Category: Technology

Forgotten Roads and Rusting Guardians

On By mvschulzeIn Hiking, Hudson River, New York, Photo, Technology, Travel6 Comments

Still common in many rural areas, cable and concrete (or wood) posts were the savior of countless vehicles headed for trees and ditches in early and mid 20th Century America.

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Designed to spread the impact forces over the long length of the cables, they reduced injury and saved lives as the cables “gave” and absorbed energy in their stretching and end anchoring systems.

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Recently, I came across these two vestiges in Bergen County, New Jersey, still intact along side their abandoned roads. The first, above, was Fort Lee Road, formerly a minor artery across the Overpeck Meadowlands, just west of the George Washington Bridge. It was displaced by Interstate 95/80 nearly 50 years ago.  

Below is old US Rt. 9W now a walking trail in the State Line Lookout area of Alpine, New Jersey, formerly the only road along the top of the Palisades overlooking the Hudson River, replaced by the current Palisades Interstate Parkway some 60 years ago.

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Thanks for Viewing

As usual, click on the images for high resolution, and …comments are always welcomed.

🙂 

“New York” on Sunday

On By mvschulzeIn Art, Cruise ship, Photo, Pondering, Queen Mary 2, Science, Technology, Travel7 Comments

It’s January 15th, 2014, and winter is beginning to bother me! So I thought about a Sunday day trip we enjoyed last fall, when a half dozen “top ten” days were painting the NYC skyline day after day with breathtaking clarity and brilliance… 

(For best un-cropped results and full resolution,  click on the images.)

Arriving at the “Battery” from the Staten Island FerryImage

Buildings of the World Financial Center

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From the Governor’s Island Ferry, a surreal High “HDR” landscape view of Lower Manhattan

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On Governor’s Island

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Of Governor’s Island (left) with the sun playing on three major East River suspension bridges beyond. Can you name them, and the large building to the left?

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And finally, cruising south by ferry, looking back at the iconic old and new skyscrapers, followed smartly by none other than the stately RMS Queen Mary 2

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Likes and Comments are always welcomed

A BIG Perspective on the New Year

On By mvschulzeIn Photo, Pondering, Science, Technology, Travel, Uncategorized8 Comments

 

         2014, the New Year, starts next Wednesday. A year…. the time it takes Earth to circle the sun. 

In these two weeks or so, two other planets will be lined up, stringing out almost in a straight line from the sun.

Therefore, for those peoples who have considered this particular point in our orbit as the place to be to mark the next cycle, we might as well invite Jupiter and Venus to join us this year in celebration.

 SO, HAPPY NEW YEAR, Earth, Jupiter and Venus.

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Venus will be “on the line” (between Earth and the Sun) on January 11th. In a small telescope, it currently appears like the crescent phase above, and to the naked eye, it is very bright in the SW sky after sunset, but quickly (apparently) closing in on the sun. On rare years, it passes directly in front of the sun as shown at right – in 2004.         

 

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Jupiter will be at “Opposition” (along that line) on January 5th. Since it’s “opposite “ the sun as seen from here (Earth!) look for it shinning brightly high above at midnight. The B/W images above were taken by myself many years ago when amateur expectations were far less than today; and at right, Jupiter and 4 of its moons as captured recently, where expectations are far greater!   

 I did not take the picture below – wish I had!  But it is my favorite.  From Apollo 8, 45 yrs ago this past Christmas Eve.

Earth-Rise over the moon.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

April In Paris … no, October In Paris – A Snippet from a Walking Perspective

On By mvschulzeIn Art, Hiking, Photo, Science, Technology, Travel13 Comments

Last year at about this time, we had the pleasure of walking along part of the Seine.  We explored the northern side of the Ile (island) de la Citi, upon which Notre Dame and other landmarks are located, …and across several downstream bridges, nearbyScreen shot 2013-10-21 at 8.23.22 PM

 

 From the river’s edge, and as seen under one of the arches of the oldest bridge in Paris, (Pont Neuf, 1578,) is the Pont des Arts and Louvre Museum behind.

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The bridge (pedestrian only) is one of several adorned with thousands of “love locks,” a fad started some years ago where-by lovers write their names on mostly brass padlocks, attach them to the wire railings, and toss the keys into the river. Another option, though seldom used, is tossing each other into the river! Some detractors of the practice would think that is the better option.

