1000places' recent photos

...including this display case devoted to the great Emmett Kelly who, in the guise of "Weary Willie," performed in the Ringling Brothers circus from 1942 to 1956 (although he took the 1956 s ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:46:39 -0800

1000places
...including this display case devoted to the great Emmett Kelly who, in the guise of "Weary Willie," performed in the Ringling Brothers circus from 1942 to 1956 (although he took the 1956 s ...

One of the vintage posters from the heyday of the traveling circus.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:27:34 -0800

1000places
One of the vintage posters from the heyday of the traveling circus.

Room after room of sculptures and paintings - mostly from 16th century Renaissance artists.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:15:21 -0800

1000places
Room after room of sculptures and paintings - mostly from 16th century Renaissance artists.

Leaving the mansion, we walked through Mable Ringling’s 27,000 square foot rose garden.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:58:33 -0800

1000places
Leaving the mansion, we walked through Mable Ringling’s 27,000 square foot rose garden.

Another view of Cà d'Zan's great room. "Cà d'Zan" translates into the "House of John."

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:45:31 -0800

1000places
Another view of Cà d'Zan's great room. "Cà d'Zan" translates into the "House of John."

We've always been particularly amazed by the elaborate ceilings of the "Gilded Age" mansions such as this one in the dining room of Cà d'Zan.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:45:09 -0800

1000places
We've always been particularly amazed by the elaborate ceilings of the "Gilded Age" mansions such as this one in the dining room of Cà d'Zan.

From Fort Myers we took a day trip to Sarasota to visit the former estate of John and Mable Ringling, he of the Ringling Brothers circus fame.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:24:53 -0800

1000places
From Fort Myers we took a day trip to Sarasota to visit the former estate of John and Mable Ringling, he of the Ringling Brothers circus fame.

Where better to be in December than Florida? Two years ago we made a winter road trip to the Sunshine State and fully intended a similar trip last year before being "detained" in Thailand. ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:12:40 -0800

1000places
Where better to be in December than Florida? Two years ago we made a winter road trip to the Sunshine State and fully intended a similar trip last year before being "detained" in Thailand. ...

A rose dedicated to Mable Ringling is also featured in the garden. The garden is accredited by All-American Rose Selections and was named the 2006 most outstanding All-American Rose Selecti ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:00:26 -0800

1000places
A rose dedicated to Mable Ringling is also featured in the garden. The garden is accredited by All-American Rose Selections and was named the 2006 most outstanding All-American Rose Selecti ...

It is a great place to kick off your shoes, ), relax, read a book, or just sit and enjoy the warmth of a Naples "winter."

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:00:16 -0800

1000places
It is a great place to kick off your shoes, ), relax, read a book, or just sit and enjoy the warmth of a Naples "winter."

...with only moderate success.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:00:03 -0800

1000places
...with only moderate success.

Another garden bloom stands out from the background foliage.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:59:44 -0800

1000places
Another garden bloom stands out from the background foliage.

Amid the flora there was fauna...swans floating lazily in a pool...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:59:40 -0800

1000places
Amid the flora there was fauna...swans floating lazily in a pool...

Our plan had been to leave Fort Myers and drive northward along the coastline, checking out Florida's Gulf islands and small towns. But somehow Florida's fickle weather seemed to have it in ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:55:34 -0800

1000places
Our plan had been to leave Fort Myers and drive northward along the coastline, checking out Florida's Gulf islands and small towns. But somehow Florida's fickle weather seemed to have it in ...

Ahhh...the perfect spot, amid dozens and dozens of other flamingos.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:55:20 -0800

1000places
Ahhh...the perfect spot, amid dozens and dozens of other flamingos.

This one came from Jeanne's sister Deanna.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:54:45 -0800

1000places
This one came from Jeanne's sister Deanna.

Then Dolores put the finishing touches on her Christmas trees, hanging pink flamingo ornaments we had brought as hostess gifts.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:54:18 -0800

1000places
Then Dolores put the finishing touches on her Christmas trees, hanging pink flamingo ornaments we had brought as hostess gifts.

One last photo after leaving the restaurant.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:53:56 -0800

1000places
One last photo after leaving the restaurant.

