When we go on a road trip, we will often take photographs from our drive in a similar way to how we take pictures out of windows of an airplane. During our road trip to Scottsdale a few years ago, we took many different photographs as we made our way from Colorado to Arizona. We converted several of the pictures to black and white, which obviously changes the perspective. At least to us, seeing photographs in black and white has the effect of making it feel as though the pictures were taken some time back in time and not in the present day. Do you have an opinion of black and white photographs?
It Was a Cloudy DayRocky BluffsBend in the RoadCrossing the BorderRunaway Truck RampCloudsScenery Along the HighwayRolling Hills
There are many wonderful towns on the wine road in Alsace, France. One of the first towns that we visited during our day tour from Strasbourg was Eguisheim. It is a medieval town that was built in rings of buildings that circle the town square. With its historic buildings, tiny streets, and unique shops, it is a popular destination for tourists who visit Alsace and the wine road. One of the highlights of Eguisheim is the Chapelle Saint-Leon IX, which is a beautiful chapel located near the fountain in the town square.
Narrow Streets of EguisheimChapelle Saint-Leon IXBeautiful ArchitectureHistoric QuaintnessWondering Through the Town
We visited Eguisheim during the winter and there were still plenty of crowds, but we would expect the town to be even more crowded during the summer months when the entire area is a popular destination. Walking the narrow streets is truly like stepping back in time and has an almost magical quality. One of things that we enjoyed were the many whimsical shops that can be found as you take the tour around the main loop that surrounds the town and then leads you to the town center. It is definitely a romantic location.
Crowded with Tourists and LocalsColorful Ceiling Above the AltarWhimsical ShopsFront of the ChapelScenes Depicting Pope Saint-Leon IX’s Life
The Chapelle Saint-Leon IX was built in the neo-Roman style in 1894 and dedicated to Pope Saint-Leon IX. The chapel has beautiful stained glass windows that date back to 1895 as well as colorfully painted walls and ceilings depicting seven scenes from the life of Saint-Leon. It is certainly worth taking time to see the chapel when visiting Eguisheim. Located near the main fountain in the town square, there are also several restaurants near the chapel that serve a variety of local food.
Witch Above a Store DoorInside of the CapelStained GlassMedieval CharmColorful Buildings
Eguisheim is definitely a beautiful town in the heart of Alsace. We spent a couple of hours in the town and enjoyed our time their immensely. The town has received multiple accreditations for its beauty and history, making it one of the most popular stops on the wine road of Alsace.
Bell Tower with Bird’s NestHistorical StreetsTown Square and ChapelStatue of Saint-Leon IX Inside the ChapelShops, Restaurants, and a Market
We don’t have time for any extended trips at the moment, so we have been taking shorter, weekend trips for the time being. It is a great time of year to hop in a car and find places near you that you have never visited before or perhaps haven’t gone to in a long time. Since travel is often more expensive during the summer months when many families are taking vacations, driving to local destinations is also a nice way to keep costs down. The downside, of course, is often spending hours upon hours stuck in the seat of a vehicle.
Colorful SceneryDifferent GeologyOn the Road Again
We never used to take photos from the car when would travel to places, but now we often do, just like we now take photos from the window of a plane when flying to a different country. Taking photos through the windows of a moving vehicle doesn’t always produce the greatest results, but capturing the changing scenery is actually a nice reminder of how beautiful some of the places are that you travel through on your way to your final destination.
Plateaus in the DistanceWinding Through the MountainsStorm on the Horizon
Another drawback to traveling during the summer can sometimes be the weather. First of all, it can be quite hot, which likely means that the windows are rolled up and the air conditioning is on instead of enjoying the fresh scents of nature. Another issue can be rain or, even worse, hail. Driving through torrential rain storms with water standing on the highway can be as much of a white-knuckle drive as driving through a snow storm in the winter. We certainly ran into a little bit of everything during our drive from Colorado to Santa Fe, New Mexico, this past weekend.
Very Menacing CloudsHeading Towards the StormNowhere to Hide
