Ben't Old Fort, while designed for protection, was never a fort but a trading post. It was the largest structure in the US between St. Louis and San Francisco for many years. The post was a very lucrative business that maintained peace for all parties for years. It was also renowned for its pool table brought here at great cost and effort.
Most Unique /
This monument at Moore's Creek National Monument near Wilmington, NC is unusual. It is to honor the women who attended to the soldiers after the battle. One woman is mentioned on the statue and she are her husband are buried here, but it is for all those who tended to the wounded at volunteers to serve. This lady, here called Polly, was but 16 at the time of the battle. It is, according to the ranger, likely they got her first name incorrect. But it may have been a nickname.
The Drum Fisherman /
He has a lawn care business about an hour from this beach and comes here often to fish but prefers the Outer Banks because of fewer people. He was not having a lot of luck this night, got only one big drum and was hoping for 8 or ten to make a "mess of fried fish." Nice guy hope he got his fish before it was too dark but I doubt it that night.
Look Carefully! /
In the midst of the swamp, trees and river is a bridge. It is, or was, THE bridge over Moore's Creek and connected the road to the coast from modern Fayetteville. In 1776 is was the site of a brief battle between Loyalists and Patriots and the Patriot's victory helped the young US toward victory in the Revolution.
Front Porch /
The view from the retreat I lead this weekend, Tough Work.
Space /
The expanse of the mesas cliffs and canyons at Canyonlands National Park are immense.
Valley of Steam /
At Yellowstone National Park you will find, in addition to Old Faithful many geysers and hot springs. There are places where the earths crust is very thin and the cauldron below is visible. This is one of those places.
"The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch." Psalm 104:32 NLT
Signature Please /
This is the actual inkwell and accessories that was used to sign the Declaration of Independence. I am sure they gave the quills away as remembrances:)
1930's /
This is a small portion of the FDR Memorial in DC. It is a line of needy men waiting for food, a common scene in the Great Depression. I shot this at night and converted to B&W because I liked the atmosphere.
Jefferson /
The statue of Thomas Jefferson at sunset at the Jefferson Memorial. I still find great joy in DC's monuments, history and setting. Walking around the Tidal Basin after dark was a rich experience and I plan to go back the next chance I get. The sights are just beautiful with the soft night lighting.
Joan /
Looking down from the third floor of the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument in Washington DC, a very short walk from the capital, at the statue of Joan of Arc. She was one of the icons of the Suffragist movement at this home was the headquarters of that effort years leading up to the 19th amendment.
Gap /
The town of Cumberland Gap nestled in the valley below was the starting point for the Cumberland Gap trail that opened Kentucky and Tennessee for thousands of pioneers. It is a great hike and an even better view where you can easily see Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee merge at one point. Cumberland Gap National Historic Park includes trails, a great tunnel and portions of the original trail and lots of remnant structures.
Save /
This is a view of the Bass Harbor lighthouse on Mt. Dessert Island in Maine. This is a tiny sliver of the park surrounded here by private lands. Lovely view but one of the few places in Acadia National Park that is full of mosquitos nearly any evening. We like to photograph this at sunset with the sun on the horizon in this shot or with the early morning light striking the building. This is a rarer visit in the afternoon.
Breaker /
At Seawall in Acadia National Park, Maine. I relax just looking at the photos!
"Mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the Lord above is mightier than these!" Psalm 93:4 NLT
Field of Blooms /
I, again, have no idea what these are but the are adjacent to the parking lot of the NC Museum of Art and were intentionally planted there as a drought resistant, heat resistant boarder for the lot. Whatever they may be they are pretty in the breeze.
Entry /
To enter the Martin Luther King Memorial you go past this statue carved from what appears to be a mountain of stone. I expect with other similar themes in the memorial it comes from his "I Have a Dream" speech. Not sure about that. He talked often of the "mountains" that needed to be climbed. This shot is taken from the side at night. There were way more people about than I expected as well.
MLKjr /
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Tidal Basin in DC is even more impressive at night. There are several quotes that remind you how unique he was leading the civil rights movement at the time. I love the Washington Monument is visible from so many spots always rising above the nation's monuments. Someone was very wise when they make it the highest allowable building.
Not Just a Walk in the Park... /
but a few photos too. An art installation at the NC Museum of Art along one of the many trails.
You Park at the Walmart for a Quick Errand /
and this happens. The West is tough!
View /
Snow capped mountains viewed from the end of a short trail on the western edge of Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado. The canyon itself is reached by driving up to a high plateau and the hike at this end takes you even higher - wonderful vistas. We also saw a Peregrine Falcon hunting across a small side canyon, very cool.
