New York NY (4) – Washington Square

The sights at Washington Square.  I was always curious about this park after seeing one of my all time favourite movies, “When Harry Met Sally”.  Located near NYU, it has this “student/artistic/carefree” vibe, that I love.

One of the arches that made its’ appearance in the movie, “When Harry Met Sally”

A hazy Empire State Building in the distance

A human statue

Colourful trees and beautiful architectural buildings

Vendors

A lovely walking path

Chess anyone?

A youngster enjoying her ride

New York NY (3) – World Yacht Cruise

We attended a Post-Marathon event that was held on a Yacht (World Yacht Cruise).   This fabulous adventure had taken us from the west side of Manhattan, going around the southern tip, up the east side past the Manhattan Bridge and back again.  It included a close stopover at the Statue of Liberty.

The evening was very windy.  It was difficult at most times to get a clean shot with little light and no stability.  My apologies for some of the photos not being too clear.

West side
Departing from Pier 81

West side
Empire State Building to the right

West side

Southwest tip
New World Trade Center

Hello New Jersey

Southeast tip
Approaching the Brooklyn Bridge from the South

East side
Approaching The Manhattan Bridge from the North

East side
Manhattan Bridge

East side
The Brooklyn Bridge

East side
The Seaport

East side
City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge

Southwest tip
The Staten Island Ferry Terminal (the three lit-up rectangular ports)

South tip
Brooklyn Bridge to the right

Southwest
Manhattan to the right and New Jersey to the left. Little white dots in the sky are the headlights of flights arriving into Newark

Southwest tip
New World Trade Center

West side
World Trade Center Garden (lit-up Atrium)

Lady Liberty

New York NY (2) – Riverside Church

This beautiful church is located in the northwestern neighbourhood of Morningside Heights.  The church was conceived by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. as a large, inter-denominational church.  Welcomed at the door, we were invited to view the rooms freely.  Without a tour guide, I would be unable to give proper description to the rooms.

The grandeur inside the entrance.

Looking towards the front entrance.

The front of a small chapel

The back of the small chapel

New York NY (1) – ING Marathon 2013

The New York ING Marathon 2013 was held under tight security due to the Boston Marathon bombing.  Unfortunately, it had taken away the freedom to roam and mingle amongst the crowds to cheer from different points along the route.  Despite this setback, the people of New York came with energized support.

Welcome! The entry way at the Javits Centre where a runner would come to pick up their race package.

Inside the Javits Centre.
Runners, with family and friends, line up to go through the security check before heading inside to see the exhibits and pick up race packages.

Outside the Javits Centre.
We had arrived early and was able to go through immediately.  This picture was taken on our departure.  This line extended a few blocks.

Outside the Javits Centre.
Smart food vendors along the line.

The security to enter Central Park.  Bags were checked and bodies were scanned.  I quickly took this shot as they were directing people to keep moving.  There was no stopping allowed.

400 Meters to the finish line. I was fortunate to get a spot right here.

First place finish in the Women’s – Priscah Jeptoo 2:25:07 Kenya

First place finish in the Men’s – Geoffrey Mutai 2:08:24 Kenya

The last 400 meters would be a happy sight for these runners.

Runners and spectators

Great spectator support on a beautiful fall day.

Finishers keeping warm in the provided orange cloaks

Saskatchewan Canada (7) – The Great Sandhills

In the southwest corner of Saskatchewan, you will find The Great Sandhills that cover approximately 1,900 square kilometres.  On a business trip near that area, my husband (pilot) and I took a small detour before heading back home.  These photos reflect the vastness of this area.

Above ground the dunes look small

Above ground the dunes look small

 

 

A homestead on the south edge of the dunes depicts the size of a hill.

A homestead on the south edge of the dunes depicts the size of a hill.

 

 

The dark overgrowth makes a dramatic contrast with dunes.

The dark overgrowth makes a dramatic contrast with dunes.

 

 

A narrow road allows public access.

A narrow road allows public access.

 

 

A set of footprints runs across a hill

A set of footprints runs across a hill

 

 

Saskatchewan Canada (6) – Jagged Edges

The North and South Saskatchewan River cuts through the province from west to east.  The two rivers merge about forty kilometres east of Prince Albert, SK.  to create the Saskatchewan River.

These photos are of the South Saskatchewan River.    With the harvested land, edges along the river are very distinct.

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Saskatchewan Canada (5) – Harvested Land

On a recent trip to the southwest corner of Saskatchewan , I discovered some wondrous sights.

Flat harvested land creates beautiful designs

Flat harvested land creates beautiful designs

 

 

The entrails of a passing jet casts a long shadow

The entrails of a passing jet casts a long shadow

 

 

Bales of hay looks miniature from our viewpoint

Bales of hay looks miniature from our viewpoint

 

 

A farmer finishing up his harvest

A farmer finishing up his harvest

 

 

Trucks carrying their load to the granary

Trucks carrying their load to the granary

 

 

Boston MA (5) – City Sights

I love that Boston is a walkable city.  You can cover the diversity of the city without having to use the transit system.  It allows many photo opportunities on our exploratory walks.

Boston Common

Beacon Street runs along north of Boston Common

Looking at the office buildings in the Back Bay area from Boston Common

The State Capital

Massachusetts State House

Paramount Theatre on Washington Street

Filene’s on Washington

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Samuel Adams

Government Center

Looking down Washington Street

Boston MA (4) – Granary Burying Ground

The first time we came across this place was by accident.  Wandering away from Boston Common, we headed north east on Tremont Street and discovered the grounds.  What had surprised us more was that this is the resting place for Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin’s family (but not Ben himself).  This untouched ground, established in 1660, was so peaceful.

Tremont Street

Surrounded by office buildings

From the back of the grounds looking towards Tremont Street

“HERE LYES Y BODY OF MARY GOOSE WIFE TO JSAAC GOOSE; AGED 42 YEARS DEC’D OCTOBE Y 19, 1690”
Various historical meanings are given as to why coins are left by a headstone. However, no matter what the intention, it’s a show of respect and remembrance.

“HERE LIES BURIED THE BODY OF MR PAUL REVERE AGED 31 YEARS & 8 MONTHS HE DIED JULY 22, 1754”

Boston MA (3) – Back Bay, A Closer Look

Residential brownstones on Commonwealth Avenue

A closer look at the gorgeous spring blossoms

Runners along Commonwealth Avenue

A statue in front of the Boston Public Library
Old South Church in the background

Trinity Church in Copley Square

Trinity Church reflecting from the John Hancock Tower

Beautiful detailed work on Trinity Church

Copley Square Hotel
Our stay from a previous visit