We just returned from St. Pete's Beach, and definitely the most tropical vacation I've ever experienced.  Long beach walks, relaxing with a book with drink-in-hand, and bird watching were definite highlights.   Now I'm hooked and want to get away to a sunny paradise every winter.

I've never known much about the city of Baltimore aside from recent news, so when my partner's job took him there this past August, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to explore.  After spending several hours wandering the streets, photographing architecture, and getting know the hotel employees it was easy to see where the nickname came from.  I'm already looking forward to another trip so that I can spend more time exploring the charming Mount Vernon and Federal Hill neighborhoods.

Living in Michigan for nearly 30 years, you would think that I'd make it to the Northern coast of the state to see one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Well, good things come to those who wait.  We had a lovely, and tourist-free weekend at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in September, and I can't wait to go back!  Here is the first set of photos....