At our dinner table, Dolores took her eyes off the sunset long enough for a photo....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:53:32 -0800

1000places
At our dinner table, Dolores took her eyes off the sunset long enough for a photo....

...while John tried his best to avoid the camera.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:53:15 -0800

1000places
...while John tried his best to avoid the camera.

Our last night with our friends, we drove to "Anthony's on the Gulf" for happy hour, dinner....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:53:07 -0800

1000places
Our last night with our friends, we drove to "Anthony's on the Gulf" for happy hour, dinner....

...and sunset watching.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:52:48 -0800

1000places
...and sunset watching.

From Naples we drove north about 20 miles to Fort Myers and the home of our good friends John and Dolores (it's great to have good friends in warm places). Both inside and out, the home ref ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:52:25 -0800

1000places
From Naples we drove north about 20 miles to Fort Myers and the home of our good friends John and Dolores (it's great to have good friends in warm places). Both inside and out, the home ref ...

Returning to our own "House of John," we enjoyed late afternoon drinks by the pool.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:51:52 -0800

1000places
Returning to our own "House of John," we enjoyed late afternoon drinks by the pool.

Of course, we couldn't leave without stopping to see what made John Ringling and his brothers famous. In 1948 the Ringling Museum of the American Circus was built on the grounds of John Rin ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:51:11 -0800

1000places
Of course, we couldn't leave without stopping to see what made John Ringling and his brothers famous. In 1948 the Ringling Museum of the American Circus was built on the grounds of John Rin ...

Some of the costumes worn by the Ringling Brothers circus performers.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:50:45 -0800

1000places
Some of the costumes worn by the Ringling Brothers circus performers.

A room was set aside for memorabilia from the circus clowns....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:50:23 -0800

1000places
A room was set aside for memorabilia from the circus clowns....

The Ringling Brothers circus wintered in Sarasota, so there was easy access to props, posters, costumes, and other memorabilia.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:49:57 -0800

1000places
The Ringling Brothers circus wintered in Sarasota, so there was easy access to props, posters, costumes, and other memorabilia.

On exhibition in the Circus Museum is the Wisconsin, the private Rail car of John and Mable Ringling built in 1905. Built during the golden age of rail, the Wisconsin car was being restored ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:49:18 -0800

1000places
On exhibition in the Circus Museum is the Wisconsin, the private Rail car of John and Mable Ringling built in 1905. Built during the golden age of rail, the Wisconsin car was being restored ...

...while Dolores was more intriqued with the "long leggy look" reflected in one of the circus' mirrors (although the left portion of the mirror did nothing for me).

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:48:56 -0800

1000places
...while Dolores was more intriqued with the "long leggy look" reflected in one of the circus' mirrors (although the left portion of the mirror did nothing for me).

Surprisingly, however, many of the rooms seemed more like giant warehouses than organized exhibits. Nonetheless, it was an interesting insight into the history of the traveling circus.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:48:36 -0800

1000places
Surprisingly, however, many of the rooms seemed more like giant warehouses than organized exhibits. Nonetheless, it was an interesting insight into the history of the traveling circus.

We were particularly taken with the vehicle that fired "human cannonballs" more than 100 feet. Jeanne pondered who she might wish to see stuffed into the cannon's barrel....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:48:10 -0800

1000places
We were particularly taken with the vehicle that fired "human cannonballs" more than 100 feet. Jeanne pondered who she might wish to see stuffed into the cannon's barrel....

John Ringling also built the Museum of Art on the grounds of his estate to house his personal collection of masterpieces. The museum's inner courtyard features casts of original antiquities ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:47:46 -0800

1000places
John Ringling also built the Museum of Art on the grounds of his estate to house his personal collection of masterpieces. The museum's inner courtyard features casts of original antiquities ...

As we walked -- and rested -- in the many rooms of the museum, we wondered how one man could have collected so much art. Turns out that Mr. Ringling was a frequent patron of New York and Lo ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:47:21 -0800

1000places
As we walked -- and rested -- in the many rooms of the museum, we wondered how one man could have collected so much art. Turns out that Mr. Ringling was a frequent patron of New York and Lo ...

Jeanne was particularly intriqued by the position of the hands in this painting.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:46:58 -0800

1000places
Jeanne was particularly intriqued by the position of the hands in this painting.

