Seasons of 2020

It’s hard to even know where to start. This past year was a real mixed shit-bag. The collective sadness. The not knowing. The fighting and anger. We all know. We lived it together in varying degrees and I know I have much to be grateful for.

The first of many kayak trips

I also learned a shit ton this year. I learned to listen to my gut - it knows more than I. I learned that I’ve been neglecting my body and that I want to take most of 2021 to feel better in this vessel. I learned that taking a walk can help reset depressed days. I learned that journaling improves my memory and helps me sort out my feelings or ideas. I learned that two people working from home isn’t exactly easy. I learned that my depression is still here but that doesn’t mean I can’t have happy days.

It’s weird to see life before COVID.

Winter

A proud puppy face!

Was this a self-fulfilling prophecy? (found in January 2020)

The first shoot of the year at our old (now demolished) high school. I love that Jennifer + Mike wanted to document their maternity session where their story began :))

This was the awesome cake at their baby shower!!

Explored Eastern State Penitentiary with my partner and his mom.

Experimented with film more so in the beginning of the year

I was really happy that we got to see the Designs for Different Futures exhibit at the PMA. I just love the PMA but this was HANDS DOWN one of my favorite exhibits of all time. Of course, now it would be completely reimagined but at this time, I loved it. There’s a video here that you can check on on the museum website of the different exhibits & artists.

I got more comfortable in front of the camera - Carolyn Keys Jewelry Spring Collection 2020 before lock down. Carolyn Keys Jewelry

My mom bought a house with an actual Redwood Tree that the original owner started in the 1960s.

My piece was displayed high above the city at the Liberty One Observation Deck when everyone was on lock down. At least it lived in a fun place for a while.

My first solo bat mitzvah with Sarah and her family! Check out the full blog post at Avi Loren Fox Photography.

Fun in Sephora before lockdown.

The last restaurant meal

Spring

I love the panoramic option on the iPhone. It’s also crazy to see the slow growth of the forest coming back to life.

I searched for the rainbows in April

First painting of the year.

I learned to give myself more permission to create or do things that may not seem like “me.” I learned that you can’t please everyone and it’s ok. I learned to put myself out there, you never know what might come of it. I learned that jealousy can be revelatory and a propeller for change but also comparison is the death of joy. I learned to get off my phone and do shit. I learned more about this country, the people, our place in the world, and how to better discuss and navigate hard grey area topics. I learned what things were missing in my life and I’m still learning how to make those things a priority.

Photographed my first FaceTime Baby’s 1st Birthday Smash Cake Party with the adorable Gabriel!

And I bought my first car! Woo! It now has a dent in it! Boo.

The rainbows continued during the 1st wedding back after shut down shooting second with my awesome friend - Gabrielle - find her beautiful work and book a portrait session, you’ll feel so glamorous!!! click here :)

I reimagined old work.

Started hunting for Chanterelle mushrooms

A 2020 still life.

Summer

But apart from learning, I grieved things that could have been, trips missed out on, restaurants, movie theaters, museums and live shows I miss going to and long nights with friends. I’m grateful for the things I continue to bring into 2021 - my health, partner, family, friends, and employment.

Self-Portrait

I started selling more and more stickers :)

Laura + Kevin are just the sweetest. Check out all of the little details of their intimate wedding day Covid Part 1 :)) - check it out here!

The best day

The best part of 2020 has been creating. I have had the privilege to photograph many beautiful families, weddings, and bat mitzvahs. I created my first large scale mounted photos and I love how they look. I created several paintings, crocheted a blanket, and had many awesome zoom art nights. I created many custom designs using the laser engraver, figured out my Cricut machine (thank you Elena!) and was surprised out how both are similar file creation. I started listing on Etsy and my one design really took off! I am so grateful for everyone of my customers and friends who have bought art from me. They have driven much of my expansion. I'’m proud of how it’s building up and excited for more in 2021.

Had another styled shoot for my mom’s handmade jewelry - check it out here!

I spent a lot of time outside in nature with my partner and puppy. We basically kayaked our way through 2020. We found new places to explore, Betsy almost fought a bear, and camped while it snowed.

I checked several things off my resolution list from last year and considering the year we had - I’m proud! I was able to check another National Park off my list and visit a state I’ve never been to (several actually). I showed three pieces in a local office building. I made new friends and met fellow photographers. I gave myself permission to play and create. I did not read a book a month but completed 6 and half-read three so almost?

Another really good night with one of my favorite comedians - Taylor Tomlinson

Autumn

I made new sticker designs!!

Did some really fun shoots!

2020 was a year that felt simultaneously stagnant and spirited so cheers to more living and growing. 2021 is probably going to be another weird year.

I started making t-shirts!!

