Good Luck, PA

Today is opening day for the rifle deer season here in Pennsylvania. May all my fellow hunters have a safe and successful day.

New Franklin Volunteer Fire Department

New Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, 3444 Wayne Road, Chambersburg, Pa. Franklin County Company 17. Organized in 1961.

Mosca-Hooper Volunteer Fire Department

Mosca-Hooper Volunteer Fire Department, 5235 State Highway 17, Mosca, Colorado. Alamosa County. Established in 1948. 

The Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum, 108 Main Street, Haines, Alaska. How could I have forgotten to post these pictures. Unfortunately we did not venture into the museum, but there was tons of fun right out in the front yard. The museum opened in 2002 and houses some 1500 hammers. The big one out front stands 19 feet 8 inches.

Durango to Silverton

I got you a video today (1 min). This is Route 550 between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, headed up over the Red Mountain Pass. Shot through the windshield (please excuse the bugs) September 25, 2015.

Missouri Firefighter's Memorial

Missouri Firefighter's Memorial, Angel Drive, Kingdom City, Missouri. The Fire Fighters Association of Missouri was founded in 1954, this memorial to the fallen firefighters "Firefighter in Prayer" was dedicated May 18, 2002. There are plans for a museum and educational center nearby. This memorial sits right off of and right along Interstate 70 at the Kingdom Hall exit. In addition to the wall to Line of Duty Deaths there are walls for those who passed with 10 years or more of service on the Distinguished Service Walls. This is actually the second "Firefighter in Prayer" statue. The first was in transport to this site on September 11, 2001. On September 19, 2001 the FDNY accepted the original statue from Missouri's Fire Service in honor of the 343 firefighters killed in the fall of the World Trade Center. The original statue remains in New York City at 8th Avenue and 41st Street where it will remain permanently.  

The View

It's been a while since we've had a look into my backyard. This was early Saturday morning. 

Bishop's Castle

Well, the most eclectic place we visited while in Colorado was, hands down, Bishop's Castle. Located in the San Isabel National Forest northwest of Rye, Colorado. The structure has been the work of Jim Bishop since 1969. Jim's vision just seems to keep going. The stairs to the main floor are steep and tall. Remember you are in Colorado and the air is already thin.  I made it just below the sphere (last picture) up a spiral staircase in the back corner. Visiting is free but donations are accepted. Jim has been fighting cancer for the past few years and most days he is on site working or just chatting with visitors. He was there this day, I spoke with him briefly. Could he have imagined in 1969 that people from all over would drive up into the mountains to see his creation? If you built it...

Alamosa Fire Department, Station 2

Alamosa Fire Department, Station 2, 2827 Virgil Way, Alamosa, Colorado. Alamosa County. Founded in 1879, the AFD is an all volunteer/paid per call department averaging 215 calls per year. The department is actually two separate departments. The Alamosa Fire Department is responsible for fire protection and other emergencies within the city limits. The Alamosa Fire Protection District is responsibly for those emergencies in Alamosa County.

Alamosa Fire Department, Station 1

Alamosa Fire Department, Station 1, 425 4th Street, Alamosa, Colorado. Alamosa County. Founded in 1879, the AFD is an all volunteer/paid per call department averaging 215 calls per year. The department is actually two separate departments. The Alamosa Fire Department is responsible for fire protection and other emergencies within the city limits. The Alamosa Fire Protection District is responsible for those emergencies in Alamosa County.

Pinkerton Hot Springs

Pinkerton Hot Springs, near Hermosa, Colorado. The Pinkerton Hot Springs Resort dates back to the 1880's. The resort is long gone. This pile of rocks was placed here by the highway department ten years or so ago to give the spring a better place to seep. Still pretty cool.