Grab your camera. Let's Go!

Before the Army, I had hardly been outside the state of Alabama. I went where the Army ordered me to go and did what they told me to do.  

Thanks to the American Taxpayer, I've seen three of the Ancient Wonders of the World, visited five of the seven churches mentioned in Acts, worshiped at Stonehenge, pilgrimaged to Canterbury, "stormed" the Beaches of Normandie, shopped Istanbul's Covered Bazaar, parachuted into Oman, sailed the south side of Cyprus, walked the streets of Troy, and stood in the trenches at Gallipoli.

Since retiring, I have been visiting places I have only seen from the Porthole of an Air Force aircraft.  My goal is to take one compelling photograph at each place.

I found a blog on the history of this foundation, what she calls a "We Were Here" ruin, of the cabin built in 1787 by Thomas Neel, a hero of the Revolution.  He was deeded 99 acres in this area for his service.

Hell, Thomas is probably a distant cousin.  It was fun standing there, but the day was hot.  I said hello and then hiked back to the car.  Scout was happy about putting his face in front of the AC vents.

Quarry Gardens of Schuyler

Nestled back in the woods between Highway 29 and the James River, is a 600-acre garden created by the landowners.  The walking paths of the garden take you around two water-filled soapstone quarries,  The paths are well-maintained with soapstone steps, bridges, and woodchips.

Kady discovered this place and instructed me to be ready this morning. It was an easy drive, taking us past an old church we once photographed on Walton Mountain.

It was an easy two-mile walk, even in the summer heat and humidity. 

She and I agreed- We must return in the fall when the leaves turn and the heat is not so oppressive. 

Friday, 28 June 2024

Gunpowder Falls State Park

The main trail to Gunpowder Falls is a 20-minute drive from my daughter's house.  It's an easy hike to the falls unless you're being pulled down the narrow trail by a 70-pound puppy.  Our hike was hot and buggy.  I should have taken some water and bug spray.

Though there wasn't a lot of water falling anywhere, it was a pretty spot.

Future trips should be on cool Spring days, after a good rain, and wearing boots.  I'll probably leave Scout at home if I want to take photos.

Tuesday, 4 June 2024

Havre de Grace at Dusk

It is a twenty-minute drive from Churchville, Maryland, to one of the prettiest little towns I've ever seen - Havre de Grace.  The town is on a rounded point where the Susquehanna River flows into the North East River, which becomes the Chesapeake Bay.  

I went to take photos of their little lighthouse and took some time before dark to drive around the town.

The Friends of Concord Lighthouse Park is beautiful, well-visited, and clean.  Friends, couples, and families were strolling along the pier, in the park, and on the boardwalk.  Parking was convenient and plentiful.

Everyone was friendly.  The vibe reminded me of Izmir's Kordon at sunset.  I'll have to take Kady next time, soon.  I imagine the sunrises there are amazing.

Sunday, 2 June 2024

Port Warwick for the Day

Our soldier is TDY on the coast, so we drove to Newport News for the day to meet her for lunch.  During her captain days, assigned to Fort Belvoir, she lived in Port Warwick.  It was a happy time.

She lived there when she got Cooper, was closest to one of her best friends, and where she met AJ.  I went there to recover from surgery and to get away from the distractions and frustrations of The Institute.  Many of our favorite restaurants are in this neighborhood.

The place holds a lot of memories for everyone in the family.

The weather was beautiful, the traffic on I-64 was flowing, and the *Colonel was in rare form.  We had a fun day.

*She is a promotable Major, but I call her "Colonel."

Monday, 29 April 2024

The Virginia Scenic Railway

OK, this is a thing!  We rode this train from Staunton to Goshen and back with what Kady called, my people.  There were a few youngsters but it was mostly people older than me.

We arrived at the depot at about ten and the train arrived at exactly 1030.  It's a railway.  They have to be on time.

Kady and I reserved a two-top-table in the lead car.

We were all boarded in no time.  The trip through the countryside was slow, winding through the Shenandoah Valley.  Most of the scenery was beautiful but you should expect old vehicles and junk when riding through rural America.

The food was simple and delicious and the staff were all very nice.

