Historic Blakeley State Park

Continuing my road trip home from Ocala, Florida, I stayed the night in Historic Blakeley State Park on the way to visit some horse friends in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park, located in Spanish Fort, Alabama encompasses more the 2,000 acres and affords visitors many things to do.  Along with RV camping, primitive camping, improved tent camping and cabin rentals, the park features 30 miles of trails, boat cruises, a Civil War Battlefield, the Townsite of Blakeley, and remnants of American Indian habitation.

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street photography in vietnam

Vibrant Street Photography Opportunities: Saigon vs Hanoi

What’s your best way to photograph the true spirit of Vietnam? Among Southeast Asian destinations Vietnam stands out as an exceptional location for street photography. The bustling markets and historic architecture combined with vibrant cultural elements create perfect conditions for photographers. Photographers planning their trip face one essential question.

Should you go to Hanoi or Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)?

These cities give completely different photo experiences. Each city bursts with energy and authentic life experiences which reveal their distinctive stories through your photography. This article reveals the unique elements of each city that create special street photography opportunities through lighting and cultural influences on your images.

SNAP A PHOTO!

Cathedral Caverns State Park

After spending two months in Ocala on the horse show circuit, I headed back toward Texas with a detour to northeastern Alabama to visit The Unclaimed Baggage Store.  It was time to let my dog Annie stretch her legs, so after completing my secondhand shopping we ventured to Cathedral Caverns State Park.

The park, only 21 miles southwest of Scottsboro, features five hiking trails, RV and tent camping, cave tours, gem mining, and many educational programs.  Since I am infatuated by caves, the cavern tour was a big draw for me.

GO SPELUNKING!
unclaimed baggage store

The Unclaimed Baggage Store

The Unclaimed Baggage Store is likely just what you have guessed.  A store with unclaimed baggage from all the airlines in the United States.  As an avid traveler, when I first heard about the place over five years ago, I was highly intrigued. So much so, that I have always wanted to visit.

I planned on visiting about four years ago while I was roadtripping through the southeast United States.  After VANgo ended up with an electrical problem in Florida, my itinerary and life changed dramatically, and I didn’t make it to Scottsboro, Alabama, the location of the Unclaimed Baggage Store.  Instead, I returned to Texas and promptly bought a horse!

Now, four years later, I was again in Ocala, Florida, this time showing my horse.  And upon my return to Texas, I was bound and determined to visit the Unclaimed Baggage Store.  I drove out of my way to do so, which is particularly crazy for me since I truly dislike shopping. But in the end, satisfying my curiosity was worth it!

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
hagia sophia in istanbul

Must-Visit Destinations for First-Time Travelers to the Middle East

The Middle East is a fascinating destination, rich in history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. While travel was challenging for a time, more and more people are now exploring its many wonders.

According to Statista, in 2023, 93.5 million international tourists visited the Middle East. The region experienced a sharp drop in tourism in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, since then, it has made a remarkable recovery, with visitor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

For first-time travelers, choosing where to go can be overwhelming, given the region’s wealth of incredible destinations. From bustling cities to ancient wonders, this guide highlights the most iconic locations to ensure an unforgettable Middle Eastern adventure.

START TRAVELING!
antarctica exploration

Beyond the Wildlife: The Human Story of Antarctic Exploration


No place on earth is more remote and desolate than Antarctica, and unlike others the White Continent is devoid of a permanent human population and was genuinely discovered by some hardy souls only in the last few centuries. Ever since James Cook’s second voyage of discovery in 1772-75, the history of the Antarctic region has been one of humanity’s wild exploration, endurance, survival and sacrifice set in an empire of towering glaciers and giant ice sheets.

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siesta key

Things to Do in Sarasota

When I think of Florida for vacation, Sarasota doesn’t come to mind.  That said, this underrated Florida city of 60,000 is low key place to visit.  While in Ocala, I took a few days off from the horse shows and popped down to the west coast for a lovely 48 hours in Sarasota.

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silver springs state park in ocala

Things to Do in Ocala

Ocala, located in North Central Florida, has a growing population of 63,000+ and counting.  With hundreds of horse farms and the famous World Equestrian Center, Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Though Lexington, Kentucky would argue that claim.  While the horse industry in the area is substantial, there are other things to do in Ocala.

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Unconventional Travels in Dubai: Beyond the Myths

Dubai is frequently represented as a shimmering refuge of huge wealth, strikingly soaring high-rises, and exceptionally lavish retail centers. Many people hold onto the misconception about this energetic city, that it lacks cultural depth and natural beauty, reducing it to simply a playground for the wealthy. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Dubai is a city that provides a number of special experiences. For example, it has stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, as well as hidden gems waiting to be discovered throughout.

TAKE A DRIVE!