Robert Swanson's photos

Plaque identifying the boundary between Airzona and Nevada half-way across the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge at Hoover Dam. The fence on the bridge walkway appears only as a shadow. Image processed with GIMP.

On the grounds of Pioneer Park, Fairbanks, are several historic buildings. They were moved there from their original sites. This is a large log building (not really a cabin....) Image processed with GIMP

Lakeside view of the Grandview Lodge, Priest Lake, Idaho. A recent check shows that this classic lodge has been permanently closed. Back in the day (2012, anyway), this was the type of rustic lodge people visited for a summer vacation. This picture was taken from the lake side. There were boats and a dock just behind us. And, yes, this beautiful location was visited by us, right after our Alaska trip. Image processed with GIMP.

We enjoyed a pleasant walk in the wood around Priest Lake, Idaho. The location is quite scenic. I saw these berries on a plant (probably common) in the forest. Finally got the selective focus to work right. Image processed with GIMP.

Most of Hoover Dam is concrete, and more concrete. However, the designers added some architectural details, all in Art Deco style. Image processed with GIMP.

Rather than a dinner table, this is a WORK table. These volunteers are using blenders to crush up flower petals and other botanicals. For dinner? Nope, to use as float decoration for the Pasadena Rose Parade. The rules of the Parade competition require that all of the float decoration be natural plant products. During our visit to this float preparation facility, we helped glue pistachio shells to a small part of one float. The amount of manual work required is astounding! Should you happen to attend, or just watch the Rose Parade on TV, keep in mind the army of volunteers who do these types of jobs, usually in the last 48 hours before the Parade. Image processed with GIMP.

When you enter the nice town of Kettle Falls, you see this sign. Apparently everyone is friendly EXCEPT the one grouch. Image processed with GIMP A photo of the VIsitors Center: www.ipernity.com/doc/2543754/51755918

Enjoy a rest on the benches at the old Kettle Falls, Washington, railway station. It is now the local Visitors Center. Image processed with GIMP. A photo of the city WELCOME sign, very amusing: www.ipernity.com/doc/2543754/51755992

During our wandering around downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, I came upon this sign, fence, and rails. We have ridden on the Alaska Railroad, quite an experience. I hadn't given much thought about the beginning and end of this rail line. Image processed with GIMP.

Paddle wheel on the steamboat Nenana , at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. Now she is preserved and sitting on dry land. Image processed with GIMP. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nenana_(steamer)

Taken in 2012 in Kettle Falls, Washington. Yes, those seem to be Washington state license plates. We were on our way back from our summer in Alaska, and this was the first decent stop after crossing the border back from Canada. Image processed with GIMP.

We attended the RV rally at the Winnebago factory for several years. The social and educational events took place under big tents, like this one. In this case, the people are getting ready to play Bingo (serious business!). Naturally, when playing Bingo, you need to have tables. This was our first Winnebago rally, 2010. Image processed with GIMP

Taken in Pioneer Park, Fairbanks, Alaska. Image cropped to square and processed with GIMP.

Taken on our world cruise in 2009. We wandered through the various souks in Dubai, and came to the area where the gold sellers were located. The brilliant color really caught my eye. Image processed with GIMP.

Taken during our balloon ops training. The balloon owner was very helpful. He later flew this balloon at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This activity took place at an elementary school, and the children were quite fascinated. We only helped to inflate the balloon, and then immediately packed it back up. I've uploaded a photo of the balloon being deflated. www.ipernity.com/doc/2543754/49697366 Image processed with GIMP.

Taken at Casa Grande National Monument. The ancient building is under a protective cover. The ranger is describing the structure and its history. I have uploaded an image of grafitti on the ancient walls. It is located at: www.ipernity.com/doc/2543754/51742608 If you are in Arizona, be sure to visit the National Monument. www.nps.gov/cagr/index.htm Image processed with GIMP.

One of the early American visitors carved his name on the wall of the "Casa Grande", an ancient building in Arizona. If you are in the area, be sure to visit the Casa Grande National Monument. www.nps.gov/cagr/index.htm Image processed with GIMP.

Very romantic. Taken in the Toy Museum, Stockholm Image processed with GIMP.