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 But perhaps one of the prettiest views in Paris is seen from Pont du Carrousel. Looking back from that bridge, are the two previously mentioned bridges and a world class autumnal view of the Ile de la Citi and surrounds including the Square du Vert-Galant, a wonderful little park on the very tip of the island (seen in the center with the trees in this image;) spires of Ste. Chapelle, (right of center;) and Notre Dame (far right, distance.)

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 After a sidewalk café lunch, our walk would take us to the beautiful Jardin (gardens) des Tuileries,  a World Heritage Site, with this view typical of its prodigious, colorful gardens and sculptures.

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Finally, after dark, the Eiffel Tower displayed its hourly light show, as seen here from the top of the 59 story  Tour Montparnasse.    Hi PS!

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The Great American Road-Trip – Day 6

On By mvschulzeIn Art, Hiking, Photo, Pondering, Technology, Travel12 Comments

Moments, in words and images, of our ~7000 mile, 11 day journey across the USA and back in a 1965 MGB roadster.

Missed the beginning? It starts with my 8/6/13 “…Prelude” post 

Short on Time? Just visit the Photos

Thanks! And, comments are always appreciated

Approximate route covering the first 6 days

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MAPS:

Exploring L.A. to Malibu on a 75 mile loop

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Late night exit from L.A.: 180 miles to San Luis Obispo

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Day 6:

Friday, Aug. 18, 1967    255 miles, about 19 hours

After a superb breakfast at nearby Uncle #2’s house, we thanked all for their extreme hospitality and left Van Nuys around 10 AM, PDT, well rested, eager to explore Los Angeles on our own, and swim in the Pacific Ocean. It was a beautiful warm day. Familiar California songs ran across our minds, if not on the radio: “California Sun,” the Rivieras; “77 Sunset Strip,” theme from the popular TV series. Our agenda was open and the day in Southern California was before us. 

Grauman’s Chinese Theater on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stop the car, run around with the tourists, and GO!

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08.111t 1967, August, MGB California Trip_edited-1

We would drive west along Hollywood Blvd., then two blocks south to Sunset Blvd. and it’s famous “Strip.” Historical Note: (See my post of 8/6/13: “…Prelude,”) A year ago to this date, the relatively unknown rock group “The Doors” were fired as the house band at the prestigious Sunset-Strip club Whiskee a’-go go as Jim Morrison became increasingly profane, thereby gaining popularity and eventually ascending from the fringes in the early rock culture.

Bill Cosby headlining the Whiskee a’ go go

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We explored some of affluent Beverly Hills, crossing over the Santa Monica Mountains to the Ventura Freeway, now headed to the coast

Palm-tree lined streets in Beverly Hills

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Land is at a premium in the canyons

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Our road maps would take us back down through the mountains and canyons (Think: The Mammas and The Papas: Twelve-Thirty!) along Las Virgines Road to Malibu Canyon Road from which we would see the Pacific Ocean, each for our first time. It was 12:50 PM, with 3733 miles on the odometer. Shortly, we were on California 1, the Coastal Highway, and would park at Malibu Pier. 

Eager to get in the Pacific Ocean

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Tom and I walked a few hundred yards to the other side of the pier, changed, and were in the water in seconds. Then soaking up the sun up on a blanket, watching the surfers, and  distracted by a California girl sitting near, alone “by the ocean floor,” as The Beach Boys “Surfer Girl” harmonized mentally within. We were close to the prime surfing spot, here in Southern California, on the beach, and it couldn’t get much better. Yes it could! Rent a surfboard for $4 an hour!

California Girls – Malibu

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Neither Tom nor I had ever been on a surfboard. Our skills (or lack of) were obvious to the hard-core guys and girls out there a little to the right, where the waves were moderate but occasionally breaking nicely. After a while of paddling around, I got up the nerve to move closer to the action. Soon, THE wave approached. I started paddling feverishly, almost fell off before even trying to stand, regained control, and, being really psyched now, made my move to stand, and thinking: ….to the awe and reverence of those on the beach… Then: “DON”T DO IT! DON’T DO IT MAN!” came the commanding call from…where???  Behind.    I dropped down before I even got up, wondering… WHAT? And two perfect guys with their perfect little dude surfer boards caught MY wave and perfectly (annoyingly!) surfed perfectly past me towards the beach. 

