20th Anniversary at Walt Disney World

We are fans of Walt Disney World in Florida.  We attempt to go as often as possible. We went for our honeymoon, every 5th year anniversary and various times between.   This year is our 20th and we had another great trip to the theme park.

Our all time favorite resort to stay is Beach Club.  Within walking distance of Epcot, the Beach Club resort is a great location for us.  There is plenty to do around the Boardwalk including restarants, gift shops and live entertainment.

We have been during various times of the year and whether its hot or raining we manage to overcome the elements.  Many of the attractions are indoors to provide a chance to coo down or dry off depending on the weather situation.  When we visit during spring or summer, we are prepared for at least one or two evening showers.   The weather doesnt slow us down.

I've learned how to pack and carry one camera body with a wide and zoom lens to allow me to shoot anything and everything.  I have a sling pack that is just small enough to keep with me during the rides and shows.  I enjoy all of the color and movement around the parks.

During this trip we began planning for our June 2012 Family vacation. Below is a small sample of the images that I shot during our visit.   Click HERE to view the complete gallery containing nearly 1000 photos.

Copyright - Jimmy McDonald Photography

Nashville like I have never seen it.

I have been to Nashville many times and enjoy the many restaurants more than anything.   The drive to the nearest airport is longer than the flight to Music City.  I usually stay in the downtown area within walking distance of the main attractions.  This most recent trip sent me to the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention center.  I had heard of the place and knew that it had suffered some serious flooding a few years ago.  I had no idea how large the facility was.  It's a city in itself.  The area covers over 100 acres and there are rumors that a water and them park may be built in the near future.

The Opryland hotel is a short distance from the General Jackson Showboat landing.   Our agenda had reservations for dinner and a concert on the showboat.  The concert was a history of country music with some talented artists performing many covers.  The food and drinks were very satisfying during the cruise.

The visit to Opryland was great, but I still had the urge to take a trip downtown to see familiar sites including Demos Steak House and Wildhorse Saloon.

Demo's was also great as usual and my next trip to Nashville will require another meal from the restaurant.  This most recent trip was the first time that I did not have to wait for a table.  I am not sure if that was a sign of the poor economy or just good timing.  As we left the line had formed, so I am guessing that we timed the visit perfectly.

The Wildhorse Saloon was the next stop during the downtown walk.  Wildhorse also has delicious food and great drinks!  I was happy to see that a band was on schedule to perform just after we arrived.  I was shocked when the band was announced.  McKenzies Mill was due to hit the stage at anytime . The guys just happened to be from a town 20 minutes north of Rockingham.  The band put on a great show and I was happy to provide them with photos from the concert.

Several years ago I made my one and only television appearance at the Wild Horse Saloon. The Wildhorse Saloon Dance Show, hosted by Katie Hause was in production the first time I visited Nashville. During a break the host asked me if I wanted to be on television. Of course, I said yes, and she instructed me to think of my favorite country song. Well, I didn't have a favorite country song or any country song that I could think of on the spot. When the time came for me to answer in front of the camera I said "Don't Rock the Jukebox!" If I had known 30 seconds sooner that she was going to ask me to sing the song, I would have declined to offer. It was too late and all I knew to sing was the title of the song. After I belted out "Don't Rock the Jukebox!" I just stood there and looked at the lovely host. She asked me if that was it and I couldn't do anything but shake my head and say "Yes." I still go a free pair of hiking boots out of the 15 second gig!

The stay at Opryland was very nice and I would love to visit again soon.

 

Copyright - Jimmy McDonald Photography

This shouldn't happen!!!  That's all I have to say about that.

Taking the long route to Cherokee

 For  the past two years my family has traveled to over 70 counties of North Carolina to visit and take a picture of the current and previous courthouse buildings.   Most of the remaining counties are in the western part of the state.  We planned a trip for June to locate courthouses for the south western section.  I mapped out that we could drive to approx 11 different counties in one day with our final destination just south of Cherokee in Dillsboro.    A point "A" to point "B" trip would  have been appox 4 hours.  The modified route had us on the road for 11 hours.  With prints outs of each county seat and iPhone GPS we took a very scenic route through the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We made stops in Murphy, Brevard, Hayesville and several other towns.   It's interesting to see how many small towns have been  though or in the process of revitalization.

The route took is up and down winding roads past steep cliffs and waterfalls.  We all slept well after the long day of riding.

The following day was spent site seeing the area including tubing down the Oconaluftee river, indoor putt putt and Paula Deans Kitchen at Cherokee Casino.   Site seeing continued the third day as we visited a few more courthouses with the final destination of the day being Asheville.

We arrive in Asheville in time to get the Buncombe County Courthouse photo and walk around downtown for a couple of hours.  Downtown Asheville was lively as usual with plenty of street performers and bakeries to slip inside for a snack.