Viera, Florida. Brevard County Zoo

I've been to large zoos and some small. But, this morning I went to one that was, like they say in Goldilocks "Just Right" It is the Zoo in Viera, FL, Brevard County. I think you'll agree with me after watching this short video.
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year! 

BREVARD COUNTY ZOO

Sunrise, Melbourne, Florida

Just loving being able to be away from snow, wind, cold and ice during the winter months.  All is going well with my travels.

For those of you that can not or have yet to make the break from the rush of society's madness and get out on the road I thought perhaps you could use a little encouragement.

At first light today I went to the beach and filmed this short video.  I hope you enjoy it.

VIDEO LINK is here:

Ocean Beach, Melbourne, Florida

Ahhhh...the beach.  Warm waters, warm air, warm and friendly people surrounding you and sharing the fun.  Life is GOOD!


http://youtu.be/R0RW6THLdf8

Is This Really Heaven?

In October of 2012 I visited Melbourne, Florida.  After leaving I told myself that I would someday return and, today is that day!

Melbourne is warm, friendly people abound, prices are good and did I mention that it is WARM...

Add to all of that the fact that it is only a couple of miles to the Atlantic ocean and I'm sure you can understand why it is going to be very difficult for me to leave here in a month or so.  Fact of the matter is; I'm changing my residence to Florida!  No State taxes, Warm weather, Far less expensive to live here than in Michigan and best of all NO SNOW!

Life is good!  I'll update this more as time goes on but for now my Van and I are heading to the beach, the waves and warm weather are calling.

VanAboding: Parking Problems and How To Avoid Them

It seems a little presumptuous to me that because one is or considers him or her self a vandweller (despite the size and configuration of rig one has) that we expect any special privilege or exemption from the standing laws and rules of any jurisdiction. Vandwelling is a "chosen" lifestyle, however, as I see it, the lifestyle doesn't come with "free lunches." We may choose to live in way less square footage than the average "bear" and, probably, we mostly own our "vandwellings" outright - no mortgages or monthly rent bills. But, that doesn't mean that property rights don't still apply. 

There are certainly lots of places where we can park overnight or even for extended periods with full permission and invitation. Some of those places are private property and we stay there at the pleasure of the owners - Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Flying J, and Van Mom Karen's to mention a few. The public lands let you know whether it's alright to park and stay for a defined period of time or not. These are all good. There are several networks of folks who are offering the opportunity to "visit" with them and park on their property with a little advance notice - they may be vandwellers or RVers who own property and sticks and bricks houses and enjoy meeting fellow "travelers." There is a group called Couchsurfing.org with about 3 million members around the world who offer their couch (and possibly more often than not a private bedroom) for travelers at no charge as they enjoy the same privilege when they are traveling. Many of them have locations where they can accommodate a vandweller for a night or two. Certainly, as mentioned, stopping by the local police station or town hall and asking where you might stay for a night without being obtrusive, breaking or bending the law and not infringing on anyone else can often yield positive results. The worst that can happen is that you are told there is no place and you'll have to move on. 

Again, my thinking is, most of us have some idea of where we're heading, what towns and jurisdictions we'll be passing through, what prospective amenities exist there (Walmart, Camping World, etc.) and we can either call or email ahead to see if OP is available there. If it isn't, then alter your plans. I do my level best anymore to not set such strict travel plans as to not allow me to modify them at will. 

For those who choose to urban vandwell and do so on either public streets or private property, I guess that's certainly your prerogative and you may get by with it just fine, but if you get caught or cited for it, I don't think you have a leg to stand on or anything to whine about. Some may be full or part time employed in a city or town and wish to remain close to the job. Understandable. However, that doesn't change the letter or intent of the law. It doesn't bend because one chooses to live in a van. Remember, there are "no free lunches" in this world. You're just getting caught up on some past due accounts if/when you get caught. I guess there is always some thrill with feeling like you're "getting away with something." But, sooner or later, the rubber will meet the road and you may be tagged. While not as extreme, I would liken it to someone who rock climbs, base jumps, does extreme sky diving or wrestle alligators (to mention only a few extreme activities). One may do very well for years, but it only takes one loose rock, one snag in the parachute, one miscalculation on when to pull the rip cord when you jump off the building or cliff or loss of grip on the alligator's jaws and it all catches up with you real quick. 

