General Travel that may or may not be associated with cruising. things like Yellowstone, or Williamsburg, or even Barcelona can be found here.
We’re nearing the end of our stay at Yellowstone National Park. We’ve been fortunate because the weather has fully cooperated, and the animals have mostly cooperated with our efforts. Smoke wasn’t a big issue either, which seems to be unusual for the western US in 2018.
We’ve certainly collected enough pictures and video clips to keep us busy for some time, but we though now would be a good time to share some of the shots we made this week:
Okay, it’s not actually our first look at Yellowstone. We’ve been here many times over the last few decades. We’ve been here with our 5th wheel trailer, staying in the park and close by in West Yellowstone. We’ve been here camping, and even been here staying exclusively at hotels, like we are this time.
But this is our first trip here in awhile, and we need to point out how much we enjoy it, each and every time we’ve been.
This time, we’re not finding the animals like we have in the past, but we may be a bit early. And when we say we’re not finding the animals, we mean we’re not seeing as many elk as we were expecting. There are plenty of bison, antelope, and even a coyote up close and personal like we’ve never seen before, but the elk are a bit hard to come by.
We usually find the elk along the Madison River between West Yellowstone and Madison Junction, and there are indeed a few starting to show up, but we’re not seeing the large herds like we usually encounter. Also, we usually see plenty of elk just hanging around Mammoth Hot Springs, but not this year. They usually nap in residents’ yards, but so far, not this time.
The Lamar Valley, located along the northeast part of the park is full of life. We’ve encounter large herds of bison and antelope, and we’ve even seen one grizzly bear feeding on a bison carcass.
Enough with the words. Here are a few on the images we’ve made so far. Enjoy:
We were all set to venture into British Columbia and re-visit some of our favorite destinations in Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise, but after looking at the weather reports nearly every day on our Alaska Cruise, We finally came to the conclusion that spending time in British Columbia this year wouldn’t be the best use of our time.
There were reportedly over 500 forest fires blazing away north of the border, and the smoke and haze wasn’t any better than California, Oregon, and even Washington. Since the primary goal of this trip, other than enjoy ourselves, was to capture some new wildlife and landscape images and videos. With 500 forest fires in the area, it didn’t make sense.
But guess what? South Dakota was reporting nearly normal visibility, so we made some quick changes to our reservations and came to Rapid City, where we based ourselves as we made our way around Custer State Park.
Custer State Park is probably one of our favorite destinations for seeing wildlife. With its modest rolling hills covered with plains grasses, it’s a great place for grazing animals to hang out. We typically see bison, deer, antelope, and more when we visit here and this time was no exception. In addition to a multitude of prairie dogs, we found coyote, deer, bison, and antelope on this trip.
We have visited Custer State Park in the past, and wrote about it once before here on HiddenMesa. You can see the post here.
A short video documenting our trip is in the works, but in the meantime we’ve put together some of our favorite images from this trip. Here they are:
We’re off on our summer of vacationing in the American West, and our first stop is the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We’re spending only two days here, and not planning for all that much in terms of award winning photographs, but we thought it would be fun to visit as we made our way to California.
We’ve had the most fun at the Grand Canyon in the fall or winter. From a strictly photography point of view, that is the best time for us. The air is clearer then and once in awhile we get lucky and find a little snow on the ground just to accent the images. And of course, there’s a lot fewer people here in the winter.
This is the last weekend in July and as such, we expected wall-to-wall crowding, but yesterday we drove right up to the main gate, waited for about three minutes, and were in. Once in the park, we headed over to the East road and were surprised that nearly all the turn-outs had parking available. There were some clouds to make the pictures a bit prettier, and even though there are several active fires in the area, the smoke wasn’t too bad.
This morning (Sunday), we drove right up to the gate and were in with nearly no delay. Of course, it was 7:30 am and most folks were still sleeping in. We again made our way our to the east road, and in most cases, we had the canyon to ourselves. Not really, but there were surprisingly few people out and about early in the morning. When we left the park at around 10:30 am, we were amused to see that the line to get in the park was backed up about half a mile.
We plan to return later today and tomorrow to get some more images we didn’t do today, but we thought it would be fun to post some that we have for now, so please, have a look at what we’re seeing at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon today:
We’re about to head out for our summer trip, and this year we’re headed out to the American West, our old, familiar, and in many ways favorite travel location.
We’ll head west from Florida, all the way to California and turn right, making a big loop around the western part of the US and southern Canada. And we’ll be posting images and videos all along the trip.