Ringing the rose garden were more statues. It wasn't until after we left the estate that we learned that somewhere in the rose garden, John and Mable Ringling were buried.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:46:30 -0800

1000places
Ringing the rose garden were more statues. It wasn't until after we left the estate that we learned that somewhere in the rose garden, John and Mable Ringling were buried.

Although none of the original rose bushes planted by Mable in 1913 have survived, there were more than 1,200 rose plants surrounding us.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:46:08 -0800

1000places
Although none of the original rose bushes planted by Mable in 1913 have survived, there were more than 1,200 rose plants surrounding us.

Beauties among beauties.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:45:47 -0800

1000places
Beauties among beauties.

Today the garden consists of roses introduced between 1867 and 2002. There are Tree Roses, Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras, miniature roses, shrubs, and Old Garden Roses.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:45:23 -0800

1000places
Today the garden consists of roses introduced between 1867 and 2002. There are Tree Roses, Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras, miniature roses, shrubs, and Old Garden Roses.

Throughout the 66-acre estate, the Ringlings had placed statues -- many of them, like this one, defied easy description. Obviously a woman, but what's with those arms and hands?

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:45:04 -0800

1000places
Throughout the 66-acre estate, the Ringlings had placed statues -- many of them, like this one, defied easy description. Obviously a woman, but what's with those arms and hands?

On the massive marbled deck of the mansion, we posed for a group photo.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:44:37 -0800

1000places
On the massive marbled deck of the mansion, we posed for a group photo.

Cà d'Zan - the home of John and Mable Ringling - was completed in 1926. Designed as a Venetian Gothic palace, the mansion was the center of cultural life in Sarasota where the Ringling Bro ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:44:14 -0800

1000places
Cà d'Zan - the home of John and Mable Ringling - was completed in 1926. Designed as a Venetian Gothic palace, the mansion was the center of cultural life in Sarasota where the Ringling Bro ...

Then, taking advantage of the warm sunshine, Dolores and Jeanne caught up on the happenings of the year that had elapsed since our two friends had retired and moved to their own estate in Fl ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:43:52 -0800

1000places
Then, taking advantage of the warm sunshine, Dolores and Jeanne caught up on the happenings of the year that had elapsed since our two friends had retired and moved to their own estate in Fl ...

Dolores was intriqued by the holiday decorations ringing the upper level of the mansion's great room, no doubt getting ideas for her own future decor.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:43:39 -0800

1000places
Dolores was intriqued by the holiday decorations ringing the upper level of the mansion's great room, no doubt getting ideas for her own future decor.

Described as “the last of the Gilded Age mansions” to be built in America, Cà d’Zan has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:43:14 -0800

1000places
Described as “the last of the Gilded Age mansions” to be built in America, Cà d’Zan has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings.

From inside their home, the Ringlings could look out on Sarasota Bay through the mansion's unique multi-hued window panes.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:42:49 -0800

1000places
From inside their home, the Ringlings could look out on Sarasota Bay through the mansion's unique multi-hued window panes.

But we had to remember that we were nearing the Christmas season -- as the decorations in one of the neighbor's yards reminded us -- and there was no "wintry mix" in the Naples forecast.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:42:28 -0800

1000places
But we had to remember that we were nearing the Christmas season -- as the decorations in one of the neighbor's yards reminded us -- and there was no "wintry mix" in the Naples forecast.

My rather meager attempt at an "artsy" beach still life.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:42:06 -0800

1000places
My rather meager attempt at an "artsy" beach still life.

We continued our walk, along the way disturbing a flock of oystercatchers that had gathered along the shoreline....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:41:48 -0800

1000places
We continued our walk, along the way disturbing a flock of oystercatchers that had gathered along the shoreline....

...photographing this tern keeping a close watch as we passed by.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:41:29 -0800

1000places
...photographing this tern keeping a close watch as we passed by.

Nancy, Maureen, and Jeanne -- clad in sweatshirts perhaps, but glad to be outdoors on the beach in the morning sun.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:41:13 -0800

1000places
Nancy, Maureen, and Jeanne -- clad in sweatshirts perhaps, but glad to be outdoors on the beach in the morning sun.

