https://sparks1524.com/2026/01/23/just-my-thoughts-the-truth-about-christian-violence/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/260123-the-truth-about-christian-violence.jpg260123 The Truth About Christian Violence2026-01-23T17:37:45+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2026/01/16/just-my-thoughts-naked-power-grab/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/260116-jus-my-thoughts-naked-power-grab.jpg260116 Jus My Thoughts - Naked Power Grab2026-01-16T19:38:41+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2026/01/05/defending-western-culture-free-speech/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/dwc-freedom-of-speech.jpgDinner Cruise Aboard 'Star of Honolulu'Thom (William T. Miller) and I took Dad (William A. Miller) on a sunset dinner cruse off Honolulu aboard the Star of Honolulu. We departed from the Aloha Tower and cruised along Honolulu towards Diamond Head. The ship put on a hula show following sunset. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller, 30 September 2025)2026-01-05T20:38:17+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/12/04/2025-the-year-everything-changed/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/251204-2025-the-year-everything-changed.jpg251204 2025 - The Year Everything Changed2025-12-04T19:11:12+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/10/19/short-takes-unexpected-ships-the-unexpectedly-longest-ship/2025-10-19T20:49:08+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/10/15/pierside-black-lions-episode-2-safety-wire-pliers/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/251015-pierside-black-lions-episode-2.jpg251015 Pierside - Black Lions, Episode 22025-10-15T11:36:47+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/10/13/pierside-haunted-heritage-for-the-navys-250th-birthday/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/251012-pierside-haunted-heritage.jpg251012 Pierside - Haunted Heritage2025-10-13T11:58:42+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/10/09/one-hour-at-heleloa/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250924-one-hour-at-heleloa.jpg250924 One Hour at Heleloa2025-10-09T19:10:22+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/09/20/short-takes-vulcan/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/250920-short-takes-vulcan.jpg250920 Short Takes - Vulcan2025-09-20T12:34:49+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/09/17/just-my-thoughts-pick-a-side/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/250917-just-my-thoughts-pick-a-side.jpg250917 Just My Thoughts - Pick a Side2025-09-17T17:31:26+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/07/05/frontiers-independence-day/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/250704-frontiers-independence-day.jpg250704 Frontiers - Independence Day2025-07-05T18:55:08+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/07/04/happy-independence-day-a-sneak-f-14-tomcat-preview/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/250704-pierside-black-lions-episode-3-preview.jpg250704 Pierside - Black Lions Episode 3 Preview2025-07-04T13:09:30+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/06/19/short-takes-fort-donelson/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/250619-short-takes-fort-donelson.jpg250619 Short Takes - Fort Donelson2025-06-19T13:55:46+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/05/19/coming-this-september/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/250519-001-black-lion-preview-one.jpg250519-001 Black Lion Preview ONE2025-05-19T20:07:59+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/04/30/short-takes-unexpected-ships-the-unexpected-mast/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/short-takes-unexpected-mast.jpgShort Takes - Unexpected Mast2025-04-30T16:24:22+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/04/24/the-story-you-focus-on/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/the-singing-butler-jack-vettriano-800x500-1.jpgThe-Singing-Butler-Jack-Vettriano-800x5002025-04-30T16:22:05+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/04/13/the-body-keeps-the-score/2025-04-14T01:13:00+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/03/25/pierside-preview-tomcat-tails/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/250325-pierside-preview-tomcat-tails.jpg250325 Pierside Preview - Tomcat Tails2025-03-25T20:54:25+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/02/26/coming-soon-black-lion/2025-02-26T18:29:22+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/02/11/short-takes-gateway-to-adventure/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/250211-short-takes-gateway-to-adventure.jpg250211 Short Takes - Gateway to Adventure2025-02-11T20:28:44+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/01/25/short-takes-aloha-tower/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/250125-short-takes-aloha-tower.jpg250125 - Short Takes - Aloha Tower2025-01-25T19:44:29+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2025/01/05/frontiers-studebaker/2025-01-05T20:01:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/12/26/2-0-2-4/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/241226-2024.jpg241226 - 20242024-12-26T13:19:29+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/12/25/merry-christmas/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/241225-001-albus-and-kitsap-card.jpg241225-001 Albus and Kitsap cardMerry Christmas from Albus the Crab and Kitsap the Writing Moose! Pensacola, Florida. 25 December 2024 (Nathanael Miller)2024-12-25T12:28:32+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/12/20/pierside-holidays-in-uniform-full-episode/2024-12-20T13:59:18+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/12/17/pierside-holidays-in-uniform-part-2/2024-12-17T13:40:58+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/11/10/just-my-thoughts-the-evil-of-identity-politics/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/241110-just-my-thoughts-identity-politics.jpg241110 Just My Thoughts - Identity Politics2024-11-10T22:53:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/241005-10-hurricane-milton.jpg241005 - 10 Hurricane Milton2024-10-10T20:29:08+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/10/02/pierside-and-so-it-begins-parts-1-and-2/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/241002-pierside-and-so-it-begins-parts-1-2.jpg241002 Pierside - And So It Begins, Parts 1 & 22024-10-02T20:44:08+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/09/28/frontiers-hurricane-helene-storm-track/2024-09-28T13:12:34+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/09/17/partial-lunar-eclipse/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/240917-001-partial-lunar-eclipse.jpgPartial Lunar EclipsePartial lunar eclipse photographed at 21:46 Central Daylight Time. Pensacola, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 17 September 2024)2024-09-18T02:56:24+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/09/16/pierside-and-so-it-begins-part-1/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/240916-pierside-boot-camp-part-1.jpg240916 Pierside - Boot Camp Part 12024-09-16T13:12:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/08/23/frontiers-the-bishop-museum/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/240823-frontiers-bishop-museum.jpg240823 Frontiers - Bishop Museum2024-08-23T14:06:14+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/07/30/short-takes-unexpected-ships-the-unexpected-bell/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/240730-short-takes-the-unexpected-bell.jpgUSS Indianapolis (CA-35)USS Indianapolis (CA-35)2024-07-30T15:27:23+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/07/02/pierside-shipshape-in-bristol-fashion/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/240702-pierside-shipshape-in-bristol-fashion.jpg240702 Pierside - Shipshape in Bristol Fashion2024-07-02T12:49:41+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/06/17/short-takes-unexpected-ships-ticonderoga/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240617-short-takes-ticonderoga.jpg1906 Steamboat Ticonderoga, Shelburne MuseumBuilt in 1906, the Ticonderoga plied the waters of Lake Champlain until 1950. It came to the museum in 1955. The Ticonderoga is the only surviving example of a walking-beam side wheel steamer left in the country. A museum of art, design, and Americana, the Shelburne Museum maintains a large campus that displays many historic buildings along with the vast art collection. Shelburne, Vermont. (Nathanael Miller, 01 Aug. 2018)2024-06-17T17:26:18+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/06/12/behind-the-magic-audio-adventures/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/behind-the-magic-audio-adventures.jpgBehind the Magic - Audio Adventures2024-06-12T16:31:36+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/06/03/frontiers-hanaiakamalama/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/frontiers-hanaiakamalama.jpgQueen Emma Summer PalaceHānaiakamalama, or the Queen Emma Summer Palace, served as a royal retreat for Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV of Hawaii from 1855 – 1863, and for Queen Emma until 1885 as a residence following the death of the king. Artifacts include objects belonging to Prince Albert, Emma and Kamehameha IV’s son born in 1858 (and godson of Queen Victoria of England), but who tragically died at four years old. Today, the state of Hawaii owns the property, with the Daughters of Hawaii maintaining the museum and educational programs. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller, 16 March 2024)2024-06-03T15:16:37+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/05/14/autism-51-of-neurons-and-networks/2024-05-14T21:19:13+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/05/08/short-takes-blown-away-the-nuuanu-pali/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/240508-short-takes-pali.jpgNu'uanu PaliThe Nuʻuanu Pali is a cliff face rising to an elevation of 1,168 feet (356 meters) above sea level in the Koolau Range on Oahu’s windward side. Aside from being a very windy and spectacular lookout point, the Pali (the Hawaiian word for “cliff” is “pali”) is the site of the Battle of Nu’uanu, where King Kamehameha the Great gained a final victory in his quest to unite the islands into the Kingdom of Hawaii. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller, 16 March 2024)2024-05-08T15:53:46+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/05/06/short-takes-the-pony-express/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/short-takes-pony-express.jpgSand Springs Pony Express StationThe Sand Springs Pony Express Station was one of the 184 stations at which riders switched to fresh horses. The Pony Express ran from 1860 - 1861 before being supplanted by the first transcontinental telegraph. Fallon, Nevada. (Nathanael Miller, 13 Oct. 2018)2024-05-06T18:24:19+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/04/25/sleight-of-pen-the-king-of-omashu/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/king-of-omashu.jpgKing of Omashu2024-04-26T14:46:41+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/03/26/pierside-suez/2024-03-26T16:23:32+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/02/21/short-takes-unexpected-ships-the-unexpected-propeller/2024-02-21T16:39:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/02/15/cutthroat-island-the-underrated-classic/2024-02-15T17:24:03+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/02/12/frontiers-lincoln-logs/2024-02-12T19:49:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2024/01/28/short-takes-music-to-my-ears/2024-01-28T15:32:28+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/12/09/short-takes-unexpected-ships-uss-memphis/2023-12-10T04:54:17+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/12/04/autism-51-feelings-nothing-more-than-feelings/2023-12-04T23:12:49+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/10/09/travel-log-where-it-all-began/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/230914-041-historic-gulfview-hotel.jpgHistoric Gulfview HotelBuilt in 1906, the Gulfview Hotel is the oldest surviving building in Fort Walton Beach. Abandoned and falling into disrepair during the 1980s, the structure was saved when the Junior League of the Emerald Coast began work in 1996 to obtain and refurbish the building. The Gulfview was back in shape by 2002, but limited parking availability led the City of Fort Walton Beach and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce to move the structure 0.2 miles to its current site. Today, the Gulfview's first floor serves as the city's welcome center, while the upper floor houses private offices. Fort Walton Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 14 September 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/230914-031-ft-walton-heritage-park-garnier-post-office.jpgGarnier Post OfficeBuilt in 1918 along Garnier Bayou, the Garnier Post Office building served until being decommissioned in 1956 after home delivery of mail made the small building obsolete. The small structure has been moved twice; first in 1986 to join the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum on First Street, and then both buildings were relocated to their present site as part of the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center in 2006. Fort Walton Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 14 September 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/230914-036-ft-walton-heritage-park-camp-walton-school.jpgCamp Walton SchoolhouseBuilt of native pine in 1911, the Camp Walton Schoolhouse is a historic structure which provided the first school building for the children of Camp Walton (later Fort Walton Beach), as well as serving as a community center. The school was in use from 1912 until being replaced in 1936 by a newer brick building. The Camp Walton Schoolhouse was later used as an office building and even as apartments. The building was moved in 1974 from its original location to First Street for use as a museum, where it was eventually joined by the Garnier Post Office. Both buildings were then moved in 2006 to their present location as part of the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center. Fort Walton Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 14 September 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/230914-034-ft-walton-heritage-park-camp-walton-school.jpgCamp Walton SchoolhouseBuilt of native pine in 1911, the Camp Walton Schoolhouse is a historic structure which provided the first school building for the children of Camp Walton (later Fort Walton Beach), as well as serving as a community center. The school was in use from 1912 until being replaced in 1936 by a newer brick building. The Camp Walton Schoolhouse was later used as an office building and even as apartments. The building was moved in 1974 from its original location to First Street for use as a museum, where it was eventually joined by the Garnier Post Office. Both buildings were then moved in 2006 to their present location as part of the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center. Fort Walton Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 14 September 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/230914-013-indian-temple-mound-museum.jpgIndian Temple Mound MuseumThe Buck-Long effigy urn was recovered in pieces from 1961 - 1966. Its exact use is indeterminate, but it dates to at least 1,200 years old. The Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center preserves several historic structures telling the story of Okaloosa County and Fort Walton Beach from the ancient to the modern day. The centerpiece is the Indian Temple Mound and the Indian Temple Mound Museum, which traces the history of the first peoples in northwest Florida, including the builders of the temple mound—builders who vanished just before the Spanish first landed in 1513. An extension to the museum building is being constructed. This will be the new home of the museum shop, enabling the museum gallery to expand for more exhibits. Fort Walton Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 14 September 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/231009-travel-log-where-it-all-began.jpgIndian Temple Mound MuseumThe Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center preserves several historic structures telling the story of Okaloosa County and Fort Walton Beach from the ancient to the modern day. The centerpiece is the Indian Temple Mound and the Indian Temple Mound Museum, which traces the history of the first peoples in northwest Florida, including the builders of the temple mound—builders who vanished just before the Spanish first landed in 1513. An extension to the museum building is being constructed. This will be the new home of the museum shop, enabling the museum gallery to expand for more exhibits. Fort Walton Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 14 September 2023)2023-10-09T22:05:51+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/10/04/short-takes-ghost-light/2023-10-04T16:17:14+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/09/26/short-takes-totally-worth-it/2023-09-26T17:27:17+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/09/13/travel-log-fort-pickens/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/230612-013-fort-pickens.jpgFort PickensCompleted in 1834, Fort Pickens was built as one of three forts guarding Pensacola and Pensacola Bay. The fort is most famous for being the only Union fort in the south never taken by Confederate forces during the Civil War. After the war, the fort was tragically used to house Native Americans (including the famous Apache chief Geronimo) captured during the Indian Wars for several years. The fort's armaments were significantly upgraded as munition technology radically advanced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens, and the nearby later fortifications, are open to the public. Pensacola Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 12 June 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/230612-040-battery-pensacola-fort-pickens.jpgBattery Pensacola, Fort PickensCompleted in 1898 in the middle of Fort Pickens' parade ground, Battery Pensacola was constructed of reinforced concrete as protection against the new naval weapons rendering Pickens's original masonry and earthen construction obsolete. Battery Pensacola originally mounted two 12-inch disappearing guns that could hurl a 1,000 lbs. shell over 8 miles before the recoil swung the gun downward behind the parapet for reloading (hence the term "disappearing gun"). Completed in 1834, Fort Pickens was built as one of three forts guarding Pensacola and Pensacola Bay. The fort is most famous for being the only Union fort in the south never taken by Confederate forces during the Civil War. After the war, the fort was tragically used to house Native Americans (including the famous Apache chief Geronimo) captured during the Indian Wars for several years. The fort's armaments were significantly upgraded as munition technology radically advanced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens, and the nearby later fortifications, are open to the public. Pensacola Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 12 June 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/230612-028-fort-pickens.jpgFort PickensCompleted in 1834, Fort Pickens was built as one of three forts guarding Pensacola and Pensacola Bay. The fort is most famous for being the only Union fort in the south never taken by Confederate forces during the Civil War. After the war, the fort was tragically used to house Native Americans (including the famous Apache chief Geronimo) captured during the Indian Wars for several years. The fort's armaments were significantly upgraded as munition technology radically advanced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens, and the nearby later fortifications, are open to the public. Pensacola Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 12 June 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/230612-027-fort-pickens.jpgFort PickensCompleted in 1834, Fort Pickens was built as one of three forts guarding Pensacola and Pensacola Bay. The fort is most famous for being the only Union fort in the south never taken by Confederate forces during the Civil War. After the war, the fort was tragically used to house Native Americans (including the famous Apache chief Geronimo) captured during the Indian Wars for several years. The fort's armaments were significantly upgraded as munition technology radically advanced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens, and the nearby later fortifications, are open to the public. Pensacola Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 12 June 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/230612-012-bastion-d-fort-pickens.jpgFort PickensBastion D, the northwest corner of Fort Pickens, was destroyed by a catastrophic explosion in 1899 when a fire lit off 8,000 lbs. of munitions in the powder magazine, killing on soldier, injuring a second, and hurling debris clear across the bay into Pensacola proper. Completed in 1834, Fort Pickens was built as one of three forts guarding Pensacola and Pensacola Bay. The fort is most famous for being the only Union fort in the south never taken by Confederate forces during the Civil War. After the war, the fort was tragically used to house Native Americans (including the famous Apache chief Geronimo) captured during the Indian Wars for several years. The fort's armaments were significantly upgraded as munition technology radically advanced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens, and the nearby later fortifications, are open to the public. Pensacola Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 12 June 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/travel-log-fort-pickens.jpgFort PickensCompleted in 1834, Fort Pickens was built as one of three forts guarding Pensacola and Pensacola Bay. The fort is most famous for being the only Union fort in the south never taken by Confederate forces during the Civil War. After the war, the fort was tragically used to house Native Americans (including the famous Apache chief Geronimo) captured during the Indian Wars for several years. The fort's armaments were significantly upgraded as munition technology radically advanced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens, and the nearby later fortifications, are open to the public. Pensacola Beach, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 12 June 2023)2023-09-13T18:21:45+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/08/22/veteran-talk-fighting-the-va/2023-08-22T19:13:04+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/07/26/travel-log-gettysburg-160-30/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/230702-034-return-visit-outisde-the-david-wills-house.jpgReturn VisitMyself with "Return Visit." Sculpted by J. Seward Johnson in 1991, "Return Visit" stands outside the David Wills House (where President Lincoln spent the night prior to delivering the Gettysburg Address) and depicts Lincoln telling a modern tourist (modeled after the famous singer and Pennsylvania native Perry Como) about the Gettysburg Address. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. (Nathanael Miller, 2 July 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/230703-015-picketts-charge-field.jpgPickett's Charge FieldReenactors and park rangers interact with visitors to the 160th commemoration of Pickett's Charge, Robert E. Lee's final, disastrous offensive against the Union army during the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. (Nathanael Miller, 3 July 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/130702-032-nathanael-on-little-round-top-gettysburg-pa-by-barbara.jpgGettysburg + 150Nathanael on Little Round Top. This shot was taken at 18:15; 150 years to the hour the fight for this hill was occuring over these rocks. This shot is also the official introduction of "Ike," my new field hat. Ike is a fur-felt, round-rimmed cowboy hat I procured down in Gettysburg. (Gettysburg + 150 years. 2 July 2013, Marion Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/130702-029-union-cavalry-reenactors-little-round-top-gettysburg-pa-1.jpgGettysburg + 150Union cavalry reenactors on Little Round Top. This shot was taken at 18:13; 150 years to the hour the fight for this hill was occuring over these rocks. (Gettysburg + 150 years. 2 July 2013, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/93032602little-big-round-top-1.jpg930326=02=Little & Big Round TopThe first photo I ever took of the Round Tops during spring break of 1993 (March 26, 1993). https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/130702-029-union-cavalry-reenactors-little-round-top-gettysburg-pa.jpgGettysburg + 150Union cavalry reenactors on Little Round Top. This shot was taken at 18:13; 150 years to the hour the fight for this hill was occuring over these rocks. (Gettysburg + 150 years. 2 July 2013, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/93032602little-big-round-top.jpg93032602little-big-round-tophttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/aaaa.jpgaaaahttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/230715-travel-log-gettysburg-160-30.jpgGettysburg at NightGettysburg at night along Baltimore and Steinwehr Avenues. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. (Nathanael Miller, 3 July 2023)2023-07-27T02:20:39+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/07/17/gettysburg-160-parts-1-5/2023-07-17T20:07:19+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/07/07/gettysburg-160-days-4-5/2023-07-07T14:45:37+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/07/04/gettysburg-160-day-3/2023-07-04T19:54:45+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/07/02/gettysburg-160-day-1/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/230701-gettysburg-160-day-1.jpgThompson House - Lee's HQLocated on Gettysburg's northwest side, the home of Mary Thompson, a 70-year-old widow, was commandeered by Confederate commanding general Robert E. Lee for use as his HQ. The collapse of the initial Federal lines in this area resulted in the largest single number of Union soldiers captured during the battle. A Confederate cannon battery was also staged on the grounds, firing into the retreating Federals as they were pushed through town by the Confederates on the afternoon of July 1, 1863. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. (Nathanael Miller, 01 July 2023)2023-07-02T12:31:03+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/06/30/gettysburg-160-introduction-the-cashtown-inn/2023-06-30T23:06:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/06/27/short-takes-uss-stewart/2023-06-27T14:11:23+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/06/23/autism-51-first-days/2023-06-23T18:46:23+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/06/19/short-takes-cavalla/2023-06-19T16:24:05+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/05/25/travel-log-on-the-waterfront-drydocked/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230525-travel-waterfront-drydocked.jpgBattleship USS Texas (BB 35)The 109-year-old battleship USS Texas (BB 35) in dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair. The ship is undergoing a major and much-needed restoration effort before being relocated from its former home in San Jacinto to a new location for display. The ship is the last battleship from the "Dreadnought Era" of early battleship construction, and is the only known U.S. Navy ship still in existence that served in both World Wars I & II. Galveston, Texas. (Nathanael Miller, 23 April 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/untitled-1.jpguntitled-1https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230423-026-battleship-texas-in-dry-dock.jpgBattleship USS Texas (BB 35)Rudder stuck at a 14-degree angle. The rudder might have been left at the last position ordered before the ship was donated as a museum in 1948. The 109-year-old battleship USS Texas (BB 35) in dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair. The ship is undergoing a major and much-needed restoration effort before being relocated from its former home in San Jacinto to a new location for display. The ship is the last battleship from the "Dreadnought Era" of early battleship construction, and is the only known U.S. Navy ship still in existence that served in both World Wars I & II. Galveston, Texas. (Nathanael Miller, 23 April 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230423-011-battleship-texas-in-dry-dock.jpgBattleship USS Texas (BB 35)The 109-year-old battleship USS Texas (BB 35) in dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair. The ship is undergoing a major and much-needed restoration effort before being relocated from its former home in San Jacinto to a new location for display. The ship is the last battleship from the "Dreadnought Era" of early battleship construction, and is the only known U.S. Navy ship still in existence that served in both World Wars I & II. Galveston, Texas. (Nathanael Miller, 23 April 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230423-017-battleship-texas-in-dry-dock.jpgBattleship USS Texas (BB 35)The 109-year-old battleship USS Texas (BB 35) in dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair. The ship is undergoing a major and much-needed restoration effort before being relocated from its former home in San Jacinto to a new location for display. The ship is the last battleship from the "Dreadnought Era" of early battleship construction, and is the only known U.S. Navy ship still in existence that served in both World Wars I & II. Galveston, Texas. (Nathanael Miller, 23 April 2023)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230423-005-battleship-texas-in-dry-dock.jpgBattleship USS Texas (BB 35)The 109-year-old battleship USS Texas (BB 35) in dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair. The ship is undergoing a major and much-needed restoration effort before being relocated from its former home in San Jacinto to a new location for display. The ship is the last battleship from the "Dreadnought Era" of early battleship construction, and is the only known U.S. Navy ship still in existence that served in both World Wars I & II. Galveston, Texas. (Nathanael Miller, 23 April 2023)2023-06-03T16:01:38+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/05/08/mental-health-autism-at-51/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230508-mental-health-autism-at-51.jpg230508 Mental Health - Autism at 512023-05-08T21:48:06+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/05/05/the-writers-craft-captivating-catchphrases/2023-05-05T18:36:34+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/04/20/the-accidental-detective-is-back-4/2023-04-20T15:10:03+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/04/19/the-accidental-detective-returns-tomorrow-2/2023-04-19T15:14:51+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/04/17/three-days/2023-04-17T18:15:55+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/04/16/four-days-2/2023-04-16T18:09:39+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/04/15/five-days-3/2023-04-15T18:59:40+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/04/12/the-accidental-detective-returns-april-20th/2023-04-12T18:39:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/04/05/its-done/2023-04-05T22:05:27+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/03/30/short-takes-first-crossing/2023-03-30T20:01:53+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/03/19/short-takes-the-last-veteran/2023-03-19T21:41:57+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/03/09/just-my-thoughts-im-gay-i-love-drag-shows-and-they-have-no-place-around-children/2023-03-09T18:08:03+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/03/06/the-accidental-detective-returns/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/lionfish-ad-05.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns in April 2023!The Accidental Detective is back, seeking out murder in the Pacific Northwest! Retired Chief Petty Officer Isaac Shepherd once again joins his old partner and friend, NCIS Special Agent Abraham Gray, as they race to identify and stop one of the most brutal killers they've ever faced! "Lionfish" arrives in paperback and ebook format on Amazon this coming April 20th!!2023-03-06T18:25:43+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/03/01/april-is-coming-and-so-is-the-accidental-detective/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/lionfish-ad-04.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns in April 2023!The Accidental Detective is back, seeking out murder in the Pacific Northwest! Retired Chief Petty Officer Isaac Shepherd once again joins his old partner and friend, NCIS Special Agent Abraham Gray, as they race to identify and stop one of the most brutal killers they've ever faced! "Lionfish" arrives in paperback and ebook format on Amazon this coming April 20th!!2023-03-01T20:40:58+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/02/26/on-the-waterfront-a-fording-an-island/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/130126-n-yx169-360.jpgGerald R. Ford Island Landing130126-N-YX169-360 NEWPORT NEWS, Va., (Jan. 26, 2013) – The 555-metric ton island for the future nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sits in place after being lifted into position on the ship’s flight deck during an “island landing ceremony” at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding. The island-landing ceremony marks the final super-lift in the construction process for the ship. The Gerald R. Ford is the first is a new class of aircraft carriers, and is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/130126-n-yx169-183.jpg130126-n-yx169-183https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/130126-n-yx169-187.jpg130126-n-yx169-187https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/130126-n-yx169-139.jpg130126-n-yx169-1392023-02-26T19:53:12+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/02/20/the-accidental-detective-is-back-3/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lionfish-ad-03.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns in April 2023!The Accidental Detective is back, seeking out murder in the Pacific Northwest! Retired Chief Petty Officer Isaac Shepherd once again joins his old partner and friend, NCIS Special Agent Abraham Gray, as they race to identify and stop one of the most brutal killers they've ever faced! "Lionfish" arrives in paperback and ebook format on Amazon this coming April 20th!!2023-02-20T21:25:04+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/02/17/on-the-waterfront-leapfrog/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/column-2.jpgcolumn-2CMdr. Tim Crone, CO, aboard USS Ponce (LPD 15) during a "leap frogging" maneuver while on deployment. The Kearsarge ARG is made up of USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Ponce, and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). MC1 Nathanael Miller, Sept. 7, 2010.https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/column-3.jpgcolumn-3USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), lead ship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), passing USS Ponce (LPD 15) during a "leap frogging" maneuver while on deployment. THe Kearsarge ARG is made up of Kearsarge, Ponce, and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). MC1 Nathanael Miller, Sept. 7, 2010.https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/column-1.jpgcolumn-1USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) passing USS Ponce (LPD 15) during a "leap frogging" maneuver while on deployment. THe Kearsarge ARG is made up of USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Ponce, and Carter Hall. MC1 Nathanael Miller, Sept. 7, 2010.2023-02-17T20:38:31+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/01/25/veteran-talk-the-trauma-olympics/2023-01-26T03:48:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2023/01/12/the-writers-craft-the-winning-formula/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/230113-writers-craft-the-winning-formula.jpg230113 Writers Craft - The Winning Formulahttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/muppet-scrooge.jpgmuppet-scroogehttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/maxresdefault.jpgmaxresdefault2023-01-12T20:27:54+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/12/30/sparks1524-2022/2022-12-30T19:24:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/12/23/the-christmas-episode/2022-12-23T20:54:42+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/12/08/on-the-waterfront-pongsona-20/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/021209-010-after-super-typhoon-pongsonga.jpg021209-010-after-super-typhoon-pongsongaDamage to the Christian Servicemens Center following Super Typhoon Pongsona. Tumon, Guam. PH2 Nathanael 'Sparky' Miller, 9 December 2002https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/library.jpglibraryhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/021208-003-super-typhoon-pongsonga.jpg021208-003-super-typhoon-pongsongaNoon: winds are near 50 knots and the roof of Bayview Baptist's educztion building is starting to peel back. Tumon, Guam. PH2 Nathanael 'Sparky' Miller, 8 December 2002https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/021208-001-satellite-image-super-typhoon-pongsonga.jpg021208-001-satellite-image-super-typhoon-pongsongaSatellite image of the storm over the Marianas Islands. I went in and changed the white outline of the islands to blue to make them stand out better.2022-12-08T09:07:05+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/12/01/on-the-waterfront-kris-kringles-critically-cautionary-christmas-carol/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/990400-003-kosovo-donations.jpgRota at night. Rota, Spain. (Nathanael Miller, August 1999)Rota at night. Rota, Spain. (Nathanael Miller, August 1999)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/990400-004-kosovo-donations.jpgRota at night. Rota, Spain. (Nathanael Miller, August 1999)Rota at night. Rota, Spain. (Nathanael Miller, August 1999)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/000323-001-ranger-22-and-hangar-5.jpg000323-001-ranger-22-and-hangar-52022-12-01T17:08:20+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/11/27/an-excerpt-from-lionfish-coming-next-april-from-mystery-writer-nathanael-miller/2022-11-27T20:49:46+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/11/23/on-the-waterfront-thanksgiving-in-jolly-old-england/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/991126-011-tower-bridge-london.jpg991126-011-tower-bridge-londonhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/991126-013-tower-of-london-london.jpg991126-013-tower-of-london-londonThe Tower of London. MWR trip to Great Britain over the Thanksgiving Holiday. My old friend from FSU, Christine DePascale, was working at the FSU London Study Center, so I got to hang out with her a bit. London, England. (Nathanael Miller, 26 November 1999)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/991126-005-british-museum-london.jpg991126-005-british-museum-londonhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/991125-001-caterbury-cathedral.jpg991125-001-caterbury-cathedral2022-11-23T20:50:49+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/11/15/sparks1524-video-100/2022-11-15T21:14:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/11/08/adventure-makes-a-great-holiday-gift/2022-11-08T21:05:05+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/11/07/just-my-thoughts-who-gets-to-define-misinformation/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/221107-just-my-thoughts-who-defines-misinformation.jpgNew MexicoThe Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande mark central New Mexico while desert plants and even rabbit tracks mark their passage in the snow. Bernalillo, New Mexico. (Nathanael Miller. 04 Jan. 2019)2022-11-07T22:36:30+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/10/29/short-takes-the-many-ghosts-of-pensacolas-seville-quarter/2022-10-29T16:32:18+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/10/28/the-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-part-7-bonus-introductions/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/gregory-peck-as-ahab.jpggregory-peck-as-ahabhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/221028-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-7-introductions.jpg221028 Writers Craft - Killing It with the Perfect Villain 7, Introductions2022-10-28T19:56:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/10/24/short-takes-the-headless-ghost-of-romana-street/2022-10-24T15:59:05+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/10/21/short-takes-bowies-haunted-bridge/2022-10-21T20:17:21+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/10/18/the-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-part-6-the-cool-factor/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/221018-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-6-cool-factor.jpg221018 Writers Craft - Killing it with the Perfect Villain 6 - Cool Factorhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/jaws-movie.jpgjaws-moviehttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/lecter.jpglecter2022-10-18T19:22:59+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/09/23/the-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-part-5-the-villain-has-to-win-occasionally/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/loki.jpgloki2022-09-23T18:13:44+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/09/16/the-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-part-4-thematic-opposition/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/backdraft.jpgKurt Russell And William Baldwin In 'Backdraft'Scott Glenn, Kurt Russell and William Baldwin as firemen in a scene from the film 'Backdraft', 1991. (Photo by Universal Pictures/Getty Images)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/moriarty.jpgmoriarty2022-09-16T16:55:57+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/09/09/the-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-part-3-motivation/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220909-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-3-motivations.jpg220909 Writers Craft - Killing it with the Perfect Villain 3 - Motivationshttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/hummel-jpg.jpghummel-jpghttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/joker-jpg.jpgjoker-jpg2022-09-09T18:16:13+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/09/02/travel-log-the-tennessee-aquarium/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220802-090-tennessee-aquarium.jpgTennessee AquariumThe Tennessee Aquarium first opened in 1992 and today occupies two buildings along the downtown Chattanooga’s riverfront. The facility boasts exhibits on the rivers of the world, giant river sea life, an indoor butterfly garden, and a simulation of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220802-087-tennessee-aquarium.jpgTennessee AquariumThe Tennessee Aquarium first opened in 1992 and today occupies two buildings along the downtown Chattanooga’s riverfront. The facility boasts exhibits on the rivers of the world, giant river sea life, an indoor butterfly garden, and a simulation of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220802-068-tennessee-aquarium.jpgTennessee AquariumThe Tennessee Aquarium first opened in 1992 and today occupies two buildings along the downtown Chattanooga’s riverfront. The facility boasts exhibits on the rivers of the world, giant river sea life, an indoor butterfly garden, and a simulation of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220802-058-tennessee-aquarium.jpgTennessee AquariumThe Tennessee Aquarium first opened in 1992 and today occupies two buildings along the downtown Chattanooga’s riverfront. The facility boasts exhibits on the rivers of the world, giant river sea life, an indoor butterfly garden, and a simulation of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220802-070-tennessee-aquarium.jpgTennessee AquariumThe Tennessee Aquarium first opened in 1992 and today occupies two buildings along the downtown Chattanooga’s riverfront. The facility boasts exhibits on the rivers of the world, giant river sea life, an indoor butterfly garden, and a simulation of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220802-059-tennessee-aquarium.jpgTennessee AquariumThe Tennessee Aquarium first opened in 1992 and today occupies two buildings along the downtown Chattanooga’s riverfront. The facility boasts exhibits on the rivers of the world, giant river sea life, an indoor butterfly garden, and a simulation of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220902-travel-log-tennessee-aquarium.jpgTennessee AquariumThe Tennessee Aquarium first opened in 1992 and today occupies two buildings along the downtown Chattanooga’s riverfront. The facility boasts exhibits on the rivers of the world, giant river sea life, an indoor butterfly garden, and a simulation of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)2022-09-02T16:20:58+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/08/25/the-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-part-2-characterization/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/kaecilius.jpgkaeciliushttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/moriarty.jpgmoriartyhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/villian-character.jpgVillian Character2022-08-26T04:12:29+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/08/19/the-writers-craft-killing-it-with-the-perfect-villain-part-1/2022-08-19T18:07:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/08/08/travel-log-fall-in-love-with-ruby-falls/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/220808-travel-log-fall-in-love-with-ruby-falls.jpgRuby FallsRuby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Falling more than 145 feet inside the limestone interior of Lookout Mountain, the falls are 1,120 feet below the surface of the mountain. Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert and named for his wife, Ruby, the falls are reached by descending a 260-foot shaft in a glass-fronted elevator before walking through half a mile of caverns. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/220802-033-view-north-from-ruby-falls-castle-tower.jpgView North From Ruby Falls Castle TowerMulti-photo composite image of the view north from Ruby Falls' castle tower. Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Falling more than 145 feet inside the limestone interior of Lookout Mountain, the falls are 1,120 feet below the surface of the mountain. Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert and named for his wife, Ruby, the falls are reached by descending a 260-foot shaft in a glass-fronted elevator before walking through half a mile of caverns. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Digital Illustration by Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/220802-024-ruby-falls.jpgRuby FallsRuby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Falling more than 145 feet inside the limestone interior of Lookout Mountain, the falls are 1,120 feet below the surface of the mountain. Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert and named for his wife, Ruby, the falls are reached by descending a 260-foot shaft in a glass-fronted elevator before walking through half a mile of caverns. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/220802-004-ruby-falls.jpgRuby FallsCactus and Candle formations. Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Falling more than 145 feet inside the limestone interior of Lookout Mountain, the falls are 1,120 feet below the surface of the mountain. Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert and named for his wife, Ruby, the falls are reached by descending a 260-foot shaft in a glass-fronted elevator before walking through half a mile of caverns. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/220802-014-ruby-falls.jpgRuby FallsRuby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Falling more than 145 feet inside the limestone interior of Lookout Mountain, the falls are 1,120 feet below the surface of the mountain. Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert and named for his wife, Ruby, the falls are reached by descending a 260-foot shaft in a glass-fronted elevator before walking through half a mile of caverns. Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 02 August 2022)2022-08-08T19:11:20+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/07/28/the-writers-craft-stomping-out-the-good-idea-fairy/2022-07-28T16:24:37+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/07/21/new-short-takes-video-the-national-museum-of-the-pacific-war/2022-07-21T15:09:48+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/07/18/dont-let-excitement-pass-you-by/2022-07-18T16:06:32+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/07/14/new-short-takes-video-the-blackwater-river/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/220714-short-takes-rolling-on-the-river.jpgCanoeing the Blackwater RiverCanoeing the Blackwater River with Pop, Thom, Natalie, and the nephews. The Blackwater River flows from southern Alabama through northwest Florida to Blackwater Bay, an arm of Pensacola Bay. Blackwater River State Park maintains a long track of the river and its associated wilderness, providing a perfect afternoon of canoeing or tubing along the water. Blackwater River State Park, Santa Rosa County, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 11 July 2022)2022-07-14T16:04:52+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/07/03/on-the-waterfront-sailing-into-history-an-american-lions-independence-day/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/110704-n-yx169-435.jpgUSS Ponce Celebrates July 4th with Bristol, RI110704-N-YX169-435 BRISTOL, R.I. (July 4, 2011) Led by amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15)’s executive officer, Lt. Cmdr. Ethan Mitchell, the officers and crew of Ponce march in the 226th annual Independence Day Parade held by the town of Bristol, R.I. Bristol’s festivities are the oldest continuous July 4th celebration in the country, and Ponce was making a port call to the historic town in order to participate in the festivities. Ponce is part of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, which is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/110704-n-yx169-077.jpgUSS Ponce Celebrates July 4th with Bristol, RI110704-N-YX169-077 BRISTOL, R.I. (July 4, 2011) Amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15)’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Cole Hayes, delivers remarks at the beginning of the 226th annual Independence Day Parade held by the town of Bristol, R.I. Bristol’s festivities are the oldest continuous July 4th celebration in the country, and Ponce was making a port call to the historic town in order to participate in the festivities. Ponce is part of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, which is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/110702-n-yx169-089.jpg110702-n-yx169-089https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/110701-n-yx169-130.jpgArrival at Bristol, Rhode Island110701-N-YX169-130 BRISTOL, R.I. (July 1, 2011) Sailors stand by on the fo’c’sle of amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) as the ship passes under the Newport Fixed Bridge while sailing toward a July 4th port visit to the historic town of Bristol, R.I. Bristol holds the oldest annual parade celebrating Independence Day in the United States, a city event dating back to 1785. Ponce is part of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, which is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/220703-watefront-sailing-into-history-an-american-lions-independence-day.jpgUSS Ponce Celebrates July 4th with Bristol, RI110704-N-YX169-459 BRISTOL, R.I. (July 4, 2011) Lt. Cmdr. Ethan Mitchell, USS Ponce (LPD 15)'s executive officer, leads the officers and crew of Ponce march in the 226th annual Independence Day Parade held by the town of Bristol, R.I. Bristol’s festivities are the oldest continuous July 4th celebration in the country, and Ponce was making a port call to the historic town in order to participate in the festivities. Ponce is part of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, which is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller)2022-07-04T01:08:46+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/06/30/%ef%bf%bc%ef%bf%bcpast-exploration-tracking-marine-corps-history-on-guam/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dfdfdf.jpgdfdfdfhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/051227024-john-gerbers-place-me-lvt4.jpg051227024-john-gerbers-place-me-lvt4https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/040711-n-7293m-010.jpg040711-n-7293m-010https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/040707-n-7293m-001.jpg040707-n-7293m-0012022-06-30T23:28:25+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/06/27/take-pride-in-a-good-mystery/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/summer-2022-ad-04.jpgEnjoy a Mystery During Pride Month!Isaac Shepherd might be gay, but he seeks justice for all against the scourge of murder! Follow the adventures of mystery writer Nathanael Miller's Accidental Detective! Partnering with NCIS Special Agent Abraham Gray, Isaac Shepherd pursues threats against the United States Navy! Available NOW in paperback and ebook format on Amazon. Pick up a copy today!2022-06-27T16:25:45+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/06/20/enjoy-a-mystery-during-pride-month/2022-06-20T17:25:24+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/06/16/mental-health%ef%bf%bc%ef%bf%bc-tossing-toxic-tails-on-the-tarmac/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/220616-mental-health-tossing-toxic-tails-on-the-tarmac.jpgWinter in Northern UtahWinter in Northern Utah. (Nathanael Miller. 05 Jan. 2019)2022-06-16T17:18:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/06/15/summer-is-for-adventure/2022-06-15T18:00:50+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/06/11/new-short-takes-video-the-pensacola-museum/2022-06-11T18:37:54+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/06/09/on-the-waterfront-on-eagles-wings/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/220609-waterfront-on-eagles-wings.jpgUSCGC Eagle in PensacolaThe Coast Guard barque USCGC Eagle (WIX 327) offers public tours during a port call to Pensacola. The Eagle was launched as the training ship Horst Wessel by Nazi Germany in 1936. Originally named for a Nazi stormtrooper killed in 1930 by members of the German Communist Party, the ship was taken by the U.S. as war reparations in 1945 and commissioned as the Eagle by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946. Today, the Eagle trains Coast Guard cadets during summer cruises while also functioning as a public outreach resource for the Coast Guard. The ship’s original name, Horst Wessel, can still be found in some spots, such as on one of the ship’s wheels aft on the Quarterdeck. Pensacola, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 3 June 2022).https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/220603-041-uscgc-eagle-in-pensacola.jpgUSCGC Eagle in PensacolaThe Coast Guard barque USCGC Eagle (WIX 327) offers public tours during a port call to Pensacola. The Eagle was launched as the training ship Horst Wessel by Nazi Germany in 1936. Originally named for a Nazi stormtrooper killed in 1930 by members of the German Communist Party, the ship was taken by the U.S. as war reparations in 1945 and commissioned as the Eagle by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946. Today, the Eagle trains Coast Guard cadets during summer cruises while also functioning as a public outreach resource for the Coast Guard. The ship’s original name, Horst Wessel, can still be found in some spots, such as on one of the ship’s wheels aft on the Quarterdeck. Pensacola, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 3 June 2022).https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/220603-002-uscgc-eagle-in-pensacola.jpgUSCGC Eagle in PensacolaThe Coast Guard barque USCGC Eagle (WIX 327) offers public tours during a port call to Pensacola. The Eagle was launched as the training ship Horst Wessel by Nazi Germany in 1936. Originally named for a Nazi stormtrooper killed in 1930 by members of the German Communist Party, the ship was taken by the U.S. as war reparations in 1945 and commissioned as the Eagle by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946. Today, the Eagle trains Coast Guard cadets during summer cruises while also functioning as a public outreach resource for the Coast Guard. The ship’s original name, Horst Wessel, can still be found in some spots, such as on one of the ship’s wheels aft on the Quarterdeck. Pensacola, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 3 June 2022).https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1111.jpg1111BALTIMORE, Md., 10 Oct. 2002-Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Amy Klein pauses in front of her ship, the barque Eagle, currently in dry-dock at the Coast Guard Shipyard. Klein, a member of the Deck Division, enjoys going aloft and working in the rigging. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Nathanael T. Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/untitled-1a.jpguntitled-1ahttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/untitled-2-1.jpguntitled-2-1https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/untitled-2.jpguntitled-22022-06-10T15:04:43+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/06/03/the-writers-craft-changing-with-the-times/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/220603-writers-craft-changing-with-the-times.jpg220603 Writer's Craft - Changing with the Times2022-06-03T14:25:36+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/05/25/on-the-waterfront-sailing-into-history-dolphins-in-the-midst/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/220526-on-the-waterfront-sailing-into-history-dolphins-in-the-midst-1.jpgLandfall Jordan!110219-N-7293M-451 STRAIT OF TIRAN (Feb. 19, 2011) A pod of more than 12 common dolphins provides an energetic escort to amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) as the ship transits the Strait of Tiran on its way to a scheduled port call in Aqaba, Jordan, on Feb. 20. Dolphins are commonly seen by Sailors playing the bow wave of a ship. Ponce is part of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/110220-n-7293m-023.jpg110220-n-7293m-023https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/110219-n-7293m-451.jpgLandfall Jordan!110219-N-7293M-451 STRAIT OF TIRAN (Feb. 19, 2011) A pod of more than 12 common dolphins provides an energetic escort to amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) as the ship transits the Strait of Tiran on its way to a scheduled port call in Aqaba, Jordan, on Feb. 20. Dolphins are commonly seen by Sailors playing the bow wave of a ship. Ponce is part of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/110219-n-7293m-162.jpg110219-n-7293m-162Shipwreck, Strait of Tiran on approach to Jordan. USS Ponce (LPD 15), Feb. 19, 2011. MC1 Nathanael MIller.2022-05-26T14:29:21+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/05/22/coming-in-2023-lionfish/2022-05-22T21:02:15+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/05/13/veteran-talk-mach-two-max-has-gone-ashore/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/220513-veteran-talk-mach-two-max-has-gone-ashore-1.jpg220513 Veteran Talk - Mach Two Max Has Gone Ashorehttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/untitled-1.jpguntitled-1https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/tom-and-pat-30-years-2012.jpgtom-and-pat-30-years-2012https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/tom-and-pat-wedding-dec-31-1982.jpgtom-and-pat-wedding-dec-31-19822022-05-14T14:43:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/27/the-writers-craft-keeping-characters-consistent/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/220427-writers-craft-keeping-characters-consistent-jpg.jpg220427 Writer's Craft - Keeping Characters Consistent JPG2022-05-05T23:10:20+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/05/05/the-writers-craft-blocking-writers-block/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/220505-writers-craft-blocking-writers-block.jpg220505 Writer's Craft - Blocking Writer's Block2022-05-05T22:58:20+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/26/and-so-it-begins/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/asib-jpg-005-1.jpgComing soon - 'And So It Begins'!Spain, 1999: murder, attempted murder, manslaughter. The adventure begins! The new mystery novel by Nathanael Miller takes you back to the Accidental Detective's earliest days! Coming April 20th in paperback and ebook format on Amazon!2022-04-26T22:03:00+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/20/on-the-waterfront-sailing-into-history-the-greatest-seaman/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/greatest-seaman.jpgGreatest Seaman2022-04-21T02:19:57+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/15/five-days-2/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/asib-jpg-007.jpgComing in FIVE days!And So It Begins: Spain, 1999: murder, attempted murder, manslaughter. The adventure begins! The new mystery novel by Nathanael Miller takes you back to the Accidental Detective's earliest days! Coming April 20th in paperback and ebook format on Amazon!2022-04-15T17:47:00+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/13/just-my-thoughts-stop-targeting-children/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/220413-just-my-thoughts-stop-targeting-children.jpg220413 Just My Thoughts - Stop Targeting Children2022-04-14T14:34:01+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/12/its-coming-the-adventure-begins-april-20th/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/asib-jpg-006.jpgComing soon - 'And So It Begins'!Spain, 1999: murder, attempted murder, manslaughter. The adventure begins! The new mystery novel by Nathanael Miller takes you back to the Accidental Detective's earliest days! Coming April 20th in paperback and ebook format on Amazon!2022-04-12T18:38:22+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/08/on-the-waterfront-sailing-into-history-meeting-the-proud-lion/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/waterfront-04-ponce-edition.jpgWaterfront 04 - Ponce Edition2022-04-08T00:11:15+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/05/the-adventure-returns-to-the-beginning/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/asib-jpg-005.jpgComing soon - 'And So It Begins'!Spain, 1999: murder, attempted murder, manslaughter. The adventure begins! The new mystery novel by Nathanael Miller takes you back to the Accidental Detective's earliest days! Coming April 20th in paperback and ebook format on Amazon!2022-04-05T19:50:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/04/01/just-my-thoughts-will-smiths-assault-on-a-civil-society/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/220401-just-my-thoughts-e28093-will-smiths-assault-on-a-civil-society-jpg.jpg220401 Just My Thoughts – Will Smith’s Assault on a Civil Society JPG2022-04-01T16:33:49+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/03/28/coming-april-20th/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/asib-jpg-004.jpgComing soon - 'And So It Begins'!Spain, 1999: murder, attempted murder, manslaughter. The adventure begins! The new mystery novel by Nathanael Miller takes you back to the Accidental Detective's earliest days! Coming April 20th in paperback and ebook format on Amazon!2022-03-28T19:04:14+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/03/23/and-so-it-begins-april-20th/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/asib-jpg-003.jpgComing soon - 'And So It Begins'!Spain, 1999: murder, attempted murder, manslaughter. The adventure begins! The new mystery novel by Nathanael Miller takes you back to the Accidental Detective's earliest days! Coming April 20th in paperback and ebook format on Amazon!2022-03-23T21:11:15+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/03/22/the-writers-craft-worldbuilding-part-4-retcon-city/2022-03-22T22:36:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/02/25/the-writers-craft-worldbuilding-2-building-biographical-bastions/2022-03-21T18:47:31+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/02/11/the-writers-craft-worldbuilding-part-1-getting-construction-permits/2022-03-21T18:46:15+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/03/17/the-writers-craft-worldbuilding-part-3-organizing-original-organizations/2022-03-17T23:37:07+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/03/17/coming-this-april/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/asib-jpg-002.jpgComing soon - 'And So It Begins'!Spain, 1999: murder, attempted murder, manslaughter. The adventure begins! The new mystery novel by Nathanael Miller takes you back to the Accidental Detective's earliest days! Coming April 20th in paperback and ebook format on Amazon!2022-03-17T18:34:34+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/02/25/veteran-talk-ukraine/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/220225-veterans-talk-ukraine.jpg220225 Veterans Talk - Ukraine2022-02-25T18:12:28+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/02/18/coming-soon-the-accidental-detective-is-back/2022-02-18T16:25:40+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/02/04/just-my-thoughts-you-dont-fight-rcism-by-being-rcist/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ffffffff.jpgMount St. HelensMount St. Helens. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Washington State (Nathanael Miller, 30 July 2020)2022-02-04T16:31:38+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/01/23/veteran-talk-deceleration-is-authorized/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/220123-deceleration-thumbnail.jpg220123 Deceleration ThumbnailMyself on deck cutting a pose around 08:00 Arabian Sea time. VF-213 deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (Mr. Rob Bartley, 11 September 2001)2022-01-23T17:44:23+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/01/15/veteran-talk-urgently-needed-care/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/220115-veteran-talk-urgently-needed-care.jpg220115 Veteran Talk - Urgently Needed CareMyself on deck cutting a pose around 08:00 Arabian Sea time. VF-213 deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (Mr. Rob Bartley, 11 September 2001)2022-01-16T16:21:34+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2022/01/06/coming-april-20th-the-accidental-detective-is-back-for-the-very-first-time/2022-01-06T19:11:20+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/12/29/new-video-sparks1524-year-in-review/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/211229-sparks-1524-year-in-review-thumb.jpg2021-12-29T22:48:11+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/12/16/just-my-thoughts-christmas-with-the-presidents/2021-12-16T19:16:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/12/09/video-short-takes-lincolns-tomb/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/211209-lincoln-tomb-thumbnail.jpgLincoln Tomb, Oak Ridge CemeteryThe tomb of Abraham Lincoln and his family is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery. President and Mrs. Lincoln and interred here along with three of their four sons. The tomb is an Illinois state historic site, and was built from 1868 – 1874. Springfield, Illinois. (Nathanael Miller, 08 December 2021)2021-12-09T16:18:41+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/11/28/%ef%bf%bc%ef%bf%bctravel-log-natural-bridge-or-oh-crap-there-it-is/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/travel-log-natural-bridge.jpgNatural Bridge2021-11-29T03:39:44+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/11/06/just-my-thoughts-sparks1524-is-back/2021-11-07T00:08:54+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/10/29/just-my-thoughts-the-duck-has-landed/2021-10-29T14:59:55+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/10/17/just-my-thoughts-almost-home/2021-10-17T16:34:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/09/22/the-writers-craft-how-do-i-become-a-writer-part-4/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/writers-craft-logo-02.jpgWriters Craft logo 022021-09-22T15:17:36+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/09/16/veteran-talk-morning-quarters/2021-09-16T23:38:34+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/09/11/veteran-talk-twenty-years-later/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/vet-talk-jpg.jpgVet Talk JPGMyself on deck cutting a pose around 08:00 Arabian Sea time. VF-213 deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (Mr. Rob Bartley, 11 September 2001)2021-09-11T19:54:20+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/09/01/the-writers-craft-how-do-i-become-a-writer-part-3/2021-09-01T14:37:49+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/08/30/short-takes-the-pensacola-lighthouse/2021-08-30T22:54:21+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/08/22/the-writers-craft-how-do-i-become-a-writer-part-2/2021-08-23T00:08:45+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/08/21/mental-health-open-letter-to-afghanistan-veterans-2/2021-08-21T23:33:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/08/17/mental-health-open-letter-to-afghanistan-veterans/2021-08-17T23:55:53+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/08/12/the-writers-craft-how-do-i-become-a-writer-part-1/2021-08-13T01:49:24+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/08/07/just-my-thoughts-building-a-home/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/just-my-thoughts-004.jpgTampa at Night2021-08-07T15:07:19+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/07/25/announcing-short-takes/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/short-takes.jpgFire pit, Rob Rupp's house.24 June 2021, Virginia Beach, VA. N.T. Miller2021-07-26T03:27:55+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/07/25/just-my-thoughts-let-the-sunshine-state-in/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/just-my-thoughts-006.jpgPensacola Lighthouse2021-07-25T18:17:00+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/07/05/past-exploration-gettysburg-158-part-3/2021-07-05T10:59:42+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/07/04/past-exploration-gettysburg-158-part-2/2021-07-04T12:47:50+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/07/02/past-exploration-gettysburg-158-part-1/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/past-explorations-001.jpgGettysburg National Military ParkGettysburg National Military Park, part of the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. (Nathanael Miller. 