The Sydney Opera House . Located on one side of the Circular Quay , opposite the side of that body of water where the original exiles from England landed in Australia. A day wandering all around that area is so educational, relaxing and , simply put, tons of fun! Boat tours, many outstanding restaurants and more that a little history. PS..the subway / commuter train system in Sydney is probably the best Pat and I have found anywhere .

Uluru, in the Northern Territory of Australia. A massive red sandstone monolith many millions of years old and a sacred location for the Anangu indigenous people off the region. A mystical place, steeped in legend and very important to the native peoples. A couple days there learning their stories and soaking up the scenery is well with the long airplane ride. One of Pat and my favorite trips!

Early morning near the Sunset Hill House, just off route 117 in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire. Obscured by the fog are the White Mountains and Franconia Notch. In the 1940s into the 50s there were numerous grand old hotels lining this ridge line and an annual horse show in the field below . Sadly, just one hotel remains, the Sunset Hill House, with it’s fine dining restaurant and a 9-hole golf course. All well worth visiting!

Teton Park from the road through Kelly on the way towards Slide Lake. Yes, it was a chilly day but scenes such as this make exploring off the beaten path well worth the effort. An old friend referred to drives such as this as “Oh, Ah days,” with an Ooooh and an Aaaah sight around every bend in the road.

Inside one of the opening along the base of Uluru, Australian Northern Territories. Some still show signs of human habitation from many, many years go and all are sacred to the native peoples. Be very aware of rules for visitors if you’re ever fortunate enough to visit here. While most of the site can be visited, there are several locations that do not permit photography for spiritual reasons. Please show the proper respect….and soak in the history.

The U.S. nation’s capital, begun during George Washington’s presidency, saw the British attack on Washington during the War of 1812, witnessed the horror of the American Civil War and was the scene of the madness and insurrection of January 6th. When you visit , take time to speak to the police officers you’re bound to run into and thank them for all they did that horrible day. They are all American heroes and very much entitled to our thanks and respect.

The Tetons from between Jackson and Moran Junction, Wyoming. A lot of folks think Jackson Hole is the name of the town but the ”Hole” is actually the entire valley between the Tetons and the Gros Ventre Range. Jackson is the town’s name. If your memories goes back as far as mine, you will recognize this scene as near the location where Shane was filmed about a zillion years ago !

Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. Built in the 1200s and a player in the Jacobite Rising as the Scots struggled for independence from England. It is easy to imagine a gathering of Highlanders gathered there plotting their next move. Absolutely incredible history! But…..don’t hold your breath waiting to see Nessie!

A pretty common scene in Wyoming but still a sight that never gets old. This herd was just down the road from our son’s house off Fall Creek Road in Wilson. You can count on seeing them each spring and each fall as they make their seasonal migration.

The covered bridge over the Wild Ammonoosuc River in Swiftwater, New Hampshire. Built in 1840 and still in use today. It’s seen log drives pass beneath it, generations off families swimming in the chilly mountain water that it spans, a small community grow then slowly fade away at one end of it and literally thousands of people stopping to marvel at it’s construction over the years. As a child my family even spent hours trout fishing there. As a word of warning, if you ever visit, keep your horses at a trot!

These Ammonoosuc River rapids just below the Swiftwater covered bridge just caught my eye one afternoon. Now an old guy, I reflected on playing in these waters many years ago. You would not believe how cold this water felt even on hot summer day but none of us kids would get out until we turned blue (almost). Memories!

Off Granite Creek Road, about halfway between Hoback Junction and Bondurant, Wyoming. Getting here is as beautiful as being here as you must drive through Hoback Canyon on the way. Granite Creek Road is dirt all the way, fairly bumpy and closed to all vehicles except snowmobiles and skiing during the winter but is well worth the ride. 20 miles or so in, there is a hot spring pool that folks use year around. A super ride regardless of the season.

Early morning on the Granite Creek Road shortly after getting off Wyoming RT189/191. The outstanding scenery is non-stop. Watch out for deer and elk if you ever make this drive!

I could not resist adding this iPhone photo from last Christmas. My 5-year old grandson and I were playing with iPhone photos . After cropping and enlarging this one he wasn’t able to tell me it was from a decorated tree at the end of my driveway. The more it’s enlarged the better it looks. Experimenting with old photos sure can be fun.

Murphy Lake in the Bridger-Teton National Park off Greys River Road - dirt most of the way and very washboardy the first 10 miles. Turn onto FS 10138 (best in a 4X4) . Camping, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities surround you the entire drive. This stunning spot is also reachable via snowmobile during the winter…trust me, there will be Plenty of snow!

Having grown up with horses. I had long planned a trip to see if I could find the wild horses I knew lived near Pilot Buttte in Southwestern Wyoming. After 3 early morning /early evening drives we found them ! Taking a side road (trail) off the primary road (Rt 53…also dirt), one appeared in the distance and slowly several more came into view. After stopping the truck, my wife and I jumped out and spent the next half hour in awe of these beautiful animals … they were curious and at times it felt like they were checking us out as much as we were them. At one point I thought they might circle completely around us , but never came closer then perhaps 25 yards. I took 175 photos, with these 2 being my favorite . Horse and wildlife lovers, make this trip if you’re ever in the area. 4x4 recommended but not necessary if you stay on the primary dirt road. Green River is the nearest town. Good luck!

Coffin Pond in Franconia, New Hampshire, looking north towards Franconia Notch. The mountain tops visible in the distance are locally known as the Canon Balls (Canon Mountain ski area blocked from view behind the trees on the left). If you ever visit the area, be sure to head up the hill to Sugar Hill and stop at Polly’s Pancake Parlor…great views and great pancakes, maple products and more.

Stornoway harbor on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Not the greatest climate in the world but a place the touches my soul. My great grandparents were from near by, were “relocated” as part of the Clearances in 1851 and “offered” a better life in Canada. The land they lived on was barren and hard, but it was their home. I am drawn to that place. Visit and you might be too. The only difficulty I experienced there was understanding the spoken word….same English but sure sounds different quite often!

The Moulton Barn, built by brothers T.A. and John Moulton on what is now known as Morman’s Row in Jackson Hole. Few of the original structures remain, having been bought out by the Snake River Company years ago and eventually disappearing by the 1950s. Can you imagine spending everyday living and working in such surroundings ? Sign me up!

Just one of the many Yellowstone hot springs in the winter. Only two ways to visit in the winter…snowcoach or snow mobile. My choice has always been on a snowmobile. There are several places to book a tour in Jackson and they do make this a must do for visitors. Pay attention to the guides rules and cautions…I have never done this trip without encountering bison on the sled tour’s route of travel. These creatures are not pets, are not tame and must be treated with respect and caution. You are in their house now !