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A fun weekend meeting the makers at Copper Belt Winery in Keating Oregon

 

Enjoyed a beautiful drive to Keating Oregon to visit Copper Belt Winery in Baker County. last weekend for an evening of wine tasting and a chance to meet a couple of incredible makers, Rick DeFerrari and Andrew Beckham; the craft makers of Oregon oak wine barrels and Amphora clay vessels, learning how these vessels are made and how they influence the aging process of wine. Rick DeFerrari is Master Cooper, brought to Baker City by the Oregon Folklife Network, demonstrated the craft of making wine barrels. Andrew Beckham is an Amphora Maker and Vintner from Beckham Estate Vineyard. Andrew demonstrated the art of Amphora making, the ancient art of making clay vessels to age wine.

 

Copper Belt Winery is the only Oregon winery in the Snake River AVA with three vineyards located in the AVA. For more information about Copper Belt Winery visit their website at www.copperbeltwinery.com For more information about Baker County Oregon visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travelbakercounty.com

   

The historic Philip Frankel & Co. building at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, stands as a beautifully preserved testament to the town’s vibrant 19th-century commercial history. Nestled on High Street, this red brick structure features characteristic black shutters, a charming second-story balcony, and an ornate iron sign that proudly proclaims “Philip Frankel & Co.” The building’s distinctive architecture reflects Harpers Ferry’s unique position at the crossroads of commerce, trade, and industry in the 1800s.

 

During the late 19th century, Harpers Ferry was a bustling town filled with shops, factories, and visitors arriving by train or canal boat. The Philip Frankel & Co. building was one of the busiest mercantile establishments in town, offering a wide variety of goods ranging from boots and shoes to hats and dry goods. The storefront windows, carefully restored, now display historical reproductions of merchandise that might have lined the shelves in the 1870s, including boots, hats, and other essential items for travelers and townsfolk alike.

 

The building itself is a study in classic commercial design of its time: three stories of sturdy brick construction with large storefront windows designed to draw in customers. The black shutters and trim details give the building a dignified appearance, while the iron balcony adds a touch of elegance. Its prominent location on High Street made it a hub for local trade, and it played a key role in serving the growing community.

 

Today, visitors to Harpers Ferry can step back in time as they stroll by this building, imagining the lively conversations, bustling trade, and sights and sounds that once filled its halls. The National Park Service has worked diligently to preserve its historical character, ensuring that generations to come can appreciate the architecture and significance of the Philip Frankel & Co. store.

 

Harpers Ferry itself is a treasure trove of history, from its role in the Civil War to its significance in the struggle for African American freedom, including John Brown’s famous raid. The Philip Frankel & Co. building stands as a silent witness to these events, offering a tangible connection to the town’s storied past.

 

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply someone who appreciates beautifully preserved heritage sites, the Philip Frankel & Co. building is a must-see landmark. It embodies the spirit of Harpers Ferry’s rich history and invites visitors to explore the town’s enduring legacy.

Female hiker trekking on top of Latpari Pass (2,834m / 9,297ft), enjoying the summer landscape in Caucasus mountains, during the trek from Iprali to Ushguli, in Svaneti Region of Georgia.

 

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The day felt like three days as the drive continued through fog, hail, a terrifying tornado, deluge and thunderstorm; passing through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and arriving finally at Lake Michigan. Warren Dunes State Park was empty, and having an abandoned beach to ourselves, my pup and I made a home of it for a few hours. The waters were too calm and flat to surf but I sank my feet into Lake Michigan for the first time, swam and danced along her mystical shores. In the distance Chicago was visible, enveloped in a pink and gold orb of curious clouds. Forest ran into beach, ran into Great Lake; it felt like a lost world, a lush island unto ourselves. Sporadic breaths of wind were warm and inviting, soothing to the touch. Beck's "Earthquake Weather" played on and on. Laying in the sand under canopies of trees, surrounded by green forest, we basked in the quiet beauty of this place that was a cross between the beginning of time and some post-apocalyptic end. But we had to keep going to get to Pennsylvania by 1 o'clock in the morning. The end of summer is always contemplative and introspective, it wants to be absorbed and remembered. This was the most perfect part of the day, being here. When you find that place of peace and joy, sip in and savor every bit of it, for life is fleeting and it's moments like these that the soul feeds its own fire.

