On the Waterfront – A-Fording an Island

(Pensacola, Florida; Feb. 26, 2023) – Very few jobs involve hanging out underneath a 555 metric ton (nearly 612 regular ton) steel superstructure swinging over one's head, but the Navy is not just a job, it's an adventure! This adventure played out on a cold, snowy day in Newport News, Virginia, as the final piece … Continue reading On the Waterfront – A-Fording an Island

Travel Log: Natural Bridge, or ‘Oh, Crap; There It Is!’

(Bowie, Maryland; Nov. 28, 2021) – I’ve been struck dumb with breathlessly overwhelming awe at my first sight of natural formations four times in my life now. The first time was the sight of Uluru (formerly Ayres Rock) when I visited Australia in 2004. The great, red sandstone giant rising from the flat Australian Outback … Continue reading Travel Log: Natural Bridge, or ‘Oh, Crap; There It Is!’

Announcing Short Takes!

Welcome to Short Takes! A series of short episodes (under two minutes) covering interesting and profound things around the world! We begin this new episodic journey with a look at a pair of lighthouses hearkening back to the early days of the Constitution of the United States! https://youtu.be/WBjua-HraIo

Photo Finish: Aquariums!

Aquariums are one of my favorite places to visit. Here's a look at some of the best images I captured in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Animals are difficult to photograph, even when in artificial habitats, but the results one can get through patience, creativity, and blasting out a number of exposures will stack the … Continue reading Photo Finish: Aquariums!

Travel Log: Dueling Warships (Part 1)

(Niceville, Florida; March 4, 2018) I’m currently home in Niceville; Phase 1 of Grand Tour USA is done; Phase 2 begins in two weeks. Time to catch up, and I’ll start with a multi-part series on historic ships. Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina could put to sea some seriously heavy-duty naval armament if they … Continue reading Travel Log: Dueling Warships (Part 1)

Travel Log: Turkeys. It’s Always Turkeys!

(Tampa, Florida; Feb. 24, 2018) Turkeys. It’s always turkeys. Every time wildlife has actually stopped Sara Jane (my car), it’s a flock of wild turkeys! First time was when I drove into Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky back in December. Then again as I drove the perimeter of the Cowpens National Battlefield Park in … Continue reading Travel Log: Turkeys. It’s Always Turkeys!

Travel Log: Forwards-Backwards in Time

(Feb. 4, 2018) Welcome back! I took a brief break while I was back in Norfolk, Virginia, tying up some business with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I’m back on the road and, if you look at my State Map, you’ll notice I’m in North Carolina. I’ve gotten ten states and the District of Columbia … Continue reading Travel Log: Forwards-Backwards in Time

Travel Log: A Day in the District

(Jan. 17, 2018) I officially picked up Maryland on the 11th for my State Collection, and got Washington, D.C., on the 12th. If you check the state map, you’ll see I’ve also picked up Virginia (Jan. 13) and Delaware (Jan. 17). I know D.C. isn’t a state, but the federal city is our capital, and … Continue reading Travel Log: A Day in the District

The End is Nigh!

The end is nigh! The Murder Game has been concluded, and it’s the second story I consider to be one of my better-set plots. Granted this is a matter of opinion, but I love these type of locked-room, isolated set pieces where the murder, murderer, suspects, and detective are all confined to a small area. … Continue reading The End is Nigh!

Proud Lion, Departing

(Oct. 22, 2017) I was the only one of her Sailors there to see her off. She departed in dignity under her own power, gracefully allowing her story to close out. The Austin-class amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD/AFSB 15) left Naval Station Norfolk today for the last time. The “Proud Lion” will be stored … Continue reading Proud Lion, Departing