Back to Winter

On the road again...

Oregon sunrise

I love being on the road, not the whole preparation for it, but once were out there with the music and podcasts blaring, it’s peaceful. We’re getting ready to head out into America once again, now a new region I’ve never been to: the Midwest! I’m excited for the weird road side stops, vast open grasslands, learning about the last wild areas of the US, and exploring the strange terrain of Badlands National Park.

Here’s a throwback of all my most recent road pics!

“There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” -Jack Kerouac, On the Road: the Original Scroll

Near Asheville, North Carolina on our 1st road trip down to Georgia for the Professional Photographers of America conference. 2016.

Drove down to the end of the road for the cloudy sunset, Hawaii, 2013.

My view from behind our driver, Damien, across the countryside of Cuba on our way back to Havana from Trinidad. 2016

Signs of the South, 2016

Dingman’s Ferry Bridge, connecting PA and NJ, 2016.

Golden Road, Maine

Sedona, Arizona

Arizona to Nevada

Hoover Dam

Las Vegas

My mom, somewhere in Arizona, 2018.

Driving through Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Whizzing by New York

Cadillac Mountain for the sunrise, 2016.

Monterey, CA, 2017.

Joshua Tree

Jenni + co-pilot Gabby in Joshua Tree

Zack, near Sacramento

To Ashland, OR!

Crater Lake

Forest fires in Bend, OR, 2017.

Devastation of the fires, outside Bend, OR, 2017.

Claudia at the wheel during our Iceland adventure.

Crazy Iceland roads, 2018.

Gabby driving through the Italian countryside, 2019.

On the way back from Washington, D.C. 2020

Snowstorm outside of Tombstone, Arizona, 2019.

Petrified Forest, 2019.

Goats hanging out in Hawaii, 2019.

Volcanoes National Park

Oahu

Devastation from the 2018 volcanic eruption.

Italian countryside, 2019.

Pittsburgh, 2018.

Gratitude & Intention

Reflections of 2019 and Ideas for 2020

I love lists. Taking scraps of paper. Writing down everything that I can possibly think of, just to get it out. I work better with lists. They give me direction and make me realize I do know the answers. I just have to trust myself.

Patterns. Repetitions and rhythms of life. Noticing. Is that the key to finding change? Sometime last year I found an “18 resolutions for 2018” list I made and loved how I accomplished so much. Despite being packed away and completely forgotten, the ideas that I created in that list continued to dictate my next steps. And it happened on a subconscious level. Then a couple days later I listened to a podcast where the guest said, “Map your actions to your aspirations.” Then it clicked that I had been taking the steps all along, but there are always going to be roadblocks.

Sometimes I believe in magic. Maybe I believe in the magic of lists and that in some cosmic way that 2018 list was a binding contract with the universe. Either way, I’m doing it again.

So this year I made some modifications: 19 times/things I was grateful for in 2019 & 20 desires for 2020.

19 Things I was Grateful for in 2019

1. I am grateful for the newest & cutest edition to the team, Betsy Ross. She has taught me SO MUCH about patience, compassion, overcoming your fears, and being a lil badass pup.

2. I am grateful for all my opportunities for travel & to see all the different beauties or oddities of the world.

3. I am grateful for hot Hawaiian days, turquoise waters, and being reunited with my honu friends.

4. I am SO grateful for our little house, our little neighborhood, caring + strange neighbors, this city, and the fact that I look forward to coming back to our cozy home all the time.

5. I am grateful for being able to work with my family, which gives me a chance to see them often and have unique flexibility.

6. I am grateful that we live in an area where we can have so many different adventures less than an hour away.

7. I am grateful to get to meet new people even though my social anxiety.

During the hike 11 miles up Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

La Casa Del Caffe has delicious coffee granitas + it’s right around the corner from the Pantheon.

The Painted Desert in January.

Zack caught a baby hammerhead shark off the coast of Georgia.

This was the first day we got our pupper, Betsy Ross!

8. I am grateful for SO MUCH GOOD FOOD.

9. I am grateful for outdoor adventures, finding little critters & creatures, and maintaining my curiosity about our natural world.

10. I am grateful for the enchanting and mystical beauty of the desert, especially the moment when a mysterious flute pipe player flooded Cathedral Rock, Sedona with music and magic.

11. I am grateful for the cuteness of puppies, their soft little bellies, and the precious sounds they make when they sleep.

12. I am grateful for my person, how we continue to learn and grow from one another, how we support one another, how I have seen my definition of love expand.

13. I am grateful for late Italian nights (especially Siena), walking/dancing along the uneven, stoney streets, buzzed on red wine, and a little high from jet lag + life.