I am not passing judgment, that's above my pay grade. And, I'm not saying that I haven't taken a chance now and then during my lifetime, I'm far from perfect. But, I choose not to make it a habit trying to get away with something that has consequences I may not be happy to have to deal with. We each have our own degree of risk tolerance. My intention is to enjoy all the richness that life offers with no or the least amount of personal risk. You may be different. Like the old saying about buying things, "Buyer Beware." I simply suggest a modified version thereof, "Vandweller Beware."

Wide Open Beaches

I am so very excited that I can hardly contain myself.  This coming weekend will be my departure date for returning to Florida and the warmth of the air and the sound of waves crashing up on the beach.

Snow is slowly but surely approaching Michigan and if I never see another snow flake in my entire life I would not be unhappy at all.  As I travel I will of course keep everyone updated as to where I am and what exciting off-the-wall and out of the way places I discover as I slowly meander to the South.

Quotable Quote Of The Day

I'm always looking for encouraging words to share with others.  It not only makes my day when I see someone smile it makes theirs too.

Here's one that I thought was great.  I hope it makes you smile or at the very least go "hmmmm, now that is so true."

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

The Insider Story

After four very long days and some nights I've finally been able to totally carpet the inside of my stealthy-type van.  The ceiling, walls and floor are all covered with a high-grade dark grey indoor/outdoor carpeting.

Putting it up was no treat.  I tried pretty much every glue-type product on the market and nothing seemed to work.  Finally, after some consultation with a few people at Lowes I decided to try heavy duty Velcro.  AND IT WORKED...well, almost anyway.  Even though this type of carpeting is pretty light weight and easy to work with it still has a certain amount of weight that weighs down and bubbles on the ceiling and side walls.  So it was back to Lowes to buy finished strips of wood to screw up on the walls and ceiling.  This helped to support the carpeting and totally took out all of the bubbles and creases.  Now I am a happy stealth camper and look forward to many years of warmth and quiet while traveling.

Under the carpeting I also put Reflectix insulation.  This was really easy to work with and simply stuck to the walls and ceiling with Duck tape.  I can't believe how quiet my van is now while going down the road.  And, it is much much warmer than I ever imagined it would be.

Even though this was a project that was pretty simple to do (eventually) If you're going to try to do something like this I would strongly suggest that you have a friend help you.  Not that it is too heavy to hold up by yourself while installing everything, rather, it is just easier to hold in place with two people over just yourself.

In the end it looks great, smells like a new vehicle and is quiet and warm.  Really looking forward to getting back out on the road and giving it a good shakedown cruise.  I'm thinking Florida right now but perhaps there will be a stop in Alabama also to check out the sea shore there on the way.  I'll keep you all posted as I travel.

Happy Trails!

RV Sales

Wow...the news reported today that RV sales are up 38% already this year. Sort of tells you something doesn't it? I'm so glad to be living the RV life!

Not Traveling Is Sometimes Good

Today I am in my RV. I've chosen to take a spot in the local campground for a couple weeks. The time off the road is good sometimes in that it allows you to refresh. So far, this is been a wonderful experience. I've met many new people and made new friends. After all, that's the purpose of traveling right? If you haven't tried this as you travel I encourage you to simply stop for a moment and enjoy simply relaxing. Talk again soon. Happy trails.

I love Smith And Wesson

Sometimes you have to add a little bit of humor in your day just to get through it. Here's your smile for today. I hope you enjoy it.

Horton's Pond At Sunrise In Holland, Michigan

Horton's Pond At Sunrise In Holland, Michigan is an easy to miss jewel that was right in my back yard.

I found this quiet secluded pond about two miles from where I was living.  I would never have known it was there if I had not just been out in the early morning looking for special places to shoot more nature video.

Sunrise, fog, a quiet pond and birds singing their little hearts out completed my morning.  Needless to say I will be keeping my eyes open for more of these special places in the future.

Niagara Falls, New York

I think this might have to be my next little excursion.  Haven't visited there since I was a child.  Now if I could just find someone to marry me there the package would be complete.  Have to work on that for a few years I think.

