Beth Blair

Posts Tagged ‘photos’

Occasionally, we can recall that one moment in life that piques a curiosity for a subject. For me, an interest in lighthouses was inspired by one of my favorite childhood movies, Pete’s Dragon. I first saw the movie in the late 70′s and by the time I was in my early 20′s it was no surprise I favored flying into coastal airports, such as Boston, hoping to catch a view of the lighthouses scattered along the shoreline. Today, my fascination has yet to wane. During my travels, if there is a lighthouse in the area I often make an effort to snap a shot. Below are some from recent years:

North Point Lighthouse – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (the only lighthouse I’ve climbed)

Southport Lighthouse, aka Old Kenosha Light. Kenosha, Wisconsin North Pier Lighthouse – Kenosha, WisconsinPoint Cabrillo Lighthouse  – Mendocino, California

Sentinel Island Light – Sentinel Island, Alaska (northern end of Favorite Channel, twenty-five miles northwest of Juneau).

 

 

 

Every time my eyes land on an image of the Dallas skyline a wave of nostalgia washes over me. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the city in 1989 when my family moved to the Big D. It was my first chance to see a “real” skyline, as the cities in Louisiana, while loaded with culture, just don’t have the same wow-factor. My high school days were spent in the northern suburb of Plano and I said goodbye in 1994 when my family moved to Colorado.

Last month, I was invited to a media event celebrating the release of the new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. The weather was perfect and driving the car was a kick but seeing the Dallas skyline up close and a from a distance while riding in and driving a top-down convertible was fantastic.

My favorite building is probably the most recognizable landmark in the skyline, Reunion Tower, the “ball” on the far right. The lights are turned on in the evening and flying into either DWF or Lovefield you can catch a glimpse. I recall the time the lights were designed to look like a soccer ball for a huge tournament (don’t ask me what event). And then there was the Friday night my high school clan and I went to the observation tower and looked in awe over our vast city. Dallas is a spectacular city and certainly holds a special place in my heart.

During our test drive I didn’t pass up the chance to snap a few photos…

As promised, here are more photos of the new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet – the world’s first crossover convertible. It’s cute and spunky and if I was in the market for a convertible I’d seriously consider this one…

I love the roominess, colors, comfortable seats and the fact that it’s convertible!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most cherished landmarks in the United States. For me, she has always been the symbol of strength, courage and opportunity.

I remember being a child and thinking to myself that one day I would see the Statue of Liberty in person. In 1998 my dream came true and I did get to see Lady Liberty when I was working for an airline and I was based out of Newark and JFK. Unfortunately, I do not have any photographs of that day because my camera was stolen as I went through the pedestal security. But today I do have photos.

During our two-week family road trip this summer, we stopped in New York City to see my step-son off to college. My children had never seen the Statue of Liberty, so my husband and I were enthralled to get to introduce them to her in person. Like most landmarks, photos and TV just don’t it justice.

The Crown is currently open to visitors but my daughter doesn’t meet the height requirements. By the time the boat arrived at Liberty Island, we decided to forgo the pedestal and interior all together. The weather was chilly, very windy and there was a drizzle. The kids were content with our decision, especially because they received the Statue of Liberty hats they wanted so badly. I’m sure we’ll be back one day to explore inside when the children have a deeper appreciation. Below are just a few of the shots my husband and I took during our memorable voyage.

We couldn’t have picked a prettier day to visit Niagara Falls and take a ride on the Maid of the Mist. The mist wasn’t too bad on the boat ride, but the walk up to the falls was another story – we left drenched! My husband took some beautiful photos during our journey as you can see below.

Niagara Falls

Rainbows

Maid of the Mist

Stairway along American Falls

Before departing on Maid of the Mist

American FallsHorseshoe FallsBase of Horseshoe FallsDream come true! Visiting Niagara Falls and riding Maid of the Mist

Wet and Wild at Niagara FallsRainbow Bridge

The last time my husband, kids and I were in Chicago my sister-in-law was showing us around her beloved town. Unfortunately, as she was giving us a tour of Millennium Park it started to rain and the kids never got to experience the Bean firsthand. This time as we cruised though Chicago we decided to give it another shot. The kids had a blast and it was a great way to stretch our legs and break up the monotony of the road miles. Here are some of my favorite photos from this stop:

Amongst the numerous highlights of my Alaskan Princess Cruisetour this summer our summit flight around Mount McKinley was indeed one of the more memorable experiences. Flying around this massive mountain was humbling, especially when I felt I could reach out and touch the snow resting on the peaks, only to discover the plane was still at least two miles away.

View from Denali National Park – looks like a cloud

Talkeetna Aero Services

Pre-Flight

From a distance

Oxygen

Getting Closer

Summit

14ers Camp (14,000 feet climber base)

14ers Camp

Returning

After the flight

The other side of the mountain: View from Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge

“I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean“

This is one of my favorite lines in Lee Ann Womack’s song I Hope You Dance. Every time I visit the ocean I feel so free and relaxed and indeed “small.” Here are some of my favorite beach and ocean photos from my recent travels. It never ceases to amaze me how no two photos ever look the same, even of the same ocean.

Fort Bragg, California

Puerto Rico – San Juan Marriott

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos – Ocean Club West -

Huntington Beach, California

Kauai, Hawaii

Mendocino, California