#TravelTuesday

I will try to accommodate #TravelTuesday as much as possible on this website by showing pictures from wonderful trips. Earlier this year my wife and I embarked on a short trip to the Emerald Isle. Ireland is a wonderful country full of rich history and breathtaking scenes. It’s one of the most convenient countries in Europe (less the 7 hours to get there) and the people speak English. Irish hospitality is found everywhere from the local pubs in Dublin to the bus tours around the Ring of Kerry.
In Kilkenny city there stands St. Canice’s Cathedral. The tower was erected in the 9th century and the rest of the structure in the 1200’s. Here in America when you visit an historic structure it’s few hundred years old. In Ireland you can stumble across truly ancient sites right in the middle of a modern city. Ireland should be on everyone’s bucket list.

​St. Canice's Cathedral

Nikon D5100 ​Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 13mm f/9 5 image HDR 1/640-1/80 sec

​St. Canice's Cathedral

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Nikon D5100 Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ ​11mm f/9 ISO 100 5 image HDR 1/250 - 1/30 

Philadelphia Skyline

I did make it to the Philadelphia Zoo yesterday and had a great time photographing the animals. I will post the pictures when I have had time to edit them. I have always liked cityscapes and the Philadelphia skyline has very few places to snap a good photograph. This one is at the west end of Boat House Row along the Schuylkill River. The area was brimming with life yesterday with people soaking up the few remaining weeks of pleasant weather.

​Philadelphia Skyline

Nikon D800 Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8​ @ 70mm f/11 ISO 100 5 image HDR 1/800 - 1/50 sec.

The Lieutenant John Waterman memorial

A stone’s throw from the entrance of Washington’s Memorial Chapel stands the John Waterman Memorial. It is the only grave marker in Valley Forge National Historic Park. The obelisk was erected in 1901 by the Daughters of the Revolution. It was modeled after the Washington Monument is Washington DC (obviously a bit smaller at fifty feet).

Lieutenant John Waterman memorial

Nikon D800 Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24mm f/8 ISO 100 3 image HDR 1/320 - 1/80 sec.​

The Washington Memorial Chapel

The Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historic Park is a majestic structure overlooking a scenic valley that is only a small part of Valley Forge. Completed in 1917 it stands strong and mighty just as our Continental Army did during the 1777-1778 winter that it spent here. The National Patriots Bell Tower next to the chapel chimes its carillon’s often, which echo through the park. The tower was funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The inside of the chapel is breathtaking, so time your visit well to make sure it’s open.

​Washington Memorial Chapel

Nikon D800​ Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 @ 18mm f/8 ISO 100 HDR 5 frames 1/640-1/40 sec

​Inside the Washington Memorial Chapel

Nikon D5100 ​Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 11mm f/8 ISO 100 HDR 5 images 1/3-5 sec

9-11-2012

A few days ago on 9-11-2012 I picked up my daughter from art class Headed back to her house, we decided to take a little drive through Valley Forge National Historic Park. Our timing was excellent as you can see from the photographs. Standing in such an historic place, on such an important date made me reflect on all those souls who would never see a sunset like this one again. It made me appreciate this one even more.

​Sunset at Valley Forge 9-11-2012

Nikon D800​ Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 @ 16mm f/9 ISO 100 5 image HDR 1/160-1/10 sec