PLACERVILLE

Placerville is a charming California "gold rush" town named after the placer gold deposits found in its river beds and hills in the late 1840’s. The City of Placerville is centrally located between Sacramento, the State capitol, and South Lake Tahoe, world-famous recreation center. Situated above the fog line and below the snow line, Placerville boasts an ideal climate with four distinct seasons.

Placerville, or Hangtown as it was called, was a crossroads in the Mother Lode. It is located at the junction of what is now Highway 49, then the Mother Lode Trail, and U.S. 50, then the main East-West road from Sacramento to the Comstock Lode in Nevada. 

Placerville's treasured heritage is reflected in the historical, nineteenth century architecture of its downtown core. The Gold Bug Mine is the major historical and geological attraction in the park. An excellent example of hard rock gold mining, the Gold Bug Mine has a solid wooden floor, lighting throughout, and an air shaft providing clean cool air at all times. The mine floor is often damp depending on the season. 

Received from Polish blogger Magda

PORTSMOUTH

Portsmouth is a dynamic and vibrant waterfront city. Ideally situated on the south coast of England, the UK’s only island city is ideal for a short break by the sea. There are lots of things to do in Portsmouth, with magnificent museums, live music venues, contemporary art galleries, two cathedrals, a diverse literary heritage, nightlife, festivals and countless events throughout the year.
Portsmouth was the birthplace of Charles Dickens, and has also been home to Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling during their lifetimes. These literary greats are celebrated at museums throughout the city and with frequent events.

The centrepiece of Portsmouth's bustling harbour area, the elegant Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quays, is the tallest public viewing tower in the United Kingdom, rising 170 metres above sea level and offering spectacular views along the south coast.

Received from Polish blogger Magda

PACIFIC PARADISE

Pacific Paradise Resort is located close to Long Beach on Cox Bay, just 7 kms south of Tofino on the spectacular west coast of Vancouver Island, BC.  Perched on the edge of Pacific Rim National Park close to Long Beach and bordering Chesterman Beach, consider Pacific Paradise Resort a natural adventure hub to pristine beaches, ancient rainforests and the world-renowned, majestic fjords around Meares Island and Clayoquot Sound.

 

 Resort&Motel Tofino, B.C.
RIGHT ON THE BEACH FACING THE OPEN PACIFIC
This truly one of the world's most beautiful spots - a veritable wonderland of quiet splendor made vibrantly alive by the magnificent, but ever-restless sea. View is "SUNSET POINT", part of Pacific Paradise Resort.

The west coast is known for its natural beauty and this Vancouver Island resort is no exception with unforgettable front-row seats to nature's greatest waterpark. From towering old-growth forests to the crashing waves of the mighty Pacific Ocean, everyday is an adventure here. The area also inspires many renowned artists. makers and artisans, who honor the magic of their home by bringing it into the physical realm. Add to that a climate that summons outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the Earth and it is clear that Tofino is poised to please.

 

BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE

 This 172-foot historic lighthouse is located on the northern point of Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Built from 1857-1858, "Old Barney" alerts ships of the Barnegat Shoals, a resting place for approximately 200 shipwrecked vessels. The swift currents, shifting sandbars and the offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailor. Barnegat Lighhouse was designed by George Meade, who would later make a name for himself in the Civil War. There are 217 steps that lead to the light. "Old Barney" served as an aid to navigation until it was decommissioned in 1944.

From this lofty perch there are wonderful views of Long Beach Island, the Atlantic Ocean, Barnegat Bay, Barnegat Inlet and Island Beach State Park. It is also a favorite recreational area for boating, fishing and swimming. Besides people come here to walk, birdwatch and learn about maritime history.

ATLANTIC CITY

 Atlantic City is a resort city in New Jersey, United States, known for its casinos, boardwalk and beach. It is more than just a gambler's haven; it's a legendary resort town like no other. The magnetic appeal of the bright lights, sizzling nightlife and world-class casino gaming along the beach draws millions of visitors to Atlantic City. The most popular way to get around Atlantic City is on the 4-mile long Boardwalk (the oldest in the United States), as most of the operating casinos are on the Boardwalk. Atlantic City is right on the beach at the Jersey Shore; you can go swimming, tanning, fishing, or surfing. It is very unique, having both a small town charm coupled with an international "big city" identity. The world-famous Steel Pier extends 1,000 feet over The Atlantic City Ocean, providing the best view of the ocean. The Pier now features 25 kiddie and extreme rides, games, food stands and live entertainment.