Storm cleanup is optional. Choose your own adventure on the descent.

View of the medieval town of Korčula, on the protected east coast of the island of Korčula, in southern Croatia.

 

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Social Distancing along the back roads of Baker County Oregon

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon . Some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.

 

Located at the intersection of three Oregon Scenic Byways Baker County is surrounded by spectacular scenery and wide open spaces. For more information about Baker County's back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

  

Summer scenery in the peaceful village of Zhabeshi, nested in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

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Aerial view of Mount Sumbing, an active volcano in Magelang regency, Central Java province, Indonesia. The village of Nepal Van Java is situated on its high slope.

 

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Dawn light over the peaceful village of Zhabeshi, nested in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

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Social Distancing in Burnt River Canyon and the tiny town of Unity in Baker County

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the Burnt River Canyon and the small town of Unity in Baker County Oregon . some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.

 

The Burnt River Canyon near Durkee is always one of our favorite drives for taking in the majestic scenery of Eastern Oregon and watching wildlife along the way.

For more information about Burnt River Canyon or other Baker County back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

 

Unmelted glaciers in Caucasus mountains during summer time, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

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Summer scenery on the Seceda mountain (2519m), in the Odle (needles) group, part of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, South Tyrol, northern Italy.

 

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Big Horn Sheep in Burnt River Canyon in Baker County

 

A beautiful Fall day exploring the Burnt River Canyon and watching wildlife between Durkee and Unity in Baker County Oregon .

 

The Burnt River Canyon near Durkee is always one of our favorite drives for taking in the majestic scenery of Eastern Oregon and watching wildlife along the way. Saw lots of wildlife this trip as colder temperatures have pushed lots of deer down into the canyon. We were excited to spot a few Bighorn Sheep in rut during this trip

 

For more information about Burnt River Canyon or other Baker County back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

  

Summer view of the town of Mestia, nested in Caucasus mountains and dominated by stone defensive towers, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

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Located about 3blocks off of one of the busiest areas.

of Broken Arrow/Tulsa. This area is for sale for commercial use.

so I'm sure these horses, (there are 3), will not enjoy thier home.

much longer. The lights you see through the trees are the comercial.

establishments behind the tree line..

Broken Arrow Oklahoma, USA.

Nikon D7200 Tamron 70-300 f4.

My day 03-12-2016

A beautiful drive along the back roads to Keating Oregon

 

Enjoyed a beautiful drive to Keating Oregon to visit Copper Belt Winery in Baker County.

  

Female tourist on the wooden pathway at Kuneer hill, a scenic area in Wonosari Tea Plantation, located on the slopes of Mount Arjuna, in Malang regency, East Java, Indonesia.

 

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Social Distancing along the back roads of Baker County Oregon

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon . Some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery and wildflowers along the way .

 

Located at the intersection of three Oregon Scenic Byways Baker County is surrounded by spectacular scenery and wide open spaces. For more information about Baker County's back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

  

Tucked within the historic Higashi Chaya District of Kanazawa, the Ochaya Art Museum offers a glimpse into Japan’s refined teahouse culture. This beautifully preserved Edo-period structure exemplifies traditional chaya (teahouse) architecture, with its elegant wooden façade, delicate latticed windows, and muted earthy tones that have aged gracefully over centuries. Once a gathering place for geisha performances and elite entertainment, this building now serves as a cultural museum, inviting visitors to step back in time.

 

The ochaya (tea houses) of Kanazawa are distinct for their two-story design, a feature historically reserved for geisha establishments in Japan. The first floor, traditionally used for receptions and performances, showcases shoji (paper sliding doors), tatami flooring, and ambient lantern lighting that enhance its serene ambiance. The upper floor, veiled behind delicate bamboo blinds, was once an exclusive retreat for patrons indulging in refined conversations over sake and traditional music.