Sedona, AZ

Savannah, GA

14. I am grateful that pieces of the prehistoric world are still here.

15. I am grateful for the stronger connections I made with incredible people I already know.

16. I am grateful to see so many gorgeous, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

17. I am grateful to start photographing again, meeting fun, amazing clients up for anything and rediscovering the joy of the unexpected.

18. I am grateful for the individuals that share their lives on blogs, podcasts, books, social media, what have you. They have granted me permission to create for the sake of creating and helped me find a voice.

19. One of the things I am most grateful for is my body and how it surprises me. It is not lost on me how grateful I am to have the ability to hike 11 miles uphill with a pack, some unnecessary items (sunscreen should not have been sacrificed), and no previous experience or training. I learned so much about my own resilience and power that I would love to bring into 2020.

Check out the turtles (honu) in the background!

20 Intentions for 2020:

1. Meditate daily

2. Go to one National Park I’ve never been to

3. Create a large multi-media piece 24 x 36

4. Be more connected with where I live - participate in neighborhood events

5. Enter one art festival

6. Create space for myself - r e l a x

Paddleboarding with Betsy!

7. Visit Colorado - or another state I’ve never been to

8. Declutter more

9. Read a book a month

10. Communicate my needs more clearly to myself and others

11. Make stronger connections with friends

12. Get a botanical tattoo on my forearm

13. Play more

The Prohibition Museum

14. Finally see Rocky. (I know, I live in Philadelphia and have never seen this movie. NO I DIDN’T LIVE UNDER A ROCK)

15. Sign up for art workshops or classes

16. Make a new friend

17. Sign up for yoga classes

18. Display pieces in a local shop or restaurant

19. Create more b a l a n c e

20. If I find myself overthinking, take a step back

The first wedding of the year- Zack’s brother + his wife, Abbey!

Red Brick Craft Distillery in Philadelphia

Hawaiian Sea Turtles hanging out on Black Sand Beach.

Calm nights in Siena.

Jasmine + Dan celebrating their first baby, Gabriel!

First attempt at product photography in different travel locations.

The best part of 2019 was sharing my favorite place with my favorite human.

A travel year in review: 2017

Hey there friends. I'm keeping it short and simple - A year in review of different 2017 adventures. 

Weeks of erosion left the California coast in disarray. Massive mudslides and flooding. CA Residents said they hadn't seen rain in California in 6-7 years. The coast was completely transformed. As we travelled down, we soon realized this trip wasn't going to be what we thought. Big Sur dreams were put off for next time. 

Fitting for the dreary days ahead...

I might be witnessing a murder here...

Shark Fin Cove, a one of the many nondescript parts of the the coast along PCH in Davenport. Absolutely breathtaking views.

The rain cleared just as we drove into Santa Cruz, stopping to eat, then walked out to the wharf where there was a lot of tourist shops and and barking seals.

Stopped in Carmel for coffee.

Joshua Tree National Park. I love the desert. 

One of the many beautiful sunsets in California at Arch Rock.

Pioneertown! Originally built as a Western movie set in the 40's even with places to stay for the actors, this town is a strange and definite stop while in the Joshua Tree area.

Our car almost didn't make it up here.

Sunrise colors :0

Sunday morning we woke up to Gabby yelling "OH SHIT! IT SNOWED." I simultaneously   wanted to look and keep sleeping. And sure enough I got out of bed, looked outside and saw a pristine soft white over everything. Quickly we got dressed and rushed otuside to take advantage of the lack of people and gorgeous light. 

White turkey hunting, I found lost treasures at the Delaware Water Gap in NJ.

Natural terrarium.

Spring break started at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, looking for Sika deer ( google it.)

Stopped for some pulled pork at Woody's Beach BBQ in Chincoteague.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Longwood Gardens, opening of the new fountains.

Ocean City, NJ.

Stayed at some pretty rad Airbnbs but this one in Ashland, at the beginning of our road trip through Oregon, tops many of them. 

You don't need a license to fish at Crater Lake, just patience. Rainbow trout and kokanee salmon were dumped in here by some rich dude in the 1800's. 

Preparing for the solar eclipse!

You could see the ash fall from the sky and there was a constant smell of smoke. Here's just one of the bloody, apocalyptic sunsets in Bend.

Pacific City

Cape Kiwanda

ECLISPE 2017!

I fell in love with Portland.

SCRAP PDX, a funky junk/ art supply store heaven.

Thought I saw dinosaurs in Redwood National Forest.

A banana slug's favorite snack is dandelions.

Epic picnics in the backcountry of Salem, NJ.

Ended the year at the happiest god damn place on earth.