07 May 2018)2021-07-02T20:10:31+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/06/28/travel-log-wings-of-gold-part-3/2021-06-28T15:30:07+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/06/25/travel-log-wings-of-gold-part-2/2021-06-25T14:05:21+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/06/19/travel-log-wings-of-gold-part-1/2021-06-20T03:24:42+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/06/16/coming-next-year-the-accidental-detective-is-back-for-the-very-first-time/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/asib-jpg-001.jpg"And So It Begins," the new mystery novel coming from Nathanael Miller in 2022!"And So It Begins," the new mystery novel coming from Nathanael Miller in 2022!2021-06-16T16:59:18+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/06/15/travel-log-in-the-wild-blue-yonder/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logo-t.jpgLake Hood Seaplane Base2021-06-15T20:55:56+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/06/12/travel-log-under-the-guns-part-2/2021-06-12T13:23:06+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/06/10/travel-log-under-the-guns-part-1/2021-06-11T01:06:17+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/06/04/the-writers-craft-dont-be-afraid-to-delete/2021-06-05T07:22:50+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/30/memorial-day-2021/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/memorial-day-001.jpgMemorial Day2021-05-31T02:56:26+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/28/travel-log-im-not-kidding-around/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-s.jpgUSS Kidd (DD 661)2021-05-29T04:00:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/23/travel-log-ghost-towns-to-ghost-cars/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-n.jpgWisconsin Farm LandWisconsin Farm Land. Wisconsin. (Nathanael Miller, 07 Aug. 2018)2021-05-23T22:32:48+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/18/travel-log-whiling-away-the-hours-in-williams/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-r.jpgDawn over the Grand Canyon2021-05-19T05:23:39+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/16/travel-log-back-to-the-canyon/2021-05-17T03:13:58+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/12/travel-log-mystery-of-the-ruins/2021-05-13T06:25:10+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/11/travel-log-volcanoes-under-our-noses/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-k.jpgArizonaArizona. (Nathanael Miller, 20 Oct. 2018)2021-05-12T02:46:43+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/06/photo-finish-washington-state-memories-3/2021-05-06T18:18:23+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/04/travel-log-falling-for-water-the-forgotten-falls/2021-05-05T05:38:26+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/05/04/travel-log-falling-for-water/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-o.jpgChristine Falls, Mount Rainier National ParkChristine Falls, Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier the highest peak of the Cascade volcanoes, rising 14,411 feet above sea level. It is also considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in North America. Mount Rainier National Park Washington. (25 Aug. 2019; Nathanael Miller)2021-05-04T19:04:39+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/26/photo-finish-mount-backer-and-glacier-peak/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/photo-finish-12-1.jpgGlacier Peak and the Ferry from Port TownsendGlacier Peak seen 76 miles from Port Townsend as the ferry transits from Whidbey Island. Glacier Peak is 10,525 feet in elevation, and is the most isolated of the five major Cascade volcanoes in Washington State. Port Townsend, Washington. (30 November. 2019; Nathanael Miller)2021-04-27T00:28:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/23/just-my-thoughts-momentous-triumphant/2021-04-23T18:14:27+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/21/photo-finish-mount-adams/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/photo-finish-11.jpgMount Adams From Takhlakh LakeMount Adams is 12,281 feet above sea level, making it the second highest peak in Washington State after Mount Rainier. Mount Adams is one of the oldest of the Cascade volcanoes. Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington. (02 Sept. 2019; Nathanael Miller)2021-04-21T18:44:52+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/21/the-norfolk-murders-is-on-sale-now/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/00a-on-sale-now.jpgThe Accidental Detective is BACK!The Accidental Detective is back! A psychopath stalks Hampton Roads. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" is on sale now in paperback and e-book format on Amazon and other fine online retailers! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller is here!2021-04-21T17:52:15+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/20/the-accidental-detective-is-back-2/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/00-on-sale-now.jpgThe Accidental Detective is BACK!The Accidental Detective is back! A psychopath stalks Hampton Roads. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" is on sale now in paperback and e-book format on Amazon and other fine online retailers! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller is here!2021-04-20T07:16:24+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/19/the-accidental-detective-returns-tomorrow/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/01-days.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns TOMORROW!A psychopath stalks Hampton Roads. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-04-19T17:52:25+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/18/two-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/02-days.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns in Two Days!A psychopath stalks Hampton Roads. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-04-18T19:00:54+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/16/photo-finish-mount-st-helens-part-2/2021-04-16T19:48:54+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/16/four-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/04-days.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns in Four Days!A psychopath stalks Hampton Roads. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-04-16T17:06:10+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/15/five-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/05-days.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns in Five Days!A psychopath stalks Hampton Roads. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-04-15T15:19:04+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/12/photo-finish-washington-state-memories-2/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/photo-finish-10.jpgMount St. HelensMount St. Helens. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Washington State (Nathanael Miller, 30 July 2020)2021-04-12T19:44:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/12/the-accidental-detective-returns-in-8-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/08-days.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns in Eight Days!A psychopath stalks the Virginia Tidewater. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-04-12T16:20:19+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/09/photo-finish-washington-state-memories/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/photo-finish-09.jpgMount Rainier National Park2021-04-09T18:44:41+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/05/the-adventure-returns-in-15-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/15-days.jpg15 DaysA psychopath stalks Hampton Roads. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-04-05T20:35:23+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/01/this-is-not-an-april-fools-joke-the-accidental-detective-returns-in-20-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20-days.jpgComing April 20: "The Norfolk Murders"A psychopath stalks Hampton Roads. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-04-01T23:35:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/04/01/bloggers-notebook-going-video-part-3/2021-04-01T23:25:41+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/03/25/bloggers-notebook-going-video-part-2/2021-03-25T18:37:07+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/03/24/26-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/26-days.jpgComing April 20: "The Norfolk Murders"Six murders. At least ten local victims. Seven months until retirement. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-03-24T17:43:34+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/03/22/28-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/28-days.jpgComing April 20: "The Norfolk Murders"Six murders. At least ten local victims. Seven months until retirement. The Accidental Detective is back on the case! "The Norfolk Murders" sets sail April 20, 2021! The new mystery thriller by Nathanael Miller!2021-03-22T17:33:56+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/03/21/the-accidental-detective-returns-in-29-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/29-days.jpg29 Days2021-03-21T19:46:59+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/02/25/bloggers-notebook-going-video-part-1/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/notebook-01.jpgNotebook 012021-02-25T06:18:34+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/02/11/the-writers-craft-how-to-kill-your-story-101-part-3/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/writers-craft-logo-02.jpgWriters Craft logo 022021-02-24T02:10:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/02/21/breaking-news-sparks1524-is-now-on-video/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/breaking-news-graphic.jpg2021-02-22T03:14:57+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/02/18/photo-finish-aquariums/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/photo-finish-08.jpgVirginia Aquarium and Marine Science CenterVirginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, located along Owl Creek in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Feb. 2018)2021-02-19T01:22:10+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/02/04/the-writers-craft-how-to-kill-your-story-101-part-2/2021-02-05T02:11:56+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/01/28/the-writers-craft-how-to-kill-your-story-101-part-1/2021-01-28T21:39:29+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/01/22/the-accidental-detective-returns-this-april/2021-01-22T18:53:39+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/01/14/on-the-waterfront-talk-about-attempted-sabotage/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/waterfront-03.jpgWaterfront 032021-01-14T21:42:26+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/01/06/bouns-the-thirteenth-day-of-albus/2021-01-06T20:45:26+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/01/05/day-12-the-twelve-days-of-albus/2021-01-05T18:39:22+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/01/04/day-10-and-11-the-twelve-days-of-albus/2021-01-04T23:05:28+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/01/02/the-accidental-detective-is-back/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/nm-ad-01.jpgThe Accidental Detective Returns!The Accidental Detective Returns! Six murders in seven months command the attention of Chief Petty Officer Isaac Shepherd and NCIS Special Agent Abraham Gray. "The Norfolk Murders," coming April 20, 2021, from mystery writer Nathanael Miller!2021-01-02T22:02:32+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2021/01/02/day-8-and-9-the-twelve-days-of-albus/2021-01-02T20:21:17+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/31/day-6-and-7-the-twelve-days-of-albus/2021-01-01T02:16:31+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/29/day-5-the-twelve-days-of-albus/2020-12-29T19:39:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/28/day-4-the-twelve-days-of-albus/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/201225-001-twelve-days-of-albus.jpgThe Twelve Days of AlbusMy amazing friend, Lee Kirk,did this wonderful illustration of Albus the Crab for Christmas Day! Happy Christmas to all, and may all your mountains come with giant crabs! (Photo by Nathanael Miller; digital illustration by Lee Kirk, 24 Dec. 2020)2020-12-28T22:30:07+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/24/christmas-eve-brothers/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/201224.jpgChristmas Eve Over The BrothersEvery day a different show is put on when one lives near the mountains. Looking west to the Olympic Mountains on Christmas Eve morning. The twin peaks in the distance are The Brothers, a prominent set of peaks in the Olympic Mountains. The south peak (on the left) rises to 6,842 feet above sea level while the north peak (on the right) rises to 6,650 feet. The peaks are seen at a distance of 22 miles from Silverdale. Silverdale, Washington. (Nathanael Miller, 24 December 2020)2020-12-25T04:06:44+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/17/photo-finish-christmas-lights-part-2/2020-12-19T18:49:51+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/10/photo-finish-christmas-lights-part-1/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/photo-finish-07.jpgDominion Garden of Lights 2014Seen thorugh the "Blue Curtain," the synchronized light show plays to several holiday favorites as Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) stages the 19th annual Dominion Garden of Lights, a massive light show that turns NBG into a holiday wonderland. The event is primarily sponsored by Domion Power, with additional sponsorship provided by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Food Lion, USAA, Pepsi, and WVEC ABC 13 News. The garden was founded in 1938 by City Manager Thomas P. Thompson and Frederic Heutte as part of a Works Progress Administration grant under FDR's New Deal and is internationally reknowned today. Norfolk, Virginia. (4 December 2014, Nathanael Miller; Sparks Photography) ***Permission is hereby granted by Nathanael Miller and Sparks Photography to Norfolk Botanical Garden and Norfolk Botanical Garden Society to use these clips and images for any publicity and documentary purposes as long as credit is given (when appropriate) to "Nathanael Miller" and/or "Sparks Photography." Nathanael Miller and Sparks Photography may be reached via email at: sparksphotography1971@gmail.com2020-12-14T18:17:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/13/proud-lion-makes-a-great-gift/2020-12-13T20:32:01+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/11/extra-extra-a-special-photo-finish-the-brothers-through-the-year/2020-12-12T21:58:09+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/10/29/mental-health-another-shipmate-has-fallen/2020-12-10T23:21:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/12/03/mental-health-does-solitary-confinement-ring-a-bell/2020-12-10T23:09:32+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/11/20/mental-health-stop-talking-and-start-listening-for-crying-out-loud/2020-11-20T21:36:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/11/12/the-writers-craft-critical-critiques/2020-11-12T17:53:01+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/11/05/photo-finish-unusual-views/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/photo-finish-06.jpgBattleship USS TexasThe New York-class battleship USS Texas (BB 35) was in commission from 1914 - 1948. It is one of the few American ships (and only battleship left) that served in both World Wars I and II. The ship has been a museum since 1948. La Porte, Texas. (Nathanael Miller, 01 Nov. 2018)2020-11-05T18:58:15+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/11/02/early-reviews-are-in/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/book-sales-01.jpgThe Adventure has Begun!The adventure has begun! The Accidental Detective seeks out murder and thwarts international espionage aboard USS Ponce! "Proud Lion" is available as a paperback or e-book through Amazon on other fine online retailers now! "Proud Lion," the new novel by Nathanael Miller.2020-11-02T18:43:48+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/10/20/travel-log-hunting-abandoned-buildings/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo-n.jpgWisconsin Farm LandWisconsin Farm Land. Wisconsin. (Nathanael Miller, 07 Aug. 2018)2020-10-20T18:17:12+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/10/15/on-the-waterfront-a-tale-of-a-great-enterprise/2020-10-15T20:24:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/10/08/photo-finish-animal-magnetism/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/photo-finish-04.jpgYellowstone - Evening BisonYellowstone National Park was established in 1872 and is the oldest national park in the world. Over 90% of the park is in Wyoming, but parks of it cover land in Idaho and Montana. The park covers 3,468.4 square miles and encompasses the Yellowstone caldera, the largest supervolcano in North America. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Nathanael Miller, 23 August 2018)2020-10-08T18:30:04+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/10/01/just-my-thoughts-convince-or-conquer/2020-10-08T18:04:15+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/25/photo-finish-military-aviation/2020-09-25T17:30:28+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/21/the-writers-craft-and-so-it-begins/2020-09-22T02:10:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/20/the-adventure-begins/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/book-launch.jpgThe Adventure has Begun!The adventure has begun! The Accidental Detective seeks out murder and thwarts international espionage aboard USS Ponce! "Proud Lion" is available as a paperback or e-book through Amazon on other fine online retailers now! "Proud Lion," the new novel by Nathanael Miller.2020-09-20T15:32:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/19/the-adventure-begins-tomorrow/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/01-days.jpgThe Adventure Begins TOMORROW!The adventure begins tomorrow! The Accidental Detective seeks out murder and thwarts international espionage aboard USS Ponce! "Proud Lion" will be available as a paperback or e-book through Amazon TOMORROW! "Proud Lion," the new novel by Nathanael Miller.2020-09-19T17:39:04+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/17/on-the-waterfront-master-seamanship/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/waterfront-02.jpgWaterfront 022020-09-17T16:04:12+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/16/only-four-days-until-the-adventure-begins/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/04-days.jpgFour Days Until Proud LionThe adventure begins in FOUR days! The Accidental Detective seeks out murder and thwarts international espionage aboard USS Ponce! "Proud Lion" is on sale through Amazon and other online retailers beginning Sept. 20! "Proud Lion," the new novel by Nathanael Miller.2020-09-16T16:33:32+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/14/the-writers-craft-the-glory-of-an-editor-part-2-the-book-emerges/2020-09-15T03:53:00+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/14/only-six-days-until-the-adventure-begins/2020-09-14T17:42:49+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/12/the-adventure-begins-in-8-days/2020-09-12T19:45:37+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/10/the-adventure-begins-in-10-days/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/10-days.jpg10 Days"Proud Lion," the first adventure of the Accidental Detective, is on deck in just six weeks! Navy Chief Petty Officer Isaac Shepherd and NCIS Special Agent Abraham Gray race to save a potentially innocent sailor aboard USS Ponce from being convicted for a murder he might not have committed. "Proud Lion," by Nathanael Miller, gets underway September 20, 2020.2020-09-10T18:02:47+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/10/photo-finish-monochromatic-details/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/photo-finish-03.jpgBass Harbor Head LighthouseLocated in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor Head was first lit in 1858. The rocky shoreline near the light is a popular hiking and photography spot. Tremont, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 29 July 2018)2020-09-10T16:47:50+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/07/photo-finish-volcano-day/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/photo-finish-02.jpgMount RainierSeen 30 miles form Tanwax Country Chapel, Mount Rainier the highest peak of the Cascade volcanoes, rising 14,411 feet above sea level. It is also considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in North America. Eatonville, Washington. (05 Oct. 2019; Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/photo-finish-01.jpgPhoto Finish 012020-09-07T16:55:40+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/04/proud-lion-excerpt/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/proud-lion-banner-01.jpgProud Lion Banner 012020-09-04T17:17:05+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/03/just-my-thoughts-federalism-101/2020-09-03T16:31:37+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/09/02/dont-miss-the-boat/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sept-20-005.jpgSept 20 - 0052020-09-02T16:14:10+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/31/the-writers-craft-the-glory-of-an-editor/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/writers-craft-logo-02.jpgWriters Craft logo 022020-08-31T18:34:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/27/just-my-thoughts-contemplating-magic/2020-08-27T16:48:40+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/24/on-the-waterfront-raising-gibraltar/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/waterfront-01-1.jpgPortland Head LighthousePortland Head Lighthous in Fort William Park, first lit in 1791. It is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Cape Elizabeth, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 30 July 2018)2020-08-25T02:00:56+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/20/travel-log-october-2018-the-desert-and-the-creepiest-sound-ever/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/logo-m.jpgThe Nevada DesertThe western Nevada desert. