All posts by Tom Dills

Out With The Boys

March 10, 2025 Tom Dills 6 Comments

My youngest son Kevin, along with our “Adopted Third Son Rob” invited me to go out photographing with them this past weekend. Rob just got a new camera and is planning a big trip, and I think he was hoping I would teach him something. Hopefully I did!

Rob. Pictures of People Taking Pictures of Pictures. Belmont, North Carolina

We visited the nearby town of Belmont, NC, hoping things would be a bit quiet on a Sunday morning. How wrong we were! There was a farmer’s market going on, a number of restaurants were open for brunch and there were cars and people everywhere!

Norfolk Southern train passing through Belmont, North Carolina

Railroad maintenance equipment on a siding in Belmont, North Carolina

We managed to find some quiet spaces to enjoy a little creativity. The day started off overcast and gloomy, which made interesting photographs a bit of a challenge, but it provided a good learning opportunity. I enjoyed looking for good monochrome candidates and managed to find a few. Shortly after noon the sun made an appearance and I managed to get a few color shots and some shadows.

Please Do Not Block Walkway. Belmont, North Carolina

Headlamp Selfie. Belmont, North Carolina

We capped off our outing with a stop at a local distillery for a snack and some rum. A good time was had, for sure!

Random Thoughts

Captain Leo

March 7, 2025 Tom Dills 6 Comments

A ship captain has many important roles, most of which we never see because it involves “driving the ship” and all of the things involved in that – navigation, propulsion, safety, environmental, etc. One of the most public duties is the daily announcement, where the captain provides weather and location information, often along with some personal anecdotes. The captain on our first two voyages aboard Celebrity Eclipse was Captain Leonardos “Leo” Palaiokrassas. (Most Celebrity captains are Greek because the line originated in Greece.)

Captain Leo would end his daily announcement with: “Before I leave you, I am reminded of my grandfather, who used to say, Leo….”

Celebrate your life because you only live twice. Your second life starts after you realize you only have one.
Don’t let go of your dreams. Keep sleeping.
Someday your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.
If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.
Smile. For as long as you have teeth.
You are special. You are unique. Just like everyone else.
If everything around you is dark, look again because you might be the light.
Common sense is like deodorant. Those who need it the most never use it.

Words of wisdom, with a good dose of humor!

Postcards

Postcard From Celebrity Eclipse

February 6, 2025 Tom Dills 2 Comments

Kathy and I are currently spending a few weeks cruising around the Caribbean aboard Celebrity Eclipse. The plan had been to avoid what amounts to “winter” in North Carolina, but the weather at home has been unusually nice the last week or so. Regardless, it’s pretty nice here too!

I’ve been pretty lazy about photography so far this trip, but this photo presented itself to me this morning while we were in Grand Cayman.

Travel

Endearing Madeira

January 27, 2025 Tom Dills

Vineyards and mountain scenery outside Funchal. Island of Madeira, Portugal

The final stop – actually the only stop as it turned out – on our voyage from Barcelona back to Florida was a stop at the island of Madeira. I had heard of Madeira previously as the home for Madeira wine, a form of fortified wine similar to, but slightly different from, Port wine from Portugal. Madeira is actually a territory of Portugal, although the wine is a bit different, primarily in the type of alcohol used to fortify it.

The first thing that struck me about the island was how non-touristy it is. While there is a very nice port area for cruise ships, our tour of the island underscored that this is an island where people live and work, and while they appreciate the tourism industry and probably don’t mind a little more, things are pretty nice the way they are.

Barbusano Winery. Island of Madeira, Portugal

Upon leaving the main city of Funchal, we quickly entered the mountainous area that makes up the majority of the island. Grapes are grown literally everywhere. I’m not sure who they belong to or where they ultimately end up, but it is quite clear that wine is a very important crop on Madeira.

Remains of a Roman road in the town of Sao Vicente. Island of Madeira, Portugal

Town of Sao Vicente on the Island of Madeira, Portugal

Oceanfront near the town of Seixal. Island of Madeira, Portugal

Views from the Miradouro da Ribiera da Laje observation area. Near the town of Seixal on the island of Madeira, Portugal

View of the oceanfront near the town of Seixal. Island of Madeira, Portugal

Agua d’Alto Waterfall. Near the town of Seixal on the island of Madeira, Portugal

We booked a tour through Tours By Locals with a guide named Valdemar. He was very knowledgeable about the island and introduced us to many of the unique experiences to Madeira, including stops at a “regular” winery and a Madeira winery. We also stopped at a roadside restaurant for an authentic Madeiran meal, consisting of locally caught and freshly grilled fish. Afterward we made a stop at a local ‘Taberna’ for a taste of Poncha, a traditional local liquor made from rum and tropical fruits.