Living The RV Life

Over the past few months I've been living/vanaboding full-time. It has been an exciting learning experience. What I learned has taught me how to survive on only a little bit of "stuff." By stuff I mean I went from being a normal person living in a crackerbox apartment to being independent and free to travel whenever and wherever I chose. I also learned that living in my van was pretty uncomfortable most of the time. I've never been really concerned about "stealth" so I parked where I wanted and enjoyed meeting many new people all over the nation. Well, I decided that I wanted to be a little more comfortable while remaining mobile so about two weeks ago I bought a 19 foot RV. Now I have all the comfort of home but am still able to travel at my leisure. I've settled in quite nicely and am enjoying my new life. Some would say that I've chickened out or that I have gone away from the prepper mentality but I would have to disagree with that. I'm still traveling, learning and enjoying life. Now however I am just a little bit more comfortable. It's nice to actually own my own home and at the same time be able to travel without having to pay rent, utilities etc. I'll keep you posted on my travels as I go. I hope you stay with me and enjoy my travels. My goal for you though is to get out there and do it yourself. Life is great! Lets go see what is just around the next bend in the road.

Related articles

• Top Five Reasons to Buy an RV
• Budget Travel - How RV Traveling Can Be a Cheaper yet Memorable Experience

Awesome Day At The Detroit Zoo

We made it to the zoo just in time to watch 28 buses unload far too many children to count.  But, they were all so excited to be there that we just had to smile and remember when we also were that age and how excited we would have been.

The Detroit Zoo is quite the amazing place.  Filled with any type of animal you can imagine and all without cages to confine them.

Zoo Volunteers are so very helpful there too.  They guide small groups and stop once in a while to explain what you're seeing and how the animal came to be at the Detroit Zoo.  We listened to a couple of the short presentations and you could tell that the guides really enjoyed sharing.

Here's a short video of our little trip.  Hope you enjoy it.
http://youtu.be/yCOnw49yPNc

Detroit Zoo

I've always been a big fan of the zoo.  Since I haven't been to a great one in many years I've decided that on Tuesday next I'm going to take a friend with me and we're going to go discover the Detroit Zoo.  I've been there only one time and that was over 50 years ago.  I'm sure they've updated it some.  The only thing I remember about it was that it was big, took a long time to walk it and I got really tired.

Of course, like always, I'll be posting some awesome photographs of this outing when we return.  Stay tuned.

Related articles

• Walk On The Wild Side? Have After-Hours Fun At The Zoo
• Detroit Zoo's newest attraction fits in your pocket

Shipshewana, Indiana Road Trip

Well, I made it to Shipshewana again.  This time I spent nearly 5 hours wondering the isles of this world-famous flea market.  And, just like last time I visited, I was disappointed.  The vendors are still trying to look as though they are small-time operators but it is evident that they are simply ordering product from overseas through wholesalers and passing it off at a greatly increased profit margin.  I won't be going back anytime soon.

The trip was nice though.  Weather was beautiful with clear sky greeting me upon my arrival.  People were friendly and best of all parking was FREE as it hasn't yet gotten to the "gauge the tourist" season time of year.

I'm thinking that Michigan's UP will be my next trip.  This time of year the black flies are not yet very active and the temperatures are good.  I'll keep you posted.

Safe Travels to everyone.

Shipshewana, Indiana and flea market deals

I love flea markets.  They offer a sort of atmosphere that just says "back home."  Well, they used to anyway.  The last time I visited Shipshewana in Indiana and their world-famous flea market I was a little disappointed.  It seems that rather than being the old down-home atmosphere it is now more commercial.  I didn't like it.


But, as a person that is willing to give second chances, I'm going to return on Wednesday and take another look.   I'll let you know what great deals I find and share them with you.

Tips on researching and finding the bargain...

• Make a list of what you are looking for and prioritize it. The sheer volume of stuff for sale can be overwhelming, so you will need to stay focused.
  
• Become an expert on what you want to buy. Who are the reputable manufacturers? Make sure you can tell the difference between the genuine article and a knockoff.
  
• Do your research before the event. Know what similar items are going for on eBay or Craigslist.
  
• Decide whether you are buying for your personal enjoyment or for resale. If the idea is just to enjoy it, it might be worth a little more to you than an item you see solely as a business transaction.
  
• If you are looking at an item to put into use in your home - a record player or microwave, for example - make sure it works before you lay down the cash.
  
• If you don't see what you want, ask a vendor. Vendors can tell you about items you might not have seen, and they often know what their neighbor vendors are selling.
  
