Thursday, October 1, 2009

High Fly By Skywatch

This is one of the eagles as the jet is about to fly over

The same eagle after the fly by

I think this one is my favorite. This is the other eagle after the jet passed and left it's trail into the clouds. Like a cloud firework explosion and tracer

Here we have the whole Pennsyvania Columns beneath a beautiful sky, if you look further down the road you will see the "Nude Tree" and cabin. (enlarge if needed) This is the Pennsylvania Columns in Valley Forge National Historical Park. I was fortunate took capture a jet flying over this eagle. I think I must have picked the perfect day because we've had plenty of rain lately.

Please see my last My World Tuesday post if you haven't already to get a bit of historical background about Valley Forge. I would just like to add that the Continental soldiers got much needed training in early 1778 from a Prussian army officer Baron Von Steuben. They were also helped greatly in the Spring of 1778 by France's alliance with and formal recognition of the United States as a sovereign power. The expected arrival of the French greatly altered the British war plans and triggered their evacuation of Philadelphia.

As I write this my back still aches, but my spirits are lifted by all of the kind words and support from the nice viewers of this blog. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Thanks also for the help with the Munich and Prague trip. As it stands now:
Prague Nov 26 to Dec 1st,
Salzburg Dec 1st to Dec 4th,
Munich Dec 4th to Dec 11th. Plus maybe a few day trips.
This will be our 5th trip together to Europe, but this will be our first time to Germany, Czech Republic and Austria. We really look forward to the Christmas markets(Thanks Thérèse!), but not the cold. Thankfully we look forward to our California trip not long after we return.

53 comments:

VP said...

These shots of the Pennsylvania Columns are simply awesome! The angle on the photo make the eagle quite alive.
Glad to know you feel a little better, you are planning an interesting trip. Sorry I last went to Prague in the early 90s and to Munich some years ago, so no fresh informations available from me.
If you don't already know them, try http://www.inyourpocket.com/, they have up to date pdf on both Munich and Prague.

Malyss said...

Really wonderful shots! What a great light, and a wonderful and interesting place!

I've been to Münich too long ago to help you usefully, but yes, the Christmas markets are simply great in this part of the world! To see me in such a place is like to see a child in disneyland!!Ü

Germany is a country that i know very well and that I like very much.
I often traveled and staid there.

Do your best to care and feel better with your back and legs before leaving.All those cities are to be discovered by walking through the streets, and they offer a lot of places to visit..
And Prague is sooooo romantic!

Olivier said...

bien vu la statue et le trace des avions, cela rend bien

Sylvia K said...

Awesome is the word and not even that is enough!! What magnificent shots, James! So stunning and dramatic! You did indeed visit on the very best day possible!!

Have a lovely weekend!

Sylvia

Regina said...

Wow James another beautiful shots.

Alan Burnett said...

Wonderfully inventive images. And good luck with your Europe trip - it's just a shame you are not calling by in the UK

ruma said...

Hello, James.
A trip to your Europe is grand should be done.I pray.
In the Europe, please photograph the beautiful sky such as Pennsylvania.
I wait in hope of your works.
ruma

Cheryl said...

Awesome! Just awesome!

My name is Riet said...

Those pictures are magnificant. The eagles are so beautiful and impressive. You will like Europe. I like Salzburg best but you will find out for yourself.
Have a nice day

Photo Cache said...

Looks like a busy and fun last quarter 2009 for you. Have fun and be safe.

Oh your sky is too blue and very cheerful.

Could you clue me in on this meme that you're hosting? Thanks.

Anya said...

Up above my head,
Where the clouds run free,
The sky is there looking back at me,
Though it has no eyes,
It knows I'm there,
That's what's so great about the sky above me ........

Amazing sky shots James :)

penny said...

I was wondering just how long you waited for the fly-over, nice, very nice...
You always seen to be in the right place at the right time.
And I am excited for you and Vicki and your up coming trip!
Take care, be well...Pam

Martha Z said...

I agree, the third is the best, I like the fall leaves in the corner.
Sounds like you have a great trip planed, I look forward to the pictures.

Kathy W said...

James those are great shots. LOL if I looked straight up like that I would have gotten dizzy. =)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful shots my friend. Just fantastic. I so hope you have a great time on your trip. I know you will. Rabbit, rabbit :)

Anonymous said...

Perfect timing and a good eye produced some brilliant pics.

Carol said...

Very beautiful photos, James...impressive columns...the third shot looks like the eagle is about to take off...

Maria Berg said...

It made me think of Trade center, the plane look like its going in to the bird.

But VERY nice and good photos, MB

dianasfaria.com said...

these are beautiful & very original skywatch photos James!
Your trip plans sound wonderful too. You are so dedicated to post for us even with an aching back. Make sure to rest it. Does a heating pad help you?

Anonymous said...

Wow, one gorgeous shot after another. That first on in particular is fantastic.

April said...

What a beautiful park and an amazing sky! The last picture is especially nice.

Carver said...

