On the Waterfront – A Tale of a Great Enterprise

(Silverdale, Washington; Oct. 15, 2020) – The retired aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) had a profound affect on my time at sea, and her deactivation in 2012 foretold my own retirement from the Navy in 2017. Pretty heavy stuff, especially considering I never once set foot aboard her! I joined the Navy to go … Continue reading On the Waterfront – A Tale of a Great Enterprise

Travel Log: Oh, Canada! Eh?

(Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, Canada; Aug. 4, 2018) – Before you say “Salt Saint Marie,” it’s actually French and pronounced “Soo.” So the town is properly known as “Soo Saint Marie.” “Soo” refers to the rapids on the St. Marys River at this point. Prior to the War of 1812, the Ontario town and the … Continue reading Travel Log: Oh, Canada! Eh?

Travel Log: The Maine Event!

(Bangor, Maine; July 27, 2018) I have waited 28 states to use that headline! I’ve wanted to visit Maine since I was five years old in 1977. That was the year the Disney live action/animated combination film Pete’s Dragon came out. My family was still living in San Angelo, Texas, as my pop was stationed … Continue reading Travel Log: The Maine Event!

Travel Log: Look Closer

(Bangor, Maine; July 27, 2018) You should always look closer. One of the great things about doing an extended road trip is that it gives you the chance to kick over a few rocks you’d otherwise miss if you were on a more restricted timetable. However, the basic principle is still one you can practice … Continue reading Travel Log: Look Closer

Travel Log: Touching Ohana, Part II

(Portland, Maine; July 25, 2018) I am sitting in Maine, state #28 on Grand Tour USA. Connecticut was state #25—the halfway point. I am now over the proverbial hump. Check out the state map at the bottom of this column; New Hampshire and Vermont are next. And then Canada! Yes. You read that right. Grand … Continue reading Travel Log: Touching Ohana, Part II

Travel Log: Photo Day!

(Niceville, Florida. 11 April 2018) - Going to take y'all on a visual journey through Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. As always, you can see my entire photo library on my Flickr page (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sparks_photography/) or m Instagram (@sparks1524). But, once in a while it's fun to just do a visual journey, and … Continue reading Travel Log: Photo Day!

Travel Log: Hidden Gems

(Niceville, Florida; April 10, 2018) Phase 2 has been completed--I'm back in Niceville, Florida. Phase 3 (Hawaii) is coming very soon--April 12! Check out the state map at very bottom for a recap of Phases 1 and 2. Last time I covered two states in one column. I’ve decided to up my game and take … Continue reading Travel Log: Hidden Gems

Travel Log: Frog Song and Bald Eagle Gazes

(Springfield, Illinois; April 1, 2018) Thus begins the first travel column I’ve ever written that incorporates two states. Two states and four sites. Can I cook, or can’t I?! (You’ll notice yet another new state on my map at bottom!) A couple of days ago on March 30 I hiked the Fort Donelson National Battlefield … Continue reading Travel Log: Frog Song and Bald Eagle Gazes

Travel Log: A Stone’s Throw From Victory

(Clarksville, Tennessee; March 29, 2018) After nearly a ten-day visit with my brother’s family in Ohio, I’m on the road again. I took a very leisurely drive south through Kentucky into Tennessee. I purposely eschewed the interstate and used the side highways instead. Secondary routes do add additional time, but offer wonderful opportunities to see … Continue reading Travel Log: A Stone’s Throw From Victory

Travel Log: Phase 2!

(Huber Heights, Ohio; March 19, 2018) Phase 2 is underway! This will be a short leg. It began in Georgia, and right now I’m at my brother’s in Ohio again. Next week I trek to new lands: Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Middle of next month I’m going to Hawaii (Phase 3), so I only … Continue reading Travel Log: Phase 2!