Habana Vieja Renewed

The appeal of a trip to Cuba comes from a chance to see a culture frozen in time.  The cars, the architecture, even the people. A common explanation is the embargo created scarcity in resources giving the Cubans no choice, but to save what they had.  However, even after the Cubans had been cut off from the United States they still absorbed many foreign influences and resources. In addition, Cuban government policy has not been a direct line, instead branching off in various social experiments, each leaving its own imprint on Cuban identity.  In reality isolation has affected the island, but determination to preserve their past whether influenced by the Spanish, the Americans, or Communism has been just as important in creating the time capsule that is the island of Cuba. This reasoning made Cuba a perfect choice for our continued exploration of preservation and renewal.  

There is a common belief that Cuba is facing an eminent change as the centralized socialist government loosens its grip and allows for private capitalist in-roads.  From our experience it seems the Cuban government is still calling the shots, though tourism is no doubt increasing, the government is overseeing most of the preparation for an increase in tourism.   Historical Old Havana is one area where the Cuban government has undertaken large-scale urban renewal, although with increasing monetary help from the international community.  

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The National Restoration award is given by the Ministry of Culture.

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When walking through Old Havana, in Cuba called Habana Vieja, the initiative is clear.  There is reconstruction on every street, but judging by the buildings that have not been renovated, preserving the Spanish architecture of Habana Vieja had not always been an option financially or was not prioritized.   Some of the historical structures may not have been preserved, but they were also not torn down and replaced by some modern building, so the potential to renew and preserve Habana Vieja’s architectural past is a very real option.  There are parts of Old Havana that look like Disney World, but a block away there are houses completely gutted, overgrown with vegetation.   The large-scale renovations are centered near historically significant structures and plazas. This seems to be done with some international financial assistance.

The "Capitolio" restoration is partially funded by the American based Havana Heritage Foundation.

This sign advertises foreign investment in Plaza Vieja shown below.

The San Francisco Cathedral built in the late 16th century and then altered in the 18th century.

Behind the cab lies the Central Park.

The view from "La Cabana," a fort overlooking Habana Vieja.

There is also small-scale redevelopment in Habana Vieja in the form of new shops, bars, and cafes with similar hip appearances to the gentrified areas of American cities. Certain spaces are also being made available for selling Cuban art and handmade goods.  

Clandestina is a designer boutique with a unique, independent brand. They provide a map showing like-minded businesses in the area.

El Dandy is a café and art gallery shown on the map.

The San Jose Artisan Market provides a space to sell art and handmade goods.  It is located on the docks as seen below.

As far as residential housing, we found that the majority of the refurbished housing in Habana Vieja are Casa Particulars.  Casa Particulars are housing options provided by Cuban citizens who in effect rent the apartment for the purpose of renting it to tourists. The government heavily regulates the Casa Particulars; our host gave us government paperwork to fill out documenting our passport information and length of stay.  

You can expect to pay top dollar to stay in a casa particular on a street like this.

A casa particular might be a little cheaper on a street like this.

We stayed at a much cheaper apartment west of Habana Vieja, but still centrally located.

A short drive east of the city lie the East Havana Beaches, an underdeveloped strip of shoreline with a few dated hotels and the remains of a few others.  Its proximity to Havana makes it surprising to find relatively empty beaches.  This area will most likely change profoundly in the coming years.

We rented beach chairs from a woman who seemed to have a thriving beach equipment rental and food/drink delivery hustle.

Someone's shorts

However, the Cubans are not starting from scratch in their preparation for an increase in tourism; there are many bars, restaurants and hotels around before the revolution, maintained during the revolution and are still there today.  

Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Hotel Raquel

Plus, there has always been the Malecon.  

A place for fishing, walking and just hanging out.

Stay tuned for more on our Cuban adventures in our next sections about the Cubans people's history and culture! 

A Southern Excursion: The Deep South

On this section of our journey…

Being able to see America’s industrial past at Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, Alabama, the only preserved blast furnace open to the public.  Serving as a reminder of the haunting sacrifices many Americans made in order to make the United States an industrial powerhouse. 

Acknowledging the continued struggle of rebuilding New Orleans, specifically in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Bywater and making the short drive from New Orleans into the Bayou to explore Jean Laffite National Historic Park and Preserve.

Wild pig hunting along the Lumber River in North Carolina with the help of the land and wildlife conservationists from Lumber River Outdoors. 

Birmingham, Alabama

We continued south to Birmingham, Alabama for an opportunity to take a glimpse into the dangerous past of iron working at a blast furnace. Sloss Furnace had been producing iron since the late 19th century up until 1970 and is a National Historic Landmark.  

Sloss is the only blast furnace of this scale preserved as a historical site. Iron production of this scale is part of what drove the United States toward industrial dominance and ultimately global dominance, something that deserves appreciation and should not be lost.