These are fantastic shots. So fortuitous to get the jet flying over the eagle. I'm sorry your back is giving you a hard time. I hope you will be better and better.

VALKYRIEN said...

Awesome photos! I agree with you, the third one is simply breathtaking!

ninja said...

Great angels and colors! Wonderful skywatch.

Unknown said...

Wow, great great shots James and you had a happy sky there. Have a wonderful trip to Europe and you'll enjoy it there. Bring us more photos.

SandyCarlson said...

Thanks for these images. What a place. Our history is amazing.

I am glad you are better. I hope you are totally well for your trip.

Ebie said...

Your shots are beautiful! Looks like a piercing sword!I hope you feel better James. Take it easy....I am also excited to your European trip, and California too!

LV said...

Enjoyed the tour and history of the fort. You did a remarkable job on those pictures.

Bogey said...

Hello James,

It appears as though I have missed quite a bit since my break. Sorry to hear about your ailing back. I'll trade you for a couple of wonky knees. Loved all of your previous posts especially the Valley Forge pics. Hope you are getting used to Sweater Weather out here. And don't worry too much about the cold...it hasn't really started just yet. Your trip to Europe sounds marvelous. Can't wait to see the pics from that journey. Take care of your back James.

The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place said...

wonderful shots..

Thérèse said...

The second shot is the one I like the most.

chrome3d said...

You certainly had the perfect day for these eagles. They were so majestic.

Tom said...

Excellent timing,
Excellent pictures,
Excellent place...... and of course excellent news your back is feeling a tad better.

Lew said...

Great composition in these sky watch images! You should be able to get some great sky images in Salzburg. The castle on the hill and the chuches in town offer a great opportunity for photography. I hope you get good weather during your visit.

Carletta said...

That first shot with the jet just over the eagle's head - super. For me the shot evokes patriotism.
Nice shots James!

Carletta’s Captures.

magiceye said...

awesome shots!

Kcalpesh said...

Magical photography!

What I liked:

-Angles
-Colors
-Focus
-Idea
-Spontaneity
-compositions

What I didn't like:

-Nothing that I can think of

- Pixellicious Photos

Rune Eide said...

It was a very stylish monument, and I especially liked the way you shot the second one.

PS Thank you for the comment! I haven't decided yet quite what I'm going to do about benches and Fridays and so forth, but we'll see... :-)

Cezar and Léia said...

Hello James!
Glad to see you are okay!Please, take it easy and take care of your back.
Wowwwwww these columns are so gorgeous and big!
Adorable angle of the eagle and of course such a lovely blue sky!
Perfect for this theme!
God bless you
Léia

Woody said...

Hey James,

Very cool photos. I posted a reflection photo over on my blog if you wanted to check it out. I also gave you a plug as well.. ; )

Hope all is well

B SQUARED said...

Very nice captures. Be well and enjoy the trip.

Patti said...

Hi,
I'm here from Carletta's blog..she mentioned you have a reflection photo meme and I love reflections..

This photo from Valley Forge is spectacular. I love the perspective of the walkway and the eagles atop the columns are cool.

Interesting 'fly by' pix as well, with the contrails.


I imagine they named Steubenville (Ohio) for Baron Von Steuben? My husband went to college there.

Artlover said...

Hello James!
what depth it is in the pictures. It's an incredible ride in them. Veru nice captures.
Have a nice weekend

Lois said...

Those are all stunning shots James! I hope you start feeling better before your trip.

Shirl said...

Love these shots! Can't wait to see your reflections!! I'm all set where's the link?

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed ALL your sky shots this week and love the perspective and 'spin' of your presentation ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

Euroangel said...

it seems that you are coming soon! I want to meet you and your wife but sad to say, I will be flying home for vacation by last week of November..you can probably try to search in the internet for cheap hotels and apartments. we live quite far from the city. It is possible that when you stay in Germany, to find apartments near the train stations..just keep on looking on my blogs for some updates about prague, czech republic and austria...

Euro Travel
Explore Germany

Euroangel said...

if i am not going home for vacation, i can be tour guide..wink! iw ill stay in the Phils. for almost three months...but anyway, I might visit the US next year..I will see...have a great weekend James and I wish you a great trip in advance here in Europe!

Margaret Gosden said...

Amazing, wonderful shots, poor eagle! Nearly knocked off his perch! And don't fall off yours by over doing it!

amatamari© said...

Exceptional series: I especially liked the penultimate, the white
of cloud center and those red leaves
almost remember the nature of the earth ...
Beautiful photographs, unforgettable!

Marites said...

love those captures and the eagle seems to look alive. The color of the skies is also vibrant.

Euroangel said...

don't forget to visit Nuremberg Christmas market. You can take the train from Munich to Nuremberg or Nuernberg from 28 to 30 euros...this is called Bayern ticket where you can go anywhere in bavaria in a day for this cost. happy trip in advance!

Euro Travel
Explore Germany
Discover USA
Euroangel Graffiti

Euroangel said...

don't forget to also bring your winter jacket as Germany can be very cold at this time.