Interview With God

We consider this our travel blog. I'm choosing to place this here because a number of the photos in this video are places we have visited in our travels.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty and the wisdom.

Interview With God

Yosemite ~ Never Been There

Several of my Flickr contacts have been there. The above photo is by Hazboy. Also there's an almost endless supply of Yosemite photos by Liquid Moonlight.

Today, National Geographic sent this time-lapse photography which lasts a little over 5 minutes. This is an experience you can only have this way.

Yosemite HD II

Haven't Been There and Haven't Done That

Above is a beautiful view we snapped after we left the Cumberland Gap Visitor Center and drove the winding, four-mile-long Skyland Road up the mountain to Pinnacle Overlook, which treated us to this spectacular view of the point where the Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia state borders meet.

We have seen some other beautiful mountains, all in the USA, but now through "Let's Pretend" we are going to give you a chance of a life time.

Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco, both meaning "White Mountain", is the highest mountain in the Alps and the European Union. It rises 4,810 m above sea level and is ranked 11th in the world in topographic prominence.

Didler Lafond has placed this on Vimeo. For an experience you will never have in person, just sit back and enjoy a thrill, the likes of which Disney may not have invented YET...

Speed Riding Mount-Blanc

Southwestern Trip

Walt Grayson took a trip out west in 2012 that I found very interesting.

Our own Southwestern trip covered some of the same area in 2005, and we were very aware there was much more to see that we just could not cram into a month. For instance, we bypassed Monument Valley because we were in such a hurry to get to the Grand Canyon.

Since our trip included parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas Hill Country, and Utah, there is really no way to share those photos because they are so numerous.

The main result of that month-long trip RVing in our Dutchman Travel Trailer is it caused us to decide we could live that way fulltime if we just had a bigger RV. So, we traded in our TT for a vintage Airstream motor home and hit the road in 2007.

We'd still like to be on the road from time to time RVing, but we're very happy living in Sweet Home Alabama.

Here's Walt's trip of Arches, Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon as well as some other points of interest in 10 days:
Arches,Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon

Be sure to watch the video to the end to see the head-in-the-hole photo op!

Alberta, Canada

Here's an "armchair travel" post I'm sharing because I think you'll enjoy it as I did. Actually, travel posts have gone up on both our blogs today.

This video was produced by Travel Alberta and brought to you on YouTube by Travelindex and the Travel & Tourism Foundation. For more information on Alberta please visit http://www.travelalberta.com

With its vast blue skies, magnificent Canadian Rockies, rolling fields of wheat, boreal forests and the Canadian Badlands, there is something for every visitor. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy everything from, kayaking, hiking, rafting, skiing and rock climbing to picnics in an alpine meadow or camping. Nature buffs will marvel at the wonderful wildlife. Anglers can find a lake, river or stream nearby that offers great fishing. For those of you who harbor an inner cowboy, take in the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" - the Calgary Stampede.

Remember to Breath – Alberta, Canada

Another Double Barrel Post

WHEN? Sunday • November 3

WHERE? Flora-Bama @ Alabama-Florida State Line

We've been attending this worship service since April of this year. It has been going on for about two and a half years. The music is loud and lifts you up or possibly wakes you up if you're sleepy. It's like no other worship service we've ever attended.

Someone suggested we try it, and we have to say we do like it enough to drive 30 miles each way to attend it.

Yesterday, the message was brought by John McInnis using The Prodigal Son Parable as the scripture as well as 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Thirty-five year old McInnis told his story, giving his background and describing his life. He said he had been richly blessed but had various health problems in his life, which included working hard and playing hard.

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I say this is a double barrel post because he mentioned three books he recommended for reading that helped change his life and discover the approach that worked for him for a personal relationship with God who sent His Son, Jesus, who provides all people with salvation through His death on the cross and His resurrection. He also mentioned his genuine concern for our nation to return to God.

Those books are:

EAT TO LIVE by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

THE TRUE MEASURE OF A MAN by Richard E. Simmons, III

THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn

Now we have approximately 700 pages of reading we are looking forward to

On the road to the mountains and back

We've been back from our fall trip to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee for several days, but it's been a little more difficult to recover because of a few unpleasantries on our return. We've almost quit blogging but felt this was a special trip that was like old vacations in which we packed just about all we could into a week of travel.

The 43rd Annual Octoberfest in Helen, Georgia, spurred us on the get it planned and get on the road in an Enterprise rental car. Wendell drove all the 1672 miles on the Chrysler before we turned it back in at Foley, Alabama.

Blogging really takes too long to go into details. What we do feel, is photos and even a couple of videos tell the story better than writing about it.

