Category Archives: Travel

Have I mentioned that I take a **LOT** of pictures? (Hint — I have)

As proof that if you do that, eventually you’ll take one that just pops, where you look at it and say, “Damn! I took that picture and it’s just about perfect!”

Here’s one of those that I took.

September 2009, Ventura, CA

One of the things about taking ***LOTS*** of pictures is that you get lucky every once in a while. Like when I was out on the Ventura Pier and this gull decided to buzz me and head down to the water. I take a lot of pictures of critters, and the critters are often flying. Occasionally I get lucky. Volume helps the odds.

Mazatlan, Mexico

This picture was taken as the cruise ship left harbor right at sunset. It was magical and beautiful.

The city itself during the day was interesting to explore. It was far more industrial than the other cities we saw on this cruise, especially the harbor area. Lot after lot of cars being imported or exported, large fuel tanks, acre after acre of shipping containers. However, once the odd little tourist taxis got us off into the city it was fun to wander about on foot, looking at the cathedrals, occasional plaza and monument, and the rows of tourist trap shops and vendors along the beach.

But that sunset departure – that was special!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

If you ever get a chance to visit, take it. Inconceivable (to me at least) in this day and age where travel around the planet is accessible to so many and so economically reasonable that anyone would live their four score and ten without finding a way to get here for at least a day. If you can make it to Las Vegas, you can get here. (Literally, they’re not that far apart.)

This is from the South Rim which is the most easily accessible, has the most restaurants, camping/lodging facilities, tourist amenities, parking, etc. The North Rim is better IMNSHO, but requires a bunch of hours more driving each way and is considerably more limited in the facilities available. (Psst – it’s worth it!)

Either way, GO!

Have I mentioned that I take a **LOT** of pictures? (Hint — I have)

As proof that if you do that, eventually you’ll take one that just pops, where you look at it and say, “Damn! I took that picture and it’s just about perfect!”

Here’s one of those that I took.

October 2010, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Have I mentioned that I take a **LOT** of pictures? (Hint — I have)

As proof that if you do that, eventually you’ll take one that just pops, where you look at it and say, “Damn! I took that picture and it’s just about perfect!”

Here’s one of those that I took.

September 2008, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Madison, Illinois

Germany

Kaiserslautern, specifically, a city of about 100,000 near the French border in southwestern Germany.

I only had a day to spend there, visiting my son as I was on my way to Prague and later Brussels with my Pepperdine MBA class. But I had always wanted to visit Germany and enjoyed the one day I had wandering around this mid-sized town. Even on foot we in the central city we visited several churches and cathedrals (despite my conflicts with organized religion per se, I’m still a sucker for unique architecture and stained glass) and there were fountains all over the place, some traditional, some more modern and whimsical.

I can’t wait to get back to Germany and see more of the country. I’m thinking one of those tours where you go over and pick up your new BMW at the factory, drive it around Germany for a couple of weeks…