to just give you a taste of what’s available to see in all three areas. Below is today’s Taman Ayun photo gallery/slide show. Click on any image to enlarge it and to engage the slide show:

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Indonesia — Bali; Pura Taman Ayun Part 2

The temples within the inner sanctuary at Taman Ayun

For more information on Pura Taman Ayun, above and beyond what’s available on Wikipedia, I would like to refer you to this link: Experience Bali’s Cultural Treasure, Taman Ayun Temple! and The Ultimate Guide to Taman Ayun Temple. There you will find much more in the way of photographs and explanations of the various sights. And among those sights is the entrance leading to the inner sanctum of this incredible compound:

Entrance to the Ta...

Fun Photo Friday — Bali Favorites 3

Ursula About to Abscond with an Apple (just kidding)

Today is part three of five Fun Photo Fridays featuring Bali favorites:

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Fun Photo Friday — Fun Photo Friday — Bali Favorites 3

Ursula About to Abscond with an Apple (just kidding)

Today is part three of five Fun Photo Fridays featuring Bali favorites:

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Bali; Pura Taman Ayun Part 1

Pura Taman Ayun

Monday’s article transported you to the sights of a Balinese Hindu water temple. Today I’m going to show you a Balinese Hindu temple containing a garden. Pura Taman Ayun, which translates to Temple (pura) of the Beautiful Garden, is the second largest such site in Bali. It covers 17 acres/6.9 hectares. Because there is so much to see here, I’ll be covering it further in next week’s Monday and Wednesday articles. We’ll start today with an image of the water feature here. This l...

Indonesia — Bali; Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul

Our next destination on this day was yet another temple. This time it’s Pura Tirta Empul, a Balinese Hindu water temple located just north of Tampaksiring. And, yes, this temple site is ancient, dating back to 962 when it was established around a natural spring used for ritual bathing.

The ritual bath at Tirta Empul

Here are the sights to see and this destination:

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Fun Photo Friday — Bali Favorites 2

Googly Eyes

Today is Part 2 of 5 in a series of Fun Photo Friday favorites of Bali.

Bali Color Grotesquerie Shading the Roof Mildred the Monkey Decked Out with Flowers Guarding the Temple Door

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80th Anniversary of D-Day — Pointe du Hoc and the 2nd Ranger Battalion

D-Day — Pointe du Hoc