Looking through to the blast furnace in the back right of the photograph.

Molten iron would flow into this area to cool and harden as the finished product or "pigs".

The water reserve used to cool the furnance.

There were many lethal dangers in this line of work leading to many casualties.  Naturally this leads to many supernatural stories.  None more infamous than the stories surrounding James “Slag” Wormwood, a foreman at Sloss during the “graveyard shift” from sunset to sunrise, who did not seem to have employee well-being as a high priority.  The furnace burned 24/7, but with fewer workers during the night.  This obviously made the work harder for the few who worked that shift and in turn made it more dangerous.  Many died during these overnight shifts.

The raw ore would be brought through this tunnel.  Looks like the perfect "Slag" hangout spot.

Then the ore would be hoisted into the furnace.

We visited the site during the week, so we basically had the place to ourselves with near free-reign.  The structures of the complex are massive, towering above you as you stroll the grounds in complete silence.  This definitely creates an eerie feeling, but also a feeling of appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices made by those who toiled to power America’s rise to industrial supremacy.   

Steam towers

Classic Southern features.

New Orleans, Louisiana

We continued on to our southern-most destination. The historical mystique of New Orleans is well known, but many do not realize that the struggle to rebuild and preserve New Orleans is still on going, especially in the neighborhoods farther from Downtown and the French Quarter.  We stayed in Bywater, a mostly residential neighborhood, experiencing an urban renewal seeing the opening of many new shops, art galleries and restaurants. You can still see the effects of Katrina in Bywater, but there is definitely more cash coming in whether it be through these new attractions or from the growing Airbnb community that offers the opportunity to stay in classic New Orleans housing at a very affordable price. The newly renovated houses and shops of Bywater are works of art.

...but there is still work to be done in Bywater.

Elizabeth's- a restaurant in Bywater that provides an excellent "country breakfast" and fried green tomatoes. 

Not everyone in Bywater is on board with airbnb.

The Country Club

We also checked out some of New Orleans’ more traditional attractions. Of course Bourbon Street and the French Quarter are on the top of that list with various historical structures housing clubs, bars, restaurants and museums.

Laffite's Blacksmith Shop- one of the oldest bars in New Orleans

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Home to famous beignets, don't worry if you spill a little powdered sugar on the floor.

However, nearby Frenchman Street in the Marigny neighborhood provides live music in an assortment of jazz clubs, bars and in the street with a more local feel.  

Live jazz at The Spotted Cat

…And you can’t forget the cemeteries…

Bywater also has its own cemeteries, much quieter than some of the cemetaries closer to the city center.

We also walked through Metairie Cemetery one of the largest in New Orleans.

We also walked the field of one of the more unique battles in US history.  The Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 pitted the British Army against an odd assortment of allies led by Andrew Jackson including militias from Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky and Louisiana, Native Americans from the Choctaw tribe, slaves, free African Americans, and pirates loyal to Jean Laffite.  

Looking across the Battlefield from the American position.  The British tried to cross the swampy field, but were mowed down.

Near the British position lies a national cemetery with soldiers from a wide range of wars. 

A portion of the Louisiana Bayou just outside of New Orleans is protected and made accessible to the public as Jean Lafitte National Wildlife Preserve. Certain areas within the park provide an opportunity for undeveloped bayou experience as minimally maintained trails lead you along various channels, making it easy to come face to face with some of the bayous residents.  If you would like a slightly more safe experience, there is also a series of boardwalks that give you an opportunity to explore the bayou from an elevated position.  

The boardwalk in and out of the bayou at Jean Lafitte National Park.

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On our way back into the city we checked out NOLA Brewing Company, which brews and serves beer out of a converted warehouse in the industrial neighborhood of Irish Channel.  

Columbus County, North Carolina

You could spend weeks in New Orleans with new experiences everyday, but for us it came time to move on.  We headed north toward home, but not before stopping in North Carolina to meet our new friends at Lumber River Outdoors.  

The plans for habitat construction at Lumber River Outdoors are ambitious.  We met Derek and Ricky, two of the men behind Lumber River Outdoors, they toured us around the Co-op of private land and let us stay at their cabin they call “The Roost.”

"The Roost"- our lodging

Lumber River is a Co-op of private landowners with a common goal of improving the land for wildlife development.  Enhancing quail habitat is the primary goal, but the Co-op also holds land in swamps along the Lumber River and farmland that offer prime habitat for wildlife including deer, turkey, and the reason in which we made our stop… feral pigs.

The feral pig population is exploding across the south as the invasive species continues to devastate the ecosystem, reproducing at an exponential rate.  We thought we’d try to do our part to help stem the pig population and of course earn ourselves a delicious reward.  

Walking to the blind.

