Travel Thru My Eyes

GA FISHING 2

2023-06-11T13:12:00.000-04:00

Traveling in St Simons & Jekyll Islands GA

2020-02-24T08:04:00.000-05:00

Sunset on The Wharf, Jekyll Island GA

2020-02-18T07:56:00.000-05:00

Hiking trails in north Florida

2020-01-27T07:57:00.000-05:00

Tarpon Springs FL Sponge Docks (VLOG)

2019-11-25T18:57:00.001-05:00

I'm transitioning to a VLOG. Please take a look at my newest video and all my videos after linking to my YouTube page (go to my YouTube channel at the bottom right of the screen).

Also, please provide comments on what you like or don't like, suggestions on improving, or anything else you would like to share.

Vieques, Puerto Rico - 2019, September - Naturally Beautiful

2019-10-10T07:17:00.000-04:00

This year my posting from Vieques Puerto Rico is a travel video.

Please take a look at the video, provide comments on what you like or don't like, suggestions on improving, or anything else you would like to share.

Vieques, Puerto Rico - October 2018, Chapter 2 - Horseback Riding (VIDEO)

2018-10-25T10:14:00.001-04:00

Nothing much to say here, the attached video says it all.

Vieques, Puerto Rico - September 2018 - Chapter 1 - VLOG

2018-10-06T19:26:00.000-04:00

This is new for me as I'm posting a Video LOG (VLOG) versus a written posting. The video will show the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Maria (September 2017) and what it looks like today.

A lot of progress has been made in the islands recovery, but there still remains a lot to be done. I must say though, Vieques is open for business. A few new businesses have started, some have changed ownership, and all the islanders are welcoming and friendly.

After you've reviewed the VLOG, please let me know your thoughts; should I keep doing VLOGs or should I do written BLOGs? Ideas that you would like to see on either or both options, and your general comments. All input will be appreciated.

Travel safe, have fun...
Mike

Vieques, PR - September 2017 - Chapter 4 - Hurricane Maria Hits

2017-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ryan, Corina, and myself have completed our preparations for hurricane Maria; we've put away or secured everything we could. We have plenty of food and water, and the house is solid. We know personal safety is paramount, and know our roles and the rules of engagement.We're as prepared as we can get.

Hurricane Maria is taking dead aim at Puerto Rico and we're in the direct path; the storm has arrived.

Satellite track of hurricane Maria

With the most severe winds and rain from Maria passing us about 0400, we could see, hear, and feel the weather calming. The sky lightened enough for me to see inside the house.

After checking for any apparent damage I turned my attention to cleaning water that had blown through the windows into the kitchen. Ryan soon joined me in the kitchen while Corina started mopping water from the master bathroom. In total, we took about 34 gallons of water from these two areas; we filled a two gallon mop bucket 17 times.

This is the same type window that is in the kitchen

Master bathroom

It took about two hours to clean the water, then we went outside to take a good look around.

Outside the entrance - before

The outside patio - before

The steps down to the patio

The outside patio - after

The trees between the road and outside patio - after

The yard looking up to the house - before

The yard looking down from the house - before

The yard looking down from the house - after

The neighbors destroyed wooden house (as mentioned in video)

The breezeway between the driveway/parking area and house - after (note the cistern and satellite dish)

The parking area is just to the right

The parking area

More of the parking area

A close call, no damage to the car

A neighbor clearing the road, making it passable

After looking around the house and not finding any major damage, we decided to walk to the house Ryan and Corina were sitting. As we walked along the ridge-line is soon became obvious that we would not have been able to drive.

The bottom of the hill head up to the ridge-line

The ridge-line starts here

Tree debris

One of the four concrete power poles that fell across the road

What's left of a frame house on top of the ridge-line

My friends house that lost the entire second level (as mentioned in the video)

The house Ryan & Corina were sitting

The driveway

At the end of the driveway, there used to be a carport

This house is located across the street from my friends house above. To be totally honest, we fully expected to find this house destroyed, or at least the roof missing. Not only did the house remain standing, but the chicken coup in back only sustain minimal damage.

