Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park

My son worked here last Summer and we were privileged to spend the night during our summer vacation. It was a wonderful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Leaving Yellowstone

The IRMA

Cody, WY

Granny's is home cookin' going wild. A packed house brought a wait but it was well worth it.

Welcome to Yellowstone

Notting Hill

House of Parliament

Saint Paul's Cathedral

Color in the Open Air Market Under London Bridge

Big Ben

Leaving France

Crossing the English Channel for the very first time.

Pegasus Bridge in Operation

Pegasus Bridge

This is where the invasion of Normandy actually began. If you read Stephen E. Ambrose's account, you have a clear understanding about the importance of this bridge to the success of the Allied Army.

I was thrilled to be here.

The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waters

American Cemetary at Omaha Beach

The American Cemetary at Omaha Beach

One of the most moving moments in our trip to Europe came as we walked among the thousands of white crosses, each one representing a life lost for the sake of freedom. I watched my 18 year old son quietly stroll across the perfectly manicured lawn, stopping occasionally to read a name, take a picture, survey the landscape. He became more quiet as he took in row upon row of dead soldiers who fought to free France from the Nazi grip.

Having just been on the beach, the reality of their struggle became clear. They crossed amazing odds to complete their mission. We were amazed any survived.

The Family Home

Picture #1: This little Hostel is tucked away in the back streets of Bayeux, France. The proprietor refused to speak any English and was close to being hostile in the Hostile. But it was well worth the 20 Euro per night.















Picture #2: The back entrance was accessed through a picturesque alleyway. Rain fell all day making the air sweet and thick.

















Picture #3: Our room window overlooked a courtyard that was obviously full of activities during the warmer months. This view gives you an idea just how closely all the houses and buildings were to one another. Many shared common walls. The white building to the right is actually an extension of this Hostile, with laundry facilities in the lower level. The stone-colored building next to the courtyard is an ancient church.

Windswept

The force of the wind blowing up the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc have forced this tree to lean away from the breeze.

Sunrise in Normandy

Sunrise over a little village of Normandy. The pigeons' coos filled the courtyard, wet from the prior night's dew.

The Berlin Wall

This section of Berlin Wall stands in the lower level of the Normandy War Museum. The history museum is full of wonderful artifacts. This section of concrete is one that I can appreciate, more than tanks, bombs, and uniforms.

It as amazing to see this piece of history.

Castle of Caen

The Castle of Caen, in Normandy, France, was a beautiful structure.

This picture is of Jonathan walking across the street. We did that a lot in France.

Notre Dame Flying Buttresses

I first learned about the flying buttresses of Notre Dame in my art history class at Ball State. They were a architectural watermark. It was amazing to see them for the very first time.

The Paris Marathon

Vendors lined the streets as runners set new records. The wonderful smell of food mixed with the sharp smell of urine. Paris was an amazing place.

With thousands of people running, eating, viewing, there was not one porta-pot to be found. So people did the next-best thing: They urinated on bushes, fences, and posts all around the square.

Inside the Arch

The Arch de Triumph is a massive structure. It serves as a memorial to all the soldiers who have fought and died for the nation of France.

Heidelberg Castle Courtyard Fountain

Beautifully sculptured, this fountain is located just beyond the stables.

Heidelberg Castle Back Tower

The rear tower of the castle collapsed at some point in history. The size of the structure is hard to comprehend. To help understand its dimensions, the upper floors had ten foot ceilings. The walls on this structure were ten-to-fifteen feet thick.

Heidelberg, Germany

This was our first good view of Germany. From a surrounding hill, we were able to see the city and the beautiful river.

The Eifel Arch

The size of the tower is impressive but the scope is more moving when compared to its surroundings. The perfect blue sky, the brilliant white clouds, and the beautiful landscaping add to the beauty.

The Boulangerie

This little bakery made the very best sandwiches I've ever eaten. A baguette, some chicken, and some cheese. Wrapped in paper and carried in my back-pack, it was the perfect meal.

Carvings at Notre Dame

A visitor to this wonderful church can spend hours evaluating every nook and cranny. Around every corner you will find a new sculpture, a figure, a form. Each has its own story to tell if you look hard enough.