George Washington Birthplace NM

Walking in Washington's Footsteps

In the heart of the Northern Neck of Virginia stands a tribute to America’s founding father, George Washington. Although only here a short time, the ideas that Washington learned here, helped shape the man he would become and forever alter the destiny of the United States of America. 

20 Jan 2015
Started with a stop at the VC and took in a good movie on the farm and George Washington's childhood. The home here is not the original Birthplace of George Washington, that home was destroyed by fire in 1779. We then spent some time walking the farm and meeting the resident horse's and other livestock. The park is a working farm but being it's the winter season there were no activity's going on that's normally going on in the Summer. After the farm we headed down to the beach and the girls got to have some fun. We would recommend a summer visit, but if you want to have a little peace and quiet then a winter visit works well.

Click here for photos of our visit

NPS Website

Our 111th NPS Unit

Potomac Heritage NST

Hike, bike, ride and paddle the Potomac Heritage network of trails

Linking the tidal Potomac and upper Youghiogheny River basins, the evolving Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network lies within a corridor rich in historic pathways and waterways. You can travel this historic corridor today—on foot, bicycle and horse and by boat—exploring contrasting landscapes between the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Plateau.

NPS webpage

Our 80th NPS Unit

Jan 20, 2015, George Washington Birthplace

July 13, 2013 - A Day trip up to the Northern Neck of Virginia and the Town of Reedville. This is a small Fishing town on the Chesapeake Bay. After a great Lunch at the Crazy Crab, we spent some time at the Reedville Fishermen's Museum. This museum has much to offer in the local fishing industry and heritage of this part of the Chesapeake Bay.

Reedville fishermen's Museum Web page

Dec 11, 2012 - Spent the day here as part of the 150th Anniversary of the battle of Fredericksburg. The Manor overlooks the city of Fredericksburg and was the site of the Union camp and the river crossing that the Union used to gain access to Fredericksburg.

   

Chatham Manor

Chatham Manor Web page

Our 80th NPS Unit

NPS webpage

San Antonio Missions NHP

                                                                         

A New God and King

After 10,000 years, the people of South Texas found their cultures, their very lives under attack. In the early 1700s Apache raided from the north, deadly diseases traveled from Mexico, and drought lingered. Survival lay in the missions. By entering a mission, they foreswore their traditional life to become Spanish, accepting a new religion and pledging fealty to a distant and unseen king.

17 Nov 2014
We took in all 5 of the Missions in San Antonio, yes there are 5 counting that Mission in downtown San Antonio - Mission San Antonio de Valero better known as the Alamo. The four Missions under the Park Service are all unique in their current state of preservation but still have active congregations. We enjoyed the movie offered at Mission San Jose and were able to tie these Missions to our visit of the Missions in Tucson AZ. We took in Mission Concepcion first. It's the northern most unit, but you can start at the main VC at Mission San Jose to take in the movie then head out from there
We are trying something new ---- click on the link below to see all of the pictures for this park. (there over 170) so enjoy.


Click here for photos of our visit

NPS website

Our 108th NPS Unit

Lyndon B. Johnson NHP

   

"All the World is Welcome Here" 

---Lyndon Baines Johnson

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th President beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives the visitor a unique perspective into one of America's most noteworthy citizens by providing the most complete picture of any American president.

13 Nov 2014
We got to take in the Lyndon B. Johnson NHP today. There is more to this president then there appears at a casual glance. This was a man that knew how to get his way and what it took to sway others that did not see his vision and direction he wanted to take this country. We took in the VC and his childhood home then it was off to his ranch. The ranch is still a working ranch and after a drive around the ranch dodging both cattle and deer we made it to the main house. We took the tour led by a great guild. This house was so different compared to others we have been to, just your average ranch house with not allot of fanfare. Sorry no photos could be taken in the house so I guess you will just have to go and see for yourself.

NPS Website

Our 107th NPS Park Unit

Tumacacori NHP

                                                                           

Culture, Nature, and Community

Tumacácori sits at a cultural crossroads in the Santa Cruz River valley. Here O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache people met and mingled with European Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries, settlers, and soldiers, sometimes in conflict and sometimes in cooperation. Follow the timeworn paths and discover stories that connect us to enduring relationships, vibrant cultures, and traditions of long ago.

08 Nov 2014
We took in this site as well as Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tuscon. San Xavier is an active Mission, and we had a wonderful tour and guild to help us understand the Mission and the history behind the Missions. This led us south to Mission Tumacacori. This Mission suffered a different fate then Mission San Xavier. It is now part of the Park Service to protect the remains of the Mission. By putting the two visits together it helps to bring this Mission back to what it looked like when it was active. We enjoyed walking the grounds and exploring the Mission and learned much about the many transitions of power that took place in this area and how it shaped the religious landscape of the Southwest and into California.

NPS Webpage

Our 106th NPS Unit

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Mission Tumacacori

Saguaro NP

                                                                       

Welcome to Saguaro National Park

Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.

06 Nov 2014
This was a great park to take in. We spent the first day in the West unit, the Red Hills. After taking in a great movie about the park it was time to get out and explore some. We had Molly with us and the only trail open to dogs was a short 1/2-mile paved trail. So, we took it in and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the desert while looking for any signs of the local wildlife. This search resulted in two lizards but that was all. It was then on to the loop road (dirt) to take in the views. We learned that no two Saguaro are the same and each have their own personalities. On the way back we took the Gates Pass Road as recommended by the Park Ranger. At the top you can catch a super sunset - highly recommended!!

07 Nov 2014
We took in the East unit today. Much the same yet different. The loop road is paved and offers great views.

NPS Website

Our 105th NPS Unit and 15th National Park