Taberna da Poncha. Island of Madeira, Portugal. Poncha is a traditional Madeiran drink.

We’re getting ready to head out again, so this will wrap up the “official” posts from our Portugal and Spain adventure. As a reminder, photos can be found on my Adobe Portfolio page from our entire trip.

Henriques & Henriques Madeira Wine winery. Island of Madeira, Portugal

I have to say, that of all the places we visited on our trip, the island of Madeira seemed like the kind of place where I could imagine being born there and living a simple life. I would have a hard time living there now, but there is a lot to like about the lifestyle, scenery and overall pace of living that appeals to me.

Travel

Scenes Of Barcelona: Parc Guell

January 20, 2025 Tom Dills 2 Comments

View from the Terrace of Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain

Parc Guell (gWELL) is a private park system composed of gardens and architectural features designed by Antoni Gaudi, known famously for La Sagrada Familia but also recognized for his many buildings throughout Europe.

We didn’t get a lot of time to explore Parc Guell, so my photographs are exclusively of the upper gardens and terrace. We unfortunately did not have time to explore the lower gardens and the sculptures there. To be honest, we hadn’t researched the place enough to prioritize our visit. Next time! There are several buildings on the site that would have been interesting to explore. Some of them required separate entry tickets and all were very crowded, as the park is a heavily visited place.

“Where The Heck Am I?” Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain

Basically “pick up your trash, don’t feed the rats.” Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain

Travel

Scenes Of Barcelona: The Mercado de la Boqueria

January 16, 2025 Tom Dills 8 Comments

Mercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, Spain

One of the places I really wanted to visit in Barcelona was the Mercado de la Boqueria or Boqueria Market. We visited on a busy Saturday afternoon and there was plenty to see and to photograph.

The hardest part was being patient and waiting to get a clear shot. There was something for everyone there, including a bar where you could just sit and have a drink. Fresh fish, produce, chocolate, wine & liquor, you name it. A ‘target rich environment; I called it!

I loved trying to capture all the colors and patterns, and occasionally get a good action shot.

Travel

Scenes Of Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia

January 14, 2025 Tom Dills 2 Comments

Towers of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

We spent 5 days in Barcelona and saw a lot of interesting things. I’m going to feature individual places over the next several posts to show some of the places we visited and things that we saw. My Adobe Portfolio page now has galleries through Barcelona, with one or two more to go. Head there to see many more photos from the entire trip.

Facade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

I’ve heard many words to describe La Sagrada Familia, but one I don’t hear is ‘boring.’ It is literally a feast for the eyes, both inside and out.

Beautiful stained glass windows of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

Soaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

It’s hard to make a bad photograph there, but it is equally hard to make a photograph that captures the scale and expanse of the space. It is amazingly huge and amazingly beautiful. Everywhere you look there are striking details and intricate designs. Symbolism is everywhere.

The biggest challenge is dealing with the crush of people. Even with timed entry, the place is crowded. I like to find spots where I can take symmetrical photographs, and I’m often not the only one! So patience and quick work is essential. This was one of the very few places on the entire trip that I wished I had brought a wider lens than 16mm. My 10-24 would have been appropriate.

Light through stained glass windows. La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

Workshop at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

Travel

Viva Valencia!

January 6, 2025 Tom Dills 2 Comments

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Valencia, Spain

We. Loved. Valencia

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain

Queen Sofia Palace of Arts. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences). Valencia, Spain

Porto was great and we would go back there in a heartbeat. But Valencia? It was probably one of the loveliest visits to a large city we’ve ever had. The people were friendly, the food was wonderful, the city is very walkable and the architecture is fascinating. It probably helped that we stayed in a beautiful hotel in the heart of the historic area that was staffed with friendly people, but the overall experience was just great.

CaixaForum València event center. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain

Prior to our arrival in Portugal, we were of course concerned about the condition of Valencia, given the horrible flooding they had experienced just a few weeks prior. Conversations with our hotel and our car service assured us that the damage was limited to areas south of the city center, and that the city itself was fine and up and running. We saw signs of the flood damage on our way into the city, but other than some cleanup happening at the City of Arts and Sciences (which might have just been routine cleaning) we saw no evidence of damage.

Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain

Dolphin Show at Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain

Submarino Restaurant at Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain

Jellyfish! Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain

The longest underwater tunnel in Europe. Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain

Speaking of the City of Arts & Sciences, wow. It is an amazing collection of beautiful architecture, set along the Jardín del Turia, a park built in a former riverbed. We spent the large part of one day just wandering around the exterior, returning the following day to explore Oceanografic, the aquarium attraction that is part of the complex. To explore the entire museum complex would have been very interesting, but would have taken days! I’ve included just a few of the many photos I took at the City of Arts & Sciences, but there is a larger gallery on my Adobe Portfolio page if you just want to see more of Valencia!