 

One of the museum’s standout details is its aged wooden exterior, which bears the subtle weathering of Kanazawa’s humid climate, adding to its authentic charm. The overhanging eaves and intricate roofwork display fine craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the city's rich architectural heritage. The entrance, marked by a simple noren curtain, maintains a sense of mystery, reminiscent of a time when only the privileged were granted entry.

 

For those enchanted by Japan’s hidden gems, the Ochaya Art Museum is an essential stop—a living artifact of Kanazawa’s golden age, where history, architecture, and artistry intertwine seamlessly.

I missed the azaleas, but I'm happy to report the rhododendrons are out in pinkly colorful force in Central Park. #spring #springflowers #flowers #rhododendrons #🌸 #newyork #nyc #manhattan #centralpark #offthebeatenpath #share

Social Distancing along the back roads of Baker County Oregon

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon . Some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.

 

Located at the intersection of three Oregon Scenic Byways Baker County is surrounded by spectacular scenery and wide open spaces. For more information about Baker County's back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

  

Stunning view of Seitan Limania beach, 20 km southeast of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece.

 

Translated into English, Seitan Limania means Satan’s Harbour. “Seitan,” Turkish for “devil,” remains in use since the Ottoman occupation of Crete. According to the history, the name is probably referring to the naked rocks surrounding the bay.

 

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A series of waterfalls in the forest, in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia.

 

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Tourists watching sunset at Mykonos town (Chora), on the island of Mykonos, part of the Cyclades island group, in Greece.

 

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[Yazd, Iran] One of the many adobe roofed and arched residential alley of Yazd, an ancient silk road Iranian desert city, characterized by the preservation of beautiful traditional architecture and Iranian culture.

  

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©2016 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.

Abandoned concrete military structures stand covered in graffiti along the San Francisco coastline near the Golden Gate Bridge, reclaimed by coastal vegetation during the blue hour. These ruins are part of Battery Godfrey, one of many coastal defense installations built around San Francisco Bay to protect against potential naval attacks during the early 20th century.

 

The main structure features characteristic World War II-era concrete construction—thick walls designed to withstand bombardment, arched openings that once housed massive artillery guns, and multi-level platforms connected by exterior staircases. The reinforced concrete, now weathered by decades of salt air and Pacific storms, provides an ideal canvas for street artists and graffiti writers who've transformed these military relics into an evolving outdoor gallery.

 

Colorful graffiti covers every visible surface—tags, throw-ups, and pieces in blues, whites, reds, and other vibrant colors layered over previous work. The abandoned nature of these fortifications makes them magnets for urban explorers, photographers, and graffiti artists who appreciate both the historical significance and the creative freedom these spaces provide. Nature actively reclaims the structures, with native coastal shrubs and grasses growing across concrete surfaces and through cracks.

 

The dirt trail winding through overgrown vegetation leads visitors from parking areas or coastal trails to these hidden ruins. The twilight sky creates moody atmosphere—that deep blue hour light that photographers seek when shooting abandoned places. The coastal scrub typical of San Francisco's western edge—ice plant, coyote brush, and hardy grasses—thrives in this harsh environment shaped by wind, salt spray, and fog.

 

Battery Godfrey was part of the extensive harbor defense system protecting San Francisco Bay from the late 1800s through World War II. When long-range missiles made coastal artillery obsolete, these batteries were decommissioned and largely abandoned, becoming part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. They now serve as historical monuments, reminders of the military infrastructure that once dominated this coastline, and unintentional art spaces where urban creativity meets military history.

Tybo, named for a word derived from the Shoshone, meaning “white man’s district, was was once a thriving mining town. In 1866 when a local Indian led white settlers to the site where he had discovered gold ore. The main lode discovered in 1871. The mine ultimately produced silver, lead and zinc. A smelter was built in 1872, but it would take several years before the town was officially established in 1874.

 

By 1877 the town had swelled to a population of about 1000. At one time, the town included five stores, a number of saloons, two blacksmith shops, a post office, a newspaper, a schoolhouse, a jail, whiskey shops, a literary society, and an International Order of Odd Fellows.