...where we encountered Maureen and Nancy returning from a morning stroll.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:40:58 -0800

1000places
...where we encountered Maureen and Nancy returning from a morning stroll.

...but to us, its main attraction (other than Maureen and her cottage) is its beach. Even though the weather had turned brisk -- forcing us out of shorts and sandals -- we took advantage of ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:40:46 -0800

1000places
...but to us, its main attraction (other than Maureen and her cottage) is its beach. Even though the weather had turned brisk -- forcing us out of shorts and sandals -- we took advantage of ...

Our "home" for the next few days would be "Maureen's cottage," graciously offered to us by one of our fellow travelers we met during our 2006 trip to Peru.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:40:29 -0800

1000places
Our "home" for the next few days would be "Maureen's cottage," graciously offered to us by one of our fellow travelers we met during our 2006 trip to Peru.

Maureen could not be a better host -- ensuring that we enjoyed every comfort and seeing to our every need (all while juggling the demands of a fulltime job).

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:40:00 -0800

1000places
Maureen could not be a better host -- ensuring that we enjoyed every comfort and seeing to our every need (all while juggling the demands of a fulltime job).

Each evening we would all gather in the "big house" where Jeanne and Nancy would assist Maureen in preparing snacks for "happy hour."

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:39:51 -0800

1000places
Each evening we would all gather in the "big house" where Jeanne and Nancy would assist Maureen in preparing snacks for "happy hour."

Jeanne wasn't sure that "windblown" was her best look.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:39:36 -0800

1000places
Jeanne wasn't sure that "windblown" was her best look.

This beach walk gave new meaning to the old Irish blessing "May the Wind be Always at Your Back."

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:39:12 -0800

1000places
This beach walk gave new meaning to the old Irish blessing "May the Wind be Always at Your Back."

Sometimes, however, the stiff winds proved too formidable for even the hardiest of beach walkers...especially for those who had gone to great lengths to achieve the perfect coiffures.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:38:50 -0800

1000places
Sometimes, however, the stiff winds proved too formidable for even the hardiest of beach walkers...especially for those who had gone to great lengths to achieve the perfect coiffures.

"Old Naples" is a beautiful city -- particularly its 3rd Street shopping district...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:38:30 -0800

1000places
"Old Naples" is a beautiful city -- particularly its 3rd Street shopping district...

During this visit, we were joined by Nancy, another friend of Maureen's whom we had also met in Peru. On Saturday, Jeanne and Nancy took advantage of the sudden appearance of the sun to str ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:38:05 -0800

1000places
During this visit, we were joined by Nancy, another friend of Maureen's whom we had also met in Peru. On Saturday, Jeanne and Nancy took advantage of the sudden appearance of the sun to str ...

Perfectly located in an "old Naples" neighborhood, the cozy cottage is well-equipped with all of life's necessities -- TV, internet, hot showers...i.e., all that we need.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:37:39 -0800

1000places
Perfectly located in an "old Naples" neighborhood, the cozy cottage is well-equipped with all of life's necessities -- TV, internet, hot showers...i.e., all that we need.

Walking on the beach has always been one of our favorite diversions -- but doing so in December is a particular pleasure....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:37:17 -0800

1000places
Walking on the beach has always been one of our favorite diversions -- but doing so in December is a particular pleasure....

For those of us from landlocked cities and states, we're always amazed by the varied color and diversity of the shells scattered on the beach.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:36:53 -0800

1000places
For those of us from landlocked cities and states, we're always amazed by the varied color and diversity of the shells scattered on the beach.

...despite the overcast skies and storm clouds that appeared to be gathering on the horizon, apparently an unusual occurence in Naples during December.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:36:23 -0800

1000places
...despite the overcast skies and storm clouds that appeared to be gathering on the horizon, apparently an unusual occurence in Naples during December.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, two hours from Lake Wales and 1088 miles from Falls Church, we arrived at Naples - so far our favorite Florida city. Moments after arriving, Jeanne donned her flip-flop ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:36:05 -0800

1000places
On Thursday, Dec. 3, two hours from Lake Wales and 1088 miles from Falls Church, we arrived at Naples - so far our favorite Florida city. Moments after arriving, Jeanne donned her flip-flop ...

