Stand Tall- OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

Perhaps the more famous of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s lighthouses, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1868. This lighthouse was moved from a threatened site about 2900 feet inland to a more secure site. The moving of this 198 foot tall structure is as impressive as the lighthouse itself. It is the tallest brick lighthouse in the US and it is available at times to climb to the top.

Flying High - OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

I loved watchiing the terns at the OBX. Many places there are lots more gulls than terns but near Oregon Inlet the terns were everywhere. They had a large nesting area closed off as well. Terns are highly entertaining aerial acrobats and really fun to watch fishing as they drop from 15 or 25 feet. We also watched the mating ritual and will have some NC-17 photos later this week. Some of you may have to fill out permission forms:)

Memorial Day 2022 (3 photos) /  by Dave Hileman

My friend Tom Light was a stickler for the distinctions between Memorial Day, honoring those who died while on active service, Armed Forces Day, those, including reserves, on active duty and Veteran’s Day, those who have served in America’s military service. Today we honor those to whom we owe a huge debt, those men and women who sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom.

The nation’s military cemeteries are places to reflect on that sacrifice. These photos are from the Camp Nelson National Cemetery that is adjacent to one of the newest of the National Park Services units, Camp Nelson National Monument in Kentucky. The camp was a supply base for Union armies, a training center for African American soldiers and a place where thousands of horses and mules were rehabilitated and returned to service.

Proverbs 17 says, "Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged." /  by Dave Hileman

And I would agree even more today than on my birthday at Busch Gardens the day this was shot. The little boy has now completed one year of college, his sister graduates in two weeks from high school - both Summa Cum Laude. And the youngest is not yet born when this was taken, another joy. Laura, their mom, always does a great job with all of them. It has been nothing but joy to watch them grow and delight in their accomplishments. And we still enjoy ice cream.

Any Minute Now - OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

The Great White Egret in the marsh pond near the Bodie Island Lighthouse. He was as still as a statue for four or five minutes, then moved about two feet and stopped again for the next couple of minutes just intently watching.

Spring Moon Rising - OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

The moon was one day past full and rose from the East at 10:16 PM one day we were at the beach campground. It was interesting as it first appeared as an orange smudge then rounder and fuller as it rose. I was not getting much of a reflection so I moved behind a small clump of sea grass and got much lower to the sand and shot the moon through the grasses. What I did not expect was that a few of the stars also appeared with the exposure. The experience was better than the photo and I hope to get another chance at this someday with a few changes that I may have learned.

Home Port Bound -- OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

Fishing is a difficult and dangerious occupation but I can see why if that is what you do you would not want to do anything else. This trawler is heading home after a night or a week at sea, nets are up but lots of work still remains once she docks. The “Big Dave” was captured just a short distance off shore entering the Oregon Inlet. That is a cormorant leading the way.

Always Ready — OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

From 1874 to 1954 the Oregon Inlet Life Saving Service served the north end of Pea Island along the Oregon Inlet. I captured this image a few minutes after sunset with a bit of glow from the clouds shinning in the windows.

Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel /  by Dave Hileman

Billed as the world’s longest porch, the Grand Hotel as been serving guests since 1887. It is a spectacular place in a jewel of a setting. On our visit to the island we did not stay here - a bit out of our budget but we did enjoy a walk in the lobby and on the grounds and sat on the porch for a few minutes. That experiences will now cost you $10 as they now charge just to be on property. Of course it is free with your room and they start at $1000 plus per night. So I guess $10 is a bargain to sit on the porch.

At the Beach with Cat & Kevin-- OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

Well, not exactly with them but we did meet them on the beach near our campground at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. They were being walked by the dogs, Bailey & Lilly, who kindly allow them to think they are in control. Cat and Kevin are on a new journey full time traveling and living in their new RV. They have a YouTube channel, “Where They Wander” and have posted mostly hiking videos over the last two years. They are not abandoning the hiking but the new emphasis is on their RV travels and life. I have not had a chance to view their site (YouTube will not work on my limited bandwidth tonight) but if it is anything like they are in person, it will be a treat. Just lovely people and part of the reason traveling is such a blessing. It was Cat who spotted the dolphins about 100 yards off shore and I managed to capture several including this one leaping. Cindy and I went on to complete about a 3 mile, maybe a bit less, beach hike to an area closed off for nesting birds. We spotted a lot of terns and Brown Pelicans. Later in the day we drove south to see the Cape Hatteras Light House.

A Pea Island Walk /  by Dave Hileman

Pea Island is a NWR just south of Bodie Island on the Outer Banks -- OBX Series (3 photos)

Great White Egret glides past.

Graceful snowy egret.

This is a massive sea turtle of somekind oozing through the brackish water with his bugeyes and snoot out of the water. Never saw one of these in the wild before.

Fort Mackinac /  by Dave Hileman

This fort is a state historic site on the island of Mackinac between the upper peninsula of Michigan and the lower portion of the state. It allows no motor vehicles on the island, everything is horse drawn or bicycle - or you can walk. It is a neat place to visit and enjoy some unique experiences.