I was recently inspired to produce a “tower pano” from the top of the  Carew Tower in Cincinnati. The Carew Tower is the only skyscraper in Cincinnati that has an observation deck that is open to the public. The deck is actually on the top of the building with unobstructed views in all directions. Most 360around panos are taken from one viewpoint, this one was from 8 different viewpoints on the observation deck. The most effective “tower panos” are taken on buildings with straight sides so that there is a view straight down to the ground. The end result appears that you are floating high above the building when viewing the pano. The Carew Tower has numerous set backs so that there is no view straight to the ground with the resulting view appearing not quite so high above the building. Another issue is the close proximity of other tall buildings close to the Carew Tower. The creates serious parallax problems when stitching together the images from the different viewpoints, in fact this was one of the more laborious panos I have created necessitating various retouching techniques to get it all to come together. It was a nice creative and technical challenge and I feel that the end result was worth the effort.

The view of Cincinnati from the Carew Tower

Click to see the Little Planets

Carew Tower Observation Deck

Some panos that I took back in 2007 but never made it to the blog until now!

Mt. Airy Forest Treehouse

Located in central California, Sequoia N.P. is home to some of the largest trees in the world. Sequoia N.P. is the second oldest national park in the United States. It is also home to the tallest mountain in the United States outside of Alaska, Mt. Whitney. Click on the image below to see the gallery of panos including the “General Sherman” tree and others in the vicinity.

The General Sherman Tree

Here are a few panos from the top of Moro Rock (complete with passing thunderstorm) and then 4000 feet down to the banks of the Kaweah River.

On the summit of Moro Rock

Along the high trail to the PunchBowls along Santa Paula Creek in California. Even though you can’t see the creek from here, trust me it’s down there. Very rugged and beautiful in this area with car and truck sized boulders to scramble over, or take this trail, if you can find it! The trail starts at the campus of Thomas Aquinas College and heads up to some scenic waterfalls known as The Punchbowls and extremely rugged terrain.

The high trail along Santa Paula Creek

The Punchbowls are a series of waterfalls and swimming holes located in the Santa Paula Canyon. The trailhead for these is at Thomas Aquinas College. It is about a 3 mile hike up to the first falls over a fairly rough and rugged, unmaintained trail. It is a popular day hike for the locals and all who want to test their nerve by cliff diving off 10′, 40′ or even 80′ precipices.

This water playground is best known for it’s towering waterfalls and it’s many swimming holes. With it’s high cliffs and smooth mossy streams, the Santa Paula Canyon Falls provide pure swimming and cliff diving enjoyment. Whether you are an experienced cliff diver or you just want to get your feet wet at the Punch Bowls. This day hike is one of the most beautiful hiking destinations that Ventura County has to offer.

Punchbowl Falls

If you ever get to Ventura, California be sure to visit the Serra Cross at Grant Park. This cross has been there since 1941 but it replaced a series of crosses that date back to the beginning of the San Buenaventura Mission in 1782. This highly visible cross served as a road sign for travelers in search of the Mission. The view is incredible from the cross and there is an effort underway to beautify the park.

Serra Cross at Grant Park

This is a view from the landing at Anacapa Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park. Click on the image below to get to the full page featuring a few panos from the island and a few still photos also.

Anacapa Island Landing