Take a look at what we have in mind:
Not long ago we ventured north from Orlando to visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. It’s nesting season up there and we wanted some new bird images. While we were there, we walked through St. Augustine’s old town.
You may know that St. Augustine prides itself as being the oldest continuously inhabited European city in the U.S. The debate continues though, because the town of Taos, New Mexico, maintains that it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in America. The difference being the word, “European.”
In any case, we enjoy St. Augustine and can always find something interesting when we visit. Take a look at our brief video and see what you think.
One thing is certain at least for some of us: when you venture into America’s past by visiting Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, what they taught you in grade school about American history is not only a simplified gloss-over of the subject, but in many cases is just plain wrong. While it’s important to see America’s wonders in the southwest, like the Grand Canyon and all the other magnificent parks and forests, it’s at least as important to visit the places where our country started; to see what happened not so long ago that caused this country to be born, and what the circumstances were that allowed her to prosper.
One place that should be on everyone’s “American Adventure” list is Colonial Williamsburg. Operated by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, this destination location is not only a historical lesson, but a resort destination for everyone. There are no thrill rides that tumble and throw people into the air, but there’s a certain thrill in walking down Willimsburg’s main street, seeing the people in costume and talking with people in full Williamsburg character; realizing that you could have actually lived here.
While this colonial city contained British loyalists, rebels and supporters of independence, slaves, and indentured servants, there was a purpose to this community, and even then the people involved must have known how important their choices and actions would be.
In Colonial Williamsburg, you can enjoy a carriage ride around town; much like it was in the 18th century. Photo by Donald Fink
When you think of Williamsburg, your context is probably its involvement with the American Revolutionary War. While the people of Williamsburg were certainly involved, they also represented an extremely successful colonial city. There were trades people working in all the trades necessary to make life in the “Colonies” as sophisticated as anywhere in the world, and the present day Colonial Williamsburg does a complete job depicting American life in this era.
Williamsburg was originally named Middle Plantation, and was established in 1632 (or 1638 depending on which account you read) as a fortification and place of safety for settlers along the York River, on the northern border of the Virginia Peninsula. The location of Middle Plantation was half way between Jamestown, the established location and capitol of the Virginia Colony, and the area of settlement.
The College of William and Mary – In 1693, the College of William and Mary was established by Royal Charter from King William III and Queen Mary II in Middle Plantation, and is currently the second oldest institution of higher learning in America. While contributing significantly to the popularity of Williamsburg, this College was also responsible for educating many of America’s forefathers, including Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, and sixteen signers of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington received his Surveyor’s Certificate at William and Mary too. In 1779 the College became a University, and claims to be the first University in America. It has been in continuous operation since its beginning except for two occasions. It closed once during the American Civil War due to declining enrollment, and once between 1882 and 1886 due to financial hardships.
In 1976, a campaign debate was hosted between presidential candidates Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, and in 1983 a G7 summit conference was held on the campus.
Government Relocates to Middle Plantation – In 1676, during Bacon’s Rebellion at Jamestown, the House of Burgess (capitol building) was burned and the Virginia government was temporarily relocated to Williamsburg. Later, after rebuilding the House of Burgess in Jamestown, another accidental fire again burned the building, and the Virginia Capitol was relocated – permanently this time- to Middle Plantation. The College of William and Mary provided temporary housing while a permanent government building was constructed, and the town was formally named Williamsburg during the relocation in 1699 to honor King William III.
This original building served as the courthouse for the James City County Court and the Williamsburg municipal court. Photo by Donald Fink
American Revolutionary War – Many of the decisions that led to the American Revolutionary War against England were formulated in Williamsburg. In 1775, the Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, fearing a rebellion, seized the gunpowder stored in the Williamsburg Armory. While threatening to destroy the city if attacked, Lord Dunmore and the citizens, led by Patrick Henry, arrived at a payment schedule for the gunpowder. Still, this incident was an important part of the circumstances that led to the Declaration of Independence from Britain, and ultimately war.
During the Revolutionary War, in 1780, the capital of Virginia was moved to Richmond because Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson believed that Williamsburg was less secure and more vulnerable to attack. While Williamsburg suffered in terms of loss of business due to government activities, it did continue because of the College of William and Mary.