After walking back to the house I was sitting, we got in the car and headed to check out the damage at the Esperanza Inn.

A short video leaving the house and going part of the way off the hill

This video compares (2016 and 2017) part of highway 997 to Esperanza the day Maria past

The Esperanza Inn sustained some damage, but considering its proximity to the ocean, I would consider the damage minimal.

This door was blown open

And the room had a couple inches of water inside

A look at the pool from the top

The fence surrounding the property was almost all blown over

Another shot of the fence

The driveway from above

From the Inn we walked to the malecon (boardwalk) to check out the damage and ocean.

Waves remained high after Maria passed

Damage to the malecon was by winds and waves

The waves undermined the boardwalk, leaving several holes

The majority of the street was cleaned early in the day

Side streets, not so clean

Random shots

That should do it for this post, but before we go, let me give you the latest information I've received on the recovery of Puerto Rico, in particular Vieques.

- Electricity remains out and will be out until sometime in early 2018. The power grid is severely damaged and outdated. There are a lot of personal generators, but commercial power is non-existent.
- Running water remains an on and off again situation; mainly due to faulty/aged equipment.
- Food, both free and for purchase is slow to arrive.
- Gas, while it is available the time spent in line and the amount permitted to purchase varies.
- Most importantly, at least in my mind, the people of Vieques remain friendly, adaptable, and willing to help their friends and neighbors.

If you have any particular questions regarding the life before, during, or after the storm, post a comment on the blog.

Until next time, travel safe

Mike

Vieques, PR - September 2017 - Chapter 3 - Hurricane Maria Approaches

2017-10-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Crazy; that's the best way to explain this house sitting assignment in Vieques Puerto Rico. This is the fourth consecutive year I've been here, so I've seen and experienced a lot on the island, but this trip, by far was the most exciting.

First, we dealt with hurricane Irma (posted earlier) then hurricane Maria. This posting and one that will be published next Tuesday will cover my experiences with Maria.

Hurricane Irma track

Hurricane Maria track

As many of you know, while traveling, I like to ‘live like the locals’ and on this house sitting assignment, I truly did that. What an adventure.

Read more »

Vieques, PR - September 2017 - Chapter 2 - We Dodged A Bullet

2017-09-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

WOW what a journey. This post will entail some reading, but a lot has gone on with the preparation, arrival, and aftermath of hurricane Irma. While we didn’t get hit directly, we did experience winds and rain. The majority of damage on the island was limited to trees, which in turn took out power.

Hurricane Irma tracked north of Puerto Rico

We’ll start with my arriving to Vieques about 2 hours early.

Read more »

Vieques, PR - September 2017 - Chapter 1 - Into the eye of a storm

2017-09-05T21:25:00.001-04:00

Late last week, I arrived home from house sitting in Naples Florida to prepare for the next leg of my summer, southerly migration. As I awoke, the morning was calm and illuminated with clear blue skies; but I knew that was only here, not my destination of Puerto Rico.

For the past few days, the local news channels had been mentioning a tropical system that had developed off the African coast and further development was expected. Within about 30 hours the system had grown from a tropical storm, to a major, category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115mph, and it had since become known as Hurricane Irma. While it’s still too early to determine an accurate track, Puerto Rico is within the cone which is the ‘most probable path’ of the storm.

Naples, FL - Aug 2017 - Sun is back in the Sunshine State - Chapter 2

2017-09-05T20:16:00.005-04:00

The week started with rain, but today it has moved on. The sky is now a brilliant blue with the white puffy clouds that let your imagination run wild. Gazing skyward, I decided to revisit the Naples Botanical Gardens. A short drive from where I’m staying, this is one of my favorite places that is close to walk the well maintained paved trails with boardwalks and a bird watching tower. Walking these trails, you’ll not only be able to enjoy the natural beauty, but get about 3 miles of exercise.