We stayed in motels in Cedartown, GA; Clayton, GA; Dillard, GA; and Villa Rica, GA, leaving on October 10 and returning on October 17.

While we were gone, some tiny rodents (mice) had a exciting time inhabiting our place and some of them even met their maker -- what a STINK!

Also, while doing a week's worth of laundry, the old clothes washer bit the dust.

Are you beginning to see the negative side to the trip now?

Moving right along, we'll just launch you into the photos.
2013 Fall Trip

The best way to view the videos is on YouTube.

Octoberfest in Helen, GA, 2013

Smoky Mountain National Park on Columbus Day Holiday 2013

Double Barrel Post

WHEN? Sunday · March 17

WHERE? Fairhope, Alabama · find us on the map

We missed this event our first year here in 2008 and last year in 2012, but have attended every other year we've lived in South Baldwin County. It offers over 200 exhibitors from across the nation. Live entertainment is included, along with many booths offering food and refreshment. All of this takes place on the streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope.

Admission is free to the festival, and the only expense for us was two dollars each way from the Piggly Wigley parking lot on BRATS (Baldwin County Area Transportation System), plus our food and drink at the festival itself. A person could spend lots of $$$ on many interesting and unusual items and some great art, but we curbed our appetite for spending.

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About David Tate, the artist who painted this years artwork:

We wanted you to know about the artist who painted this year's artwork because David Tate is originally from Mississippi.

The Planning Committee for the 61st Annual Arts & Crafts Festival has selected the official artwork to be printed on festival posters and T-shirts. The artwork was created by local artist David Tate and features the most popular site and destination in Fairhope, the Fairhope Municipal Pier and rose garden. The impressionistic acrylic painting is bright and colorful and is a scene depicting the view of the pier from the Henry George Park on the bluff.

Tate’s work was chosen after a year of research by the committee to pick just the right work of art for the popular festival that brings an estimated 350,000 people to the downtown area for the three-day Eastern Shore Chamber event, which takes place March 15, 16 & 17.

"The moment I saw David’s work I knew that I wanted him to be this year’s festival artist,” said Debbie Floyd, festival chairman. “His paintings exhibit the calm and restful nature that exemplifies this wonderful little town called Fairhope. When I look at our poster, I can feel myself standing on the bluff with a summer breeze blowing through the trees. I hope everyone who sees it feels the same way."

“That is my favorite view,” said Tate. “I enjoy the sun sets and listening to the Baldwin Pops perform there.”

A native of Columbus, Miss., Tate and his wife, Rhonda moved to Fairhope in 2003. The couple has been married for 42 years, and they have two grown children and one grandchild. Tate did not pursue a career as an artist until retiring from the retail industry, moving to Fairhope and finally taking art classes locally. Although he knew at a young age he could draw, the inspiration developed upon moving to the haven for artists.

Tate said he spends many hours every day painting and has found his niche. His works are exhibited at the Fairhope Artists Gallery, "The moment I saw David’s work I knew that I wanted him to be this year’s festival artist,” said Debbie Floyd, festival chairman. “His paintings exhibit the calm and restful nature that exemplifies this wonderful little town called Fairhope. When I look at our poster, I can feel myself standing on the bluff with a summer breeze blowing through the trees. I hope everyone who sees it feels the same way."

“I’m excited about having my work selected for the official artwork this year,” said Tate. “It makes me feel good any time someone is interested in my work.” During last year’s festival Tate said he sold more than a dozen paintings. He will once again have new works on display during this year’s festival inside the Fairhope Artist Gallery, 18 S Section St Fairhope, AL 36532, (251) 990-8763.

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Here's a very sentimental video that says much about the town of Fairhope.
Fairhope Song Video

The weather was beautiful and since it was St. Patrick's Day, there were many activities vying for attention and participation.

We left the festival in a mood to continue enjoying ourselves and stopped at Magnolia River Bar and Grill in Magnolia Springs before returning home.

Here's some photos from the day's activities Luck of the Irish

The Niña & Pinta replicas at Lulu's Marina

The Niña & Pinta replicas have been open for tours at LuLu's Marina. Today is the the last day because the ships leave early Monday.

For those who have lived in the Gulf Coast area (Gulf Shores, Alabama), the same opportunity presented itself a few years ago.

Since I like history, and this is just a bit like stepping back to the time when some have reported Columbus discovered America while he was trying to find a western route to India, it is neat.

We both struggled to take some photos that were worth viewing. Pretty sure WDS took the one above. You can see our other efforts at: The Niña & Pinta replicas open for tours at LuLu's Marina

Here's a website that explains what this is and the 6-minute video from Iowa is very good.
Discover Columbus' Ships

2012 | The Year In Sunsets

We were blessed to have a trip in October to Destin, Florida. Instead of it being a day trip, it lasted for several days, and we really enjoyed it. Taking photos from the high rise balcony was fun -- particularly the sunrises and the sunsets. The one above I titled "Pink and Blue Sunset."

