Peace in Charlotte
I'm praying that the events of the last two days can quickly lead to a lasting and peaceful outcome for everybody.
Space Shuttle Flags
When we last visited the Aviation Museum at Robins AFB, I learned that a flag was commissioned for each Space Shuttle. This wall of flags represents all of the programs. There are a lot of memories in those flags — full of both joy and sorrow.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Blue Ridge Parkway TAD Jeep
Triple Aught Design and Jeep go together like peanut butter and chocolate.
The first thing I did when I bought my Jeep was remove all of the stickers and replace them with some TAD vinyl. Most people have no idea what it is and I often see people trying to figure it out. But those in the know, know what time it is. Like Jeep, TAD is about freedom, adventure and great gear. Just like this beautiful day on the Parkway.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Piggy Bank
I didn't take nearly enough photos in the Mexico World Showcase the last time we were in Epcot. It's arguably one of the more simple world showcases but it's nevertheless really fun. Plus, they have (or at least had) the tequila tasting bar right out on the main walkway! If there's a town in Mexico that feels like the inside of the temple, I want to visit! Tomorrow!
There are a lot of craft tables in the temple with pottery and intricately-designed objet d'arts (please forgive my French in explaining crafts in "Mexico") like these hand-painted piggy banks. It gives the space a very genuine feel and also makes me nervous when my kids are running around picking up all of the breakable stuff. I think that's why they have the tequila bar when you are leaving the Mexico World Showcase. There aren't many breakable gifts next door in Norway.
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.
Panthers at Ericsson Stadium
The Carolina Panthers are bringing it home to Bank of America Stadium tomorrow to take on the San Francisco 49ers. Last year was a great season with a difficult end. This photo of our current stadium, formerly known as Ericsson Stadium is here to remind us of all of the hard work that went into last year and the years before it. We'll get another chance in the future.
Blue Ridge Layers
I've never been one to get up at first light but the sunrises on Beech Mountain have made me a believer. It seems like we are greeted to a spectacle like this just about every morning that we're in the mountains. I can't wait to see the view when the leaves start changing colors! I read yesterday that the super hot summer will likely result in a really brilliant and extended fall season in the Blue Ridge Mountains! If you'd like to experience it for yourself, check out Slopeside, our Beech Mountain chalet that we occasionally rent out when we're not visiting.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Pastel Sunset
Charleston is blessed with some of the best sunsets. This one wasn't so much fiery as it was pastel. The sky was subtle as it turned everything below into gold as it sank behind downtown Charleston on the horizon. This beach is on Sullivan's Island, right next to Fort Moultrie and overlooking Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge and downtown.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Mill Pond Dam
Banner Elk is named for the Elk River and the Banner family, who established the first permanent settlement in 1848.
The Elk River and Shawneehaw Creek merge at Mill Pond. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Banner Elk and the surrounding towns, you won't be disappointed!
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Jebediah Springfield
I'm always posting Harry Potter photos from Universal Orlando on Wednesdays but I thought I'd mix it up this week. I grew up with the Simpsons and was thrilled when I saw our animated neighbors finally get the credit they deserved on the world stage. I think Duff Dry really represents the future of Springfield but Universal did a great job anchoring the town with a tribute to the one and only Jebediah Springfield in order to keep everybody grounded.
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7..
Lost in the Tilted Forest
You are almost always in the middle of a forest when you are on Beech Mountain. The town of Beech Mountain is the highest town east of the Colorado Rockies but it's real claim to fame is the Land of Oz. A formerly abandoned amusement park, dedicated to Dorothy & friends, is perched at the very top of the mountain. A yellow brick road even winds through the mountain pasture as you near the peak. As you gain altitude, the trees begin to take on an otherworldly feel as they start growing at odd angles to combat the wind. These trees wrap around the side of Oz at the very peak of the mountain.
The Wizard of Oz — and the flying monkeys in particular — always scared me to death but if you are a fan of the books and movies, you should come to Beech Mountain for a visit. The park opens back up for a giant Oz festival once a year (it was last weekend) and the it is open on select weekends over the summer. Even better, you can arrange for a private tour any time of the year and have it all to yourself! If you want to visit Oz and the highest town east of the Rockies, book a few nights at Slopeside, which is just a few hundred feet from the chairlift that takes you straight to the top of the mountain and the Land of Oz.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.