I would try a few more times and actually manage to stand for… about 4 seconds. Dejected, I went back to the blanket, dragging the board behind, as next, Tom’s performance was (I thought,) only marginally better! Well, ok, better! 

Kowabunga!  Marty Surfin Malibu!

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We actually savored our fortune to be enjoying this special place of lore, and would spend some three hours there relaxing and enjoying the scene. After each calling home, me dropping a fortune in quarters into a beach-side pay phone, (which sounded more like a slot machine,) we were back in the car headed down the coast, casually discussing where we might go next. It was about 4:00 PM

Historical Note: After passing Santa Monica Pier, actually the western terminus of Rt. 66, we would soon see Pacific Ocean Park, on its ocean-jutting pier, which was once envisioned to compete with Disneyland. (Re.: The Beach Boys again: “Lets Do Amusement Parks USA!”) But changing demographics and then urban revitalization projects were followed by significantly decreasing attendance which would result in the the park closing forever – which happened quietly about a month after we drove by.

Pacific Ocean Park, Santa Monica

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With several options, we decided to return to Sunset Blvd. on this Friday night, although heavy traffic would make it a long ordeal. Once there, we cruised Sunset Strip for a few more hours with thousands of others, slowely driving one end to the other and back a number of times enjoying the energy, and eating at one of the many sidewalk cafe’s, intrigued and amused by the “hippie” sub-culture. Trying to tell male from female was a pastime, as we ate our cheeseburgers, clearly out of place in our casual but suburban NJ attire. (Historical Note: This was to become known as “The Summer of Love,” a legitimate and powerful cultural transformation gaining momentum and flourishing right here, and in the Haight-Ashbury area of San Francisco.)

Aside from the older tourists, it was different from New York’s Times Square, with which we were familiar. There was a genuine air of camaraderie here, a unification, easy purpose with a pervasive carefree attitude – undeniably fueled by seemingly restrained, almost passive  authority… and drugs. For myself, I may have felt a little inwardly elitist, morally (perhaps) resisting the temptation of a different and intriguing lifestyle. But we were observers, not partakers, and despite the amusement and curiosity would soon jump back into the MGB (often and shamelessly by not using the doors…) and begin our exit out of Los Angeles.

There was one more stop, however, right there on The Strip across from the comparatively mundane (think: expensive, older, out of our priority) Los Angeles Playboy Club. There, …was the furskin-covered car, displaying the various fur skins and rugs of a self made hunter-enterpreneur (or so he implied!) Tom and I would dole out somewhat disproportionate funds to validate the feelings for our often thought of girlfriends back home.

Well patronized fur guy in gas station lot across from the Los Angeles Playboy Club

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It was 11:15 PM, on Sunset Strip, Los Angeles, California, and $2.00 put 6.5 gallons (US) into the MGB’s tank (that’s $.31 per gallon.) We were tired, but cruised a bit more before leaving the city at a little after midnight. Tom was driving now, out Venture Freeway, California State 101 as I fell asleep.  At about 2:30 AM with 4004 miles, we pulled off the side of the road for the night, just south of San Luis Obispo.

Day 7, Up the coast to San Francisco    http://wp.me/p37YEI-Q5

The Great American Road-Trip – Day 5

On By mvschulzeIn Hiking, Mystery, Photo, Science, Technology, Travel7 Comments

Short on Time?

Just visit the photos, Thanks! and, comments are always appreciated

Approximate route of Day 5, 420 miles, about 12 hours

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Day 5:     

         Thursday, Aug. 17, 1967 – Las Vegas to Los Angeles via Hoover Dam

Waking up around 8:00 in North Las Vegas, Nevada, the small motel gave us our first good night’s sleep since leaving New Jersey. Outside, the temperatures would be well over 100 today and after driving past Fremont Street and the strip again, we headed out on Rt 95/93 towards the Hoover Dam area, some 40 miles to the south-east.

Our well appreciated $8.00 motel in North Las Vegas

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Hoover Dam (formerly Boulder Dam) was our destination, but a few miles before, we took a detour to a campground and swimming area on Lake Mead, the largest reservoir (by volume) in the United States, created about 32 years earlier when the dam was constructed on the Colorado River. It was refreshing to spend an hour there, our pace a bit more leisurely today. 

