WOW! All I can say is “wow.” I had no idea the surprise that was in store for me, to see such a beautiful place that I didn’t even know existed, Cumberland Island, Georgia.

Today the National Park Service protects the island for visitors to enjoy, but it once was a grand plantation for Lucy and Thomas Carnegie in the late 18th century, younger brother of steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie.
To walk these beautiful grounds with our tour guide and hear the stories of this family was such a treat. Although the ruins and outbuildings are all that remain of this once magnificent estate, it is wonderful to use your imagination and dream of the incredible “rich and famous” life-style of this family.

In 1972 it was declared a national park. With its landscape of unspoiled beaches, sand dunes and salt marshes, my camera didn’t stop clicking from the moment I arrived. Wild horses, armadillos, and many species of birds also inhabit the island. Visitors enjoyed taking off their shoes and strolling down the white sandy beach. I will forever remember Cumberland Island -

Attached photos: the remains of the ruins of Lucy & Thomas Carnegie mansion, a beautiful oak tree dripping with Spanish moss, visitors enjoying a walk on the beach, and an armadillo foraging for his next meal.

It was my goal this past New Years to get out and see Washington State. Well Palouse, Washington was on the list. I planned to drive over from Seattle to capture, what I have seen in other images, the beautiful wheat fields close to harvest time, mid to late July.

Palouse is in close proximity to Pullman, Washington, probably the most well known town in Whitman County, home of Washington State University Cougars.

I drove into Palouse late, after dark, so I got a hotel room, and set the alarm for sunrise. At 4:30a.m. I grabbed my gear and headed out to capture my rolling hills I have thought about so often. I drove up to Steptoe Butte, constructed of quartzite, towering 3600 feet over the surrounding terrain – I figured this was the spot. When I reached the top, I was in disbelief of the beautiful quilted hills that surrounded this butte. I had never seen anything like it…and in my own state, who knew?

Most all of the neighboring towns were a sight to be seen as well. Linking these charming towns were golden, rolling hills of wheat that stretched on for miles. A favorite, and certainly photographic scene was found in Uniontown. A nationally known barn, because of a wonderfully constructed fence of over 1000 wagon wheels, was waiting to be shot by yet another visitor.
If you’re into photography, or just love to drive the byways of America’s small towns, Whitman County in Washington is a must see!

A weekend at beautiful Whidbey Island Washington. Nothing like spending some time on Puget Sound when Washington heats up to 85+ degrees. Packed up the cooler, steaks and headed to a Beach House my in-laws had rented for the week. One of the biggest highlights is playing on the beach at low tide with the family, the dog and my camera.