Williamsburg Revived – As time went on, Williamsburg settled into the role as a sleepy college town, and not much activity occurred compared to its early beginnings as a dynamic, fast moving revolutionary capitol city. Early in the twentieth century, the local Episcopalian Church in Williamsburg was in danger of falling into disrepair. Fearing the loss of a significant historical structure, the Rev Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin set out to restore this building. Having succeeded by 1907, he accepted a transfer to New York. Upon returning in 1923, he was alarmed to discover that most of the rest of the original Williamsburg was also falling down.
Many trades are represented by the various craftsmen that volunteer their time at Colonial Williamsburg. Here a carpenter is making furniture. Photo by Donald Fink
Dr. Goodwin sought financial assistance, and found it with John D. Rockefeller Jr and his wife, Abby. Together, they formed an organization that restored much of the original Williamsburg, and created the largest living museum in America. Today, the original Williamsburg is known as Colonial Williamsburg and is the largest teaching and entertaining tourist attraction in Virginia. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has done a remarkable job preserving this important historical location. While Dr. Goodwin had the original idea of preserving this part our American heritage, and Mr. Rockefeller provided much of the financial support and a significant portion of the original management of the project, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has been able to keep up with the changing times, bringing our history to all who will listen. They have continued to preserve and expand Colonial Williamsburg including many interpretive and outreach programs for visitors and schools.
What to do here: Williamsburg is not a complete travel destination by itself, but is certainly worthy of a full day, or even a few days. Another place that shouldn’t escape your plans is Historic Jamestowne. This place is fascinating for many reasons, and certainly deserves a visit. It could easily take a full day to see this great exhibit. There are actually two exhibits at Jamestowne: the fort depicting where the setters lived and worked, and the Indian Village, depicting a typical Indian settlement. Neither are the actual locations, but are very believable representations of actual settlements.
If you end up in Williamsburg, and get to a point where you just can’t take in any more stuffy ol’ American History, you may need a visit to Busch Gardens. Take it from one who lives less than 10 minutes from Disney World, nothing brightens up your outlook more than a day at an amusement park.
Defense was a big part of life in Colonial Williamsburg. Infantry barriers could be put in place quickly to slow the advance of an enemy. Photo by Donald Fink
Take a look at the web site for the town of Williamsburg. There you’ll find several more places to visit and activities in the area from museums, to plantations, even a Ripley’s museum. There’ll be something there for everyone in the family.
There are a couple of good web sites to visit to get better information about Yorktown. The first is the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center, and the second is Historic Yorktown, from the National Park Service. Located just thirteen miles from Williamsburg along the York River, this historical site is import for a number of reasons. While it was an important seaport for exporting tobacco, it is probably best know as the location of the last significant battle of the American Revolutionary War, where the Patriots, aided by French and Canadian troops defeated the British during the Siege of 1781. You can read a brief description of the Battle of Yorktown here on our site.
Recently, we paid a visit to some of Louisiana’s plantation homes along the Mississippi River near New Orleans, and as always, we learned a few things about life in early America that wasn’t taught in our elementary school classrooms.
The American South—particularly the great plantations—is something that’s held our fascination for quite some time. Every time we visit one, we learn more about our country’s history and come away with a deeper understanding about the beginnings of our country. We’re fascinated with the lifestyle of these wealthy landowners, but sobered by the human exploitation that made them possible.
Today we’re talking about the Destrehan Plantation. It’s located along the Mississippi River, near the town of, well, Destrehan, about 30 minutes west of New Orleans along I-10.
The Destrehan Plantation has a long and complicated history, but is best known for one of its owners, Jean-Noël Destrehan (1754-1823). Jean-Noël was a key figure in helping the Louisiana Territory transition from French Rule under Napoleon to the United States—and ultimately statehood—after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. You can read more about his political involvement at the Destrehan Plantation site’s Family and Politics page.
By the way, did you know that Louisiana uses a system of Parishes instead of counties? A Parish is usually a smaller area than a county and it’s just what it sounds like, an area served by a particular church. And in this case, a Catholic church. Jean-Noël insisted that Louisiana be organized in this manner when it was brought into the United States in order to help preserve some of the original culture of the Creole people.
In addition, Jean-Noël transitioned his plantation from a failing indigo crop to a thriving sugar cane business, with the help of his brother-in-law, Étienne de Boré, who perfected a method of granulating sugar, making it a profitable crop.
Most of these plantation houses use a guided tour to show you their house, and usually let you wander about the grounds on your own. Visiting a plantation like Destrehan is an educational and emotional experience all in one, and one in which we recommend for anyone passing through the area.
Now please, enjoy some of our images of our visit:
