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What hath God wrought?

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

The earth is the LORD’s,
and all its fullness.
Psalm 24:1

We think we live in the most beautiful part of the country. The Pacific Northwest has so many visual delights. And our favorite place in the Northwest is Leavenworth. It has a special beauty we haven’t found anywhere else.

If you’re a photographer, beginning, talented amateur or professional, Leavenworth and the whole of Wenatchee Valley provide ample opportunity to practice your craft.

Ohme Gardens Park, owned by Washington State Parks and administered by Chelan County, is a photographer’s paradise with one mile of stone walking paths. Take a look at their gallery for inspiration. Open April 15-October 15. They have a lot of special events and host weddings and other special occasions. See the website for admission information and hours.

Photographers in Leavenworth find inspiration all through the village and in the surrounding area. Icicle Valley Photography by Reed Carlson is a local photography studio that documents the changing seasons and sights throughout the Wenatchee Valley. Get a taste for the amazing sights around Leavenworth by viewing Mr. Carlson’s Mountain Hikes Gallery.

The view of surrounding mountains from Front Street

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Psalm 24: 3

The landscape in the Leavenworth area is a photographer’s dream. Get your batteries charged and buy a bigger memory card. Don’t believe me? Check out Jesse Cunningham’s Landscape Gallery. Stunning views of the Central Washington Cascade Mountain Range among other locations. And for a look at a gallery of Leavenworth real estate photographs, read this recent blog entry by Mr. Cunningham.

Regardless of medium, Leavenworth makes a beautiful subject any time of the year. Visit galleries throughout Leavenworth to see how painters, sculptors and photographers have captured the beauty of Leavenworth and the surrounding area. Doug Miller Art Studio are one such galleries. Visit our Art and Galleries page for more about the art of Leavenworth.

And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in His inhabited world.
Psalm 8: 30, 31

For more photographs from throughout North Central Washington, visit: Photos of North Central Washington State are organized by type and place. View galleries of photos of Washington State dams, bridges, State Parks, and North Central Washington Communities like Leavenworth.

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Mitzi’s Turn-Ons

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

We’re loving the lovely days of late spring, though they can’t seem to come often enough for anybody this year. I was satisfying my longing to visit Leavenworth by looking through my photo albums. I found some images that remind me of what I love about Leavenworth, Washington. I’ll call this, Mitzi’s Turn-Ons. Click the image to see a larger version. I’d love to hear what you especially love about Leavenworth.

Fresh air, fresh skies, fresh views	Fromage	Flower boxes
Fig-infused balsamic vinegar	Featherbeds	Familiar and comforting meals
Falling water	Flaky pastry	Friendly, helpful shop owners

…And Fritzi, of course! The lovable little Bavarian alter-ego of Scotte

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“Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign…”

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Leavenworth, Washington is a visual treat. The Bavarian theme is obvious in the architecture and building design, and is carried out into the small details too. Business signage in Leavenworth reflects the city’s Master Plan. Here are a few examples of our favorites (with more to come later.)


Leavenworth town sign	The Cheesemonger’s Shop	A Book For All Seasons


Schocolat	Gingerbread Factory


Simply Found/ Pavz	Das Sweet Shoppe	A Matter of Taste

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Night at the Museum

Friday, March 12th, 2010

OK, so it wasn’t a night at the museum, but a day. During our most recent trip to Leavenworth we made a fun visit to the Upper Valley Museum, just a few blocks from downtown Leavenworth.

The Upper Valley Museum is located in the River Haus at Barn Beach Reserve. It sits majestically on a small bluff overlooking the Wenatchee River. The large wrap around porch is a great place to sit and take in the amazing views of the Stuart Range.

Stepping inside the River Haus is stepping back in time. It’s not hard to imagine the wonderful parties and celebrations that this 9500 sq. ft. home has hosted over its 107 year history. Founders of the Lamb-Davis Sawmill built the craftsman bungalow. An incredible fireplace constructed from native river rock dominates the main area.

On the day we visited we had the good fortune to meet Museum Coordinator Ann Ostella. She graciously gave us a tour of the museum, home to art exhibits, historical displays and community events. The Museum celebrates and promotes the heritage of the Upper Valley. Historical displays we saw fulfill both of these objectives. Especially dramatic is the story of the Wellington Train Disaster. 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the worst avalanche train tragedy in North America.

Upper Valley Museum is like two sides of a valuable coin. River Haus with its rich heritage celebrates and preserves the past. The brand-new Barn, also part of Barn Beach Reserve, is the site of Museum educational events. While we were there a group of school kids was arriving for one such event.

The Museum is fun and informative. Families will enjoy viewing historical displays encompassing pre-history, Native American tribal history, pioneer days and mining and railroad boomtown. There are also presentations of the development of Leavenworth’s Bavarian theme.

Our visit to the Museum was fun and informative, thanks to Ann. We stopped in the museum gift shop and picked up a couple of books about Leavenworth and its history. We’re looking forward to our next trip to Leavenworth and exploring more of the 8-acre Barn Beach Reserve.

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Race Cars in Leavenworth?

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

I found an interesting link the other day.

To advertise their toy race cars, Hess gas stations had a video created that transforms the streets of Leavenworth into the site of a road race for their toy race cars.

According to the company that created the video, “Speedshape created CG animations, matte paintings and 3D renderings, delivering a total of 23 full CG shots, 17 CG live action integration shots, as well as all compositing and finishing… Traversing amid CG snow-capped mountains and icy tunnels, the racecars finish the race in a jubilant town square filled with children gleefully awaiting their arrival… CG Supervisor John Ikera traveled to Leavenworth, WA for a shoot that would be used to re-create the Christmas village via image modeling the entire town.”

Here’s the video. About halfway through, you’ll see “Leavenworth: The Miracle Town”.

You might want to turn the volume down… it’s pretty loud!)