Our place for the night!

Unfortunately, the near 100-degree weather made hunting very difficult and no pigs were to be found.  However, we would love to return to see Lumber River Outdoors’ progress in forestry and habitat development and of course make another try at pig hunting in the swamp.  

The view from our blind with the help of a Green LED light.

Looking for sign of wallowing pigs

Looks like ideal pig terrain, but none to be found.

The Southern Excursion ended with the long drive north on I-95.

Not to forget two stops that have become a tradition when traveling through Virginia... Carl's in Fredericksburg, VA

...and Buz and Ned's in Richmond, VA

If you missed the first part of our excursion down south check it out here!

Cuba Sneak Peak

We finally have the blog "almost" up to date from our summer adventures, so here is a preview of our latest trip. As usual we went looking for people, events and initiatives that match our interest in responsible preservation or renewal. Investigations included, but were not limited to...

The government directed redevelopment of historical Old Havana, although with increasing help from the international community, in preparing for the influx of tourism that will surely come with a lift of US travel restrictions.

The efforts made by individual Cubans as the government begins to allow more opportunities for small businesses to take advantage of the growing tourism industry and generate their own urban renewal.

The preservation of Cuba’s colonial past in the UNESCO World Heritage city ofTrinidad.

Lastly, perhaps the thing most adamantly preserved in Cuba for fear of being lost... Cuban Culture.

A Southern Excursion: Part I

On this section of our journey... touring the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia and while supporting the privately funded attempt to preserve one of the largest hand-cut stone buildings in the world. Then spelunking into a world created by slightly acidic water through soft limestone in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky and tasting the effect of this combination at a few of the areas historic bourbon distilleries nearby in Bardstown, Kentucky.  Lastly, testing the “hype” about the renovation of East Nashville, Tennessee.

Weston, WV

The first stop on the southern leg of our journey took us to Weston, West Virginia, touring the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The Asylum had been in use since the Civil War and it is one of the largest hand-cut stone buildings in the world, second only to the Kremlin. This being the case, we were astonished that such a historically and architecturally significant building could fall into such a state of disrepair.

Weston, like many of the small towns we passed through in the mountains of West Virginia, seems to have been left behind economically. As the towns deteriorate there is little monetary power to prevent it.

Scenes like these are repeated in almost every small town we passed through.

Local and state government doesn’t even seem to be in any position to stem the tide, but the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum’s fate has been saved privately, by Joe Jordan and his daughter Rebecca Jordan Gleason.  Despite most of the grounds still being in a crumbling state of disarray, they’ve started giving tours to raise money for the renovation.  Naturally we had to take a tour.

Louisville, KY

From Weston we headed west toward Louisville, which would serve as the starting point for our enjoyment of the byproducts of Kentucky’s large limestone deposit. The first byproduct being bourbon as the limestone filters spring water bubbling up from below. Kentuckians claim this pristine water is the base for the bourbon flavor profile.  

Protecting the water supply at Heaven Hill.

Before hitting the bourbon trail we decided to go “glamping” for a night in a renovated vintage 1960’s camper.

You can rent this camper on Airbnb.

Bardstown, KY

If you do not have the time to cover the entire Bourbon Trail, Bardstown, KY is a great way to maximize your time with a multitude of distilleries nearby. We decided to visit Willett Distillery and Maker’s Mark sampling some of Kentucky’s finest.

A rickhouse at Heaven Hill.

Willett is a family owned and operated distillery and when visiting it definitely has a more personal feeling; we met members of the family during the tour of the grounds.  However, despite its small-business feel, Willett is still a large-scale producer of bourbon and an official stop on the Bourbon Trail.  We felt this combination made them a great business to support.

Rickhouses at Willet.

The photographs below follow the process of creating bourbon chronologically.   

Tasting the mash during the fermentation process.

Signature limestone green water.

The copper pot still for distilling the mash.

Country hams hanging with the bourbon.  They absorb some of the flavors that escape the barrels.

We decided on Maker’s Mark for distilling in its most beautiful form. The picturesque grounds and facilities made for ideal photo documenting of the distilling process. This place just oozes classiness. Plus, they make fantastic bourbon!

You can dip your own bottle at the end of the tour.

Both Willet and Maker's Mark end their tours with a tasting.

Mammoth Cave, KY

The other result of water running through Kentucky’s limestone is Mammoth Cave. Water of the Green River Valley has been working its way through the earth for ages, eventually creating the longest known cave system in the world.  

The National Park service offers a multitude of cave tours, we decided on two evening tours since it’s the same amount of dark down there at all times and we wanted to use the daylight hours to explore the rest of the park. Important to note it’s also the same amount of cold down there, the temperature stays around 54°F year round, so you may want a jacket.  