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Oct. 2018)2020-08-24T17:16:02+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/19/the-accidental-detective-returns-to-his-old-ship-hot-on-the-trail-of-a-killer/2020-08-19T20:54:12+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/17/the-accidental-detective-take-the-case/2020-08-17T23:36:55+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/17/the-writers-craft-teamwork/2020-08-17T19:06:21+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/13/travel-log-let-your-adventurous-spirit-blossom/2020-08-13T18:15:01+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/10/the-writers-craft-a-jolly-good-blog-entry/2020-08-10T15:33:56+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/08/the-instruction-writers-problem/2020-08-09T17:20:00+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/06/the-writers-craft-the-journey-of-a-million-words/2020-08-07T02:41:29+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2020/08/03/sometimes-you-have-to-risk/2020-08-03T18:35:36+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2019/10/06/the-writers-craft-a-real-character/2019-10-07T01:46:06+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2019/09/30/the-writers-craft-impacting-sentences/2019-10-01T00:36:44+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2019/06/23/mental-health-into-the-volcano/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/190615-004-mount-st-helens.jpgMount St. HelensLooking southwest into the crater from the northeast, the lava dome in the center of the crater is a prominent feature. Rising to 8,363 feet, Mount St. Helens lost about 1,300 feet from its height during the eruption of May, 1980. The entire north face of the mountain broke away in the largest landslide in recorded history, resulting in a lateral eruption that killed 57 people and temporarily blasted nearby Spirit Lake clear out of its bed. Today a massive lava dome occupies the center of the crater. Mount St. Helens remains the currently most active of the Cascade volcanoes. Washington State. (15 June 2019; Nathanael Miller)2019-06-23T23:42:37+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2019/06/09/mental-health-where-i-have-been/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/mental-health-2a-1.jpgWinter in Northern UtahWinter in Northern Utah. (Nathanael Miller. 05 Jan. 2019)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/mental-health-2a.jpgWinter in Northern UtahWinter in Northern Utah. (Nathanael Miller. 05 Jan. 2019)2019-06-10T02:12:11+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/09/08/travel-log-the-loneliest-place-on-earth/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/180827-062-great-salt-lake.jpgGreat Salt LakeThe Great Salt Lake in Utah is the largest remnant of Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric lake the once covered most of Utah and parts of Idaho. The Great Salt Lake covers an average of 1,700 square miles, but its water level fluctuates significantly. A railroad causeway across the lake's center creates differing levels of salinity in each half, resulting in the northern half of the lake taking on a reddish hue and the southern half looking more blue. Great Salt Lake, Uta. (Nathanael Miller, 27 August 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/180827-059-great-salt-lake.jpgGreat Salt LakeThe Great Salt Lake in Utah is the largest remnant of Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric lake the once covered most of Utah and parts of Idaho. The Great Salt Lake covers an average of 1,700 square miles, but its water level fluctuates significantly. A railroad causeway across the lake's center creates differing levels of salinity in each half, resulting in the northern half of the lake taking on a reddish hue and the southern half looking more blue. Great Salt Lake, Uta. (Nathanael Miller, 27 August 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/180827-048-golden-spike-national-historic-site.jpgGolden Spike National Historic SiteThe Golden Spike National Historic Site preserves the site where the first transcontinental railroad was finally completed May 10, 1869. The site features working replicas of the Central Pacific's locomotive Jupiter and the Union Pacific's #119, which were the trains that ceremonially met at the completion of the railroad. Box Elder County, Utah. (Nathanael Miller, 27 August 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/logo-j.jpgGolden Spike National Historic SiteThe Golden Spike National Historic Site preserves the site where the first transcontinental railroad was finally completed May 10, 1869. The site features working replicas of the Central Pacific's locomotive Jupiter and the Union Pacific's #119, which were the trains that ceremonially met at the completion of the railroad. Box Elder County, Utah. (Nathanael Miller, 27 August 2018)2018-09-08T20:34:41+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/09/06/travel-log-meeting-adam/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/state-travels.jpgState Travelshttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/180823-050-yellowstone-mallard-lake-trail.jpgYellowstone - Mallard Lake TrailMallard Lake Trail with Chris Wight and his mom "Kansas." Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 and is the oldest national park in the world. Over 90% of the park is in Wyoming, but parks of it cover land in Idaho and Montana. The park covers 3,468.4 square miles and encompasses the Yellowstone caldera, the largest supervolcano in North America. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Nathanael Miller, 23 August 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/180822-019-virginia-city.jpgVirginia CityVirginia City was on its way to becoming a lost ghost town when it was rescued and turned into an open-air museum. Founded in 1863, the town boomed until the gold mines played out, and by the 1940s Virginia City was effectively dead when it was largely bought by private interests, and later transferred to the state as a historic site. Virginia City, Montana. (Nathanael Miller, 22 August 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/180819-046-100th-anniversary-of-crow-fair-and-rodeo.jpg100th Anniversary of Crow Fair and RodeoThe 100th Anniversary of Crow Fair and Rodeo is the the centennial celebration of biggest American indian event in Montana. This is also one of the largest powwows in the US. Crow Agency, Montana. (Nathanael Miller, 19 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/logo-k.jpgNevada CityNevada City was on its way to becoming a lost ghost town when it was rescued and turned into an open-air museum. Founded in 1863, the town boomed until the gold mines played out, and by the 1940s it effectively dead and being torn down. Today it is a "built" town with 12 structures original to Nevada City, and the rest vintage Old West buildings from around Montana that have been relocated here to preserve them. Nevada City, Montana. (Nathanael Miller, 22 August 2018)2018-09-06T18:44:07+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/08/19/travel-log-a-plainly-great-education/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180817-023-minnesota.jpgMinnesotaMinnesota. (Nathanael Miller, 17 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180814-013-dignity.jpgDignityDignity is a 50-foot high, stainless steel statue on a bluff above the Missouri River by Dale Lamphere. It was erected in 2016. Chamberlain, South Dakota. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180814-002-akta-lakota-museum-cultural-center.jpgAkta Lakota Museum and Culture CenterThe Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center is housed on the grounds of the St. Joseph’s Indian School. "Akta Lakota" means "to honor the people" and tells the story of the traditional culture of the Sioux people. Chamberlain , South Dakota. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Aug. 2018)2018-08-19T15:21:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/08/13/travel-log-the-devils-tower-in-the-details/2018-08-13T05:36:47+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/08/13/travel-log-breathless-on-the-oregon-tail/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/logo-h.jpgDevils TowerDevils Tower is an igneous formation standing 867 feet (265 m) from summit to base. It is the erosional remnant of an ancient volcanic system dating form over 50 million agos. Devils Tower was the first declared national monument (declared by Pres. Theodore Roosevelt in 1906). It was made famous in the 1979 film " Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It is also a VERY sacred place to the people of many of the first nations across the northern American west, so be respectful when you visit. Hulett, Wyoming. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180811-106-devils-tower-and-perseid-meteor-shower-my-first-meteor-shot.jpgDevils Tower and the Perseid meteor showerThe Perseid meteor shower creates streaks over Devils Tower while the planet Mars glows as a bright red "star" right next to the tower. Devils Tower is an igneous formation standing 867 feet (265 m) from summit to base. It is the erosional remnant of an ancient volcanic system dating form over 50 million agos. Devils Tower was the first declared national monument (declared by Pres. Theodore Roosevelt in 1906). It was made famous in the 1979 film " Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It is also a VERY sacred place to the people of many of the first nations across the northern American west, so be respectful when you visit. The Perseids come from the debris left by Comet Swift–Tuttle on its 133-year long orbit. Hulett, Wyoming. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180811-049-devils-tower-wyoming.jpgDevils TowerDevils Tower is an igneous formation standing 867 feet (265 m) from summit to base. It is the erosional remnant of an ancient volcanic system dating form over 50 million agos. Devils Tower was the first declared national monument (declared by Pres. Theodore Roosevelt in 1906). It was made famous in the 1979 film " Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It is also a VERY sacred place to the people of many of the first nations across the northern American west, so be respectful when you visit. Hulett, Wyoming. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180811-032-devils-tower-wyoming.jpgDevils TowerDevils Tower is an igneous formation standing 867 feet (265 m) from summit to base. It is the erosional remnant of an ancient volcanic system dating form over 50 million agos. Devils Tower was the first declared national monument (declared by Pres. Theodore Roosevelt in 1906). It was made famous in the 1979 film " Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It is also a VERY sacred place to the people of many of the first nations across the northern American west, so be respectful when you visit. Hulett, Wyoming. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180810-053-robidoux-pass-near-scotts-bluff.jpgRobidoux Pass near Scotts BluffRobidoux Pass was the site of a supply stop near Scotts Bluff on the Oregon, California, and Morman Trails in the 19th century. I hiked around with Jen Rae, a felllow explorer I met at Scotts Bluff. Gering, Nebraska. (Nathanael Miller, 10 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180810-023-chimney-rock.jpgChimney RockChimeny Rock is a 300-foot tall pillar left by erosion of the surrounding prairie over the past 34 million years. It was one of the major landmarks for westward-bound pioneers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails during the 19th century. Morrill County Nebraska. (Nathanael Miller, 10 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180809-029-ash-hollow-from-windlass-hill.jpgAsh Hollow from Windlass HillWindlass Hill marks the spot where the Oregon Trail left the high flatlands and descended into the lowlands of Ash Hollow and the and the North Platte River valley. Thousands of settlers crossed this hill and looked out from here across the Great Plains. Lewellen, Nebraska. (Nathanael Miller, 09 Aug. 2018)2018-08-13T05:32:19+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/08/07/travel-log-now-it-gets-serious/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sssssssssss.jpgssssssssssshttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180807-041-wisconsin-farmland.jpgWisconsin Farm LandWisconsin Farm Land. Wisconsin. (Nathanael Miller, 07 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180807-034-wisconsin-farmland.jpgWisconsin Farm LandWisconsin Farm Land. Wisconsin. (Nathanael Miller, 07 Aug. 2018)2020-08-07T02:36:01+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/08/06/travel-log-oh-canada-eh/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ccccccccccccccccccccccc.jpgccccccccccccccccccccccchttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180804-004-inuksuk-along-the-trans-canada-highway.jpgInusuk Along the Trans-Canada HighwayInuksuk (pronounced "in-ook-shook") are cairns traditionally used as trail markers and signs by the native Inuit, Iñupiat, Kalaallit, Yupik, and other peoples. For decades travelers have been setting them up on the Trans-Canada Highway, and there are hundreds along the road. Ontario, Canada. (Nathanael Miller, 04 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180803-046-toronto-from-humber-bay-park.jpgToronto from Humber Bay ParkToronto from Humber Bay Park. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Nathanael Miller, 03 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180803-028-royal-ontario-museum.jpgRoyal Ontario MuseumEstablished 16 April 1912 and opening on 19 March 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (or "ROM") is Canada's version of the Smithsonian Institution. The museum's collections include dinosaurs fossils, artifacts from ancient Egypt, Asia, numerous Native American nations, and even a special exihibit on spiders! Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Nathanael Miller, 03 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180803-018-royal-ontario-museum.jpgRoyal Ontario MuseumEstablished 16 April 1912 and opening on 19 March 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (or "ROM") is Canada's version of the Smithsonian Institution. The museum's collections include dinosaurs fossils, artifacts from ancient Egypt, Asia, numerous Native American nations, and even a special exihibit on spiders! Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Nathanael Miller, 03 Aug. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180802-012-quebec.jpgRural QuebecRural Quebec, Canada. (Nathanael Miller, 02 Aug. 2018)2018-08-06T21:24:32+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/07/30/travel-log-the-maine-meal-of-the-day/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180728-005-bluebird-ranch-restaurant-machias-maine.jpgBluebird Ranch RestaurantBluebird Ranch Restaurant. Machias, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 28 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180727-001-coffee-break-cafe.jpgCoffee Break CafeThe Coffee Break Cafe serves some great sandwiches and even better banter between the staff and customers! Hampden, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 27 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180725-001-portland-waterfront.jpgPortland WaterfrontThe vibrant Portland waterfront is still a major New England seaport. In fact, Casco Bay is the second deepest natural anchorage in the United States after Norfolk, Virginia. Portland, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 25 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180724-039-beckys-diner-on-hobsons-wharf-south-portland.jpgBecky's Diner on Hobson's WharfBecky's Diner on Hobson's Wharf in Portland. The diner opened in 1991 and is the quintessential New England diner serving AMAZING seafood! Portland, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 24 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180724-026-palace-diner-biddeford.jpgPalace DinerThe Palace Diner is a small lunch counter serving burgers and sandwiches. It was built in the mid-1920s, and the original owner acutally ordered it from the Sears cataloge! Biddeford, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 24 July 2018)2018-07-31T03:46:30+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/07/29/travel-log-the-maine-priority-is-not-the-photo/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180728-028-west-quoddy-head-lighthouse.jpgWest Quoddy Head LighthouseWest Quoddy Head Lighthouse marks the eastern-most point of United States territory. The first lighthouse was built here in 1808 and was occupied by the British during the War of 1812. The present lightstation was first lit in 1858. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse still uses its original 3rd order Fresnel lens, and its beam can be seen 18 miles out at sea. Lubec, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 28 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180726-074-pemaquid-point.jpgPemaquid PointPemaquid Point in Bristol is a spectacular coastline in which ancient, dark, folded metaphoric bedrock is exposed. The point is home to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, the lighthouse featured on the 2003 Maine state quarter. Bristol, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 26 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180726-055-pemaquid-point-lightouse.jpgPemaquid Point LighthouseThe first lighthouse built here was lit in 1827, but structural problems caused it to be replaced by the current tower in 1835. The keeper's house is now a fisherman's museum. Pemaquid Point is the lighthouse featured on the 2003 Maine state quarter. Bristol, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 26 July 2018)2018-07-31T01:02:12+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/07/27/travel-log-the-maine-event/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180726-083-lookout-for-moose.jpgLookout for MooseIn Maine one must be careful of moose crossing the highways. State of Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 26 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180726-009-maine-maritime-museum.jpgMaine Maritime MuseumFounded in 1962, the Maine Maritime Museum preserves the five remaining buildings of the historic Percy and Small Shipyard on the Kennebec River next to the Bath Iron Works. The museum boasts a life-sized, stylized sculpture of the Wyoming, the largest schooner ever built, located on the site where the Wyoming was constructed. It also features an art gallery, displays in the historic buildings detailing ship construction, and a scale-model demonstration of ship launching techniques. Bath, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 26 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180725-015-portland-waterfront.jpgPortland WaterfrontThe vibrant Portland waterfront is still a major New England seaport. In fact, Casco Bay is the second deepest natural anchorage in the United States after Norfolk, Virginia. Portland, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 25 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180723-055-portland-head-lighthouse-maine.jpgPortland Head LighthousePortland Head Lighthous in Fort William Park, first lit in 1791. It is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Cape Elizabeth, Maine. (Nathanael Miller, 23 July 2018)2018-07-27T21:39:53+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/07/27/travel-log-look-closer/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180722-032-old-north-bridge-concord.jpgOld North Bridge, ConcordOld North Bridge was the site of the start of organized Patriot combat operations against the British during the running battle from Lexington to Concord, and back past Lexington to Boston, that began the American Revolution in April 1775. The orignal bridge was destroyed by the elements long ago, and was rebuilt to replicate known accounts of the original bridge's appearance. Concord, Massachusetts. (Nathanael Miller, 22 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180722-008-buckman-tavern-lexington.jpgBuckman TavernBuckman Tavern, built circa 1709, was a meeting point for the colonial militia in Lexington, and was the muster site when Capt. John Parker mobiliized them the night of April 18, 1775, for what would become the Battle of Lexington on April 19. Lexington, Massachusetts. (Nathanael Miller, 22 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180722-002-oldest-american-battle-monument-battle-green-lexington.jpgBattle GreenBattle Green in Lexington was the site of the 5:00 a.m. Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775--the first action in the American Revolution. The green features the an obelisk that is the oldest battle monument in America (placed in 1779) whick is also the burial site of 8 patriots who died in the skirmish, and a statue of Captain John Parker, who led the Lexington militia. Lexington, Massachusetts. (Nathanael Miller, 22 July 2018)2018-07-27T15:51:22+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/07/25/travel-log-touching-ohana-part-ii/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ddsdsdss.jpgddsdsdsshttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180720-068-castle-hill-lighthouse.jpgCastle Hill Lighthouse, NewportCastle Hill Lighthouse helps mark the approach into Narragansett Bay. Newport, Rhode Island. It was first lit in 1890. (Nathanael Miller, 20 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180720-004-tartre-grave-precious-blood-cemetery.jpgTartre Grave, Precous Blood CemeteryGrave of my great-great grandparents, Victor Louis and Mathilde Dauray Tartre. Section D, Precious Blood Cemetery. Woonsocket, Rhode Island. (Nathanael Miller, 20 July 2018)2018-07-26T02:44:10+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/04/25/travel-log-touching-ohana/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo-g1.jpgAla Moana ParkAla Moana Park. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller. 22 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/untitled-1.jpgUntitled-1https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/mnmnn.jpgmnmnnhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20180424_164542_001.jpg20180424_164542_001https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180420-089-diamond-head-memorial-garden-family-cemetery.jpg180420-089 Diamond Head Memorial Garden--Family CemeteryThe family plots and vaults. Diamond Head Memorial Park. Honolulu, Hawaii. (20 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180420-004-uss-utah-memorial.jpgUSS Utah MemorialMe and cousin Anthony Munos, Jr. USS Utah (BB 31 / AG 16) is the *other* ship still resting in Pearl Harbor following the 1941 attack. Converted from battleship to gunnery target vessel, the ship was nonetheless attacked and hit with torpedos, capsizing it. The Navy only partially righted the ship, and 58 men still like entombed inside it. Today viistors see part of the starboard side superstructure protruding above the water. Utah was commissioned in 1911 and was not decommissioned until 1944 (nearly three years after being sunk). Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller. 20 April 2018)2018-07-26T02:12:41+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/07/19/travel-log-airships-and-aircraft-carriers/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180718-055-uss-enterprise-sternplate-river-vale.jpgUSS Enterprise SternplateThe sternplate from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV 6) is one of only two major pieces of the ship's hull known to still exist (the other is a porthole on display at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida). Enterprise was the most decorated ship of World War II and, along with USS Constitution, one of the two most successful ships in Navy history. The carrier was in commission from 1938 - 1947. River Vale, New Jersey. (Nathanael Miller, 18 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180718-040-hindenburg-crash-site-near-hangar-one-lakehurst.jpgHindenburg Crash SiteHalf a mile from Hangar 1's gigantic doors is the sie where the Hindenburg crashed on May 6, 1937, ending the era of the great rigid airships. The crash killed 36 people (35 on the airship, and one of the Navy's ground crew). The chain-link memorial marks the spot where the Hindenburg's control gondola landed as the ship crashed. Manchester Township, New Jersey. (Nathanael Miller, 18 July 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180718-004-hangar-one-lakehurst-maxfield-field.jpgHangar No. 1Each of the hangar doors is a free-standing structure which required two 20-horsepower electric motors to open. Hangar No. 1 was completed in 1921 and is 966 feet long, 350 feet wide and 224 feet high. It was built on the former Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst (modern Lakehurst Maxfield Field) to house the giant airships of the 1920s and 1930s (two could fit side-by-side inside it at the same time). Later it was home to a flght deck simulator used to train flight deck personnel. Half a mile from Hangar 1's gigantic doors the Hindenburg crashed on May 6, 1937, ending the era of the great rigid airships. Manchester Township, New Jersey. (Nathanael Miller, 18 July 2018)2018-07-20T03:18:27+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/07/16/travel-log-hiatus-interruptus/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180523-014-family-reunion.jpg180523-014 Family reunionFamily reunion. Front row (left to right): Lillette Smith, Granny Laura Light, Christopher Miller, William T. Miller, Nicholas Miller. Back row (left to right): Nathanael T. Miller, Katrina Patton, Natalie Miller, Jimrie Thurmond, Gloria J. Miller, Nikki Thurmond, Joseph Miller, William A. Miller, William Luke Miller (standing behind William A. Miller). (Nathanael Miller, 23 May 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180713-002-mcc-jerry-foltz-retirement-ceremony.jpgMCC Jerry Foltz Retirement CeremonyMCC Jerry Foltz and I before his retirement ceremony aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB 64). I was the Master of Ceremonies for my friend. Norfolk, Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 13 July 2018)2018-07-17T02:56:20+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/07/13/mental-health-be-kind-be-patient-be-courageous-and-act/2018-07-14T03:50:06+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/05/07/mental-health-anxiety-and-experience/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/nnnn.jpgnnnn2018-05-08T03:17:58+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/04/29/travel-log-local-flavor/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180420-076-rainbow-drive-in.jpgRainbow Drive-InFounded in 1961 by former Army cook Seiju Ifuku, Rainbow Drive-In on the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Kanaina Avenue, is a local spot most tourists miss at the cost of missing out on some good food!! Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller. 20 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180415-049-la-mariana-sailing-club.jpgLa MarianaMom and Dad, and Lance and Sandy Remick at La Mariana Sailing Club. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller. 15 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180414-010-leonards-bakery.jpgLeonard's BakeryThe absolute BEST Malasadas on Oahu are found at Leonard's Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller. 14 April 2018)2018-04-30T01:11:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/04/28/travel-log-a-diamond-in-the-rough/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180418-049-oahu-from-the-summit-of-diamond-head.jpgClimbing Diamond HeadMulti-image composite looking past a rainbow to Koko Crater from Diamond Head. Known to the Hawaiians as Le'ahi, Diamond Head is a 300,000 year old tuff cone formed from an explosive erutpion. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter and summits at 761 feet. The summit is the site of a lost heiau (ancient Hawaiian temple of other sacred site), and was used for coastal defense by the U.S. Army through the first half of the 20th century. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Digital illustration by Nathanael Miller. 18 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180423-001-honolulu-from-roundtop-drive.jpgOahuThe view over Manao Valley, Diamond Head, Punchbowl, and Honolulu from Puu Ualakaa State Park on Tantalus just off the famous Roundtop Loop. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller. 23 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180418-028-climbing-diamond-head.jpgClimbing Diamond HeadKnown to the Hawaiians as Le'ahi, Diamond Head is a 300,000 year old tuff cone formed from an explosive erutpion. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter and summits at 761 feet. The summit is the site of a lost heiau (ancient Hawaiian temple of other sacred site), and was used for coastal defense by the U.S. Army through the first half of the 20th century. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller. 18 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180418-032-oahu-from-the-summit-of-diamond-head.jpgClimbing Diamond HeadKnown to the Hawaiians as Le'ahi, Diamond Head is a 300,000 year old tuff cone formed from an explosive erutpion. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter and summits at 761 feet. The summit is the site of a lost heiau (ancient Hawaiian temple of other sacred site), and was used for coastal defense by the U.S. Army through the first half of the 20th century. Honolulu, Hawaii. (Nathanael Miller. 18 April 2018)2018-04-29T04:49:10+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/04/11/travel-log-photo-day/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180408-048-spanish-fort-alabama.jpgGiant Dental ToolsGiant dental tools. Spanish Fort, Alabama. (Nathanael Miller, 8 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180408-037-uss-alabama-battleship-memorial-park1.jpgUSS Alabama, Battleship Memorial ParkThe South Dakota-class battleship USS Alabama (BB 60). Alabama was in commission from 1942 - 1947 and won 9 battle stars in World War II. Battleship Memorial Park is home to the World War II battleship USS Alabama (BB 60), submarine USS Drum (SS 228), and numerous aircraft and equipment displays. Mobile, Alabama. (Nathanael Miller, 8 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180331-026-pink-elephant-with-a-martini-springfield1.jpgSpringfield OdditiesSpringfield has its share of odd sights along the road. You might bump into an old, damaged green elephant advertising a defunct record store, a pink elephant with a giant martini, or even a 30-foot tall statue of young Abe Lincoln at the state fair grounds. Springfield, Illinois. (Nathanael Miller, 31 March 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo-f1.jpgRoute 66 - Pink Elephant Antique MallA Futuro home on the grounds of the Pink Elephant Antique Mall. Built in Finland during the 1960s and 1970s, only 100 were ever constructed, and of those, only about 60 still survive. The Pink Elephant Antique Mall is a modern roadside attraction. It opened in the old Livingston High School building after the school closed in 2004 after consolidating with another school. Route 66 was established in 1926 as the core of the new U.S. highway system and ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It was decommssioned in 1985 after the completion of the interstate system. Vast lenghts of it are preserved today as "Historic Route 66" by the states it ran through. Livingston, Illinois. (Nathanael Miller, 2 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180408-006-uss-drum-battleship-memorial-park.jpgUSS Drum, Battleship Memorial ParkThe Gato-class submarine USS Drum (SS 228), in commission from 1940 - 1946, and won 12 battle stars over 13 war patrols during World War II. Battleship Memorial Park is home to the World War II battleship USS Alabama (BB 60), submarine USS Drum (SS 228), and numerous aircraft and equipment displays. Mobile, Alabama. (Nathanael Miller, 8 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180408-012-uss-drum-battleship-memorial-park.jpgUSS Drum, Battleship Memorial ParkThe Gato-class submarine USS Drum (SS 228), in commission from 1940 - 1946, and won 12 battle stars over 13 war patrols during World War II. Battleship Memorial Park is home to the World War II battleship USS Alabama (BB 60), submarine USS Drum (SS 228), and numerous aircraft and equipment displays. Mobile, Alabama. (Nathanael Miller, 8 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180408-026-uss-alabama-battleship-memorial-park.jpgUSS Alabama, Battleship Memorial ParkThe South Dakota-class battleship USS Alabama (BB 60). Alabama was in commission from 1942 - 1947 and won 9 battle stars in World War II. Battleship Memorial Park is home to the World War II battleship USS Alabama (BB 60), submarine USS Drum (SS 228), and numerous aircraft and equipment displays. Mobile, Alabama. (Nathanael Miller, 8 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180407-064-tallulah-louisiana.jpgTallulah, LouisianaTallulah, Louisiana. (Nathanael Miller, 7 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180406-030-cherokee-national-heritage-center.jpgCherokee National Heritage CenterJohn Ross was the principle Cherokee chief from 1828–1866, serving longer than any other person. He led the nation through the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma and then led the effort to rebuild and reclaim their society. The Cherokee National Heritage Center is built on the site of the Cherokee Female Seminary (three columns of which are still standing at the center's entrance). The seminary builiding was opened in 1851 and burnt down in 1887. The modern heritage center tells the story of the Cherokee Nation, with an emphasis on the Trail of Tears' impact on the Cherokee and other nations. Park Hill, Oklahoma. (Nathanael Miller, 6 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180407-010-vicksburg-national-battlefield.jpgVicksburg National Military ParkLooking out from Battery De Golyer, commanded by Capt. Samuel De Golyer of the 8th Michigan Artillery. The capture of Vicksburg by Union forces July 4, 1863, opened the Mississippi River back up to Union navigation. The capture of the city split the Confederacy in half, and, coming at the same time as the Union victory at Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, makred the stragetic turning point of the war and the beginning of the fall of the South. Vicksburg, Mississippi. (Nathanael Miller, 7 April 2018)2018-04-12T03:31:37+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/04/10/travel-log-hidden-gems/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/dfdfdhg.jpgdfdfdhghttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180406-025-cherokee-national-heritage-center.jpgCherokee National Heritage CenterThe Cherokee National Heritage Center is built on the site of the Cherokee Female Seminary (three columns of which are still standing at the center's entrance). The seminary builiding was opened in 1851 and burnt down in 1887. The modern heritage center tells the story of the Cherokee Nation, with an emphasis on the Trail of Tears' impact on the Cherokee and other nations. Park Hill, Oklahoma. (Nathanael Miller, 6 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180407-068-first-indoor-shopping-mall-tallulah-louisiana.jpgTallulah, LouisianaBloom's Arcade was the first modern, indoor shopping mall built in the United States. Dating from 1930, the structure today has been transformed into apartments, but the central arcade has been retained reflecting the building's heritage as a shopping hub. Tallulah, Louisiana. (Nathanael Miller, 7 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180405-020-simon-sager-cabin-siloam-springs.jpgSimon Sager CabinThe 1837 cabin of Simon Sager, founder of Siloam Springs. Relocated from its original plot to the campus of John Brown University. (Nathanael Miller, 5 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180405-002-northwest-arkansas.jpgNorthwest ArkansasNorthwest Arkansas. (Nathanael Miller, 5 April 2018)2018-04-11T00:50:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/04/02/travel-log-frog-song-and-bald-eagle-gazes/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/arhthath.jpgarhthathhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180401-042-abraham-lincoln-presidential-library-and-museum.jpgAbraham Lincoln Presidential Library and MuseumMe with the Linocln family as they appeared in 1861 upon arriving in Washington. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Overseen by the Illinois state government (and not affiliated with the the National Park Services' presidential libraries), the Lincoln library and museum opened in 2005, and combines incredibly life-like figures in dioramas with histortical artifacgts and multimedia to present the life and times of the Lincolns. Springfield, Illinois. (Nathanael Miller, 1 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180401-038-abraham-lincoln-presidential-library-and-museum.jpgAbraham Lincoln Presidential Library and MuseumLincoln's cabinet reacts to hearing him read the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Overseen by the Illinois state government (and not affiliated with the the National Park Services' presidential libraries), the Lincoln library and museum opened in 2005, and combines incredibly life-like figures in dioramas with histortical artifacgts and multimedia to present the life and times of the Lincolns. Springfield, Illinois. (Nathanael Miller, 1 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180401-004-the-lincoln-home-springfield.jpgThe Lincoln HomeThe Lincoln home. Purchased by Abraham and Mary Lincoln in 1844, they expanded the house twice. The Lincolns lived here from 1844 until leaving for Washington, D.C., in 1861. The corner neighborhood of 8th and Jackson Streets has been preserved by the National Park Service and lthe surviving houses all restored to their appearances from around 1860. Springfield, Illinois. (Nathanael Miller, 1 April 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/180330-021-fort-donelson-national-battlefield-park.jpgFort Donelson National Battlefield ParkFort Donelson was captured by Ulysses S. Grant in February 1862. It was the third of three Confederates forts Grant targeted, and the most significant as it opened all of middle Tennessee and the Cumberland to Union control. It was Grant's first major campaign, and it won him national fame. This was also the first of three Confederate armies Grant was to capture during the war (he captured more whole armies than any other Union general). Dover, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 30 March 2018)2018-04-02T05:43:52+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/03/29/travel-log-a-stones-throw-from-victory/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/rrrrrrr.jpgrrrrrrrhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180327-034-hazen-brigade-monument-stones-river.jpgStones River National Battlefield ParkThe Hazen Brigade Monument is the oldest intact Civil War monument in the country. It was built in 1863 (while the war was still going on) by the men of Hazen's Brigade who withstood four rebel charges on this site and were the only Union soldiers to NEVER giveup ground during the fight. The Battle of Stones River outside of Murfressboror, Tennessee, was fought from 31 Dec. 1862 - 3 Jan. 1863 between the Union's Army of the Cumberland (Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans) and the Confederate Army of Tennessee (Gen. Braxton Bragg). It was a close thing, but the Union forces held, helping to give teeth to President Lincoln's recently issued Emancipation Proclamation. Stones River National Battlefield Park. Murfreesboro, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 27 March 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180327-022-stones-river-national-battlefield-park.jpgStones River National Battlefield ParkThe Battle of Stones River outside of Murfressboror, Tennessee, was fought from 31 Dec. 1862 - 3 Jan. 1863 between the Union's Army of the Cumberland (Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans) and the Confederate Army of Tennessee (Gen. Braxton Bragg). It was a close thing, but the Union forces held, helping to give teeth to President Lincoln's recently issued Emancipation Proclamation. Stones River National Battlefield Park. Murfreesboro, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 27 March 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180327-012-stones-river-national-battlefield-park.jpgStones River National Battlefield ParkThe Battle of Stones River outside of Murfressboror, Tennessee, was fought from 31 Dec. 1862 - 3 Jan. 1863 between the Union's Army of the Cumberland (Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans) and the Confederate Army of Tennessee (Gen. Braxton Bragg). It was a close thing, but the Union forces held, helping to give teeth to President Lincoln's recently issued Emancipation Proclamation. Stones River National Battlefield Park. Murfreesboro, Tennessee. (Nathanael Miller, 27 March 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180326-007-wolf-creek-dam.jpgWolf Creek DamWolf Creek Dam across the Cumberland River (do NOT ask me why it's called "Wolf Creek"!). Construction began in 1941, but World War II stalled its completion until 1951. The dam is 258 feet high, 5,736 feet long, and creates Lake Cumberland on the Cumberland River. Russell County, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 26 March 2018)2018-03-30T00:11:11+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/03/19/travel-log-phase-2/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180317-073-historic-pool-roosevelt-institute-warm-springs.jpgHistoric Pools at the Roosevelt InstituteTen-image composite panorama of the historic pools that were built by Franklin Roosevelt when he developed the Roosevelt Institute at Warm Springs. Today a fountain bubbles up water from the original springs. FDR came to Warm Springs in 1924 seeking therapy in the natural warm springs as he worked to recover from polio. His "Little White House" was built in 1932 and he used it as a retreat while president, and died in the house in April 1945. Warm Springs, Georgia. (Digital illustration by Nathanael Miller, 17 March 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180317-067-historic-pool-roosevelt-institute-warm-springs.jpgHistoric Pools at the Roosevelt InstituteThe historic pools that were built by Franklin Roosevelt when he developed the Roosevelt Institute at Warm Springs. Today a fountain bubbles up water from the original springs. FDR came to Warm Springs in 1924 seeking therapy in the natural warm springs as he worked to recover from polio. His "Little White House" was built in 1932 and he used it as a retreat while president, and died in the house in April 1945. Warm Springs, Georgia. (Nathanael Miller, 17 March 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180317-065-fdrs-little-white-house-warm-springs.jpgWarm Springs and FDR's Little White HouseFDR's chair and desk. He was sitting here posing for a portrait when he died of a stroke in 1945. FDR came to Warm Springs in 1924 seeking therapy in the natural warm springs as he worked to recover from polio. His "Little White House" was built in 1932 and he used it as a retreat while president, and died in the house in April 1945. Warm Springs, Georgia. (Nathanael Miller, 17 March 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180317-056-fdrs-little-white-house-warm-springs.jpgWarm Springs and FDR's Little White HouseOne of FDR's specially-designed wheelchairs and his leg braces at the FDR museum. FDR came to Warm Springs in 1924 seeking therapy in the natural warm springs as he worked to recover from polio. His "Little White House" was built in 1932 and he used it as a retreat while president, and died in the house in April 1945. Warm Springs, Georgia. (Nathanael Miller, 17 March 2018)2018-03-20T03:54:47+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/03/08/travel-log-dueling-warships-part-3/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20374567_1875064949410061_1863499646745803601_n.jpg20374567_1875064949410061_1863499646745803601_nhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180221-017-ss-american-victory.jpgSS American VictoryLaunched in 1945, SS American Victory saw service through the end of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Today a museum ship, she is one of only four operational WWII-era merchants ships left in the country. The "Victory Ships" were the successor design to the "Liberty Ships" of early World War II. Tampa, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 21 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180221-006-ss-american-victory.jpgSS American VictoryMulti-image composite panorama. Launched in 1945, SS American Victory saw service through the end of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Today