We loved this trip so much that we are already talking about taking the Blue Ridge Flyer from Staunton to Waynesboro, through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, this Fall.

I didn't take my camera along this trip, so I used my phone.  It was a good decision.

Thursday, 18 April 2024

Corolla, North Carolina

♩ ♩ Oh, The Weather Outside's Atrocious ♩ ♩ 

Kady and I went to Corolla, where the weather is always a crap shoot in March.  We were unlucky, but we made the most of the situation.

The goal was to get me to shut up about Wild Horses.  I've wanted to see them and photograph them since the movie Nights in Rodanthe.  I was unlucky with the horse spotting as well.  I walked miles and miles of beach, refusing to be one of the bundled tourists on the back of a truck and at the whims of some local Bubba.  I didn't see a thing.

If I ever try again, I'll rent a Jeep for the day.

We stayed at The Wild Horse Inn, which I highly recommend.  It's a beautifully comfortable place.  It is reminiscent of the old Highway 11 Motels but with all modern features.  Our bed was comfy, the shower was great, and everything was clean and tidy.

Peoria, AZ

Yesterday, after stopping at Apache Junction to see Barbara and Al, AJ's snowbirding parents, we headed to H&B's house.  We were there by mid-afternoon.  Kady's sister and nieces are both here, one of my best friends from the cult days is out here, too.  Buck is drilling but will be here mid-week.

Heather put us in the guest suite inside her home with a nice bed, a big bath, a sitting area, and a desk for my stuff.  There's a small fridge stocked with water and power drinks. She even set me up with my own Keurig with coffee and tea.

This place is NICE!  The garage is a gym with a small sauna.  The backyard has a big pool and an outdoor alcove for smoking.

We went to Cantina Gueros for dinner.  I had their Fire Roasted Chicken Poblanos with Red Sauce.  Fantastic!  I hope we go back before I head home.  I'll get that again.

This morning, we went walking on the Sunrise Mountain Preserve Trail.  There were quite a few people there and they were all so friendly.  The trail was rocky and I had to watch my step, but it was a beautiful hike through the desert.  I will go back tomorrow with my camera equipment.

CE, AJ, and SGM are on their way.  They'll spend four days with his parents and then drive here.  I can't wait to get my hands on that baby girl.  She sent me a message from the plane, talking on her imaginary phone, via her mom, that she was "watching farm animals."

It's so quiet and comfortable here.

Kady tells me we're headed home next Sunday.

Saturday, 10 February 2024

Tucson, AZ

We're staying at a little guesthouse in a guy's backyard for the next two nights.  Tomorrow we'll go sightseeing around the area, visiting an old Spanish mission and Saguaro National Park.

I wanted to go to Tombstone, but after a little research and a Google Street View recon, I've decided against it.

On the trip here, we stopped at two fun tourist stops, the Giant filming location, with giant mockups of the actors and house, and Prada Marfa.  I loved both.

I don't know how the artist did this, but as you walk by the car, it looks like it is rotating.  Spooky.

The weather turned to shit past El Paso.  I was driving 75, partially blinded by monsoon rain.  High adventure!

Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Marfa, TX

We're staying at the Hotel Paisano, the cast and crew hotel for the 1956 movie, Giant. We're staying in the room James Dean used while making the movie. This place is amazing and top-notch. It is everything you would picture a period Texas hotel to be, high ceilings, wide staircases, a gigantic fireplace, and comfortable sitting areas throughout the common areas.

Our room is small but comfortable. The restaurant is nice and my pistachio-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus were perfect. They have a small gift shop and boutique inside the entrance where I found the perfect Cowboy Hat.

Too bad I'm not a cowboy, because I looked hot in that hat!

I watched Giant while we were there.  Liz Taylor was a hottie.

Tuesday, 6 February 2024

Gruene, TX - pronounced Green

We're in Gruene for the next two days.  It was covered up with people when we arrived.  We're hoping for a thin crowd and less wind, tomorrow.

The Weekend is over, people!  Go Home!

We had supper at Cantina Del Rio, Fish Tacos for me, and it was good. Yay, decent Fish Tacos, though not as good as Muchacho Alegre's.

