Antique car club enjoying a nice day along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
I just discovered a new issue – clicking on the individual images gives an error. Back to the drawing board. <sigh>
I was trading messages this morning with a friend who was trying to locate the place to reserve in-flight meals on an airline website. I suggested that he try using the app and explained how to find the meal options. He replied – in jest – “Oh, they have an app?” 😉
Antique car club enjoying a nice day along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National ParkAntique car club enjoying a nice day along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
I just bought a new razor, and even it has an app. I opted to not install the app, but even more annoyingly the razor itself has a display that tells me whether I shaved properly. I’ve been shaving for a long time and probably won’t get a lot of benefit from a “smart razor.” An even better way is to just check my face, right?
The photos are from a visit to the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park back in April. A classic car club had an outing, and I parked at an overlook to get a nice view of some of the cars as they trundled by.
Antique car club enjoying a nice day along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National ParkAntique car club enjoying a nice day along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
Historic Root Road Covered Bridge near Conneaut, Ohio
UPDATE 5/27/25 1:45pm: I’m getting reports that the site is now working, so please let me know if you have any ongoing issues.
My hosting company continues to work (I hope) on resolving the ‘https’ issue, but in the mean time I believe they have reverted the blog to the former ‘http’ format. I can’t tell here because I’ve jiggered my browsers to work properly. If I can’t get this resolved soon I may start anew with another provider or revert to my <shudder> Blogger page. The main website works great after the upgrade but while WordPress is provided by them it is not officially supported by them. Frustrating for what I pay them.
Historic Creek Road Covered Bridge near Conneaut, Ohio
Kathy & I recently paid a visit to Northeast Ohio. While there we cruised the countryside with friends Jim & Lisa, and visited a few covered bridges in Ashtabula County.
Historic State Road Covered Bridge near Conneaut, OhioHistoric Root Road Covered Bridge near Conneaut, OhioHistoric Graham Road Covered Bridge near Jefferson, OhioHistoric Caine Road Covered Bridge near Jefferson, Ohio
Sunset from the Stony Man Mountain Overlook on the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
I’ve been working with my website company to make some updates to my website and this blog. Most of the changes are “under the hood,” and the most visible is that both sites are finally now “https.”
Everything seems to be working normally, but let me know if you see anything weird.
UPDATE: I’ve had several reports of the blog not loading properly on some browsers and have the same problem myself in Edge and Chrome. If you could, please let me know in the comments if you are able to see the pages properly or not. Thanks!
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.
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.
Vineyards and mountain scenery outside Funchal. Island of Madeira, PortugalVineyards and mountain scenery outside Funchal. Island of Madeira, PortugalVineyards and mountain scenery outside Funchal. Island of Madeira, Portugal
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, PortugalBarbusano Winery. Island of Madeira, PortugalBarbusano Winery. Island of Madeira, PortugalBarbusano Winery. Island of Madeira, PortugalBarbusano 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, PortugalTown of Sao Vicente on the Island of Madeira, PortugalOceanfront near the town of Seixal. Island of Madeira, PortugalViews from the Miradouro da Ribiera da Laje observation area. Near the town of Seixal on the island of Madeira, PortugalView of the oceanfront near the town of Seixal. Island of Madeira, PortugalAgua 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, PortugalHenriques & Henriques Madeira Wine winery. Island of Madeira, PortugalHenriques & Henriques Madeira Wine winery. Island of Madeira, PortugalHenriques & 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.
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.
View from the Terrace of Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainView from the Terrace of Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainView from the Terrace of Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, Spain
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.
Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, Spain“Where The Heck Am I?” Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainBasically “pick up your trash, don’t feed the rats.” Parc Guell in 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.
Mercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, Spain
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!
Mercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, Spain
I loved trying to capture all the colors and patterns, and occasionally get a good action shot.
Mercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. 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, SpainFacade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainFacade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainTowers of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainFacade 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.
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainBeautiful stained glass windows of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring 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.
Soaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
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.
Beautiful stained glass windows of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainLight through stained glass windows. La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainFacade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainWorkshop at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainWorkshop at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Valencia, Spain
We. Loved. Valencia
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainQueen Sofia Palace of Arts. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences). Valencia, SpainQueen 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.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainCiudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainCaixaForum València event center. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainCiudad 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, SpainOceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainDolphin Show at Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainOceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainSubmarino Restaurant at Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainSubmarino Restaurant at Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainOceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainJellyfish! Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainThe longest underwater tunnel in Europe. Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainOceanografic. 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, SpainSan Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, SpainSan Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, SpainSan Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, SpainSan Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, SpainBank building in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainCasa Baldo restaurant in Valencia, Spain
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 ParkGrand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkDead 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 ParkMary Bay, on Lake Yellowstone near Lake Yellowstone Hotel.Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River from Artist Point. Yellowstone National ParkHistoric 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 ConstellationWawatam Lighthouse in St. Ignace, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe 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, TexasThe Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, TexasWawatam Lighthouse in St. Ignace, Michigan
Portugal and Spain were quite nice – 9 more:
Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, SpainLa Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainCiutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Valencia, SpainTourist boats on the Douro River in Porto, PortugalScene from our walking tour of Porto, PortugalOne of many fountains at The Alhambra in Grenada, SpainTaylor Fladgate Port Winery in Porto, PortugalPonte Infante Dom Henrique Bridge over the Douro River in Porto, PortugalPortuguese 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, ColoradoIt’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, SpainI didn’t count this in the 24 but it is still a favorite! Aboard Adventure of the Seas
