Louisiana Monument

Some of my favorite photos of the Louisiana Monument. This monument is located on the highest hill in the park. It's a majestic monument, standing tall the way it does.

Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg National Military Park
Early morning
Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010

Potpourri

Here are four shots I have taken recently that I really enjoy, but they just haven't made it onto the blog yet.

• Do you ever notice the weather vane on top of the Old Court House Museum? Here it is with the full moon behind it. 

• The moon rises at dusk at the Louisiana Monument in the Vicksburg National Military Park. Most people don't see shots like this because they are usually traveling in the other direction and never turn around to see where they've been. There's a lesson there somewhere.

• The cross atop Mercy Chapel at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center is one of the prettiest sights in Vicksburg. The cross and the gable upon which its attached have weathered many a storm. I love the symmetry of this shot.

• The next time you venture to Windsor Ruins don't turn right when you leave the ruins. Instead, turn left and go about three miles to Bethel Presbyterian Church. This historic church is such a peaceful place to visit. The door has always been unlocked when I have ventured there and I love walking into the coolness of the sanctuary. It's simplicity is perfect for the soul. You can get close to God here. Nothing to interrupt you and Him. Spending time in one of the old wooden pews here in prayer can help solve many a problem. I know....

The moon and the park

Illinois Memorial

Full moon at Fort Hill

Old Abe at the Wisconsin Monument

Louisiana Monument

The last two full moons have been fun to shoot because I've done it from inside the Vicksburg National Military Park. I love the colors that arise on the horizon opposite the sunset as seen in the top photo. They are gorgeous blues and purples. Next time you see a sunset, turn around and see the colors you're missing!

Louisiana Monument

The Louisiana Monument is the highest point in the Vicksburg National Military Park. It offers a panoramic view that I greatly enjoy. I have shot photos of the monument in morning light as seen in the top photo, but my biggest success has been at sunset. It's pushing closing time in the park to get the sunsets, but they haven't locked me in yet! Many people just gaze upon the monument from afar, but the artwork on the monument itself is beautiful as well. Take a stroll up to it one day and enjoy the view. If you are lucky, you'll see a hawk riding the wind currents coming off the hill.