The peach-tinted Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railroad Depot, now the Lake Wales Depot Museum, is a reminder of the railroad that remains from the town's historic period. Its completion in 1928 ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:34:54 -0800

1000places
The peach-tinted Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railroad Depot, now the Lake Wales Depot Museum, is a reminder of the railroad that remains from the town's historic period. Its completion in 1928 ...

The town of Lake Wales dates back to 1911, and like most of the small towns we drove through in "old Florida," it boasts an "historic district," the most distinctive building being the Medit ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:34:34 -0800

1000places
The town of Lake Wales dates back to 1911, and like most of the small towns we drove through in "old Florida," it boasts an "historic district," the most distinctive building being the Medit ...

Now lest you think that Lake Wales has only the Bok Tower Gardens, there is another "world famous" attraction for visiting tourists -- the mysterious Spook Hill.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:34:07 -0800

1000places
Now lest you think that Lake Wales has only the Bok Tower Gardens, there is another "world famous" attraction for visiting tourists -- the mysterious Spook Hill.

As the sign instructed, we pulled our vehible to the white line, put it in neutral, and were astonished when we began rolling back "up" the hill. (At least one of us was astonished; Jeanne ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:33:40 -0800

1000places
As the sign instructed, we pulled our vehible to the white line, put it in neutral, and were astonished when we began rolling back "up" the hill. (At least one of us was astonished; Jeanne ...

...native birds we could observe from the "Window By The Pond," a small, secluded observation hut....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:33:34 -0800

1000places
...native birds we could observe from the "Window By The Pond," a small, secluded observation hut....

As darkness descended on us, we rounded a corner to find one of the most amazing plants we had ever encountered -- only to discover upon closer examination that it was a sculpture.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:33:13 -0800

1000places
As darkness descended on us, we rounded a corner to find one of the most amazing plants we had ever encountered -- only to discover upon closer examination that it was a sculpture.

Nearing nightfall and the garden's closing time, we took a brief moment to rest on one of the garden benches....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:32:48 -0800

1000places
Nearing nightfall and the garden's closing time, we took a brief moment to rest on one of the garden benches....

...and observe a Florida sunset through the dripping strands of Spanish moss.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:32:38 -0800

1000places
...and observe a Florida sunset through the dripping strands of Spanish moss.

... a graceful and eerie effect that we tried to capture with our cameras....

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:32:03 -0800

1000places
... a graceful and eerie effect that we tried to capture with our cameras....

The gardens themselves are 250 acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines. The brochure told us there was a "thousand shades of green," but what caught our eye were the bursts of color from azal ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:31:45 -0800

1000places
The gardens themselves are 250 acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines. The brochure told us there was a "thousand shades of green," but what caught our eye were the bursts of color from azal ...

Christmas candles in old-fashioned lanterns were another of the holiday decorations.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:31:21 -0800

1000places
Christmas candles in old-fashioned lanterns were another of the holiday decorations.

Being the holiday season, some of the garden's paths were lined with poinsettias.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:31:01 -0800

1000places
Being the holiday season, some of the garden's paths were lined with poinsettias.

Poinsettias had been placed around giant urns along one of the paths.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:30:32 -0800

1000places
Poinsettias had been placed around giant urns along one of the paths.

The "Yellow Shrimp Plant" (Pachystachys lutea) was in full bloom. (Note: Don't be impressed that we knew the name of this plant - there was a display at the visitor's center that identifi ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:30:06 -0800

1000places
The "Yellow Shrimp Plant" (Pachystachys lutea) was in full bloom. (Note: Don't be impressed that we knew the name of this plant - there was a display at the visitor's center that identifi ...

The meandering garden is touted as one of the greatest achievements of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:29:19 -0800

1000places
The meandering garden is touted as one of the greatest achievements of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

...a squirrel munching its dinner.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:28:48 -0800

1000places
...a squirrel munching its dinner.

The vivid red of this bromeliad stood out against its green leaves.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:28:43 -0800

1000places
The vivid red of this bromeliad stood out against its green leaves.

A camillia blossom captures the final rays of the late evening sun.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:28:26 -0800

1000places
A camillia blossom captures the final rays of the late evening sun.

More vivid display of the garden's color.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:28:05 -0800

1000places
More vivid display of the garden's color.

