The sky is a rainbow of clouds, the birds are chirping, and I seem to be the only one here. Surrounding me are open fields, a few large trees gracing the landscape, and a number of canons. I’m in the middle of the Manassas Civil War Battlefield where the battle of Bull Run was fought. This was the first major land battle of the armies of Virginia. Seeing this landmark site at sunrise is a must if you can. What a serene location. As I walk across the fields I can only think of the many solders who lost their lives. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit this historical site that was the beginning of a very important change in our history. The abolishment of slavery.
Off on another adventure: Backroads exploring Civil War battlefields, Montecello, a drive through the Blue Ridge mountains when the fall leaves are at their peak. The final destination will be the Historic Biltmore Estate. Now I just need to get through this red eye flight which lands at 5:20am. Hoping for an empty row so I can sleep! I hope you'll follow me on my journey 😉
During a business trip last week I was able to rediscover a beautiful island located off Newport Beach in southern California. I was actually following a sign to Fashion Island, which is a pretty amazing shopping mall. Listed on that same sign was “Balboa Island” and I thought “what the heck, I’ll take a look.” I headed up over a small bridge and into another world.
View from the walkway. There was a sailboat race the afternoon I was there
A charming village, Balboa Island if full of local shops, restaurants, world famous chocolate covered bananas and a whole lot more. There is one main street where you’ll find everything you need to eat, drink, shop and be merry. There is also a path that runs along the water’s edge that runs around the island. As you leave the main street and walk around the island, you’ll find more shops and restaurants on the other side. A great break if you’re attempting a “pub crawl”. You can drive over the bridge or take the Island Ferry. Below you’ll find a few maps showing you where the island is located and a close up showing you the bridge, where to shop/eat and the path around the island. If you’re in the SoCal area and near Newport Beach it’s worth the visit. You won’t be disappointed!
Here’s where Balboa Island is locatedHere’s a close up showing you around the island
Here are some photos from my visit!
Here’s the walkway around the Balboa Island with some fabulous homesTons of docks stretch out over the waterView from the walkway. There was a sailboat race the afternoon I was thereLove this sign on the dockGreat way to chill is to put your feet in the sand!
Dinner at Amelia’sAmelia’s dinner, sea bass, pasta and steamed veggies – it was REALLY good!
Would you like a print? Please click on “Contact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors and saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image ½ inch off the wall.
When I knew I was traveling to Seattle I posted on Facebook and asked people where I should go. My friend Michael was the first to get back to me and told me Gig Harbor (!) My ears always perk up when I hear “harbor” so I immediately looked it up on the internet. I could see that it wasn’t a far drive from Seattle and decided to take the day and explore that area. I got up at 5:30am, hit the original Starbucks, headed south on highway 5 and then north at Tacoma on highway 16. Gig Harbor is the name of both a bay on Pugent Sound and a city on its shore. Quick travel note – you can also take a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and then drive down to Gig Harbor, but either way you’ll need a car to get there.
It was raining, overcast and a very chilly that day. I know a lot of people wish for sun when they are shooting photos, but I personally love photographing under the clouds and especially in the rain.
Here’s a little history – During a heavy storm in 1840, Captain Charles Wilkes brought the Captain’s gig into the harbor for protection. Later, with the publication of Wilkes 1841 Map of the Oregon Territory, he named the bay Gig Harbor. The boats today must look totally different. I was there in the winter so it was really quite. It must be absolutely bustling in the summer, boats crisscrossing in the harbor, people in bathing suits, fishing, etc. For me? I prefer the solitude I found that beautiful morning.
The harbor where I shot these images is just to the right as you enter the city. After, I had breakfast at Tides Tavern. The restaurant has waterfront views and they got my eggs right (always seems like a science project) – poached medium -medium well, whites cooked, yokes runny. (What I wouldn’t give to that in front of me now!)
Tides Tavern Resturant
And yes, fabulous, thick perfectly cooked bacon. I’m surprised the fruit bowl was brave enough to sit so close to that assortment of cholesterol packed, tasty morsels.
Here’s a map that shows you were Gig Harbor is located. Next, we’re going to head north to the town of Poulsbo and then over to Bainbridge Island. If you’d like to recieve my next post by email please click the follow button. Cheers!
If you’d like to purchase a print of this beautiful area, please click on “Contact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors / saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image ½ inch off the wall.
If you can’t remember the last time you wore a bib, then it’s time. There’s nothing more exhilarating than whacking away on your dinner with a mallet, bib tied close around your neck, burning those unwanted calories while you eat. I had the opportunity to do just that when I was at the Seattle Crab Pot. There are a number of things you can order on the menu but their specialty is a huge pot of steamed seafood, grilled corn, potatoes and spicy sausage served with melted butter and lemon (and of course an ice cold beer). After you order sit back and relax. Soon you’ll see your waitress weaving her way over to your table holding a huge overflowing bowl of goodness which is dumped right on your table.
There are four different choices to pick from:
So was it really that good? Check it out for yourself. My sister was able to join me for dinner so you can see the damage two women can do.
The Crab Pot is at Pier 57 and the restaurant literally floats on the bay. http://www.thecrabpotseattle.com/ And after dinner (or before) you can even steal a kiss if you want.
