I realize this is an American thing..and you may not be celebrating as we are–but Happy Day, anyhow. What are you thankful for this year? Of course, I am always grateful for TRAVEL. Although much of my travel has been close to home, I’ve explored some scenic and interesting corners of America. After being sidelined by some back problems in the early months of the year, things warmed up. Here’s a quiet Thanks for the opportunities I have had. And I hope you have lots to be thankful for also. April: Heard Museum Fair, Phoenix
A non-traditional craft. Navajo felting artist at Heard Museum Indian Market
May: Arizona Centennial History Conference, Phoenix
The conference held a reception at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, where we saw hundreds of cultures. This is a Mongolian exhibit.
May: Flagstaff, Arizona
Gave a talk on Quincy Tahoma book at the Museum of Northern Arizona and went to the Pioneer Museum where we saw this small cabin from the early 1800′s.
July: Carmel, California
Carmel Beach
Monterey Aquarium
Bridge on Rt One highway, Big Sur coast
September: I helped host a tour of Southern Arizona and we visited many wonderful sites.
Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. Cactus and adobe contrast
Mural in Barrio Viejo, Tucson
San Xavier del Bac facade, Tucson
October: Pinetop, AZ, Greer Arizona and the White Mountains
Ducks on a pond at Greer Lodge
Copper mine, Morenci, Arizona . See that “ant”? That’s a giant grader pushing gravel over the edge
November: Gatlinburg, Tennesse area and the Great Smokey Mountains
Great Smokey Mountain National Park, Tennessee
Smokey Mountains–View from Dollywood Vacation Cabin, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Although I am launching this page on a Wednesday, it is my contribution to Travel Photo Thursday sponsored by Budget Traveler’s Sandbox. If you go to that site, you can click on the names of photographers/writers from around the world and see many travel photos. These are just a very few of the hundreds of priceless moments from my travels in the past year. What are yours? Have you looked at my Ten Perfect Gifts for Travelers Who Read? You may be particularly interested in the wonderful little photographer’s guide, Top Travel Photo Tips. It is the best little photo guide I’ve seen. Guarantee you’ll learn something from these ten pros. And speaking of wonderful photos, the same gift guide tells you about the gorgeous photo book Royal Cities of the Ancient Maya. WIN that $50 book by going to my review and leaving a comment telling me why you should be the owner. Don’t miss out. The Giveaway ends December 21 (the same day that the Mayan calendar ends, by the way.)
Vote for my article on WorldTravelist.com, sharing the best travel content on the web.
About the Author:
A freelance writer who loves to travel. When she is not traveling she is reading about travel. When she is not reading or traveling, she is sharing with the readers of A Traveler's Library, recreating her family's past at Ancestors In Aprons. She writes frequently for Reel Life With Jane and other websites. Also co-author of a biography, Quincy Tahoma, The Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist. Contact Vera Marie by e-mail.
Vera Marie Badertscher – who has written 684 posts on A Traveler's Library.
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Tags: Arizona, BlogSherpa, California, Carmel, Great Smokey National Park, Monterey Aquarium, Phoenix, Thanksgiving, travel photography, Tucson, USA, White Mountains
I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! You did some wonderful travels this year. These pictures are lovely and showcase a diverse Arizona that really needs to be explored more. Love the Big Sur pictures!
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Mary would like you to read..Mission La Purisima: A Step Back in Time
Happy late thanksgiving to you, Vera. Nice traditions you Americans have there. The Smoky Mountains look intriguing.
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Sophie would like you to read..What to do in Lloret de Mar
We’re lucky to have such beautiful, interesting & fun places to visit right here in the USA. For that, I’m grateful! Enjoyed your photos. Happy (belated) Thanksgiving, Vera!
Until you pointed out the grader in that Copper Mine picture, I didn’t realize how big it is. That grader really gives it a sense of scale.
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Malaysian Meanders would like you to read..One Thousand Gifts
I love all these photos, Vera. You have so much to be thankful for. When I think back over 2012, I too am thankful for all the great travel I have been able to do. Spain, Czech, Hungary and Thailand all in one year…
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Nancie would like you to read..#TPThursday — November 22, 2012 — Seoul Lantern Festival 2012
Even with back problems, you managed to fill your travel card this year, Vera.
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We’re so very fortunate to be able to travel.
Happy Thanksgiving!
InsideJourneys would like you to read..Happy Thanksgiving!
I love the photo of the Navajo felting artist. Her serene look of happiness as she looks at her work is beautiful. Well captured.
We are all lucky for the opportunity to travel and experience such wonderful things.
jan would like you to read..Portovenere
As I look back at these, I realized I did not include many people, although many times it is the people I’ve met along the way that make me most thankful. And thank you for noticing the serenity of the Navajo artist.
Vera – except for back problems it looks to me like you’ve had a pretty darned good year so far. And you’re so right about being thankful for the opportunities to travel. How lucky we all are. Happy Thanksgiving and may you have another great traveling year. I particularly like your photos from the Smokys.
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Leigh would like you to read..27 Fun, Interesting & Useful Facts About Quebec City
Next week, Leigh, I plan to feature photos from the Smokys. SO photogenic! Yes, I tend to grouse about the fact that I was not out of the country, and hardly out of my own state, but looking back I had some wonderful experiences.
Thankful to see your travelin’ guardian angel is still following you around from the mountains to “the oceans white with foam.”
Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for making those “oceans white with foam” pictures possible.
You and I seem to have the same theme today. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. (We are heading to your sunny state today! Enough of the Pacific NW rain!)
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Jackie Smith would like you to read..TPThursday: Travel Guilt or Gratitude?
Lovely, Vera, and happy holiday. I’m thankful for READERS.
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Germaine Shames would like you to read..A Love Letter to Readers
Ah, yes, what would we be without readers!