We had an early lunch at Shara's brother's house, BBQ Chicken, some beef ribs, and pork sausage, with all the fixings.  I even liked the sauce.  I promised to send them some Alabama sauce.

They need some of Costa's Famous BBQ Sauce.  Watch me, single-handedly, fix Texas Bar-B-Q.

Sunday, 4 February 2024

Bay Town to Alvin to Hallettsville, TX

Through Kady's Uncle Ed, we met the coolest lady, Shara, a radio personality in Houston.  She used to be on Houston TV News and has an Emmy.  We stayed at her house in Hallettsville, Texas, and went with her to a community Strudel and Sausage making in Moulton, Texas.

It was a good time and we were hanging out with the Mayor, a city councilman, anesthesiologists, other local luminaries, and their families.  Everyone was super nice.  I took photos while Kady made strudel and Uncle Ed helped make the sausage links.

Shara did it all while making her podcast - My Heart of Texas.

Afterward, Kady and I drove around, taking photos of little East Texas towns around Hallettsville.

Saturday, 3 February 2024

NOLA

In New Orleans, we stayed at Hotel Peter and Paul, an old Catholic School, Church, and Monastery.  We got in about 1500, checked in, and then walked around the Quarter a bit. I took a lot of photos of the houses.

We went to dinner at The Elysian Bar.  I had Shrimp and Kady had Steak Tartar.  Amazing.  I had the Chocolate Tart for dessert, possibly, the best chocolate dessert I have ever had - semi-sweet, almonds, with just a hint of orange.

The manager let us into the old sanctuary.

This hotel is amazing.  Everything is top notch from the hand soap to the Turkish towels.  The bed is comfy, the sheets lush, and the pillows are perfect.  The shower is just like the shower I would put in my house, with a rain showerhead.

It is quiet here and so comfortable and serene that you catch yourself whispering.  That seems proper.

Laurel, MS

Kady watches the show Home Town with Ben and Erin on HGTV.  We wanted to see their town.

We were about 40 minutes ahead of schedule so we drove in and walked around.  Quaint.

She and I loved the vibe of this quiet little place.

Meridian, MS

We rolled into Meridian at about 1400, had an early dinner,  and then checked into our hotel.

Interstate 81 is always an adventure and this trip did not disappoint.  We barely missed a huge tarp, covering some lumber, in our lane.  Yep.  Right out in the middle of the Interstate.  In Tennessee, we saw a Semi rolling down the road at a peculiar angle, the truck going straight, and the trailer following behind about four feet to the left.  It was surreal.

We flew through Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa.

The only thing I'd want to see here in Meridian is the Jimmie Rogers Museum, but I saw that a few years ago.

Our next stop will be New Orleans, so Meridian is halfway from SS's farm.  I have Family in Birmingham and in this part of Mississippi, but we're on the move.

Tomorrow, we'll head into Louisiana.

Wednesday, 31 January 2024

Rogersville Revisited

We stopped at The Farm on the first leg of our trip.  It's always good to see SS and spend time with him.  The Farm House is coming along nicely - the new sub-flooring is down, the framing is up.  The plumbing begins soon.  I finally understand Kady's and SS's floorplan.

I walked down to see the girls.  They've grown fat since summer.  SS weighed one yesterday.  She is over 1300 pounds.

While surfing Instagram this afternoon, I discovered a political rally along our route.  I hope we can avoid the whole Take Back Our Borders mess; that isn't us.  Luckily, we should be in Tucson after the fact.

It may make for some good photos, though.

Monday, 29 January 2024

Second Manassas

After The Seven Days battles in the Tidewater, Lee moved Jackson north to threaten Washington DC and the Federals under Banks.  Jackson positioned himself along an unfinished rail bed and dared Banks to come out to fight. 

Banks, convinced that Jackson was retreating, attacked in a series of piecemeal engagements.  Even when presented with accurate intelligence reports, Banks refused to change his preconceptions.

 Meanwhile, Lee moved Longstreet to Jackson's right.  Jackson fixed the Yankees while Longstreet turned the Federal left.

It was masterful.

When General John F. Reynolds, the finest leader in the Federal army, reported to Banks that Longstreet was turning his left flank, Banks said, "Oh, I think not."