Church of Saint Joan of the Cross. Valencia, Spain

San Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, Spain

Casa Baldo restaurant in Valencia, Spain

Photography

My 24 For 2024

January 1, 2025 Tom Dills 10 Comments

Tour and tasting at Foursquare Distillery on Barbados

“Man… you guys do keep on the move. Even your “light” travel schedule would knock a lot of other folks to their knees.” –

Jeff C in an email exchange discussing 2025 travel plans

2024 was a good year. In fact, 2024 was a very good year for Tom & Kathy. Everyone stayed (mostly) healthy, there were no major catastrophes, we spent time with friends and family, and we traveled. Boy did we travel!

We started off the year with a 4700 mile road trip that took us to Texas and across the gulf coast to Florida that included three cruises and lots of sightseeing along the way.
We headed to Ohio in April for the Total Eclipse.
In May and June we made the 5600 mile round trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
In July we made a 3800 mile loop of PA, OH, MI, WI, KY.
In October we left the car at home for a 6+ week trip to Portugal & Spain.
And we managed to make a few other short jaunts to the NC mountains and beyond.
Miles: 20,441
Photos: 18,975 (How many keepers…I don’t know yet! )
Kathy considers a good travel year to be 100 nights away from home. This year: 153

I haven’t finished processing our Spain photos, although it doesn’t matter much. It’s nearly impossible to filter just 24 favorites out of 18,000!

How do you choose just one Yellowstone/Grand Teton photo? You don’t. You choose 6. That was tough enough!

Minerva Trace. Lower Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Dead Lodgepole Pine Trees, nicknamed Bobby Sox Trees for the white bases that result from the trees absorbing the mineral rich water. Near Tangled Creek along Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park

Mary Bay, on Lake Yellowstone near Lake Yellowstone Hotel.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River from Artist Point. Yellowstone National Park

Historic barn at the Thomas Alma and Lucille Moulton Homestead. Part of the Mormon Row Historic District of Grand Teton National Park

Sometimes a photo is a favorite because of where we were:

Night time departure from New Orleans aboard Celebrity Constellation

Wawatam Lighthouse in St. Ignace, Michigan

The ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control Center, from which NASA led Gemini and Apollo missions, including the momentous first lunar landing mission as well as early space shuttle missions. Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas

The Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas

Portugal and Spain were quite nice – 9 more:

Tourist boats on the Douro River in Porto, Portugal

Scene from our walking tour of Porto, Portugal

One of many fountains at The Alhambra in Grenada, Spain

Taylor Fladgate Port Winery in Porto, Portugal

Ponte Infante Dom Henrique Bridge over the Douro River in Porto, Portugal

Portuguese Centre of Photography in Porto, Portugal

Sometimes a photo is a favorite because of who we were with:

Monte photographing the interesting clouds over Pawnee National Grassland, east of Fort Collins, Colorado

It’s usually a good idea to take a photo when Kathy points it out. Sunset from the rooftop bar of Hotel Hesperia, our hotel in Cordoba, Spain

I didn’t count this in the 24 but it is still a favorite! Aboard Adventure of the Seas

Travel

Highlights From Cordoba

December 29, 2024 Tom Dills 2 Comments

Night time at the Roman Bridge. Cordoba, Spain

I’m gradually working my way through photos and am now up to our time in Cordoba, which was the third of the five stops in Portugal & Spain. After our day trip to Granada and The Alhambra, we spent two days exploring this beautiful city.

Sunset from the rooftop bar of Hotel Hesperia, our hotel in Cordoba, Spain

Our first stop was the The Mosque-Cathedral, which like the Alhambra has a complex history, dating back to the 6th century as a Visigoth Basilica. The building became a Muslim mosque in the 8th century, and after a number of additions and enlargements eventually became a Catholic cathedral in the 13th century. Restoration work began in the 19th century and is ongoing. The building became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, Spain

One of the things that distinguishes the Mosque-Cathedral is the red and white arches that span the columns in the building.

Colorful light through stained glass windows. The Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, Spain

Shadows from light through the windows. The Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, Spain

We spent much of the rest of our time in Cordoba exploring the streets, alleyways and neighborhoods of the town, both on our feet and using the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to get from place to place. We also attended a Flamenco show, which was so interesting it warrants its own post, which I will do soon!

Restaurante Sociedad Plateros María Auxiliadora Andalusian restaurant in Cordoba, Spain

I continue to add photos to my Adobe Portfolio gallery, so check back often to see what’s new! The one that changes the most is the one titled “Stops Along The Way” as it contains photos from places we stopped as we transferred from one city to the next. The most recent addition is photos from Alarcon and Requena.