Bali Stupa
(HDR image of the Buddhist stupa at the top of the Bramavihara-Arama Temple, near Banjar, Bali.) The Bramavihara-Arama Buddhist Temple is the religious site to visit in northern Bali; so, we went. The temple is vertical, with grounds, gardens, and shrines on several levels. At the top I emerged at an enormous open space, with wide lawns and seating steps set amongst manicured gardens, leading across a broad stepped field to this impressive stone stupa. The spiritualist in me reveled in the quiet majesty.
End of the (VA Wine) Trail
(HDR image of a vineyard and woods beyond in full fall regalia.) We arrived at Mountainrose in late morning after a beautiful, scenic ascent through Virginia coal country, through gorgeous farmland and glorious fall foliage. The trees were already at their peak and the fresh mountain wind was already beginning to denude the colorful woods. It was mostly overcast up in the hill country that day; for much of the day we had a glowering, dramatic sky (threatening, but never actually raining on us) — but every once in a while the fresh wind would rip away the cloud cover to briefly reveal a brilliant blue sky.
