Long Beach Island: Sunrise at Barnegat Lighthouse

In August we were on Long Beach Island in Barnegat Light. What a beautiful place. Twice I got up before dawn and walked up to Barnegat Lighthouse to watch the sunrise.

Mid-week I also became obsessed with the idea I wanted to get there via seeing the sunrise on the beach, take a walk across the jetty to the sidewalk to the lighthouse. On the second try I did accomplish this and it was a most wonderful experience!!

Here are some views of Barnegat Lighthouse as I approached it (after the sun rose).

Walking along the jetty

arriving at the walkway

Another slightly different angle from the walkway

Views of Virginia's beautiful Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge down in the southwestern area of Virginia (not too far off I-81) is a popular landmark. It truly is an amazing example of Mother Nature's handiwork. Not only is it a beautiful geological formation, it is one that carries a lot of history too. George Washington surveyed it (and allegedly carved his initials in the rocks - but this is heavily debatable) and Thomas Jefferson at one time owned it.

Today it is designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Over time it has been privately owned, but open to the public (fees charged). 

In addition to the bridge itself, there are many other wonderful things to see along the trails including the "lost river" and Lace Falls which is said to have been a part of the water that originally formed the Natural Bridge.

Route 11 (still an active road) runs across the bridge, but driving over it (I've done it), you'd never know it! Even standing under the bridge and looking up you wouldn't know there was a road above it.

Walking towards the Natural Bridge

Hibiscus blooming in front of the bridge

Side of the Natural Bridge. This is the side George Washington allegedly carved his initials in the mid 18th century. You can see the "GW", but one of the guides told us there is no true evidence he actually did it.

Views of the St. Louis Arch (2005)

It's been a while since the last time I visited the wonderful city of St. Louis. For about a year's time in 2005 I was a frequent visitor to the city and had some time to explore. Today's post shows various views of the St. Louis Arch. The first one was taken in January 2005, the following two in April of the same year.

Standing underneath the St. Louis Arch

Side view of the Arch during a spring day

We took a boat ride down the Mississippi River in April 2005 and this was one of the views looking back as we headed up (or down?) the river.