• The final day of the yard sale or the end of a flea market is the time for the best bargains. You can get a lot for half off or more because vendors don't want to load up the trucks for the round trip. To that end, the bigger the item, the better chance you have for negotiating a good price on the sale's last day. Because big items take the most effort and storage space to pack up, vendors are motivated to unload them.

Related articles

• 2013 Flea Market Guide: Coast to Coast

The Need To Be Famous

I found these two young guys strutting their stuff at the local park in Rockford, MI. I was to say the least amused so after a while I told them that if they'd let me video them I'd "Make Them Famous." Well, they liked that idea so here you go guys...you're now famous. Actually, they were pretty good. You could tell that they spent a lot of time practicing and really enjoyed what they were doing. I wish them well.

Beauty Right In Your Own Backyard

I shot this short video about a year ago and forgot to post it to the blog. Ooops. Anyway, here is what I found right in my own backyard (almost anyway.) This is VanRaltee Nature Park in Holland, Michigan. One of my favorite places to go and gather my thoughts, relax and enjoy nature. I hope you like it.

Lets Go VanAboding

Come on now.  Get off the couch.  Your bucket list is overflowing and it is time to go do something about it.  Travel, enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  You can do it!  Lets Go!

BBQ and Good Times In The South

As someone who really enjoys eating (usually too much) I went looking for a place to visit that would feature food.  Well, as luck would have it, I found just the place.  Best yet is that it is within a one-day drive from my home in Michigan so I'm sure I'll be heading out to visit this unique festival of food very soon.

The 2013 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will be presented at Tom Lee Park on Riverside Drive between Beale Street and Georgia Avenue in downtown Memphis, TN

Give up that wet pulled pork BBQ!

I'll let you know when I'm on my way, there and returned with a few extra pounds on and a happy face to match.

Stay tuned.
P.S.  Just a note:  Usually this festival ends up being called "Memphis In Mud" rather than "in may" because it always seems to rain.  That being said however it is worth the trip!

 May 16th-18th, 2013.  I can smell it already!

Freedom To Chose When Traveling

Yesterday I decided to take yet another short road trip.  My intent was to go north to Ludington and sit on the beach watching the waves break on the shore and enjoy some quiet solitude.  Well, upon my arrival the waves were there, the quiet solitude was there but along with that was a very cold wind blowing in off of Lake Michigan.

The nice thing about traveling as I do is that when things aren't quite what you had expected you can simply get up and leave.  So I did just that.  I headed further north to Manistee, MI thinking that perhaps the temperature might be somewhat different there.  Indeed it was...much colder still.  So, once again, I left that area and headed inland toward Cadillac, MI where, according to the radio, the temperatures were in the 80's.  Upon my arrival I found a great spot in the local city park that is right next to Lake Cadillac and enjoyed an afternoon and early evening.  Sunset over the lake was awesome.

I thought that perhaps the State Park would be open by this time of year but alas when I arrived there were a few campers there but also there was a sign on the registration/ranger's office stating that to use the facility you had to be pre-registered.  I didn't let that bother me though as while traveling in a fully equipped van I could, and did, simply move on to another location at which I stayed for the night.

If you're traveling free and easy don't let small inconveniences get in your way.  Just move on.  You have the Freedom To Chose.

Creation Museum

The Creation Museum was all that I expected and much more!  I spent hours browsing the exhibits, watching the video presentations and finally totally enjoyed the planetarium. It is an awesome and inspiring place. If you've never been there I would encourage you to put it on your bucket list as a must see destination.

Can You Say Roadtrip?

Well, it is almost time to head out on the road again.  The problem I'm having with that is that the weather seems to be bad all over the place and that makes me uncomfortable.  I already had to bail on my last trip and don't want to have to do it again anytime soon.

I have a few places in mind that I'd like to head to.  The first is the Creation Museum in Kentucky.  Second on my list is Dollywood (to see the crafters, not the rides.)  And finally I'd like to visit Silver Dollar City outside of Branson as they are said to have great crafters there also.

I'll keep you posted as to what the verdict will be and then of course will post photographs, videos and a few words here to top it all off.  I hope you'll join me in my travels even if it isn't with me up close and personal.

Steve

Wall Drug Store, Wall, South Dakota

It took me a little while to get this video composed and edited but it is finally done.  I think you'll find it interesting to see everything here.  Although I was early in the season and some of it was not yet opened up it was still interesting to re-visit this wonderful icon of South Dakota.  Wall Drug is a great place to visit and if you're ever heading out that way I'd encourage you to stop by and check it out.