Read more »

Naples Florida - Aug 2017 - My Annual Southern Pilgrimage Begins – Chapter 1

2017-08-28T21:30:00.001-04:00

As has been for the past three years, in August I house/pet sit in Naples Florida for a couple weeks, return to my home, repack, and make my way to Vieques Puerto Rico. This year is no different.

Arriving late in the evening, I joined Jim and Cynthia for dinner. We renewed our friendship, and enjoyed reminiscing our significant events of the past year. While much had changed in our lives, many things remained the same, and we shared most of it.

So without further adduce, let’s GO!!!

Places in and around Naples that I've visited over the past few years

Tuesday Traveler - Florida Lighthouse Tour – Chapter 2 – Key West Lighthouse

2017-06-26T14:47:00.003-04:00

As some of you know, I started my Florida Lighthouse Tour earlier this year. It started with the lights in the Florida Panhandle and a few weeks ago I took at trip to Key West. While there are many lighthouses throughout the Florida Keys, eight of them, I only went to the one located on the island (key) of Key West (Key West Lighthouse and Museum).

Even though our primary trip to Key West was for some relaxation and exploring, the number one thing on my list was the lighthouse. So 'Let's Go' to the lighthouse and the town of Key West Florida.

Read more »

MISSISSIPPI - Day Trip 2 - Destination Nowhere - Jan/Feb 2017

2017-02-18T19:28:00.001-05:00

I've been here in Pass Christian MS for almost six weeks and about to start my journey home. After a stop in Louisiana to visit friends for Mardi Gras, I'll make a stop in north Florida. I'll stop at a lighthouse that time didn't permit seeing on my way.

Most of my time here in The Pas was spent golfing, eating, talking with locals, and sight seeing. This posting is going to cover several towns, attractions, and eateries. Like my previous post, these are in no special order, just places for you to consider when you make your way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The first thing I want to discuss is the amazing sculptures that can be found along Highway 90, the Gulf Coast 'Beach Road'. These sculptures are what remains of trees otherwise destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

MISSISSIPPI - Day Trip 1- Pass Christian - Jan/Feb 2017

2017-02-12T20:19:00.001-05:00

Well, I’m a few weeks into another house/pet sitting assignment, this one is along the Gulf Coast (Gulf of Mexico) area of Mississippi (MS). The coastline is dotted with several medium to small towns, some of them can even be considered villages; one such town is where I’m staying, Pass Christian. As my time here continues we’ll be taking other day trips to some of the nearby surrounding towns.

Let’s GO

Tuesday Traveler - Florida Lighthouse Tour – Chapter 1 – Lights of the Panhandle

2017-01-15T08:19:00.000-05:00

In planning my drive to a house/pet sitting assignment in Pass Christian Mississippi (MS), I decided to start a tour of the Florida lighthouses.

Mapping the locations of the lights, I discovered the FL panhandle had a total of five with one more in the junction of the bend between the FL peninsula and panhandle. With the close proximity of five lighthouse, and estimating how long I would explore each light and travel time, I choose to visit the five lighthouses in this post on my way there and have plans to visit another one on the way home.

So without further adduce, let’s go.

Green markers - have not seen ----- Red markers - have seen

Tuesday Traveler - What is ‘The Florida Life?’ - November 29, 2016

2016-11-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

I’ve often been asked and pondered this very question; ‘What is the Florida Life’. After talking with lifelong and longtime Florida residents, as well as visitors to our state, here’s my conclusion.

Tuesday Traveler - The Migration Has Started - November 22, 2016

2016-11-21T18:41:00.000-05:00

What do you think of when you hear ‘The migration has started’? By definition, migration is the seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.

Maybe you think of; migratory birds flying from the north to the south,or wildlife moving from the mountaintops to the valleys.

