October 28, 2019

ALABAMA’S FORT MORGAN

Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead” –Admiral David Farragut Stu surprised me with a trip to Alabama, a place where he lived for many years. I’d never visited Alabama and am now a big fan! The quote above is something we heard a lot growing up and in war movies, but do you know where that phrase originated? Union Admiral David Farragut was leading ships into Mobile Bay in Alabama in an effort to capture Fort Morgan during the Civil War when he yelled to his naval comrades, “Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!” The Battle of Mobile Bay began on August 5, 1864 and lasted two-weeks. The battle ended with the Fort’s…

October 21, 2019

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO N.C.’S BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Can you picture 469 miles of natural splendor? Splendor that runs from Virginia through North Carolina and connects the Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? If you can, chances are you have explored the Blue Ridge Parkway!   Stunning long-range views and more than 100 trails comprise “America’s Favorite Drive.” The Parkway is more than a visual treasure! There are campgrounds, biking, musical events, arts and crafts (the Folk Art Center), hiking, historic as well as interpretive sites (including Revolutionary War sites and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals).    What is the best part? The Blue Ridge Parkway is free and open all year, depending on winter weather. In North…

October 14, 2019

SUNRISES/SUNSETS OF NW FLORIDA

Do you enjoy watching a gorgeous setting sun? Well, here in NW Florida along the Gulf Coast, it’s just about an everyday day opportunity. We have some of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see. Even though I enjoy traveling around the country, I hate to miss an opportunity to photograph the sunsets here in NW Florida. Depending on which way I head, in most cases it’s only a five minute drive or less for me to be able to capture that setting sun. Many times I will head to the beach, either Navarre Beach or over to Pensacola Beach. Sometimes I will even head out the Point which…

October 7, 2019

COLLEGIATE PEAKS SCENIC BYWAY IN COLORADO

Updated 9/19     Soar high among 14,000 foot peaks and breathe in the crisp air on the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Drive in Colorado!       THE ROUTE OF THE COLLEGIATE PEAKS SCENIC BYWAY     The Collegiate Peaks Scenic Drive is an old stagecoach route through canyons carved by the Arkansas River in Colorado. The American Gold Rush, dancing waters, white cliffs and ghost towns are awaiting you!     The paved scenic route is 57 miles long and took us hours to drive since we stopped to admire vistas and take photographs. If you drive straight through, you can travel the portion in Chalk Creek Canyon in only 2-3…