Hammondsport, New York, situated at the southern end of Keuka Lake, is a charming, quiet town with a population of fewer than 1,000 residents. Who knew it was an epicenter of aviation.

We knew practically nothing about the Finger Lakes region of western New York and we knew even less about the town of Canandaigua, where we chose to hang out for three weeks. But it was a good choice!

It was August of 2017 and we were living in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. It was time to travel into Wales. Somehow, for some reason the Wales excursion was never published in the blog. So here is the lost story and photos of our visit to Tinturn Abbey, Wales.

Chattanooga has often been mentioned as a city to visit, and we were surprised how many people sang the praises of this historic Southern town. Well, the praises were all well-deserved.

Botanical gardens and parks, small and large, have always been major elements of our travels. They are usually uncrowded, quiet, and filled with beauty; perfect qualities for escaping concerns and worries. They are always changing, and thus they are dependably fascinating – they are filled with life.

Circle-B-Bar Reserve is a huge tract of protected land in Polk County, Florida. With many miles of well-maintained trails, a large, alligator-inhabited lake, an amazing amount of bird life, and massive live oak trees, and big, old cypress trees a great place to spend a few hours … or days.

Jeannie’s birthday was coming up and she wanted a change of view. So we found a place on Florida’s northeast coast about half-way between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. It was a perfect place to enjoy nature and avoid any crowds … and celebrate a birthday.

The soaring stone pillars and the play of the light cast through the stained glass windows creates a shaded landscape of stone and light. Never at rest, they are aroused by the changing light, they glow with energy, the patterns they paint flow across the floor inviting your thoughts to wander with them.

Since we have been sheltering in place at our home in Florida due to the pandemic, the motivation to add to this journal has gone into hiding as well. We are looking forward to that day when we will again pack our bags for places unknown. For now, we have set up a gallery of 10 random images for a quick travel fix, or a distraction from the madness of the day. There is no verbiage other than some captions, just a visual indulgence to inspire your future adventures or just to simply brighten your day.