Ocean One Pier and shopping mall is in the foreground. It extends from the world famous boardwalk out over the ocean. The bathing beach and Casino Hotels comprise the background

City of Atlantic City, NJ

MONTANA STATE CAPITOL

 Helena is Montana’s Capital City and located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Montana’s capital owes its name to the town Saint Helena in Minnesota. Helena was born in 1864 when prospectors known as the Four Georgians struck gold on their attempt at a place they called “Last Chance Gulch”, now Helena’s main street. Today, Helena thrives as an educational, commercial, recreational, cultural, and political center for the entire state of Montana.

On a gentle slope surrounded by 10 acres of spacious lawns and other state buildings, Montana's Capitol looks north over the beautiful Prickly Pear Valley. The building is constructed of sandstone and granite in Greek neoclassical architectural style. A statue depicting Liberty sits atop the copper dome. Montana’s Capitol was constructed in two phases - the original structure was completed in 1902 and wings were added in 1911–12.

Street Address: 225 North Roberts Helena, MT 59601

Website: http://visit-the-capitol.mt.gov

WALT DISNEY WORLD

 

The Most Magical Place on Earth

The Walt Disney World Resort is an entertainment complex in Lake Buena Vista, near Orlando, Florida. Opened on October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World is the most visited vacation resort in the world. Magic Kingdom Park is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. The park is represented by Cinderella Castle, inspired by the fairy tale castle seen in the 1950 film. The castle was completed in July 1971, after about 18 months of construction. It is 56 m tall, as measured from water-level. Cinderella's Castle, the main entrance to Fantasyland, is the most photographed building at Walt Disney World. 

 

MAGIC MOMENTS IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM
Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto welcome visitors to the Magic Kingdom, where the charm of the past meet the thrills of the future

"Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place ... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn — together."
/Roy Oliver Disney/

Received from Michele, Bayonne, NJ

CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL

The Crystal Cathedral is located in Garden Grove, just a few miles south of Disneyland. A striking modern glass and steel structure rises almost 13 stories. The Crystal Cathedral was the brainchild of famed Garden Grove Community Church founder Robert H. Schuller. He changed the church’s name to Crystal Cathedral Ministries when the cathedral was completed in the early 1980s. He went on to build the congregation into one of America’s first mega-churches’ with a huge worldwide following.

An aerial view shows the tremendous size of this beautiful church.  

From point to point, the Crystal Cathedral spans a full 415 feet with seating capacity of 2,889. The mirrored look of the exterior reflects the surroundings, a shining beacon to all of Orange County, California. The white steel trusses form a lace-like frame to hold 11,400 windows. 90 foot doors open to minister to drive-in worshipers.

The interior of  the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, CA. 

The cathedral’s most striking interior feature is one of the world’s largest pipe organs. The 185-foot (56-meter) wide marble chancel often holds hundreds of singers and musicians during large services and holiday concerts.

THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS - A LIVING NATIVITY

Postcards received from Diane, Fountain Valley, CA

CROCODILE

The world’s largest reptile is the Northern Territory’s very own Saltwater Crocodile, or Salties in the vernacular of the locals. This incredible carnivore has sat atop the food chain of the Top End (a geographical region encompassing the northernmost section of the Northern Territory), for 100 million years. Salties can grow up to seven metres and weigh over 1,000 kilograms, but the average sized male any traveller in the Northern Territory is likely to see will be around five metres. Crocodiles can live for up to 70 years. The largest confirmed crocodile from the Northern Territory was trapped in the Mary River in the 1980s and measured a bit more than 20 feet.

Crocodiles have 68 fearsome teeth in their jaws that replenish constantly if broken off. A large croc can exert more than two tonnes of pressure with its bite. Crocodiles can swim as fast as 10 kilometres per hour and can run over open ground as fast as 11 kph for short bursts. 
 

 
Private swap with Gloria from Northern Territory

ANZAC DAY

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national commemorative occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Anzac Day falls on the 25th of April each year. The 25th of April was officially named Anzac Day in 1916. 'ANZAC' stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. With the coming of the Second World War, Anzac Day also served to commemorate the lives of Australians who died in that war. The meaning of Anzac Day today includes the remembrance of all Australians killed in military operations.

Battalion bugler playing the Last Post

In military tradition, the Last Post is the bugle call that signifies the end of the day's activities. It is also sounded at military funerals to indicate that the soldier has gone to his final rest and at commemorative services such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. The Last Post is one of a number of bugle calls in military tradition that mark the phases of the day.