Sunday, 21 September, 2014 by Beachbums1
Great Falls National Park is a beautiful 800-acre recreation area located just 15 minutes from Washington, DC. We arrived early enough to avoid the crowds but, as we were leaving, there was a line of cars attempting to come in. There’s lots to do at the park such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, picnicking but NO SWIMMING. Sadly, there have been several drownings due to the currents.
Great Falls
Great Falls
Narrowest part of the Potomac ~ Mather Gorge
Kayaking is popular at Great Falls
Rock Climbing in progress
High Water mark at Great Falls ~ water was definitely at a low mark on our visit
Climbing down to the rocks & water
On the rocks
If you decide to go, the park is open daily except for Christmas Day. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle but there are plenty of free pass opportunities such as Active Duty Military can get a year pass for free. There are picnic tables and grills which are available on a first come, first serve basis. By 11:00 am, most were already taken ~ not surprising since it was a gorgeous Saturday morning. For more info, click here.
Posted in DC, Photography, Travels, Virginia, Washington DC | Tagged Great Falls, Kayaking, Photography, Rock climbing, Travel, Virginia, Washington DC | 4 Comments »
Thursday, 18 September, 2014 by Beachbums1
I love Scotland ~ from Edinburgh to Inverness and all the way to the North Coast. The countryside, the people, the can’t quite put in to words feeling I get when I’m there.
On our 2013 drive through Scotland, my well-traveled (dare I say slightly jaded) 15-year-old said “Inverness speaks to my soul.” I have no doubt she will return to Scotland again and again.
We’ve been watching the debates, keeping an eye on the polls and now the day has come for Scotland to decide its future. Looks to be a nail-biter. My American heart is rooting for their independence but my economy-thinking brain can’t help but see the financial struggles looming for both Scotland and England. And even in Independence, there is an interdependence with other countries for security, finances, etc that can’t be ignored.
Such an important day in history and I wish only the best for Scotland and the wonderful Scottish people!
Posted in Scotland, United Kingdom | Tagged edinburgh castle, Independence, Scotland, UK, Yes Vote | 8 Comments »
Tuesday, 16 September, 2014 by Beachbums1
Being from Hawaii, I don’t worry much about natural disasters. Whether it be earthquakes, tsunamis, lava flows or the every few decades hurricane. Lately, it seems every time I call my brother or cousin who live on the Big Island (Hawaii), it’s to ask them about a natural disaster. Last month there were two hurricanes heading their way and now it’s a change in the lava flow which is heading directly for the area of Puna (specifically the town of Pahoa) where my brother’s family lives. Kilauea volcano has been erupting since 1983 so the islanders will no doubt take it in stride and know everything will work out as it should.
Lava River
Not for the faint of heart or health
Lava Flow
Overlapping Lava flows
Lava Crater
Lava Reaching the Ocean
Walking on the Lava
Offerings to the goddess of fire, Pele
Beautiful drive in the Pahoa area ~ hope it’s not affected by the current lava flow
Puako Beach, Big Island, Hawaii
Another gorgeous sunset at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Posted in Beach, Big Island, Hawaii, Photography, Travel, US | Tagged Beach, Big Island, Hawaii, Lava, Pele, Photography, Travel, Volcano | 15 Comments »
Monday, 15 September, 2014 by Beachbums1
Fadian Cove, Guam
Ague Cove, Guam
Posted in Beach, Guam, Photography, Travel: Guam | Tagged Beach, Fadian Cove, Guam, Photography, Travel | 2 Comments »
Thursday, 11 September, 2014 by Beachbums1
Remembering those who lost their lives on 9-11-2001 ~
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl
A view of The Pentagon as seen from the Potomac River.
Posted in Travels, Washington DC | Tagged 9-11, The Pentagon, Washington DC | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, 9 September, 2014 by Beachbums1
I love visiting historic locations where famous (or infamous) events took place. I recently watched The Conspirator which is based on Dr. Kate Clifford Larson’s book The Assassin’s Accomplice. The movie follows the trial of Mary Surratt, the owner of the boarding house in Washington, DC where Booth and other conspirators plotted to kidnap President Lincoln, but then Booth changed the plan to murder.
Mary Surratt was arrested two days after President Lincoln died. She and her co-defendants were tried by military tribunal rather than in civil court. She was the first woman executed by the Federal government and the facts surrounding her trial and execution remain controversial. She and three others were hanged on July 7, 1865.
Robert Redford did a fabulous job as the director of this movie and it was produced by The American Film Company which uses historians to assure their films depict the events accurately. I’m usually so disappointed with movies and TV shows that play fast and loose with historical facts.
The main actors, James McAvoy (from X-Men) and Robin Wright (House of Cards) are fantastic. I didn’t recognize Robin Wright at first ~ she played the role of Mary Surratt so well. It’s a courtroom drama and the movie drags on a bit at times but for the historical accuracy, I highly recommend it.
