My Pilgrimage to DC

I lost my phone after my birthday dinner Saturday night. Not a great way to start my trip, but I made the best I could of the situation (I activated an old phone).

Monday, I chose to take pictures of the mall and The Kennedy Center. I got about two hours of sleep and headed down to the mall at 4am. We got into the mall and then waited from 7am to 11:30am when the ceremony was to begin.

It was worth it.

Worth it to see the older men and women, clearly affected by the freezing cold, out there because they had to witness history. Moved by the children that listened to every word that Obama had to say during his speech. Emotional because a black man is celebrated for his intellect, policy and leadership and he's the President of the United States.


I'll never forget that moment.

God Bless The Obama's and the United States of America.

All about the Journey

Boots
Originally uploaded by kevinholdenpics

It started around 2pm after a long breakfast and deciding on a trail "everyone" could do. I didn't have any expectations, I've been hiking before but when I was much, much younger.

We set off, registered our group and headed up, up and up 2200 ft. (671 meters) to be exact to the top. Timberlands can get real heavy real quick!

Goodbye Florida

Alas my time is coming to an end. It's time to head back to New York. To be honest, I need a few more days. I've been going so much lately in New York, I had been whipped up in a pace of getting a few hours of sleep, waking up and working all day. It's gotten old, very old.


I thought about getting older this weekend. I can see why Florida is a destination for lots of older people. There's something to be said for spending the latter part of your life in a beautiful climate. It's like giving yourself a treat after a life of hard work.

The question for myself is why wait...

Sunset

Yesterday I was talking and talking about going to the beach. Well, I waited until the last minute and went to the beach just as the sun was disappearing over the horizon. It was magical. I played with some setting on my old Sony camera and came out with this one. I have to say I like this one.

Being on the beach, listening to the surf and watching the sunset is a form of paradise for me. It was incredible! You really see the how small and insignificant you are next the the ocean. The ocean can be a humbling place.

(I feel I have to say I'm writing this post at 5am) I'm exhausted!

Columbia Restaurant

This restaurant didn't pay me to promote them, but I had to say that their mojitos are the best I've ever had. Sweet, but not too sweet and just the perfect blend of mint made this drink the most refreshing (yes with sugar cane).

I'm head back to Lido Beach to pick on up and ready on the beach. I still have about two good hours of good light.

This is the life.

Kings Dominion

This weekend I went to Kings Dominion and had a great time. Check out these pics. More to come.