Growing Wings With Which To Fly

Today I was listening and watching a few videos posted by other vandwellers.  One of the people, a single female living in her van, said something interesting that caught my attention.  She said "You'll never realize that you have wings with which to fly until you actually jump off the cliff (figuratively speaking)."

When you stop and think about it we never really discover what we are capable of doing because we're simply afraid to actually try something new.  I know that I've had many opportunities that offered themselves but because it was outside of my comfort zone I chose not to do them.  Sort of sad really as I could have had so many more experiences to share with people.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share that little observation and hope that it gets you thinking about spreading your own wings.  Please though, don't go jump off a building.  I'm thinking that would not be a good thing.  Best I think to just try new things that make you uncomfortable, uneasy or even perhaps a little bit scared.  Perhaps a zip line ride would be a good start.  I know the first time I did that I was scared silly but after the first time you couldn't keep me off of them.

Let me know what you decide to do.  I'd really enjoy hearing about your experiences.
Steve

Helpful Hints To Those Who Do Or Who Want To Eventually Vanabode

I am a member of several groups on Yahoo and recently I found this post.  It was so informative that I asked permission to republish it. If you're considering life on the road you'll be just a little better informed before you make the jump.  Here is the information.  I hope it helps.
Steve

In a few years you are going to look back at this time in one of two ways:

1) "Boy, it started out bad but I'm so glad I stuck with it, I love vandwelling!"
2) "Boy, that was awful! It turned out it wasn't for me but what a grand and wonderful adventure it was!! I'm so glad I tried!"

Either way, you win! You are expanding your world, comfort zone and self-confidence. That can only be good!! Just know it started out BAD for most of us and got steadily better.

But you want some practical advice so here is mine:

1) Invest in either a Coleman catalytic propane heater or a Mr. Buddy Portable Heater for warmth.
2) Dogs are very adaptable creatures. Make his life right now much better by committing to taking him for 2 walks every day in nature! he will be happier, AND SO WILL YOU!!
3) Plastic organizing drawers and totes are a life saver, get some. I especially like drawer units. You might look at thrift stores for used furniture like desks and dressers. They are cheap, instant organization in the van.
4) The easiest possible bed is to buy a bunch of milk crates or Rubbermaid totes and lay them on the floor so they are nearly solid, then go to Home Depot and have them cut a piece of plywood to fit over the top of them and just lay the plywood on top of the totes/milkcrates. It's inconvenient to have to lift the bed every time to get to your stuff, so later on you will want to find someone to attach legs to the plywood. But, it will get you started for now. Then go to Walmart and buy a 4 inch memory foam topper and cut it to fit the bed.
5) Go to Walmart and buy a wash tub for $3 and a few 1 gallon jugs for water. That's all you need for a sink. Get a quart spray bottle to wash dishes with and yourself. Indoor plumbing has only been around for a few hundred years, you don't need it to stay clean.

Be creative and adaptable. Think like your great-great-grandparents when they crossed the prairie in their covered wagons. How did they do it?

YOU ARE MADE OUT OF THE SAME "STUFF". IF THEY COULD DO IT, SO CAN YOU! IT IS AN ADVENTURE, AND IF THERE ISN'T ANY HARDSHIP, IT'S NO GOOD!

There is a long learning curve ahead of you so be patient. Just address the most critical things first and then keep improving.

Living Little In A Big Way

Tiny or Small houses are all the rage these days it seems.  I'd actually consider living in one if I owned property on which I could put it.  However, for now anyway, I'll just continue on in my very comfortable van.

If you've considered building or buying a small home you might be interested in this great little site that I found online.  It solves the problem of creating your own blueprint for a building project of small home scale.  Take a look.  I think you just might enjoy it and perhaps even learn something in the process.  I did.

Good Times in the Badlands of South Dakota

As I noted in an earlier post I recently took a trip to the badlands of South Dakota.  I've now finally been able to post a short video on youtube so you can see just how beautiful this area really is.  I hope you enjoy watching it...don't worry, it is only a little over 5 minutes long but in that time you'll be spellbound by the beauty you see there.

Here is another LINK that gives more information about how and when the Badlands were established as a national park.