For those of us in warm weather states like Arizona, Florida, Texas, and others along the US Sun Belt, we often think the snowbirds (defined by WikiPedia) are coming. These migratory creatures, mainly retirees, temporarily relocate from their permanent ‘home’ to their ‘winter home’.

House/Pet Sitting in Retrospect - Puerto Rico, Vieques - September 2016

2016-10-12T10:16:00.002-04:00

This is my third consecutive year of house/pet sitting on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico; does this make me an ‘island boy’?

When I tell people I’m going to Puerto Rico, they usually ask where and I tell them, Vieques or Isla Nena. That’s only draws more questions like, some of which I’ll answer now.

Wikipedia – Vieques, Puerto Rico

Population: 9301 (2010)

Size: 21 miles (east to west) by 5 miles (north to south); 52 squares miles of land

Economy: The island is attempting to redevelop the agricultural and tourism industry. Since the US Navy closed the bombing range and departed the island in 2003, their clearance of unexploded ordinance has been the largest employer.

Geography: About two-thirds of Vieques is comprised of a decommissioned US Naval bombing range which has been designated as the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife reserves are on the east and west ends of the island, with communities in the middle. There are two major municipalities, Isabel Segunda on the north coast and Esperanza to the south. The island is surrounded by beautiful, secluded, and not so secluded beaches. Some of the beaches, along with hiking and four-wheel trails are located within the wildlife reserves.

A WORD OF CAUTION; within the wildlife reserves the trails and beaches are marked with warning signs, PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS and STAY ON THE MARKED TRAILS.

Okay, if you’re interested in visiting Vieques, and I do recommend it, those facts should at least get you started in finding out more.

Now Let’s GO, and Travel Thru My Eyes to Vieques, Isla Nena, Puerto Rico.

HOUSE/PET SITTING in RETROSPECT - NAPLES FLORIDA – September 2016

2016-09-07T08:43:00.000-04:00

Recently I completed another house/pet sitting assignment in Naples Florida for Jim and Cynthia, clients turned friends. This is the third or fourth time I’ve cared for their pets and home, yet it was like visiting Napes for the first time. Yes, I ‘revisited’ a couple places, but with so much to do in the area, there was are also many new places to explore.

ICELAND - 2016 June - Chapter 3 - The Final Days

2016-06-17T18:45:00.000-04:00

As I was going through my notes, I noticed that our snorkeling excursion in a glacial river was missing. So that’s where we’ll start
.

For those that don’t already know, I (along with my travel partners Debbie and Bill) live in Florida. That being said, while waiting for our snorkeling suits, she laughingly told the group, “We’re from Florida, and we only get in water that’s above 80⁰F”. Well this water sure as hell wasn’t 80⁰F, according to Val, our guide it was only about 36⁰F

ICELAND - 2016 June - Chapter 1 - We Have Arrived - REVISED

2016-06-14T07:31:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, it’s too difficult to blog on a daily basis while I’m actually enjoying the expedition. Now at home, I can truly share the adventures myself, and my travel partners Debbie and Bill experienced. So let’s get started as we “Travel Thru My Eyes”.

Tuesday Traveler - Guest Posting from Rohit - "5 Amazing Migratory Birds on a Sojourn to India" - 26 April 2016

2016-04-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

Todays Tuesday Traveler is from a guest writer featuring 5 migratory birds of India. No, I haven't been there, yet, but Rohit is from India so he'll share some info and photos. Thanks Rohit

5 Amazing Migratory Birds on a Sojourn to India

Remember when you got one of those dreams where you felt like you were flying? Isn’t that a wonderful feeling? To let go of everything and just fly like those birds zooming about in the sky in a carefree nature. Watching birds fly, or chirp, or sing ... it’s so fascinating. The tropical condition of India is a haven for different species of birds found all over the country, and migratory birds are found in an array of species everywhere. Here’s a compiled list of few of the most interesting migratory birds in India.