We started with a lantern tour which tries to capture the experience of cave exploring from about two hundred years ago. You pass an odd assortment of man-made structures ranging from an area used to produce gun powder to a tuberculosis hospital. Exploring the meandering, intertwined network of tunnels with limited light instills a sense of respect toward the early explorers of the cave and also provides plenty of references to the Mines of Moria.

Between trips below the surface we decided to hike along the cliffs of the Green River in hope of finding a few rattlesnakes. The layers of sediment that make up the cliff face provide little crevices for the snakes to hide in that seemed like perfect habitat, but our search was in vain. We did find a few other little critters.  

A ferry across the Green River.

Rat snake

Flat-backed Millipede

Five-lined Skink

For our second subterranean adventure we chose the Focus on Frozen Niagara tour because it is catered to photographers. After a brief tour most of the time is dedicated to allowing photographers free range of the Frozen Niagara area of the cave system.

Cave cricket

East Nashville, TN

We surfaced from the damp cave into a rain-soaked Kentucky night and drove south to Nashville.  We wanted to explore the urban renewal of East Nashville and see if it lived up to all the hype as the neighborhood of country music’s younger, hipper side.  

The renovations concentrated around, but not limited to, Main Street, Woodland Street, and Gallatin Avenue are ambitious. It seems every available building is being renovated into a bar, restaurant, café, music venue, brewery or vintage clothing store regardless of the purpose it served before. We found East Nashville to be an easily walk-able neighborhood, great for aimlessly traveling from one establishment to the next.  

The Basement- music venue/event space.

An assortment of vintage goods and clothing stores.

As mentioned before, the majority of the establishments we visited were along three main streets, so there is plenty of room for growth in East Nashville.  With some of the most visited attractions having been created from buildings that once served other purposes, combined with the fact that we observed plenty of dilapidated buildings not far from the main-strip, we feel that it is a safe conclusion that the new East Nashville is just beginning.

Barista Parlor- an auto garage converted into a cafe.

Fat Bottom- a brewery with a bar.

Stay tuned for the next part of our excursion into the South!

Philadelphia to Boston to Maine: The Summer Road Trip Begins

As in any Compass & Canvas endeavor, we sought the primitive, the historical and the abandoned to raise awareness for preservation, protection or potential renewal.

Passing through NYC for the first leg of our epic Eastern tour of America.

The trip started with a stop in Boston. Its rich colonial history is well preserved and well known, needing little introduction. One could easily spend a weekend in Boston walking the Freedom Trail, but we found ourselves drawn to the Boston Harbor Islands. The National Recreation Area surprises in its feeling of remoteness considering its proximity to Boston.

We envisioned overcrowded islands serving as an extension of the Boston Waterfront, Georges Island serves this purpose, but from there a free ferry transfer can take you to more remote islands. We caught a ferry from Long Wharf North along the Boston Waterfront, it is only $17.00 dollars to board a ferry or $12.00 if you have a student ID and then transfers are free.

Arriving at Georges Island, where you can transfer to different islands in the park. 

Besides providing transfers to the other islands, the Civil War era Fort Warren stands on Georges Island and it has been maintained to the point that the park service allows visitors to basically have free-range in exploring.

Descending stairs that go to nowhere inside Fort Warren on Georges Island.

We chose to catch a transfer to Lovells Island, one of the outermost islands. With limited ferries, Lovells provides a secluded opportunity for exploration. The island also houses a few man-made structures used by the Army up until World War II.

Inside the structure pictured above.

I love rocks -- end of story. 

Birds contemplating the destruction of humans -- nbd. 

Crabby + sassy!

Just make sure you don’t miss the last ferry home!

The ferry that was going to leave us stranded on Lovells Island.

Zack's "mad" face.

When visiting preserved history in Boston one can’t forget to catch a baseball game. It provides a look into the sports fan experience of the early 20th century, particularly the narrow halls that seem to hold in the heat and steam from the concession stands and the thousands of people moving through them.

Much different from the open concourses that wrap around modern stadiums.

Fenway Victory Gardens, the oldest continuously operating Victory community garden that was started during World War II. 

After leaving Boston we continued north to Maine. Maine’s coastline is a tribute to preserved natural beauty enhanced by picturesque structures whether they be forts, light houses or coastal towns. Acadia National Park was our final destination with a few stops along the way. The Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park and the coastal town of Wiscasset, ME, with its famous Lobstah Rolls at Red’s Eats, are two such examples.

We stopped at the International Cryptozoology Museum, the only museum specializing in creatures such as Bigfoot (actual footprints shown in the case above!), the Loch Ness Monster, and so many more that I  didn't know existed. 