Boulder Beach on Lake Mead – a moment to rest, swim and cool off

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The world’s 7th largest kw capacity dam was not far, easy to find as high tension wires seemed to converge on that one point and dive into the base of the massive concrete structure. Spot parking allowed for rock climbing and pictures. (Historical Note: Today, (2013,) it is ranked number 60 in capacity – ref. Wikipedia)

Rt. 93 switch-backs down and over the dam to Arizona, with Lake Mead beyond

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Note the transmission lines taking power out of the generators below

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Walking across the dam afforded great views, but the best part was the many water fountains from which we drank plenty in the searing heat. (Historical Note: Narrow, twisty and fun Rt.93 was replaced in 2010 by a new through route, over a new bypass bridge.) 

Not keen on waiting in one of several hot and sweaty tour lines, we hastened back to the hot and sweaty car, retreating towards Interstate 15, about 30 miles west, towards Los Angeles. The super-highway connects Las Vegas with Southern California for several hundred miles through the barren, alien Mojave Desert.

Still in Nevada, the Mojave Desert is sand, dry shrubs, Joshua trees and intense heat

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The MGB, with about 25,000 miles on the odometer, had been running very well up to now, but this stretch would put it to the test. With a black-pavement road temperature well over 115 F (46.6 C,) the car’s water temperature was hugging the boiling point. Every slight rise  would tax it to its limits, with down slopes giving a few degrees relief. It was a tense, tedious, and extremely hot several hour stretch in mid-afternoon, with over-heated cars all along the shoulders and rest areas. The admirable, little car persevered, as did Tom and I. At the California line, we dared not stop the engine after  pulling over to savor the milestone. Both Tom and I were cooked by now, our canteens low and we gave-in to putting the top on for shade. (To increase open space in the car proper – behind the seats – we had been storing the normally folding top and frame in the trunk.) 

The sign was like a checkered flag, as…we had arrived. California, here we are, 2:15 PM, PDT, about 3400 miles in 4 1/2 days.

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At the small desert town of Baker, California, we spotted a soda machine in what appeared as an abandoned service station. It was not. Out of nowhere, a dusty, sort of ghostly-like older man, was …just there, by the old pumps, kinda shimmering in the heat! We did not need gas, and did not linger. Just got our cold sodas and…left. We do not have pictures!        Baker’s average daytime high at this time of year is 110 F (43.3 C) and it’s all time record is 124 F (46 C) making this one of the hottest places on earth.

140 miles from Las Vegas, is Barstow, where we would meet Rt. 66 again, merging as part of I. 15. It is the first of any sizable towns along our desert route, but still an hour or so till  the San Bernardino Mountains – and eventually, Interstate 10.  

The sign (right, below) tells it, and about 35 miles later,  we were in Los Angeles

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We arrived into “The City of Angels” at 6:20 PM, 3645 trip miles, with the still relentless, but smog-paled sun, glaring right down in our faces as the freeway pierced the city. The L.A. City Hall Building was familiar to us as the iconic symbol of the popular TV police-series, Dragnet. 

Soon we would meet and be welcomed with wonderful hospitality by two of Tom’s uncles, and their families in Van Nuys. After dinner and introducing us to lemon and orange trees by their backyard patio, Cousin Fred (and I believe his sister, and one of the uncles) would take us for a most impressive late evening tour of Hollywood, Century City and other highlights. It would be 1 or 2 AM before sleep, we the grateful guests in their home for the night.

Day 6: Los Angeles and The Pacific Ocean   http://wp.me/p37YEI-LQ

Golf at Midnight? Almost!

On By mvschulzeIn Photo, Science, Technology, Travel1 Comment

From our smart-phones, tablets, computers and other such devices, we can now see and read anybody’s posts from around the world in virtually real time, including this. My awareness of the shape and size of our global home has been enhanced with this very inexpensive and seemingly infinite media, as local times and seasons are so varied. 

Yesterday was the first day of Summer here in the US East Coast,  but of course the first day of Winter along  the Australian East Coast, where I follow several photo-bloggers. In Scandinavia, a few more whom I follow, are, or close to,  experiencing the midnight sun.

