Completed The Parks Project in the Lower 48: Hat Trick + 1

Posted by Richard Harrison on 13/04/2014

Yesterday I visited my 48th US National Park – Dry Tortugas NP – roughly 70 miles west of Key West and with that completed the tour of the three NP’s located in Florida. The other two are Everglades, which I’d have to put in my top ten, and Biscayne, about which there is not a lot to say.

The +1 was St John US Virgin Islands National Park. It’s not in the Lower 48 but I happened to be in the neighborhood. First trip to the West Indies – discovered I’m probably not an island sort.
The theory will soon be tested though. The next Hat Trick is Hawaii+American Samoa in May.

Sunset Study

Posted by Richard Harrison on 18/11/2013

I do way too many sunsets but from time to time I’m confronted with one that just keeps on giving. I was sitting on the beach with Lisa and Mike when this one offered up a seeming unending number of visuals.

The Largo 4

TX-87

Posted by Richard Harrison on 11/11/2013

I’m in Texas these days for three reasons. First, to visit with AnnaSummer and Massie to deliver one last wedding gift; second, to attempt to pry a few records out of the registrar’s office at Port Arthur Memorial High School; and last, because when you’re headed west and you’re this far south, Texas gets in your way. When I crossed the state line I saw a sign that said “ElPaso – 857 miles”. I’m not even sure that will get me out of the state. And there is not much in the middle.

I’ll see my kids tonight.

The High School is as recalcitrant as ever – I’m getting myself an attorney.

That leaves only getting through here. Last night I went looking for perhaps a few other reasons, such as adding to the portfolio. I drove out along Texas Route 87 that trails alongside the Gulf of Mexico. This part of the visit at least was fruitful.

TX – 87

I know why my relatives migrated here in the ’30’s – it was about work and there was plenty to be had in the area, a booming oil center and shipping point – third largest in TX in 1934. That was then. TX-87 seems more representative now.