I’ve already been to Ford’s Theater where President Lincoln was shot but I learned through the film that the conspirators were hanged at Fort McNair DC. Before I headed over to take a look, I looked up the photos taken by Alexander Gardner (a famous Scottish photographer who covered a lot of the US Civil War and the aftermath). Here are his photos (caution: graphic):
(c) Alexander Gardner. Photos from the Library of Congress collection
…and here’s what the location looks like now:
The site of the execution is now tennis courts at Fort McNair. John asked if I wanted to play some tennis there but the thought of that was too macabre for me.
Posted in movies, Washington DC | Tagged Alexander Gardner, Mary Surratt, Tennis, The Conspirator, Washington DC | 6 Comments »
Saturday, 6 September, 2014 by Beachbums1
US Capitol Building
As an early morning person, I love walking around cities before most people are up. Today, I took complete advantage of John’s jet-lag and the fact he was still mentally seven time zones ahead of DC. By 6:30 am, we were walking The Mall with our very happy dog, Maya. Other people were out and about early, mostly joggers, walkers and a whole lot of police. Not sure what was happening later in the day but they were definitely preparing for something big.
The National Art Gallery
Birds in flight at the National Art Gallery
Benches waiting to be filled
Early morning light on the Washington Monument
Posted in DC, Photography, United States, Virginia, Washington DC | Tagged Benches, DC, National Art Gallery, US Capitol, Washington DC, Washington Monument | 6 Comments »
Friday, 5 September, 2014 by Beachbums1
George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Northern Virginia is a favorite place of mine. I love the history and the serene setting. It’s only 14 miles south of DC and can be reached by car, bike, bus or boat. There’s always an interesting event happening. Here are the events coming up this fall:
-
September 12 Gentleman Distiller: Whiskey Tasting and Dinner 6-9 pm $125.00
-
September 20-21 Colonial Market and free Potomac River Sightseeing cruises 9am to 5pm (included in general admission price)
-
October 2,4,5 Fall Wine Festival 6-9 pm $38 (Saturday already sold out)
-
October 11 Slave Commemoration Ceremony 11 am (included in general admission price)
-
October 24 Brewing History: Beer Tasting, Tour and Dinner 6-9 pm $95
-
October 25-26 Fall Harvest Family Days 9 am-5 pm (included in general admission price)
-
November 11 Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans 9 am -5 pm (included in general admission price)
-
November 15 Our American Girl 1 pm $30 for youth, $20 for adult
To reserve any of the above, go to their events page.
Posted in Travels, Virginia, Washington DC | Tagged Mount Vernon, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Wine Festival | 2 Comments »
Sunday, 31 August, 2014 by Beachbums1
“We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune.” Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt Island is a living memorial to the 26th President of the United States. It’s a perfect way to honor a man who was a great conservationist and loved being out-of-doors. During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation achievements included adding approximately 200 million acres to the national forests, reserves and wildlife refuges. He also advanced large-scale irrigation projects. President Roosevelt created the U.S. Forest Service and established five National Parks. He was a busy and effective conservationist.
In the 1930s, Mason’s Island was revamped from being overgrown and neglected to what is now the beautiful, forested wilderness called Theodore Roosevelt Island. The island is covered with trees and surrounded by water giving the feeling of being away from it all when in reality the city is very close-by.
The island is a great place to spend a morning or evening with your family, friends or your dog. There are several trails on the island for walking or running. My favorite is the Swamp Trail ~ about 1.3 miles around the island. I’ve visited the park several times and even if the parking lot is full, I haven’t felt crowded. On this visit, I saw two big yellow school buses but the students were all in one area doing exercises.
Fishing off Theodore Roosevelt Island
Walking along the water
Fallen log along the trail
Relaxing along the trail
View of Georgetown from the island
“Youth” statue on the Roosevelt Island
IF YOU GO: Theodore Roosevelt Island is open year-round from 6 am to 10 pm. No fees to enter the island but a permit is required if you plan an event on the island such as a wedding, memorial service, or group activity. The island is a .6 mile walk from Rosslyn Metro Station (Blue, Orange and Silver lines).There are restrooms on the island but they are closed during the winter (usually from October to April) ~ during this time a portable toilet is located near the restrooms. There are no food vendors so bring your own water/food. Occasionally there are ranger lead tours, for more information click here for the schedule.
Posted in Islands, Photography, Travels, United States, Virginia, Washington DC | Tagged National Parks, Photography, President Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Travel, Washington DC | 12 Comments »
Thursday, 28 August, 2014 by Beachbums1
Throw Back Thursday on Kauna’oa Bay, Hawaii in 1994. Good times, great memories.
Posted in Beach, Big Island, Hawaii, Photography, Travel | Tagged Beach, Big Island, Hawaii, Kauna'oa Bay, Photography, Travel | 5 Comments »
« Newer Posts - Older Posts »
Displaced Beachbums 