Just about this date, a few years back, we were almost giddy while playing golf at 11:00 PM, with native jack-rabbits watching on a wonderful course just outside Denali National Park, Alaska. Of course the beverage provided by the eager and smiling grounds keeper had nothing to do with that, but, the uniqueness of just being there; the snow-capped mountains, the pale natural lighting, and playing with great NJ friends near midnight… did!

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Living High, atop the Eiffel Tower

On By mvschulzeIn Art, Photo, Technology, Travel21 Comments

Please click on the images for full size view       

While in Paris last fall I really enjoyed going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Gustave Eiffel is credited with overseeing the design, and building of this incredible, VERY open air structure, which literally stands as a testament to what late 19th century “modern engineering” could produce, and… in only about 26 months.

Conceived and presented as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, a visitor sees the wonderful engineering details… starting at the massive four supporting legs anchored deeply near the Seine River.  Above, is the beautiful, graceful lattice of 18,038 girders and connecting pieces joined together by some 2,500,000 rivets. The top observation level is 918 ft. (279 m) above the plaza and from there the very top of the tower is another 145 ft., or a total of 1063 ft. (324 m).

What intrigued me this time?  The apartment built by “Gus” on the top. Can you imagine asking a friend over for a drink at “my apartment… it has a nice view!”  NICE VIEW! I usually am not bothered by high places, but to most, hunkering down on the settee for an overnight in a small apartment perched atop a 1000 ft. tower would be ….worrisome! “How’s the weather?”  Make that drink a double, please!

ImageAbove:        From the Esplanade du Trocadero, across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower

ImageAbove:       The first observations level, including “Le 58 Tour Eiffel”  restaurant

ImageAbove:                    From the plaza at the base of the “lattice” work

ImageAbove:    Pont Alexandre III, crossing the Seine,   as seen from the 2nd observation level

ImageAbove:                    The 3rd level (two decks) and top of the tower

ImageAbove:               Looking up at the very top, antenna’s, lights, beacons …

ImageAbove:                  Plaque telling of the apartment, on the upper deckImageAbove:       The original top of the Eiffel tower, showing the apartment, –  long since gone

ImageAbove:     The awesome view from the upper deck, 3rd and highest observation level

Nuts and Bolts – 19th Century Railroad Bridge, and MEN

On By mvschulzeIn Hiking, Photo, Technology, Travel5 Comments

About 4 miles (~6.5 km) NW from Port Jervis, NY, between Sparrowbush, NY and Millrift, Pa., is a 165 year old “deck truss” style steel railroad bridge built to extend the NY and Erie Railroad; a project chartered in 1832, to connect Piermont, NY (Hudson River) to Dunkirk, NY, (Lake Erie.) This rusty, erector set – like artifact continues to carry freight trains across the Delaware River today, along well maintained rails.

On a recent visit, we were intrigued with the massive nuts and bolts used to tie the steel together. What particularly interested me was the thought of….how large the open-ended Craftsman wrench must have been and, really now, how large was that guy that built it in 1848?  Seriously!

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“Empty Sky,” a Perspective in time

On By mvschulzeIn Art, Mystery, Photo, Technology7 Comments

Yesterday, (5/14/13) we visited the New Jersey 9/11 memorial in Liberty State Park for the first time. It is a stunning, architectural and symbolic masterpiece designed by Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz, indelibly memorializing the victims and events that shattered the senses 11 ½ years ago.

When viewed from the west end, the two stainless steel jacketed 30’ high walls, 208’ 10” long, emblazed with the names of New Jersey’s innocents, leads the eye to the exact location of the original towers –  today empty, except for the “Empty Sky” and …the Woolworth Building, tallest skyscraper in the world until 1930. The walls, their length each the exact width of the original towers, block the new 1776’ (541m) ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER from view, offset from the original tower footprints for their respectful preservation. That awesome icon of the future, had it’s top spire placed just last week, seen here still with cranes working the job.

What intrigued me, was the coincidental nature of the old (Woolworth,) and new (Twin Towers,)  lying in the same line of sight. How remarkable! Thinking on this, I recalled pictures I took from this very same spot, 16 years ago, (Nov. 11, 1997) seen below verifying and  completing this interesting perspective.

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