It doesn’t last long enough in this area, but I love this time of year when temperatures cool off and the trees are full of color.

Eads designed and built the first road and rail bridge to cross the Mississippi River at St. Louis. The Eads Bridge, constructed from 1867 through 1874, was the first bridge of a significant size with steel as its primary material, and it was the longest arch bridge in the world when completed.

From the river’s edge on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.

Camping at Ray Behrens, took a drive to the Union Covered Bridge in Paris, MO. Pretty sunset as I passed the Elk Fork of the Salt River.

A trip to the West Alton Riverlands on a cold, sunny day to capture the frozen river.

Beautiful day exploring the West Alton Riverlands. One of my favorite locations to hike.

Perched dramatically on a volcanic rock 361 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Point Sur Lighthouse is a historic beacon on California’s rugged Big Sur coast. Established in 1889, this iconic landmark has guided ships through treacherous waters for over a century. Its distinctive white tower, rising from the sandstone buildings of the light station, is a testament to the dedication of the keepers who once lived and worked in this isolated outpost. Today, Point Sur is a California State Historic Park, offering visitors a glimpse into maritime history with guided tours that explore the lighthouse, its original Fresnel lens, and the surrounding grounds.

San Francisco Bay, a large natural harbor on the Pacific coast of California, is a defining feature of the region. Enclosed by the San Francisco Peninsula to the west and the East Bay to the east, it connects to the Pacific Ocean through the Golden Gate strait. The bay’s waters are dotted with islands, including the infamous Alcatraz and the picturesque Angel Island. A vital hub for commerce, transportation, and recreation, the bay is traversed by iconic bridges like the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge, and its shores are lined with bustling cities, ports, and marinas. Its diverse ecosystem supports a variety of marine life and migratory birds, making it both an ecological treasure and a vital part of the cultural and economic landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area.