When I saw the a video that Newsocracy put on YouTube, I thought this would be a very good way to close out 2012.

2012 | The Year In Sunsets

A Happy 2013 to you all!

Last Friday the TV weather man told us that the average temperature during November had been 3 degrees below normal. I’m not surprised since we had a few mornings where the lows were in the mid to high 30’s and highs only in the mid 50’s. I’m happy to see that things have changed during the first few days of December.

The past two days the highs have been in the low 70’s and the predicted high for today is 76° with lots of sunshine. Just the way it should be down here in Lower South Alabama. /wds

OFFICIAL NOTICE FROM THIS BLOGGER

Recently we've discovered that many of the videos on our travel blog posts no longer play. When one realizes that Blogger is a free way to blog and that frequently YouTube videos cease to work for whatever reason, let us announce that we will not likely go back and try to get them to work.

Blogging, itself, really takes too much of our time anyway. We certainly do not have the time to try to make those that no longer work viewable. Most of all of this is beyond our control anyway. :( :((

Northern Maine Armchair Travel

Thanks to Alvey Pelletier in Maine and his Facebook friend, Doris Perreault Pelletier, we have this 5.36 minute-video to enjoy. The beautiful scenes are accompanied by Amazing Grace background music created by Brian Mosher specifically for their use in this YouTube video.
Northern Maine Scenes-Amazing Grace

These pictures and many DVDs can be viewed at Paul Cyr Photography

Missed it in 2005

As time has gone by, we've realized we should have seen Monument Valley. The photo we use for this blog is one of our favorites, but it was taken on a trip before we got into blogging. The trip we took out west was so good, we decided we'd love to RV fulltime if we just had something bigger than our Dutchmen travel trailer.

We'd planned to go into fulltiming in 2006, but it had to be postponed for health reasons. Ever since we left in our Airstream Land Yacht in the spring of 2007, we've felt like we were on a perpetual vacation. Now, we're settled in Lower Alabama, but we still love getting out and seeing the sights.

This video tells you what we missed on the day we bypassed Monument Valley on October 5, 2005, because we were in such a hurry to get to the Grand Canyon.

Monument Valley Sunrise to Moonrise 4.5 min.

BLUE MOON

BLUE MOON, a photo by Photojet84 on Flickr.

We have not traveled to the moon, but we know who has and honor his memory.

Home of Claude Monet

Ever since I visited the Waverly Mansion near Columbus, Mississippi, I have known I loved to visit old homes. Today was the first time I knew this much about the home of the painter, Claude Monet, when I received a powerpoint attached to an email. At that point I thought of numerous people who would probably enjoy viewing it.

As luck would have it, I found the same show on YouTube and made an immediate decision that if I ever did travel to France, this would be a place I would want to visit.

Australia

You must know that we've never been to Australia, but we know people who have visited there. Seems like our bro-in-law has visited there twice and had rave reviews about those visits.

Well, I found enough today to decide to include this post as armchair travel.

Here's the diary of a family who appears to have traveled lots and their description opened my eyes to things I had never considered. Can you imagine a kankaroo on a beach? See their comments at:
Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay National Park: Beach Kangaroos.

Our Trip to Branson, Missouri

We've been RVing since 2004, but this blog did not begin until April of 2007. We were reminded of a very enjoyable vacation we took before we even had an RV. It took place in 2001 in Branson, Missouri.

Branson is known for their many theaters and live shows to enjoy. We took in at least three of those shows, and I've found some photos from that trip to share.
Branson 2001

We did look much younger back then. After all, eleven years does make a difference.

While in Branson, we also spent a day at an amuzement park -- Silver Dollar City.

The most spectacular and most expensive show we saw was a dance show similar to River Dance. If you ever have a chance to see such a show, you'll never forget it.



Apparently Branson will be celebrating their 100th year next month.

My Favorite Handel Music

This piece keeps going soft and rebounds several times.



Handel 'Largo' - The London Symphony Orchestra

Don't Let Me Miss The Glory

Haven't done any traveling lately, but just driving down the road one can see glory in the sky. In the photo above while traveling on Highway 98 from Magnolia Springs, Alabama, to where we live west of there in the country, this photo opportunity presented itself. The darker cloud looks like a great big alligator to me, but we've often seen a sky that was just plain pretty, which makes us exclaim, "would you look at that."

This video of Gordon Mote with many accompanying photographs has the message of the song as well as photographs to illustrate the many facets of the Glory of God, our Creator.