South Dakota Arrival

I made it safely to South Dakota and my first stop was in Wall, SD.  Here is the famous and really huge landmark called Wall Drug.  I've been here before but didn't really have time to fully explore it so I'm excited to be back to give it more time.  If you've never been there I would encourage you to do so.  The city in which it is located is very small and at this time of year, not yet tourist season, there are few people and great prices.  Even the motel in which I decided to stay was less than fifty dollars for the night and gas prices are now at $3.33 per gallon.

The people that run Wall Drug are still friendly and offer an atmosphere of a small-town.  Fact is, this place is so big you could give it it's own zip code.  Regardless of what you're looking for you'll find it here.

Beware of Snakes!

Made it through Minnesota with no problems.  Pretty warm temperatures and here too good roads on which to drive.  Traffic was light early in the morning and lots of Mcdonalds restaurants to stop at for some rich brewed, and much needed, coffee.

The first rest stop I stopped at in South Dakota offered an interesting sign.  It also warned that "camping, in rest areas is a violation so if your plan to do that, don't!

I'm thinking that if you are traveling with a pet it would be best to use extra caution.  What do you think?

Iowa first night staying in my van

Beautiful clear skies spelled really cold temperatures and I nearly froze my cookies off last night.  I'm thinking Wal-Mart for a little portable heater will be one of next stops.  No fun to be cold regardless of how exciting your trip is.

Next stop will be South Dakota.  Taking 35 North to Minnesota and then West to the Bad Lands.  Can't wait!

One nice thing about Iowa is that they really take good care of their roads.  I haven't seen a pot hole and the roads are so smooth it is like driving on glass.  Thank you Iowa Road Commission!

Can You Say Roadtrip?

Along with Spring comes the required road trip.  And, as I'm not one to break tradition, I have embarked on my first trip of the year.  Left today for South Dakota.  On my list of things to see are the Badlands, Blackhills, Mount Rushmore and hopefully Sturgis before it gets crazy there.

My first stop is always the I80 Truckstop just into Iowa.  It is advertised as the world's largest truck stop and, as I have no way to prove otherwise, I'll accept that claim and take a closer look.

Since I visited here over 15 years ago it has changed a lot...and not necessarily for the better.  Before the people were friendly and it had a small-town atmosphere.  Not so much anymore.  It has gone the route of "big."  Now it is filled with the normal other-truck-stop stuff that costs way too much for what you get.  Before it had great food at a reasonable price.  Now the food buffet costs $12.95 and looked like death warmed over...No thank you very much.

Can you tell I didn't care much for this place?  The only good part was the fact that gas prices were actually lower than Michigan by twenty cents per gallon so I filled up and moved on.  Next stop will be North of Des Moines Iowa for the night.

He's Alive

This is and likely will be for a very long time my most favorite songs that Dolly ever did.  It is such a joy to celebrate Christ Risen on this special day each year.  Thank you Jesus!

When Three Equals One

Three colors; light blue then a little darker blue and finally dark blue all make up the colors of the waters in Lake Michigan today in Ludington, Michigan. As I sit watching the breakers crashing on the ice-covered pier I remember last summer's warm water and the fishermen catching huge salmon from the pier. I remember the warm temperatures that allowed walking along the pier shirtless and loving it.

Today is clear with only a slight evidence of clouds far out from shore. No risk of snow and the promise of warmer days ahead. Nature paints such wonderful portraits for us to enjoy. I hope you're able to do just that in the near future.

I really couldn't believe that these guys were out of the pier.  Many people die from falling off or being swept off the pier by waves and wind.  Perhaps I could understand it a little better if they were fishing but they weren't.  Nope, just standing there watching the water.  Calmer on the side they are on but regardless still very dangerous.

Tough Times Winter Survival

My goodness it has been quite the long and tough Winter.  I hope that you've been able to survive through it all.

Soon the freshness of all things Spring will begin to appear.  I can't wait!  Spring is one of my favorite times of the year.  Just watching all of the new growth burst forth in the trees, grasses, melting waterways etc. is such a rewarding thing to watch.

Pictures are also a great way to capture your special moments in nature and I encourage you to dust off the camera, put on your boots, gloves and hat and get out there and capture some special memories to share with those around you.  I know I'm excited about how many new things I'll be capturing on digital film this coming year.  Of course I'll be sharing this all with my readers.

Until then though I hope you are able to keep warm, dry and safe.
Steve