 

By 1879 the Tybo Consolidate Mining Company had started to fail when the quality of the ore dropped drastically . By 1880 town was practically dead and in 1884 a fire destroyed many of the remaining buildings.

 

The last production to come from Tybo between 1942 and 1945 when some old tailings were hauled out for treatment. A handful of people still live there and while much of the property is accessible to the public, portions of the area are privately owned.

  

A winding country road in the peaceful village of Zhabeshi, nested in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

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Morning light over Isola San Giulio (St. Julius Island), in Lake Orta, near the lakeshore village of Orta San Giulio, in Novara province, Piedmont region, northwestern Italy.

 

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Dawn light over the Monastery of Holy Trinity (Agia Triada in Greek), a 14th century Eastern Orthodox monastery perched on top of a rocky precipice over 400 metres (1,300 ft) high, in the Pineios Valley within the Thessalian plains, near the town of Kalambaka, in Thessaly, northwestern Greece.

 

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Dawn light over the Monastery of Holy Trinity (Agia Triada in Greek), a 14th century Eastern Orthodox monastery perched on top of a rocky precipice over 400 metres (1,300 ft) high, in the Pineios Valley within the Thessalian plains, near the town of Kalambaka, in Thessaly, northwestern Greece.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

Unmelted snow in Caucasus mountains during summer time, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

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Hiking on the Mt. Esja

Iceland

04.06.2019

Morning light over the picturesque harbour town of Symi, on the island of Symi, part of the Rhodes regional unit, in South Aegean, Greece.

 

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March 18, 2017. ©Copyright 2017 Karlton Huber Photography - all rights reserved.

 

The story behind this photograph is kind of cool.

 

So there I was standing on the sidewalk near the corner of Broadway and 3rd in downtown Santa Ana, CA - USA. It was my lunch hour and I was out enjoying the sunshine, getting some exercise and working on my street photography.

 

I had just finished photographing what I thought was an interesting lamppost shadow on the side of a building when this guy (who was out enjoying the sunshine, getting some exercise and walking this dog) asked me if I have ever photographed inside the Santora Arts Building. I told him that I had. He then asked if I had ever seen the old "Neutral Grounds" sign. I told him that I had not. Smiling, he said "it's in the alley behind the Santora Arts Building. Would you like me to show it to you?"

 

How could I refuse his generous offer. I replied with an enthusiastic "That would be awesome!"

 

While we were talking, his dog (a brown and black bull dog) found a comfortable spot on the sidewalk and laid down on its belly in the shade. Now that we were ready to go, it took a long three minutes to get his now very lazy and "content right where it was at" bull dog to get up off of his belly and start moving. It was actually quite humorous to watch another human being getting so manipulated by their dog.

 

Anyway, I followed the guy and his dog into his nearby office where he settled in his dog then led me out the back door into an alley an proudly led me to the location of this weathered old sign painted on the backside of an ageing brick building.

 

I worked out a few compositions, took a few shots then introduced myself and in exchange learned that this generous guys name was Nicholas.

 

Thanks Nicholas, I really appreciated your time and generosity.

 

Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. You can also find me at:

 

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Aerial view of Isola San Giulio (St. Julius Island), in Lake Orta, near the lakeshore village of Orta San Giulio, in Novara province, Piedmont region, northwestern Italy.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

High angle view of the terraced lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia.

 

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The funny thing is I usually like out of the way, family owned restaurants.

 

I chose this one as i spoke to a very good friend of mine today, someone I used to be thick as thieves with ( Paul Weller reference ) until life, distance, and the rest got in the way. We grew up together, graduated college together and spoke to each other each week, then once a month, then... every 10 years...

 

Marc, glad we got back in touch today.

Independence, Missouri

 

I took this photo some time ago for the arrow and the minimalist nature. Today I decided to find it on the Internet and there is a decent website. So I go to global Earth and the business is buried in trees on an acreage off the road.

Dawn light over one of the ancient stone defensive towers in Zhabeshi, a pretty highland village nested in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

Tulips with Flora Methodist Church, long abandoned, in the ghost town of Flora, Oregon, USA [No property release; editorial licensing only]

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