The art deco sundial on the south side of the Tower was set in place on October 26, 1928. The gnomon, which indicates time by casting a shadow on the dial face, is made with a bronze rod sup ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:27:44 -0800

1000places
The art deco sundial on the south side of the Tower was set in place on October 26, 1928. The gnomon, which indicates time by casting a shadow on the dial face, is made with a bronze rod sup ...

The long strands of gray Spanish moss seemed to glow silver against the long shadows of the setting sun...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:27:11 -0800

1000places
The long strands of gray Spanish moss seemed to glow silver against the long shadows of the setting sun...

The centerpiece of the Bok Tower Gardens is, of course, the tower -- the 205 foot neo-Gothic "Singing Tower" with a 60-bell carillon.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:26:39 -0800

1000places
The centerpiece of the Bok Tower Gardens is, of course, the tower -- the 205 foot neo-Gothic "Singing Tower" with a 60-bell carillon.

A full day's drive brought us near the Florida border, and the next day, we stopped at Lake Wales in the central part of the state. Lake Wales is home to a National Historic Landmark -- the ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:26:14 -0800

1000places
A full day's drive brought us near the Florida border, and the next day, we stopped at Lake Wales in the central part of the state. Lake Wales is home to a National Historic Landmark -- the ...

"THE ROCK" -- It was always there on our previous trips, a mile-and-a-quarter out in San Francisco Bay. But the former U.S. Federal Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island (its official name) seemed ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:52:21 -0800

1000places
"THE ROCK" -- It was always there on our previous trips, a mile-and-a-quarter out in San Francisco Bay. But the former U.S. Federal Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island (its official name) seemed ...

...and photographs of us (this being one of Jeanne's rather unusual self-portraits.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:24:11 -0800

1000places
...and photographs of us (this being one of Jeanne's rather unusual self-portraits.

These jagged rocks jutting off of Point Cabrillo proved to be the doom of the sailing brig Frolic which ran aground in 1850. This -- and other close calls -- led to Congress appropriating $ ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:23:54 -0800

1000places
These jagged rocks jutting off of Point Cabrillo proved to be the doom of the sailing brig Frolic which ran aground in 1850. This -- and other close calls -- led to Congress appropriating $ ...

We couldn't resist photographing some of the flowering plant life.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:23:22 -0800

1000places
We couldn't resist photographing some of the flowering plant life.

It was a 12-minute ferry ride across the bay to Alcatraz Island.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:23:11 -0800

1000places
It was a 12-minute ferry ride across the bay to Alcatraz Island.

This is a photo travel log of our trip to San Francisco on November 9-14, 2009. Our plan was to spend three days in the city exploring on foot neighborhoods that had escaped our full attent ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:23:42 -0800

1000places
This is a photo travel log of our trip to San Francisco on November 9-14, 2009. Our plan was to spend three days in the city exploring on foot neighborhoods that had escaped our full attent ...

Or that the brilliant back lit grape leaves and multi-colored vines would shine like a thousand points of red and gold light?

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:17:08 -0800

1000places
Or that the brilliant back lit grape leaves and multi-colored vines would shine like a thousand points of red and gold light?

Who knew that the vineyards would be ablaze with such color?

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:16:47 -0800

1000places
Who knew that the vineyards would be ablaze with such color?

The next day, as we made our way back to San Francisco, we drove through the wine country of the Anderson and Sonoma valleys -- a kaleidoscope of fall color.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:16:17 -0800

1000places
The next day, as we made our way back to San Francisco, we drove through the wine country of the Anderson and Sonoma valleys -- a kaleidoscope of fall color.

We passed miles and miles of rolling hills of vibrant red, amber, and gold grape leaves, radiant hues in low, soft light.

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:15:48 -0800

1000places
We passed miles and miles of rolling hills of vibrant red, amber, and gold grape leaves, radiant hues in low, soft light.

Poets often pen odes to "fall in New England," and some East Coast leaf-peepers tout the Shenandoahs as the “must see” place for autumn's glory, but there's also something to be said for ...

nobody@smugmug.com (1000places) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:15:13 -0800

1000places
Poets often pen odes to "fall in New England," and some East Coast leaf-peepers tout the Shenandoahs as the “must see” place for autumn's glory, but there's also something to be said for ...