Baobab

The baobab tree may be one of the most important trees in the world. It provides water, sustenance and shelter in even the most harsh conditions from Madagascar to Australia.

It's also fittingly known as the "Tree of Life." Each tree holds hundreds of liters of water that can be tapped and produces a fruit the size of a coconut called monkey bread. Mature trees even have hollow trunks, providing shelter from the elements for both animals and people. In fact, there are even several pubs and shops built right into baobab trees.

Because this is Disney's version of a baobab. I have a sneaking suspicion this might be a very good reproduction. I guess I need to book a trip to Africa or Australia to make sure the next one I see is the real deal. Hopefully, I can find one that doubles as a pub.

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Carolina Panthers Playoffs!

We've made it into the playoffs! Let's go Panthers!

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 2 drone and a GoPro Hero 4 Black. 

Thinking about buying a drone? Before you do, check out my drone and drone accessories buyers guide. 

Blue Ridge Gradient Sunrise

The sunrises and sunsets on Beech Mountain never fail to amaze me. I need to start setting the tripod up before going to bed because I miss more of them than I catch. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7. 

View fullsize

Bonus: a behind-the-scenes shot that my wife took with her iPhone 6s while I was out shooting on the deck.

Sunset over Sullivan's Island

This single block on Middle Street on Sullivan's Island has some of the best food on the planet. Step onto the patio at Poes or Home Team BBQ and life instantly slows down and gets very, very easy. The views aren't too bad, either!

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone. 

Thinking about buying a drone? Before you do, check out my drone and drone accessories buyers guide. 

Triple Aught Design Aprés Ski

There's nothing like a little downtime by the fire after a hard day on the mountain. Especially after chasing a 3 year-old and 6 year-old all over the slopes. Spotted here is my favorite piece of adventure gear from Triple Aught Design. Not spotted here is the hard-earned pint of Guinness that's sitting on the coffee table. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7. 

Winston Cup Royalty

When you arrive at the once great and now all but abandoned North Wilkesboro Speedway, you first realize that you are sitting in the middle of farmlands. This wasn't some monster super speedway with giant, banked turns... This was a local hangout that grew organically into an important piece to the puzzle that is the history of automobile racing. Now, it's a snapshot in time that is sadly fading away.

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone. 

Thinking about buying a drone? Before you do, check out my drone and drone accessories buyers guide. 

Fort Sumter Intel

The bombardment and subsequent surrender of Fort Sumter marked the start of the American Civil War. It's hard to imagine this peaceful place was home to the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in our history.

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone. 

Thinking about buying a drone? Before you do, check out my drone and drone accessories buyers guide. 

The Jeep in its Natural Habitat

We're finally getting snow on the East Coast!

This photograph was captured with my iPhone 6s.

Shredding Sacré-Cœur

As far as improvised skateparks go, the basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Paris' Montmarte neighborhood might be one of the most scenic. Sure, the basilica is amazing but look at the form of that little skater, just hanging in the air, ready to attack that skate deck!

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D-90. 

Sunset on the London Eye

This particular day started off with brunch at one of the world's greatest markets, Borough Market. We followed brunch up by allowing a Polish bartender to serve us a blind taste of every single vodka in the Vodka Bar at the House of Wine solely so he could prove to us that the best vodka in the world comes from Poland. (spoiler alert: he was right. In our very scientific research of 20 or so vodkas from around the world, Belvadere was the unanimous winner.)

Because we all agreed that Polish vodkas were the best, he would not accept our money for the tab. We still slipped several large notes under a coaster and split before he could catch us and make us do more shots.

After that, we took a stroll along the Thames and stopped at a few more pubs... and maybe the Tate Modern. By the time we made it to the London Eye, the sun was already starting to set. After calling the day an early success, I took this photograph to commemorate the occasion. If you are ever in London and for some reason can't think of something to do, a walk along the Thames is never a bad idea. Props to Vera and Craig for being the consummate hosts!

This photograph was captured with a tiny Canon Digital IXUS.