a museum ship, she is one of only four operational WWII-era merchants ships left in the country. The "Victory Ships" were the successor design to the "Liberty Ships" of early World War II. Tampa, Florida. (Digital illustration by Nathanael Miller, 21 Feb. 2018)2018-03-09T00:05:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/03/06/travel-log-dueling-warships-part-2/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180216-001-uss-yorktown-at-patriots-point.jpghttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180214-045-uss-laffey-patriots-point.jpgPatriots Point Naval and Maritime MuseumChief Electrician's Mate (Retired) Bob Howler is a volunteer tour guide aboard USS Laffey (DD 724), Patriot's Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180214-049-uss-clamagore-patriots-point.jpgPatriots Point Naval and Maritime MuseumUSS Clamagore (SS 343). Clamagore has experience rapid deterioration ever since decommissioning in 1975 and donation, and is now being stripped to eventually be sunk off Florida as an artificial reef in 2018. Patriot's Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180214-017-uss-yorktown-patriots-point.jpgPatriots Point Naval and Maritime MuseumUSS Yorktown (CV 10). Patriot's Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Feb. 2018)2018-03-06T22:29:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/03/05/travel-log-dueling-warships-part-1/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180202-006-battleship-uss-north-carolina.jpgBattleship USS North Carolina (BB 55)Battleship USS North Carolina (BB55). Lead ship of the North Carolina-class, she was in service from 1941 - 1947, and came to Wilmington to become a museum ship in 1961. Wilmington, North Carolina (Nathanael Miller, 2 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180202-015-battleship-uss-north-carolina.jpgBattleship USS North Carolina (BB 55)Battleship USS North Carolina (BB55). Lead ship of the North Carolina-class, she was in service from 1941 - 1947, and came to Wilmington to become a museum ship in 1961. Wilmington, North Carolina (Nathanael Miller, 2 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180126-009-uss-wisconsin.jpgUSS WisconsinIowa-class battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64), on permamnent display at the Nauticus National Maritime Center. Wisconsin was in service from 1944 - 1991 and launched the first strikes of the Jan. 1991 Gulf War. Norfolk, Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 26 Jan 2018)2018-03-05T06:16:33+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/02/24/travel-log-turkeys-its-always-turkeys/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180217-036-fort-mcallister.jpgFort McAllisterFort McAllister along the Ogeechee River secured Savannah from Union assault until Gen. William T. Sherman captured it Dec. 13, 1864, thus securing Savannah and ending his March to the Sea. Richmond Hill, Georgia. (Nathanael Miller, 17 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/egfrgr.jpgegfrgrhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180221-050-curtis-hixon-waterfront-park.jpgTampa at NightCutris Hixon Waterfront Park. Tampa, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 21 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180222-053-florida-aquarium.jpghttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180221-049-curtis-hixon-waterfront-park.jpgTampa at NightCutris Hixon Waterfront Park. Tampa, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 21 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180221-006-ss-american-victory.jpgSS American VictoryMulti-image composite panorama. Launched in 1945, SS American Victory saw service through the end of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Today a museum ship, she is one of only four operational WWII-era merchants ships left in the country. The "Victory Ships" were the successor design to the "Liberty Ships" of early World War II. Tampa, Florida. (Digital illustration by Nathanael Miller, 21 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180215-018-south-batter-road-the-battery.jpgCharlestonSouth Battery Road. Charleston, South Carolina. (Nathanael Miller, 15 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180214-016-uss-yorktown-patriots-point.jpgPatriots Point Naval and Maritime MuseumUSS Yorktown (CV 10). Patriot's Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180214-095-sullivans-island-lighthouse.jpgSullivans Island LighthouseOffiically known as the Charleston Light, the lighthouse is the last "great" lighthouse built in the United States. It was lit in 1962 and is 140 feet high. Sullivans Island, South Carolina. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180213-003-cowpens-national-battlefield-park.jpgCowpens National BattlefieldA simple cutout figure marks the site of the first of three American lines of defense at Cowpens. Established in 1929, Cowpens National Battlefield preserves the land American Brig. General Daniel Morgan clocked the daylights out of a superior British force under Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton Jan. 17, 1781, during the British' Southern Campaign. The battle was a signficant American victory and helped put British General Lord Cornwalllis on the path that eventually led to Yorktown The battle was named for the field which farmers used to pen cattle while fattening them up prior to sending them to market in Charleston. Gaffney, South Carolina. (Nathanael Miller, 13 Feb. 2018)2018-02-24T23:34:06+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/02/04/travel-log-forwards-backwards-in-time/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/sdef.jpgsdefhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180203-039-fort-fisher.jpgFort Fisher State Historic SiteHistorian Ray Flowers leads a tour near the western end of Fort Fisher. Fort Fisher protected Confederate commerce transiting Wilmington, North Carolina, until it finally fell in January 1865. Wilmington was the last major port the Confederates had, and the loss of international supplies through it was a factor in Robert E. Lee having to evacuate Petersburg in Virginia. Kure Beach, North Carolina (Nathanael Miller, 3 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180201-007-appomattox-court-house.jpgAppomattox Court House National Historical ParkThe McLean House on the left, looking west down the road U.S. Grant travelled as he came into the village to meet Robert E. Lee. The home of Wilmer McLean was the site of Grant and Lee's meeting on April 9, 1865. The house was dismantled in the late 19th century with intent to move it to Washington, D.C., but the effort failed. Most of the house of was lost, but the bricks around the front door and a few other architectural pieces are original to the house when it was reconstrcuted in 1949. Established in 1935, the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park preserves the site of the surrender of Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant in April 1865. Appomattox, Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 01 Feb. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/180201-003-appomattox-court-house.jpgAppomattox Court House National Historical ParkRanger Albert Carter explains the climatic action that resulted in the capture of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House. Established in 1935, the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park preserves the site of the surrender of Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant in April 1865. Appomattox, Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 01 Feb. 2018)2018-02-05T03:04:57+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/01/24/travel-log-music-to-my-ears/2018-01-24T20:30:09+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/01/22/travel-log-delaware-confidential/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180117-031-johnson-victrola-museum.jpgJohnson Victrola Museum"Put a sock in it," literally the oringal volume control and origin of that phrase. Johnson Victrola Museum, dedicated to the story of Eldridge R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Although his compnay was in Pennsylvania, Johnson was a native of Dover, Delaware. Dover, Delaware. (Nathanael Miller, 17 January 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180117-025-johnson-victrola-museum.jpgJohnson Victrola MuseumJackie Colllins, historian and interpreter at the Johnson Victrola Museum, dedicated to the story of Eldridge R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Although his compnay was in Pennsylvania, Johnson was a native of Dover, Delaware. Dover, Delaware. (Nathanael Miller, 17 January 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180117-019-johnson-victrola-museum.jpgJohnson Victrola MuseumGramophone horn display. Most early horns cannot be placed to their maker without becuase they did not carry maker's marks. Johnson was ahead of his time in that he plut the Vitrola loga (the dog looking into the gramophone that RCA later bought) on everything, even his horns, so Victrola horns can always be identified. Johnson Victrola Museum, dedicated to the story of Eldridge R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Although his compnay was in Pennsylvania, Johnson was a native of Dover, Delaware. Dover, Delaware. (Nathanael Miller, 17 January 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180117-013-old-state-house-dover.jpgOld State HouseTom Welch, a historian an interpreter at the Old State House. Completed in 1792, the Old State House was added to and altered during its time as the state capitol until replaced by Legislative Hall in 1933. The building was restored to its 1792 appearance during rennocations in 1976. Dover, Delaware. (Nathanael Miller, 17 January 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180117-010-old-state-house-dover.jpgOld State HouseThe Old State House. Completed in 1792, it was added to and altered during its time as the state capitol until replaced by Legislative Hall in 1933. The building was restored to its 1792 appearance during rennocations in 1976. Dover, Delaware. (Nathanael Miller, 17 January 2018)2018-01-22T21:16:54+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/01/18/travel-log-a-day-in-the-district/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dddddd.jpgddddddhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180112-037-washington-dc.jpgWashington, D.C.Even on a rainy evening, Washington teems with life and tourists. Washington, D.C. (Nathanael Miller, 12 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180112-026-the-president-lincoln-cottage.jpgAlbus the Crab at the President Lincoln CottageThe U.S. Capitol building seen from the grounds at the President Lincoln Cottage at the old Soldiers Home (today the Armed Forces Retirement Home). This house is three miles from the White House, and the Lincolns lived here during the springs and summers from 1862 - 1865. Lincoln drafted the Emancipation Proclamation here. Washington, D.C. (Nathanael Miller, 12 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180112-020-rock-creek-park.jpgRock Creek ParkRock Creek Park. Washington, D.C. (Nathanael Miller, 12 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180112-013-national-museum-of-health-and-medicine.jpgNational Museum of Health and MedicineThe skull of a soldier of the 54th Massachusetts looking through the exit wound back to the entry wound. National Museum of Health and Medicine. Silver Spring, Maryland. (Nathanael Miller, 12 Jan. 2018)2018-01-18T19:19:57+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/01/10/travel-log-john-brown-marches-on/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180110-007-happy-retreat1.jpgHappy RetreatHappy Retreat, 1780. The home built buy Charles Washington, Charles Town founder and youngest brother of George Washington. The two side wings are the original 1780 construction and were connected by a breezeway; the central portion was added years after Charles Washington's death. Charles Town, West Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 10 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180109-023-harpers-ferry-national-historic-park.jpgJohn Brown's FortThe fire engine house is the only building left of the federal amory raided by John Brown in 1859. Today sitting 150 feet from its original location (marked by a stone obelisk), it became known as "John Brown's Fort" and is the building Brown made his last stand in. The building was moved four three times before being brought back to Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 9 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180109-017-harpers-ferry-national-historic-park.jpgBolivar HeightsBolivar Heights, where Union Col. Dixon S. Miles' 12,000 Union troops were based when surrounded and captured by Stonewall Jackson in 1862 before Jackson joined Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Antietam. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 9 Jan. 2018)2018-01-11T03:54:10+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/01/08/travel-log-a-bridge-to-the-past/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/66yyyyyyy.jpg66yyyyyyyhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180107-013-oak-mound1.jpgOak MoundsThe larger and best preserved of the Oak Mounds, ancient Indiana burial mounds built by the Hopewell culture during the late Woodland period (circa 100 B.C.). Today the mound is on the grounds of Oak Mound Evangelical Church. Clarksburg, West Virginia. (Nathanael Miller, 7 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180106-011-leo-petroglyphs1.jpgLeo PetroglyphsPossible hummingbird feeding at a flower. The Leo Petroglyphs were probably created by the Fort Ancient culture, circa 700 years ago. Carved and painted on exposed portion of the Black Hand sandstone bedrock that underlies much of east-central Ohio. Jackson County, Ohio. (Nathanael Miller, 6 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180104-005-eldean-covered-bridge1.jpgEldean Covered BridgeFive-image composite panorama of Eldean Covered Bridge over the Great Miami River. Built in 1860, it is 224 feet long, and the longest suriviving example of a Long Truss bridge (as developed by Stephen H. Long in 1830) in the country. Troy, Ohio. (Digital illustration by Nathanael Miller, 4 Jan. 2018)2018-02-05T09:34:11+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/01/07/travel-log-a-bear-in-his-natural-habitat-a-studebaker/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/171217-041-the-oliver-mansion.jpgThe Oliver MansionThe Oliver Mansion, originally named Copshaholm, was completed in 1896 by Joseph D. Oliver, head of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works and designer of the revolutionary chilled plow. It's a 38-room Romanesque Queen Anne house designed by architect Charles Alonzo Rich. It is maintained by the Northern Indiana Historical Society's The History Museum. South Bend, Indiana. (Nathanael Miller, 17 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/171217-029-studebaker-national-museum.jpgThe Studebaker National Museum1951 Commander used to film "The Muppet Movie" in 1979. This is one of two used, and this was modified for the diver to operate the vehicle from the trunk while the Muppet operators worked in the car. The Studebaker National Museum opened in its current location in 2005. Three floors tell the story of the Studebaker family and company from the early 18th century through the final Studebaker built in 1966. South Bend, Indiana. (Nathanael Miller, 17 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/171217-012-studebaker-national-museum.jpgThe Studebaker National MuseumThe Presidential Collection. The barouche President Lincoln was rode in to Ford's Theatre the night he was shot--April 14, 1865. During restoration, as layers of later paint was removed, the oringal monogram of Lincoln's ("AL") was found still painted on the side. The Studebaker National Museum opened in its current location in 2005. Three floors tell the story of the Studebaker family and company from the early 18th century through the final Studebaker built in 1966. South Bend, Indiana. (Nathanael Miller, 17 Dec. 2017)2018-01-08T04:43:21+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/01/05/travel-log-serpent-mound/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180103-011-great-serpent-mound-park.jpgGreat Serpent Mound ParkThe Great Serpent Mound, looking towards the head. The Serpent Mound and associated burial mounds are built inside a 9-mile wile crater left from an asteroid impact 256 million years ago. The Serpent Mound is the oldest effigy in North America, having been built about 1,000 years ago. Peebles, Ohio. (Nathanael Miller, 3 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180103-005-great-serpent-mound-park.jpgGreat Serpent Mound ParkThe Great Serpent Mound's head showing the oval that is either an egg being eaten, the sun, or just the foundation for a platform (there is no way to know for certain). The Serpent Mound and associated burial mounds are built inside a 9-mile wile crater left from an asteroid impact 256 million years ago. The Serpent Mound is the oldest effigy in North America, having been built about 1,000 years ago. Peebles, Ohio. (Nathanael Miller, 3 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180103-003-great-serpent-mound-park.jpgGreat Serpent Mound ParkBurial mounds at the Great Serpent Mound park. The Serpent Mound and these burial mounds are built inside a 9-mile wile crater left from an asteroid impact 256 million years ago. Peebles, Ohio. (Nathanael Miller, 3 Jan. 2018)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/180103-010-great-serpent-mound-park.jpgGreat Serpent Mound ParkThe Great Serpent Mound. The Serpent Mound and associated burial mounds are built inside a 9-mile wile crater left from an asteroid impact 256 million years ago. The Serpent Mound is the oldest effigy in North America, having been built about 1,000 years ago. Peebles, Ohio. (Nathanael Miller, 3 Jan. 2018)2018-01-05T16:26:26+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2018/01/04/travel-log-lincoln-grows-up/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/171216-025-lincoln-state-park-indiana.jpgPigeon Creek CemeteryThe grave of War of 1812 veteran Francis Zucksworth (1784 - 1860) and his "consort," Sarah (1795 - 1881). Established in 1932 adjacent to the land where the Lincoln farm stood, the Lincoln State Park preserves land that was central to the Little Pigeon Creek community Lincoln grew up in. Lincoln City, Indiana. (Nathanael Miller, 16 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/171216-019-lincoln-state-park-indiana.jpgSarah Lincoln Grigsby Grave, Little Pigeon Creek CommunityThe grave of Abraham Lincoln's elder sister, Sarah Lincoln Grigsby. Sarah and her child died in childbirth January 1828. Her husband was buried next to her after he passed in 1831. Established in 1932 adjacent to the land where the Lincoln farm stood, the Lincoln State Park preserves land that was central to the Little Pigeon Creek community Lincoln grew up in. Lincoln City, Indiana. (Nathanael Miller, 16 Dec. 2017)2018-01-04T13:35:57+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/31/travel-log-kentucky-odds-and-ends/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171207-023-the-lincoln-museum.jpgThe Lincoln MuseumThe Lincoln Museum, a prviate museum in downtown Hodgenville, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 7 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171214-001-historic-main-post-chapel-fort-knox.jpgHistoric Lincoln Main Post ChapelLincoln Main Post Chapel (originally St. Patrick's Parish Church), Fort Knox. It is the only remaining building from the town of Stithton, which was bought by the War Department in 1918. The St. Patrick's Roman Catholic parish was founded in 1831, and the current building was completed in 1899. Fort Knox, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171214-002-world-war-ii-lst-building.jpgWorld War II LST BuildingThe LST Building, 1942. Built as an exact replica of a Landing Ship, Tank's (LST) well deck, the building was a joint venture between the Army, Navy, and British forces to debug and perfect the design of the LSTs. The interior was all wood, but constructed and painted to mimic an actual ship. It was later used as a classroom and today is derelict, but owned by the Patton Museum. It is the only building of its kind in the world. Fort Knox, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 14 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171207-025-lahas-red-castle.jpgThe Lincoln MuseumLaha's Red Castle has been make great foot in Hodgenville, Kentucky, since 1934. (Nathanael Miller, 7 Dec. 2017)2018-01-22T06:01:07+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/29/travel-log-im-dreaming-of-a-white-wait-a-minute/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171229-005-winter-snow-in-ohio.jpgWinter SnowWinter snow and a half-frozen creek. Huber Heights, Ohio (Nathanael Miller, 29 Dec. 2017)2017-12-29T22:35:32+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/11/20/mental-health-depression/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/mental-health-jpg.jpgMental Health JPG2017-12-29T04:47:27+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/25/travel-log-im-dreaming-of-a-white-christmas/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/aaaaa.jpgaaaaahttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171224-012-christmas-eve-at-st-helens-parish.jpgChrtistmas EveIcon of St. Helen. St. Helen was Empress of the Roman Empire, and mother of the first Christian Emporer, Constantine. She is the patron saint of new discoveries. Christmas Eve at St. Helen's Parish. Huber Heights, Ohio. (Nathanael Miller, 24 Dec. 2017).2017-12-25T19:16:59+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/15/travel-log-deep-in-the-heart-of-kentucky/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171212-031-mammoth-cave-national-park.jpgMammoth Cave National ParkMammoth Dome. Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world with over 400 miles of tunnels mapped. It was carved over over millions of years by the underground Styx and Echo rivers, which empty into the Green River. It was first discovered 6,000 years ago by Native Americans and has been integral to Kentucky history ever since. (Nathanael Miller, 12 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171212-027-mammoth-cave-national-park.jpgMammoth Cave National ParkMammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world with over 400 miles of tunnels mapped. It was carved over over millions of years by the underground Styx and Echo rivers, which empty into the Green River. It was first discovered 6,000 years ago by Native Americans and has been integral to Kentucky history ever since. (Nathanael Miller, 12 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171212-009-mammoth-cave-national-park.jpgMammoth Cave National ParkLooking over the old 1812-era saltpeter mines with 200-year old wood perfectfly preserved by the cave. Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world with over 400 miles of tunnels mapped. It was carved over over millions of years by the underground Styx and Echo rivers, which empty into the Green River. It was first discovered 6,000 years ago by Native Americans and has been integral to Kentucky history ever since. (Nathanael Miller, 12 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171212-035-mammoth-cave-national-park.jpgMammoth Cave National ParkThe spring where the Rivery Styx exits the cave and flows towards the Green River. Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world with over 400 miles of tunnels mapped. It was carved over over millions of years by the underground Styx and Echo rivers, which empty into the Green River. It was first discovered 6,000 years ago by Native Americans and has been integral to Kentucky history ever since. (Nathanael Miller, 12 Dec. 2017)2017-12-15T19:18:04+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/15/travel-log-poetic-controversies/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171211-023-robert-penn-warren-birthplace.jpgRobert Penn Warren birthplaceAmerican poet Robert Penn Warren was born in this house in 1905. Guthrie, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171211-019-guthrie-kentucky.jpgGuthrie, KentuckyPink elephant at a gas station on the corner of U.S. 79 and U.S. 41 in Guthrie, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171211-017-elkton-kentucky.jpgElktonPam Alder at the L & R Soda Bar and Eatery is a friendly face who will seriously brighten your day! Elkton, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Dec. 2011)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171211-004-jefferson-davis-monument-state-historic-site.jpgJefferson Davis birthplaceThe Jefferson Davis monument, built from 1917 - 1924, is a 351 foot obelisk. It is the tallest unreinforced concrete structure in the world, the second tallest obelisk in the world after the Washington Monument, and the fifth tallest monument in the U.S. The Jefferson Davis Monument State Historic Site commemorates the birth of Jefferson Davis in June 1808. The park and monument sit on land owned by Davis' parents; the land the cabin actually sat on is now the site of Bethel Baptist Church adjacent to the park itself. Fairview, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 11 Dec. 2017)2017-12-15T15:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/10/travel-log-a-proud-lions-road-to-corvettes/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/aaaa1.jpgaaaahttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171210-018-national-corvette-museum1.jpgNational Corvette MuseumA 1967 )red) and a 1962 (silver) Corvette.The National Corvette Museum. Founded in 1994, it showcases the history of the Corvette. It's signature Skydome was the site of a 2014 sinkhole that swallowed 8 historic cars. All 8 were recovered, but only two were fully restored. Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 10 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171210-021-national-corvette-museum.jpgNational Corvette MuseumAn eleven-image composite panorama of all the Corvette generations. The National Corvette Museum. Founded in 1994, it showcases the history of the Corvette. It's signature Skydome was the site of a 2014 sinkhole that swallowed 8 historic cars. All 8 were recovered, but only two were fully restored. Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Digital illustration by Nathanael Miller, 10 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171210-010-national-corvette-museum.jpgNational Corvette MuseumAn eight-image composite panorama of the sinkhole-damaged cars. The National Corvette Museum. Founded in 1994, it showcases the history of the Corvette. It's signature Skydome was the site of a 2014 sinkhole that swallowed 8 historic cars. All 8 were recovered, but only two were fully restored. Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Digital illustration by Nathanael Miller, 10 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171210-024-uss-ponce-at-the-national-corvette-museum.jpgUSS Ponce at National Corvette MuseumThe USS Ponce (LPD 15) flags and well deck fragments at the National Corvette Museum. Former MM1 Brian Hamilton and MCC (Retired) Nathanael Miller met for the first time in five years to take the Proud Lion through the museum Founded in 1994, the museum showcases the history of the Corvette. It's signature Skydome was the site of a 2014 sinkhole that swallowed 8 historic cars. All 8 were recovered, but only two were fully restored. Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 10 Dec. 2017)2017-12-11T02:51:58+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/08/travel-log-ok-all-aboard/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171208-001-kentucky-railway-museum.jpgKentucky Railway MuseumMe! The Kentucky Railway Museum is a "living museum" that strives to not only display, but keep Kentucky's vast railway heritage operational. New Haven, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 8 De. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171208-007-kentucky-railway-museum.jpgKentucky Railway MuseumRetired Army chaplain Bob Hetzel is an amazing fountain of railway information and a very funny man! The Kentucky Railway Museum is a "living museum" that strives to not only display, but keep Kentucky's vast railway heritage operational. New Haven, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 8 De. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171208-009-kentucky-railway-museum.jpgKentucky Railway MuseumThe Kentucky Railway Museum is a "living museum" that strives to not only display, but keep Kentucky's vast railway heritage operational. New Haven, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 8 De. 2017)2017-12-09T03:46:15+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/08/travel-log-back-to-where-it-all-began/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1712047-014-abraham-lincoln-birthplace1.jpgAbraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic ParkThe symbolic cabin inside the Lincoln birthplace memorial. This cabin dates to 1848 but is typical of the type Lincoln would have been born in. The memorial was completed in 1911, and houses a symbolic cabin on the hill where Lincoln was born in 1809. The main site is the Sinking Spring Farm where he is born, and the secondary site maintained is the Knob Creek Farm, where Lincoln lived from the age of 2 to 7 when the family moved to Indiana. Hodgenville, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 7 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1712047-028-downtown-hodgenville.jpgHodgenville, KentuckyThe statue of President Lincoln was placed in 1909 during the centennial of his birth. Hodgenville, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 7 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1712047-004-abraham-lincoln-birthplace.jpgAbraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic ParkThe Lincoln birthplace memorial was completed in 1911, and houses a symbolic cabin on the hill where Lincoln was born in 1809. The main site is the Sinking Spring Farm where he is born, and the secondary site maintained is the Knob Creek Farm, where Lincoln lived from the age of 2 to 7 when the family moved to Indiana. Hodgenville, Kentucky. (Nathanael Miller, 7 Dec. 2017)2017-12-09T02:36:00+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/07/travel-log-balancing-bicycles-and-biplanes/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171204-033-wright-flyer-iii.jpgWright Flyer IIIA 6-image composite panorama of the 1905 Wright Flyer III in the Wright Brothers Aviation Center at Carillon Historical Park. This was the third flyer built by the Wrights, and the first practical powered airplane they achieved full control with. Later modifications to in in 1908 reconfigured the engine so the pilot and a passenger could fly sitting up. Orville Wright restored it to its 1905 appearance for its exhibition at the Carillon Historical Park in 1946. Dayton, Ohio. (Nathanael Miller, 4 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171129-020-dayton-aviation-heritage-national-historic-park.jpgDayton Aviation Heritage National Historic ParkDayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park. The park tells the stories of the Wright Brothers and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton. (Nathanael Miller, 29 Nov. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171128-009-huffman-prairie.jpgHuffman Prarie Flying FieldA 13-image composite panorama of the recreated catapult and hangar at Huffman Prarie Flying Field, where the Wright Brothers perfected the airplane in 1905. (Digital illustration by Nathanael Miller, 28 November 2017)2017-12-07T07:13:04+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/06/travel-log-national-museum-of-the-united-states-air-force/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171203-011-national-museum-of-the-usaf1.jpgNational Museum of the U.S. Air ForceLuke with Lt. Col. Jim Mecham, USAF (Retired). Founded in 1923, the museum is housed in four hangars on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and has more than 360 aircraft in its collection. (Nathanael Miller, 3 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171204-001-national-museum-of-the-usaf.jpgNational Museum of the U.S. Air ForceFounded in 1923, the museum is housed in four hangars on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and has more than 360 aircraft in its collection. (Nathanael Miller, 4 Dec. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171203-019-national-museum-of-the-usaf.jpgNational Museum of the U.S. Air ForceBoeing B-29 Superfortress "Bocks Car," which dropped the "Fat Man" atomic bomb on Nagaski in August 1945. Founded in 1923, the museum is housed in four hangars on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and has more than 360 aircraft in its collection. (Nathanael Miller, 3 Dec. 2017)2017-12-06T20:29:05+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/12/05/travel-blog-when-a-napkin-saved-a-family/2017-12-06T00:52:10+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/11/28/travel-log-baguettes/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/170127-002-making-baguettes.jpgMaking BaguettesWatching Jean making baguettes while listening to stories about how her grandmother from Sweeden made strussel and other pastries by hand. (Nathanael Miller, 27 November 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/170127-001-making-baguettes.jpgMaking BaguettesWatching Jean making baguettes while listening to stories about how her grandmother from Sweeden made strussel and other pastries by hand. (Nathanael Miller, 27 November 2017)2017-11-29T04:24:17+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/11/27/travel-log-post-holiday-traffic/2017-11-27T05:41:31+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/11/20/travel-log-niceville/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/23632592_1919450968304792_6192922667085660341_o2.jpg23632592_1919450968304792_6192922667085660341_ohttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/23755473_1919447234971832_3546786745413029254_n1.jpg23755473_1919447234971832_3546786745413029254_nhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/23755735_1919447304971825_8133040568872332122_n1.jpg23755735_1919447304971825_8133040568872332122_nhttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/23736256_1919450451638177_5063928302610133462_o1.jpg23736256_1919450451638177_5063928302610133462_ohttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/23675121_1919205618329327_2517131608337093917_o1.jpg23675121_1919205618329327_2517131608337093917_ohttps://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/travel-log-21.jpgTravel Log 22017-11-25T06:04:39+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/11/25/travel-log-thanksgiving-niceville-florida/2017-11-25T14:23:29+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/11/25/travel-log-the-lions-have-met/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/170122-004-the-proud-lion-meets-the-black-lion.jpgThe Proud Lion Meets the Black LionThe Proud Lion Meets the Black Lion. From 2000 - 2002 I was one of the Black Lions of VF-213, turning wrenches on (among others) the F-14D Tomcat behind me on display at the National Musuem of Naval Aviation. From 2010 - 2012 I was one of the Proud Lions aboard USS Ponce (LPD 15). The Lions have met; I brought the Quarterdeck flags and two pieces of well deck from Ponce to my old F-14 at the museum. The Lions have finally met. USS Ponce was in commission from 1971 - 2017. (Nathanael Miller, 22 Nov. 2017)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/170122-015-national-museum-of-naval-aviation.jpgNational Musuem of Naval AviationChuck Hubbard, musuem volunteer, gives a program on flight deck operations. National Museum of Naval Aviation. NAS Pensacola, Florida. (Nathanael Miller, 22 Nov. 2017).2017-11-25T05:55:55+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/11/16/it-is-finished/2017-11-17T04:00:00+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/11/09/the-end-is-nigh/2017-11-09T17:04:48+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/10/23/proud-lion-departing/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/171021-041-aboard-the-decommissioned-uss-ponce.jpgVisiting the decommissioned USS Ponce (LPD/AFSB 15)The small reunion group: BM1 (Retired) Chris Martin, former BM2 Ryan Smith, myself (retired MCC Nathanael "Sparky" Miller), and former GM3 Chris Canning on the fo'c'sle. Visiting the now-decommissioned USS Ponce (LPD/AFSB 15) with my shipmates. This is our last chance to visit her at Norfolk; tomorrow (22 Oct. 2017) she is departing for the boneyard at Philadeplphia. USS Ponce, Naval Station Norfolk. Norfolk, Virginia (21 Oct. 2017).https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/20171022_1047171.jpg20171022_104717(1)On Pier 2 as Ponce departs Naval Station Norfolk for the last time. (Oct. 22, 2017).https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/20171022_105311.jpg20171022_105311(Oct. 22, 2017) USS Ponce (LPD/AFSB 15) departs Naval Station Norfolk for the final time following her decommissioning Oct. 15, 2017. 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Sailors and Coast Guardsmen gather in the 9/11 Memorial Plaza for a mass, multi-service reentlistment ceremony. Adm. Philip Davidson, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, reenlisted the Sailors and Coast Guardsmen and promoted several officers. (26 May 2017, Nathanael Miller)2017-06-07T01:24:43+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/05/29/it-was-not-suppose-to-end-this-way/2017-05-30T03:48:26+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/05/24/central-park-adventure-and-pier-side-arrivals/2017-05-25T03:38:50+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/05/23/a-collision-of-humanity/2017-05-23T04:27:05+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/05/21/start-spreading-the-news/2017-05-22T03:59:54+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/05/17/the-great-detachments-begin/2017-05-18T01:10:16+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/05/15/insults-do-not-convince-they-create-conflict/2017-05-16T00:54:08+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/05/10/the-maturity-of-wisdom/2017-05-18T01:40:27+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/05/01/poetry-night-3/2017-05-02T02:29:28+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/04/25/the-eisenhower-sails-on/2017-04-26T02:10:39+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/04/18/the-good-times-finding-st-peter/2017-04-18T04:33:55+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/04/11/no-signposts/2017-04-12T03:03:58+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/04/11/the-eisenhower-murder-chapter-2/2017-04-12T02:26:31+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/04/10/poetry-night-2/2017-04-11T02:07:49+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/04/08/the-eisenhower-murder-chapter-1/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/eisenhower-murder.jpgEisenhower Murder2017-04-08T04:35:26+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/04/02/killing-my-next-victim/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/writers-craft-01.jpgWriters Craft 012017-04-03T03:26:49+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/04/01/leave-it-to-california/2017-04-01T17:38:36+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/03/09/the-good-times-beauty-and-the-beast/2017-03-21T03:25:44+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/03/09/i-miss-my-standing-desk/2017-03-10T02:35:11+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/03/05/inner-visions/2017-03-06T03:40:43+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/03/02/what-was-it-all-for/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/moments-of-transition.jpgMoments of TransitionLike a boat leaving a ship for an unknown shore, life is a series of moments of transition into the unexplored.2017-03-03T03:22:19+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/02/20/nuovo-inizio/2017-02-21T04:21:21+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/02/12/across-the-pond-2/2017-02-13T02:49:22+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/02/12/preparing-to-fly/2017-02-12T10:07:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/02/12/walking-the-path-of-the-past/2017-02-12T10:02:42+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/02/11/walking-the-path-of-god/2017-02-11T21:56:35+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2017/02/08/italia-in-pictures/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170204-058-herculaneum.jpgHerculaneumHall of the Augustals. Augustals were those who were upwardly mobile, and this particular hall was was established by liberta (freed slaves) who had joined that coveted, upwardly mobile cadre. A large amout of original wood survived. The plaque on the wall says the building was dedicated to Caesar Agustus and built by the brothers A. Lucius Proculus and A. Lucius lulianus. Herculaneum. The town was buried by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. along with Pompeii and others. However, it's relative position to the eruption meant it was buried in a different way that preserved wood and organic material. It was a small town compared to the city of Pompeii, and much of it is still buried under the modern town of Ercolano (formerly Resina). (4 Feb. 2017, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170204-092-herculaneum.jpgHerculaneumHouse of Neptue and Amphitrite. The remarkably intact glass paste mosaic of Neptune and Amphitrite has becone the symbol of ancient Herculaneum. The town was buried by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. along with Pompeii and others. However, it's relative position to the eruption meant it was buried in a different way that preserved wood and organic material. It was a small town compared to the city of Pompeii, and much of it is still buried under the modern town of Ercolano (formerly Resina). (4 Feb. 2017, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170205-065-gaeta-italy.jpgGaeta, ItalyThe great stature of Christ looks down from San Francesco over Gaeta. San Francesco was begun in 1283 and radicalliy restored in the 1850s. It sits up on the slope of Monte Orlando (Mount Orlando). Gaeta, in the administrative region of Lazio, overlooks the Gulf of Gaeta on the central west coast of Italy. With its origins dating back to Roman times, Gaeta exhibits historical artifacts and architecture spanning nearly the whole of Italian history. (5 Feb. 2017, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170205-091-gaeta-italy.jpgGaeta, ItalyMonte Orlando (Mount Orlando) rises 561 feet above the sea. Part of it is known as Montagna Spacatta ("Split Mountain"), which takes its name from three grottos . Roman Catholic tradition holds the mountain was split asunder the moment Jesus died on the Cross in Jerusalem (Matthew 27:51). Two splits are open to the public; the third is closed due to safety concerns. This trail leads down to the Chapel of the Crucifix in the middle split. A number of ancient Christian carvings are found along the walls as one goes down to the grottos. Gaeta, in the administrative region of Lazio, overlooks the Gulf of Gaeta on the central west coast of Italy. With its origins dating back to Roman times, Gaeta exhibits historical artifacts and architecture spanning nearly the whole of Italian history. (5 Feb. 2017, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170205-072-gaeta-italy.jpgGaeta, ItalyAtop Monte Orlando (Mount Orlando) is the Aragonese-Angevine Castle. Begun in the 6th century, it effecively is two structures that went and met in the middle--the Angevine fortress (lower sector), from the House of Anjou's rule in the Kingdom of Naples and the Aragonese structure (top part) built by emperor Charles V. Gaeta, in the administrative region of Lazio, overlooks the Gulf of Gaeta on the central west coast of Italy. With its origins dating back to Roman times, Gaeta exhibits historical artifacts and architecture spanning nearly the whole of Italian history. (5 Feb. 2017, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170204-017-herculaneum.jpgHerculaneumA shamrock mosaic tile floor. Hmmm...did the Irish perhaps get down this far? Herculaneum. The town was buried by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. along with Pompeii and others. However, it's relative position to the eruption meant it was buried in a different way that preserved wood and organic material. It was a small town compared to the city of Pompeii, and much of it is still buried under the modern town of Ercolano (formerly Resina). (4 Feb. 2017, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170202-007-albus-and-lego-football-dude-at-castle-nuovo.jpg170202-007-albus-and-lego-football-dude-at-castle-nuovoAlbus the crab and Lego Football Dude at Castle Nuovo (Angevin Keep). (2 Feb. 2017, Nathanael Miller)https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170202-001-morning-over-vesuvius-4.jpgMorning Over Vesuvius 4. (2 Feb. 2017, Nathanael Miller)Morning Over Vesuvius 4. 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I was editing a photojournalism handbook I was drafting while assigned as a journalism/photojournalism instructor. All potentially private information has been intentionally blurred out. (28 Jan. 2009; photo by TSgt Jess Harvey, USAF).2016-09-20T11:07:24+00:00monthlyhttps://sparks1524.com/2016/09/05/wonder/https://sparks1524.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/160828-003-virginia-aquarium-and-marine-science-center3.jpgVirginia Aquarium and Marine Science CenterA lone child staring with unadulterated wonder at the fish and sharks swimming above her. This is a way of looking at life many of us forget as life and age pile on the mileage...but if we can recover a sense of wonder, then many (not all!) of life's challenges take on a very different perspective. 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