A glimpse of the head light itself. 

One of the stops we made was at The Desert of Maine, which is both strange and disappointing. It is 40-acres of what seems to be sand but is in fact glacial silt. 

Acadia is a compilation of donated land that became the first National Park on the east-coast. If you want to move freely throughout the Park make sure you arrive early. Like way before sunrise early! You should also bring a map because network coverage is very spotty. The park also surrounds plenty of harbor towns if you need a break from exploring.

The early morning drive to see the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain.

Even though we woke up way before dawn, there were many people there already. Next time I'm staying up all night. 

First people to see the sun that day! Woot, woot!

Wild blueberries line the side of Cadillac Mountain, a perfect snack for watching the sun come up. 

Acadia National Park is a great to visit because it is so accessible. The loop drive winds around Mount Desert Island, making every place you stop scenic and beautiful. 

A tired seagull.

Sand Beach

If you need refreshments or a break from so much nature, Bar Harbor is an adorable area with ice cream and shopping. My personal favorites. 

This is a view from our cabin at Patten Pond. 

Bass Harbor Head Light otherwise known as the place where Zack was yelled at by photographers for "getting in the shot." 

More rocks, more love. 

One of the stopping points on the loop, Seawall, is a naturally occurring rock seawall. 

Creatures hide in between the rocks at Seawall, however this is not where you find the starfish. 

In Southwest Harbor we stopped at Beal's, an infamous lobstah roll restaurant. 

In classic Tayan fashion, we ordered too much food. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

At long last, we found starfish in Southwest Harbor. I think they really enjoyed the trash in the area. Who knew. 

After a few days in the park we decided to drive away from the coast and farther north into the Maine wilderness. In most cases such a massive swathe of undeveloped land would be very difficult and time consuming to access, but a well-maintained private logging road that runs from Millinocket, Maine to Quebec known as the “Golden Road” provides a path into this remote region.

Starting our way toward the "Golden Road," in northern Maine. 

The moose that we almost passed.

Moose caboose. 

A lake we stopped at to enjoy the dwindling sunlight. 

On our way home from Maine we decided to make a pit-stop in Salem, Massachusetts as it offers the opportunity to walk through some of the oldest houses in America with the added allure of the evils of the Salem Witch Trials.

One of the houses on the House of the Seven Gables property in Salem. 

Salem is a strange struggle between wanting to down-play the evil that happened there, and also relying on it to generate tourist revenue. This divide can be very clearly seen by the two different emphasizes in two of the city’s oldest original houses. The House of the Seven Gables provides a look into the more affluent lifestyle of those who lived between 200-300 years ago; and the Witch House provides a look into the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the men who presided over the trials.

Inside The Counting House, which was originally a place where sea captains conducted much of their business, such as balancing accounts or paying fees. 

The Witch House, or Judge Jonathan Corwin's house. 

Plus earlier this year a study used primary documents from the time of the Salem Witch Trials to pin-point the location of the hangings. They estimate the location to be on an overgrown hill behind a Walgreens, so naturally we had to investigate.

The entrance to the possible place where the women were hung. 

Tune in for the next leg of our epic Eastern tour of America - West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee! 

Summer Road Trip Sneak Peek

It has been a summer full of adventuring, leaving us little time for blog posts, so here is a sneak peak at what we’ve been up to during the summer of 2016.

Using the abandoned railroad line into Ocean City, New Jersey as passage through the “back bay” to Crook Horn Creek.

Ferrying between the Boston Harbor Islands and exploring the Forts and other abandoned structures left from various time periods.

Appreciating the pristine condition created by the protection of the Maine coastline through Acadia National Park and driving the under-developed logging route of the “Golden Trail” into the Maine wilderness.

Unraveling the people of Salem’s fascination and commitment to preserving three hundred years of history, trying to promote the positive while profiting off of the negatives.

Touring the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia and supporting the privately funded attempt to preserve one of the largest hand-cut stone buildings in the world.

Spelunking into a world created by slightly acidic water through soft limestone in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky and tasting the effect of this combination at a few of the areas historic bourbon distilleries nearby in Bardstown, Kentucky.  

Testing the “hype” about the renovation of East Nashville, Tennessee.

Being able to see America’s industrial past at Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, Alabama, the only preserved blast furnace open to the public. Serving as a reminder of the haunting sacrifices many Americans made in order to make the United States an industrial powerhouse.  

Acknowledging the continued struggle of rebuilding New Orleans, specifically in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Bywater and making the short drive from New Orleans into the Bayou to explore Jean Laffite National Historic Park and Preserve.

Wild pig hunting along the Lumber River in North Carolina with the help of the land and wildlife conservationists from Lumber River Outdoors. 

So stay tuned!